SDARM Qtr. 2 1990 Bible Study

Sabbath Bible Lessons
LATTER-DAY DECEPTIONS
Lesson Titles Page
1 Snares of Satan 5
2 Fanaticism . 9
3 The Masterpiece of Deception . 13
4 The Masterpiece of Deception (cont'd) . 16
5 Special Tools of Satan . 19
6 Love of the World . 23
7 Dangerous Associations . 28
8 Pride and Correlated Sins . 31
9 Presumption . 35
10 Faith Without Works . 39
11 Stubborn Resistance of Truth . 43
12 Rebellion . 47
13 Two Companies of Believers 51
Volume 65 Number 2
The Sabbath Bible Lessons, is published quarterly by the Seventh Day Adventist
Reform Movement General Conference, Sabbath School Department.
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GC Archive
FOREWORD
The apostle Peter was especially worried about this last generation of Chris-
tians when he wrote:
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion,
walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; whom resist stedfast in the faith,
knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in
the world." 1 Peter 5:8, 9.
Satan knows that the end is very near and that he has but a short time in
which to carry on his evil work. He is not worried about the world in general, or
the fallen denominations, or the inveterate Laodiceans (who want to continue in
the Laodicean condition), because these have already made their decision. He is
greatly concerned about those who do not accept his leadership. Therefore, he
has prepared different deceptions and trials for these faithful few. We read:
"If men are so easily misled, how will they stand when Satan shall personate
Christ, and work miracles? ... What will hold God's people from giving their
allegiance to false christs?"-Selected Messages, book 2, p. 58.
"Are we prepared to resist them [Satan's agents] by the word of God, the on-
ly weapon we can use successfully?"-Testimonies, vol. I, p. 302.
We may think that these temptations will be no problem for us, because we
know the truth. But let us be well assured that a mere theoretical knowledge of
the truth will not be enough. Unless we are sanctified by the truth that we pro-
fess, we will not be able to stand. Satan knows this, and for this reason the rem-
nant people of God are the main target of the arch-deceiver's attacks.
"The remnant church will be brought into great trial and distress. Those who
keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus will feel the ire of the
dragon and his hosts. Satan numbers the world as his subjects, he has gained con-
trol of the apostate churches; but here is a little company that are resisting his
supremacy. If he could blot them from the earth, his triumph would be com-
plete."-Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 472, 473.
"Satan is now more earnestly engaged in playing the game of life for souls
than at any previous time; and unless we are constantly on our guard, he will
establish in our hearts pride, love of self, love of the world, and many other evil
traits. He will also use every possible device to unsettle our faith in God and in the
truth of His Word. If we have not a deep experience in the things of God, if we
have not a thorough knowledge of His Word, we shall be beguiled to our ruin by
the errors and sophistries of the ene~y."-Selected Messages, book 2, p. 58.
In view of these very schemings and maneuverings of Satan, we have
thought it necessary to place into the hands of our brethren and friends the pre-
sent series of studies entitled Latter-day Deceptions, which we hope will arouse
many souls to see the perils that are threatening us as individuals and as a church.
May the blessings of God attend both teachers and students as they study
these lessons!
The General Conference Sabbath School Department
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Special Project Offering
for Imphal, Manipur, India
Our North India Mission, with several hundred members, was organized
in October 1983, in Imphal, the capital city of the state of Manipur. If you
look at the map of India, you will see that Manipur lies in a northeastern "ap-
pendix" surrounded by Bhutan, China, Burma, and Bangladesh. Imphal is
close to the border between India and Burma.
Although all our brethren there lived in the northeastern part of the
country at the time the Mission was organized, they decided to become in-
corporated under the name of SDA Reform Movement, North India Mis-
sion, because, from the beginning, it has been their plan to branch out to the
west and cover the whole of north India. And, with the help of God, they are
working to this effect.
The establishment of their center of operations in Imphal has had its
strategic importance also for the work in Burma. From Imphal our workers
can easily cross the border and render assistance to our people in that
neighboring country. Everything seems to indicate that the organization of
that new mission is an answer to the prayers of our Burmese brethren.
Brother D. Sureshkumar, who had come from the SDA Church as an or-
dained minister, has been the North India Mission leader. He was reordained
to the ministry by Brethren F. Devai and A. C. Sas during a conference held
in South India, November 1984.
Until now, the office of the North India Mission has been located in the
school that is being run by Brother Sureshkumar in Imphal. But, as the
needs of the work in that area are growing, the brethren there are making
plans to purchase or build their own mission house. In a letter directed to our
General Conference office they make the following appeal: "Kindly make
some feasible arrangements so that we can have an office building and a
church in Imphal, the capital city." Our brethren in that part of the vineyard
are willing to make great sacrifices at their end to see their project
• from outside. Therefore, their appeal is
materialized, but they still need help
hereby extended to all. our members and friends around the world.
Remember, brethren, that the Sabbath offering to be taken up at the end of
this quarter is for Imphal, Manipur, India. Please, plan ahead to make a
special sacrifice. The Lord will certainly reward the cheerful donors.
On behalf of our North India Mission, we thank you in advance for your
generous contributions.
The General Conference Sabbath School Department
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Lesson 1 Sabbath, April 7, 1990
SNARES OF SATAN
"The enemy has great power over minds that are not thoroughly fortified by
prayer and established in Bible truth."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 292.
KEY TEXT: "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man
deceive you." Matthew 24:4.
WARNING AGAINST D Sunday
FAULTFINDERS AND ACCUSERS April 1
1. What did many disaffected disciples do as they turned away from Christ?
John 6:66. (First note.) Who, better than any others, knows how to oppose
the true faith? 1 John 2:19. In this connection, how does history repeat itself
today?
"As those di.saffected disciples turned away from Christ, a different spirit took
control of them. They could see nothing attractive in Him whom they had once found
so interesting. They sought out His enemies, for they were in harmony with their
spirit and work. They misinterpreted His words, falsified His statements, and im-
pugned His motives. They sustained their course by gathering up every item that
could be turned against Him; and such indignation was stirred up by these false
reports that His life was in danger."-The Desire of Ages, pp. 392, 393.
"None understood so well how to oppose the true Christian faith as did those who
had once been its defenders."-The Great Controversy, p. 45.
"The greatest harm to God's people comes through those who go out from among
them speaking perverse things. Through them the way of truth is evil spoken of."-
Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 291.
2. What type of people, under the training of Satan, become his most effective
agents? What kind of work do they do? Jude 9-11, 16-19.
"There has ever been a class professing godliness, who, instead of following on to
know the truth, make it their religion to seek some fault of character or error of faith
in those with whom they do not agree. Such are Satan's right-hand helpers. Accusers
of the brethren are not few, and they are always active when God is at work and His
servants are rendering Him true homage. They will put a false coloring upon the
words and acts of those who love and obey the truth.' They will represent the most
earnest, zealous, self-denying servants of Christ as deceived or deceivers. It is their
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work to misrepresent the motives of every true and noble deed, to circulate insinua-
tions, and arouse suspicion in the minds of the inexperienced. In every conceivable
manner they will seek to cause that which is pure and righteous to be regarded as foul
and deceptive."-The Great Controversy, p. 519.
"The worst enemies we have are those who are trying to destroy the influence of
the watchmen upon the walls of Zion."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 294.
D Monday
WARNING AGAINST HERETICS AND HERESIES April 2
3. What plan does Satan have concerning the old landmarks of our faith? What
warning should we heed? Proverbs 22:28; Jeremiah 6:16. What instruction
of Paul applies to this danger? 1 Corinthians 3: 11.
"Satan hopes to involve the remnant people of God in the general ruin that is com-
ing upon the earth. As the coming of Christ draws nigh, he will be more determined
and decisive in his efforts to overthrow them. Men and women will arise professing to
have some new light or some new revelation whose tendency is to unsettle faith in the
old landmarks. Their doctrines will not bear the test of God's word, yet souls will be
deceived. False reports will be cirCUlated, and some will be taken in this snare. They
will believe these rumors and in their turn will repeat them, and thus a link will be
formed connecting them with the archdeceiver."- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 295.
4. What is Satan constantly trying to introduce into the church? 1 Corinthians

11:19.
"The great deceiver has many agents ready to present any and every kind of er-
ror to ensnare souls-heresies prepared to suit the varied tastes and capacities of
those whom he would ruin. It is his plan to bring into the church insincere, unregenerate
elements that will encourage doubt and unbelief, and hinder all who desire to see the
work of God advance and to advance with it. Many who have no real faith in God or in
His word assent to some principles of truth and pass as Christians, and thus they are
enabled to introduce their errors as Scriptural doctrines."- The Great Controversy, p.
520.
WARNING AGAINST USELESS DISCUSSIONS D Tuesday

AND SPECULA,TIONS April 3
5. What lesson should we learn from Mathew 15:1, 2? (First note.) What warn-
ing was given by Paul concerning men who caused much disturbance over
fables and unimportant question&,? 1 Timothy 1:4; 4:7; 2 Timothy 2: 16. How
are we to take this warning today?
"Whenever the message of truth comes home to souls with special power, Satan
stirs up his agents to start a dispute over some minor question. Thus he seeks to at-
tract attention from the real issue. Whenever a good work is begun, there are cavilers
ready to enter into dispute over forms or technicalities, to draw minds away from the
living realities."-The Desire of Ages, p. 396.
"And unless ministers and people practice the truth and are sanctified by it, they
will allow speculation regarding questions of no vital importance to occupy the mind.
This will lead to caviling and strife; for countless points of difference will arise."-
Gospel Workers, p. 312.
"Those who are unwilling to accept the plain, cutting truths of the Bible are con-
tinually seeking for pleasing fables that will quiet the conscience. The less spiritual,
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self-denying, and humiliating the doctrines presented, the greater the favor with which
they are received."- The Great Controversy, p. 523.
6. What does God want us to do concerning that which He has not revealed?
Deuteronomy 29:29. How is Satan trying to deceive people on this point?
"It is a masterpiece of Satan's deceptions to keep the minds of men searching and
conjecturing in regard to that which God has not made known and which He does not
intend that we shall understand."- The Great Controversy, p. 523.
"It is presumption to indulge in suppositions and theories regarding matters that
the Lord has not revealed."-Gospel Workers, p. 314.
D Wednesday
WARNING FOR THOSE INCLINED TO DOUBT April 4
7. How did King J ehoiakim react to the word of God which came to him through
Jeremiah and Baruch? Jeremiah 36:4, 10, 15, 16,22-25. How does history
repeat itself as the messages of God are rejected by many professed Adven-
tists?
"The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect the testimony of
the Spirit of God. 'Where there is no vision, the people perish' (Prov. 29:18). Satan
will work ingeniously, in different ways and through different agencies, to unsettle
the confidence of God's remnant people in the true testimony." -Selected Messages, book 1,
p.48.
"One thing is certain: Those Seventh-day Adventists who take their stand under
Satan's banner will first give up their faith in the warnings and reproofs contained in
the Testimonies of God's Spirit."-Ibid., book 3, p. 84.
8. What are the underlying motives that prompt men either to accept or reject
the messages of God? John 7:17; James 1:12-14. What enables Satan to
destroy the confidence of thousands not only in the Testimonies but also in
the Bible?
"It is becoming fashionable to doubt. There is a large class by whom the word of
God is looked upon with distrust for the same reason as was its Author-because it
reproves and condemns sin. Those who are unwilling to obey its requirements
endeavor to overthrow its authority. They read the Bible, or listen to its teachings as
presented from the sacred desk, merely to find fault with the Scriptures or with the
sermon. Not a few become infidels in order to justify or excuse themselves in neglect
of duty. Others adopt skeptical principles from pride and indolence. Too ease-loving
to distinguish themselves by accomplishing anything worthy of honor, which requires
effort and self-denial, they aim to secure a reputation for superior wisdom by criticiz-
ing the Bible."- The Great Controversy, p. 526.
D Thursday
WARNING AGAINST TWO VERY COMMON DANGERS April 5
9. What special way has Satan devised to lead many souls astray? Proverbs
14:12.
"There have ever been in the church those who are constantly inclined toward in-
dividual independence. They seem unable to realize that independence of spirit is
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liable to lead the human agent to have too much confidence in himself and to trust in
his own judgment rather than to respect the counsel and highly esteem the judgment
of his brethren, especially of those in the offices that God has appointed for the leader-
ship of His people. God has invested His church with special authority and power
which no one can be justified in disregarding and despising, for he who does this
despises the voice of God.
"Those who are inclined to regard their individual judgment as supreme are in
grave peril. It is Satan's studied effort to separate such ones from those who are chan-
nels of light, through whom God has wrought to build up and extend His work in the
earth. To neglect or despise those whom God has appointed to bear the respon-
sibilities of leadership in connection with the advancement of the truth, is to reject the
means that He has ordained for the help, encouragement, and strength of His people.
For any worker in the Lord's cause to pass these by, and to think that his light must
come through no other channel than directly from God, is to place himself in a posi-
tion where he is liable to be deceived by the enemy and overthrown." - The Acts of the
Apostles, pp. 163, 164.
"We must move discreetly, sensibly, in harmony with the judgment of God-
fearing counselors; for in this course alone lies our safety and strength."- Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 257.
10. When a person believes he has received new light, what is the only safe
course that he should take? Proverbs 11:14; 1 Peter 5:5. What rule has God
given us to test all doctrinal questions? Isaiah 8:20.
"There are a thousand temptations in disguise prepared for those who have the
light of truth; and the only safety for any of us is in receiving no new doctrine, no new
interpretation of the Scriptures, without first submitting it to brethren of experience.
Lay it before them in a humble, teachable spirit, with earnest prayer; and if they see
not light in it, yield to their judgment; for 'in the multitude of counselors there is safe-
ty.' "-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 293.
D Friday
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS April 6
a. In the history of the Christian church, how have the righthand helpers of
Satan revealed themselves?
b. How has Satan succeeded in introducing heresies into the church century
after century?
c. How has Satan always tried to draw minds away from the main issues?
•
d. Why do many people have doubts in the writings of E.G. White and even in
the Bible?
e. How are we to close the door against the temptations of Satan which come
under the cloak of "new light"? •
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FANATICISM
"Mere noise and shouting are no evidence of sanctification, or of the descent

of the Holy Spirit. Your wild demonstrations create only disgust in the minds
of unbelievers."-Selected Messages, book 2, p. 35.
KEY TEXT: "If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and
all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or
unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?" 1 Corinthians 14:23.
o Sunday
FANATICISM IN EVERY REVIVAL AND REFORMATION April 8
1. With what problem, and through what kind of elements, has Satan introduced
himself among the remnant people of God in every revival? 2 Timothy 4:3,4;
1 Thessalonians 5: 14.
"In every revival he is ready to bring in those who are unsanctified in heart and
unbalanced in mind....
"The prince of evil contests every inch of ground over which God's people ad-
vance in their journey toward the heavenly city. In all the history of the church no
reformation has been carried forward without encountering serious obstacles. Thus it
was in Paul's day. Wherever the apostle raised up a church, there were some who
professed to receive the faith, but who brought in heresies, that, if received, would
eventually crowd out the love of the truth. Luther also suffered great perplexity and
distress from the course of fanatical persons who claimed that God had spoken direct-
ly through them, and who therefore s t their own ideas and opinions above the
testimony of the Scriptures. Many who were lacking in faith and experience, but who
had considerable self-sufficiency, and who loved to hear and tell some new thing,
were beguiled by the pretensions of the new teachers, and they joined the agents of
Satan in their work of tearing down what God had moved Luther to build up. And the
Wesleys, and others who blessed the world by their influence and their faith, en-
countered at every step the wiles of Satan in pushing overzealous, unbalanced, and
unsanctified ones into fanaticism of every grade."- The Great Controversy, p. 396.
2. Upon whom did Satan lead his agents to charge the evils of fanaticism, not
only in the days of the Reformation but also in the early days of the Advent
Movement? What history should we expect to be' repeated in our days? Acts
28:22; Matthew 5:11.
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"In the days of the Reformation its enemies charged all the evils of fanaticism
upon the very ones who were laboring most earnestly against it. A similar course was
pursued by the opposers of the advent movement. And not content with misrepresent-
ing and exaggerating the errors of extremists and fanatics, they circulated un-
favorable reports that had not the slightest semblance of truth. These persons were
actuated by prejudice and hatred. Their peace was disturbed by the proclamation of
Christ at the door. They feared it might be true, yet hoped it was not, and this was the
secret of their warfare against Adventists and their faith....
"Let the people of God arouse out of sleep and begin in earnest the work of repen-
tance and reformation; let them search the Scriptures to learn the truth as it is in
Jesus; let them make an entire consecration to God, and evidence will not be wanting
that Satan is still active and vigilant. With all possible deception he will manifest his
power, calling to his aid all the fallen angels of his realm."- The Great Controversy, pp.
397,398.
D Monday
FALSE CLAIMS ABOUT PERFECTION April 9
3. What should we know about persons who dare to claim that they are sanc-
tified beyond the possibility of committing sin? (Note.) How does the Bible
warn us against this type of deception? 1 John 1:8.
"They [some fanatics] declare that they were perfected, that body, soul, and spirit
were holy....They declared that as their flesh was purified, they were ready for
translation."-Selected Messages, book 2, p. 34.
"All may now obtain holy hearts, but it is not correct to claim in this life to have
holy flesh.... Let this phase of doctrine be carried a little further, and it will lead to
the claim that its advocates cannot sin; that since they have holy flesh, their actions
are all holy. What a door of temptation would thus be opened!"-Ibid., p. 32.
4. How will genuine Christians regard themselves when they behold Christ?
Romans 7:18, 24.
"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 righteousness
of Christ. So will it be with all who behold Christ." -Christ's Object Lessons, p. 160.·
D Tuesday
FALSE PROPHETS April 10
5. What warning about false prophets has a special application today? Matthew
24:4; 2 Peter 2:1,2.
"We shall encounter false claims; false prophets will arise; there will be false
dreams and false visions; but preach the Word, be not drawn away from the voice of
God in His Word. Let nothing divert the mind. The wonderful, the marvelous, will be
represented and presented. Through satanic delusions, wonderful miracles, the
claims of human agents will be urged. Beware of all this."-Selected Messages, book 2, p. 49.
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"In one place, four in one family professed to have communications from the
Lord, reproving wrong, and they predicted things that actually did take place....
"I have seen several fall in vision; but when I rebuked the spirit which controlled
them, they immediately came out of vision, and were in great distress of mind. "-Ibid.,
pp. 76, 77.
6. What test should we always have in mind when someone claims to be a proph-
et or a messenger of the Lord? Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 7:20.
"All along our pathway to the heavenly Canaan we see many souls that have
made shipwreck of faith, and in their false movements have led others astray through
the supposition that they were led of God in special revelations. I have had to write
many, many pages to correct these errors. I have been burdened and oppressed night
after night, unable to sleep because of the agony of my soul for God's heritage, His
people, who are in danger of being misled. Many things in these visions and dreams
seem to be all straight, a repetition of that which has been in the field for many years;
but soon they introduce a jot here, a tittle of error there, just a little seed which takes
root and flourishes, and many are defiled therewith." -Selected Messages, book 2, pp. 86,
87.
"Nor can we trust impressions. The voice or spirit that says to a man, You are
under no obligation to obey the law of God; you are holy and sinless, while he is
trampling on the divine law, is not the voice of Jesus."-Ibid., p. 49.
o Wednesday
LESSONS FROM 1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 14 April 11
7. To what dangerous situation among the Corinthians did Paul refer, and with
what instruction did he try to correct it? 1 Corinthians 14:6-9,23,33,40.
8. What simple rules would have helped them close the door against spurious
manifestations? 1 Corinthians 14:19-22,27, 28. ~
o Thursday
WORSHIP WITH NOISE AND CONFUSION April 12
9. Describe in a few words a scene of ancient Baal worship. 1 Kings 18:26-28.

What manifestations characterize modern "charismatic" meetings?
"God does not require His people to imitate Baal's prophets, to afflict their bodies
and cry out and shout, and throw themselves into almost every attitude, having no
regard for order, until their strength fails through sheer exhaustion."- Testimonies, vol. 1,
p. 231.
"I will not go into all the painful history; it is too much. But last January the Lord
showed me that erroneous theories and methods would be brought into our camp
meetings, and that the history of the past would be repeated. I felt greatly distressed.
I was instructed to say that at these demonstrations demons in the form of men are
present, working with all the ingenuity that Satan can employ to make the truth
disgusting to sensible people." -Selected Messages, book 2, p. 37.
"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, Il).usic, 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.
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"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 does the Bible show the difference between the false and the genuine
gift of tongues? Isaiah 8:19; Acts 2:1-8.
"Some of these persons [who are fanatics] have exercises which they call gifts
and say that the Lord has placed them in the church. They have an unmeaning gib-
berish which they call the unknown tongue, which is unknown not only by man but by
the Lord and all heaven. Such gifts are manufactured by men and women, aided by
the great deceiver. Fanaticism, false excitement, false talking in tongues, and noisy
exercises have been considered gifts which God has placed in the church. Some have
been deceived here."- Testimonies, vol. I, p. 412.
o Friday
a. How has Satan always worked to counteract the work of reformation?

b. What presumptuous claim will true Christians never make while they are in
the flesh?
c. For what purpose does Satan put into the mouth of his agents much truth
and only a little of error? Why not the other way around?
d. What is the evidence that, along with the true gift of tongues, there was also
a spurious manifestation among the Corinthians?
e. How can we distinguish the work of the Holy Spirit from Satan's counterfeit
in any revival? •
•"It is the desire and plan of Satan to bring in among us those

who will go to great extremes-people of narrow minds, who
are critical and sharp, and very tenacious in holding their own
conceptions of what the truth eans. They will be exacting, and
will seek to enforce rigorous duties, and go to great lengths in
matters of minor importance, while they neglect the weightier
matters of the law- judgment and mercy and the love of God.
Through the work of a few of this class of persons, the whole body
of Sabbathkeepers will be designated as bigoted, Pharisaical, and
fanatical. The work of the truth, because of these workers, will
be thought to be unworthy of notice." -Evangelism, p. 212.
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•
Lesson 3 Sabbath, Apri121, 1990
THE MASTERPIECE OF DECEPTION
"If our eyes could be opened to discern the fallen angels at work with those
who feel at ease and consider themselves safe, we would not feel so secure,"
- Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 302.
KEY TEXT: "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew
great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall
deceive the very elect." Matthew 24:24.
o Sunday
SPIRITUALISM IN THE PAST April 15
1. How did Satan deceive Pharaoh and how did he also try to delude the people
of Israel? Exodus 7:8-13. Why should miracles alone never be taken as a
test of faith?
"The man who makes the working of miracles the test of his faith will find that
Satan can, through a species of deceptions, perform wonders that will appear to be
genuine miracles. It was this he hoped to make a test question with the Israelites at
the time of their deliverance from Egypt." -Selected Messages, book 2, p. 52.
2. By what means did Satan mislead people in the days of the apostles? Acts
8:9-11; 13:6-8.
o Monday
SPIRITUALISM IN THE PAST (cont'd) April 16
•
3. How did Satan try to deceive the early Christian church? How was his plan
thwarted? Acts 8:13, 18-24. Why was the Roman emperor greatly incensed
against Peter?
"About the time of Paul's second arrest Peter also was apprehended and thrust
into prison. He had made himself especially obnoxious to the authorities by his zeal
and success in exposing the deceptions and defeating the plots of Simon Magus, the
sorcerer, who had followed him to Rome to oppose and hinder the work of the gospel.
Nero was a believer in magic, and had patronized Simon. He was therefore greatly in-
censed against the apostle, and was thus prompted to'order his arrest."-The Story of
Redemption, p. 315.
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4. How did God defeat the plan of Satan in connection with Elymas the sorcerer,
and Sergius Paulus the deputy? Acts 13:9-12. What lesson should we learn
from the firmness of Paul?
"Elymas was not a man of education, yet he was peculiarly fitted to do the work
of Satan. Those who preach the truth of God will meet the wily foe in many different
forms. Sometimes it will be in the person of learned, but more often of ignorant, men,
whom Satan has trained to be successful instruments to deceive souls. It is the duty of
the minister of Christ to stand faithful at his post, in the fear of God and in the power
of His might. Thus he may put to confusion the hosts of Satan and may triumph in the
name of the Lord."- The Acts 0/ the Apostles, p. 169.
o Tuesday
IN OUR DAYS April 17
5. How will God manifest His power among His remnant people in these last
days? Acts 2: 17, 18. How is Satan working to introduce a counterfeit? Mat-
thew 7:22, 23.
"Before the final visitation of God's judgments upon the earth there will be
among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been
witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon
His children. At that time many will separate themselves from those churches in
which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and His word. Many, both of
ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths which God has caused to be
proclaimed at this time to prepare a people for the Lord's second coming. The enemy
of souls desires to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall
come, he will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches
which he can bring under his deceptive 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 ex-
tend his influence over the Christian world."- The Great Controversy, p. 464.
6. When miracles are wrought by the power of God, what miracles will also be
wrought by the power of Satan? 2 Thessalonians 2:9.
"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 wand rs 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.
o Wednesday
THE CULMINATION OF THE WORK OF DECEPTION April 18
7. What kind of miracle, and for what purpose, will Satan perform in the near
future? Revelation 13:13.
"Weare coming right upon the time when Satan ,is to work with all manner of
bewitching influences, and those who are charmed with them now, or give them the
least countenance now, will be all ready to be swept right in to act a part with the devil
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then. Evil angels are working all the time upon the hearts of men. Satan is working
with everyone who is not under the control of the Spirit of God. It is the lying wonders
of the devil that will take the world captive, and he will cause fire to come down from
heaven in the sight of men. He is to work miracles; and this wonderful, miracle-working
power is to sweep in the whole world. It is now just beginning." -Selected Messages, book 2, p.
51.
8. What claim will Satan finally make in connection with his miracles? How will
the world support his claim? Matthew 24:23.
"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 SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White
Comments], vol. 7, p. 911.
"Satan came as an angel of light in the wilderness of temptation to deceive Christ;
and he does not come to man in a hideous form, as he is sometimes represented, but
as an angel of light. He will come personating Jesus Christ, working mighty miracles;
and men will fall down and worship him as Jesus Christ. We shall be commanded to
worship this being, whom the world will glorify as Christ. What shall we do?"-Ibid.,
vol. 6, pp. 1105, 1106.
o Thursday
MANY WILL BE DECEIVED April 19
9. In connection with what class of believers will Satan make special efforts,
and what results does he hope to achieve? Matthew 24:24 (second part).
What will be the unfortunate experience of those who profess the truth but
are not sanctified by it? 2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12.
"The sick will be healed before us. Miracles will be performed in our sight. Are
we prepared for the trial which awaits us when the lying wonders of Satan shall be
more fully exhibited? Will not many souls be ensnared and taken? By departing from
the plain precepts and commandments of God, and giving heed to fables, the minds of
many are preparing to receive these lying wonders."-Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 302.
"The cause of Christ will be betrayed. Those who have had the light of truth, and
have enjoyed its blessings, but who have turned away from it, will fight down the
Spirit of God. Inspired with a spirit from beneath, they will tear down that which they
once built up."-The Review and Herald, May 24,1898.
"The Word of God ... is to be our defense when Satan works with such lying
wonders that, if it were possible, he wotfld deceive the very elect. It is then that those
who have not stood firmly for the truth will unite with the unbelieving, who love and
make a lie. When these wonders are performed, when the sick are healed and other
marvels are wrought, they will be deceived. Are we prepared for the perilous times
that are right upon us? Or are we standing where we will fall an easy prey to the wiles
of the devil?"-Selected Messages, book 3, pp. 407, 408.
10. What will be our defense when multitudes of professed believers in the
threefold message will be falling prey to Satan's deceptions? Isaiah 8:20.
Besides having a theoretical knowledge of the truth, what experience must
we have?
(Continued on page 38)
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THE MASTERPIECE OF DECEPTION

Icontinued)
"Spiritualism is about to take the world captive. There are many who think
that spiritualism is upheld through trickery and imposture, but this is far
from the truth. Superhuman power is working in a variety of ways, and few
have any idea as to, what will be the manifestations of spiritualism in the
future,"-Evangelism, pp. 602, 603.
KEY TEXT: "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall
depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of
devils." 1 Timothy 4:1.
o Sunday
MODERN SPIRITUALISM April 22
1. What does Bible prophecy declare concerning the rise of modern spiritualism?
1 Timothy 4:1,2.
"The moral atmosphere is poisoned with cruel, horrible doings. The spirit of
strife is spreading; it abounds in every place. Many souls are being taken possession
of by the spirit of fraud, or underhand dealing. Many will depart from the faith, giving
heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. They do not discern what spirit has
taken possession of them."- Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 249.
•
2. What special effort will be made by the agents of Satan in connection with
the agelong battle between truth and error? 2 Timothy 4:3, 4.
"The miracle-working power manifested through spiritualism will exert its in-
fluence against those who choose to obey God rather than men. Communications
from the spirits will declare that God has sent them to convince the rejecters of Sun-
day of their error, affirming that the laws of the land should be obeyed as the law of
God. They will lament the great wickedness in the world and second the testimony of
religious teachers that the degraded state of morals is caused by the desecration of
Sunday. Great will be the indignation excited against' all who refuse to accept their
testimony."- The Great Controversy, pp. 590, 591.
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o Monday
SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS April 23 .
3. What warning did Paul and Peter leave for us concerning the work of the
agents of spiritualism? 2 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Peter 2:1,2.
"Paul, in his second letter to the Thessalonians, points to the special working of .
Satan in spiritualism as an event to take place immediately before the second advent
of Christ. Speaking of Christ's second coming, he declares that it is 'after the working
of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.' 2 Thessalonians 2:9. And Peter,
describing the dangers to which the church was to be exposed in the last days, says
that as there were false prophets who led Israel into sin, so there will be false
teachers, 'who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that
bought them.... And many shall follow their pernicious ways.' 2 Peter 2:1,2. Here
the apostle has pointed out one of the marked characteristics of spiritualist teachers.
They refuse to acknowledge Christ as the Son of God." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 686.
4. How did John warn us against these agents? 1 John 2:22, 23.
o Tuesday
A GREAT DANGER BEFORE US April 24
5. How did King Saul fall prey to spiritualism? 1 Samuel 28: 6-8. What decep-
tion will some or many of us have to face?
"I saw that the saints must have a thorough understanding of present truth,
which they will be obliged to maintain from the Scriptures. They must understand the
state of the dead; for the spirits of devils will yet appear to them, professing to be
beloved relatives or friends, who will declare to them unscriptural doctrines. They
will do all in their power to excite sympathy and will work miracles before them to
confirm what they declare. The people of God must be prepared to withstand these
spirits with the Bible truth that the dead know not anything, and that they who thus
appear are the spirits of devils."-Early Writings, p. 262.
6. What other form of deception, used in the past, will Satan use again in our
days? (Note.) What warning should never be forgotten? Ephesians 6:10-12.
"Thus men came to Christ. And mingling with His hearers were (evil) angels in
the form of men, making their suggestions, criticizing, misapplying, and misinter-
preting the Saviour's words....
"In this time evil angels in the form of men will talk with those who know the
truth. They will misinterpret and misconstrue the statements of the messengers of
God."-Selected Messages, book 3, pp. 410, 411.
o Wednesday
INCREASED POWER OF DECEPTION April 25
7. What accounts for the fact that spiritualism will have an unprecedented suc-
cess with the fallen churches? 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.
"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-
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cy of spiritualism, miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and many unden-
iable wonders will be performed. And as the spirits will profess faith in the Bible, and
manifest respect for the institutions of the church, their work will be accepted as a
manifestation of divine power."-The Great Controversy, p. 588.
8. While Satan, working through the agency of spiritualism, seems to bring

benefits to the world, what aim is he actually pursuing? Revelation 16:13,
14.
"Through spiritualism, Satan appears as a benefactor of the race, healing the

diseases of the people, and professing to present a new and more exalted system of
religious faith; but at the same time he works as a destroyer. His temptations are
leading multitudes to ruin. Intemperance dethrones reason; sensual indulgence,
strife, and bloodshed follow. Satan delights in war, for it excites the worst passions of
the soul and then sweeps into eternity its victims steeped in vice and blood. It is his
object to incite the nations to war against one another, for he can thus div'ert the
minds of the people from the work of preparation to stand in the day of God."-The
Great Controversy, p. 589.
"There are only two parties in our world, those who are loyal to God, and those
who stand under the banner of the prince of darkness. Satan and his angels will come
down with power and signs and lying wonders to deceive those who dwell on the
earth, and if possible the very elect. The crisis is right upon us."-The SDA Bible Com-
mentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 982.
D Thursday
BEWARE April 26
9. As evil angels seduce and control apostatized Christianity, what condition

will develop in the nominal churches? Matthew 24: 11, 12. What will be the
situation in the Laodicean church?
Editor's Note: The word "iniquity" in Matthew 24:12, as well as in Matthew 7:23,
is translated from the Greek word anomia, which means "lawlessness" or "refusal to
pay attention to the law."
"As the teachings of spiritualism are accepted by the churches, the restraint im-
posed upon the carnal heart is removed, and the profession of religion will become a
cloak to conceal the basest iniquity. A belief in spiritual manifestations opens the door
to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, and thus the influence of evil angels will be
felt in the churches."- The Great Controversy, pp. 603, 604.
"They [the faithful few] lament and afflict their souls because pride, avarice,
selfishness, and deception of almost every kind are in the [unreformed Laodicean]
church. The Spirit of God, which prompts to reproof, is trampled underfoot, while the
servants of Satan triumph. God is dishonored, the truth made of none effect."-
Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 210, 211.
10. What confederacy will be formed as the end draws nigh, and on what basis?
What will be the final result of the work of deception? (Notes.) What will be
our defense against the deceptions of this confederacy? Isaiah 8:12-16, 20.
"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 founda-
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Lesson 5 Sabbath, May 5, 1990
SPECIAL TOOLS OF SATAN
"As the people of God approach the perils of the last days, Satan holds earnest
consultation with his angels as to the most successful plan of overthrowing
their faith.... [H]e directs his angels to lay their snares especially for those
who are looking for the second advent of Christ and endeavoring to keep all
the commandments of God."-Testimonies to Ministers, p. 472.
KEY TEXT: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring
lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8.
o Sunday
DECEPTION AND CRUEL MEASURES April 29
1. What deception has Satan prepared for the world, for the churches, and for
the professed people of God, as he knows that he has but a short time?
Revelation 12:12; 1 Peter 5:8. What does he say to his angels?
"Says the great deceiver: 'We must watch those who are calling the attention of
the people to the Sabbath of Jehovah; they will lead many to see the claims of the law
of God; and the same light which reveals the true Sabbath reveals also the ministra-
tion of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, and shows that the last work for man's salva-
tion is now going forward. Hold the minds of the people in darkness till that work is
ended, and we shall secure the world and the church also.... We must work by signs
and wonders to blind their eyes to the truth, and lead them to lay aside reason and the
fear of God and follow custom and tradition.
" 'I will influence popular ministers to turn the attention of their hearers from the
commandments of God. That which the Scriptures declare to be a perfect law of liber-
ty shall be represented as a yoke of bo~ndage. The people accept their minister's ex-
planations of Scripture and do not investigate for themselves. Therefore, by working
through the ministers, I can control the people according to my will.' "- Testimonies to
Ministers, pp. 472, 473.
2. What cruel measures will Satan incite the powers of earth to take against the
remnant people of God? Revelation 13:15-17; 12:17; 17:13, 14. What does
the enemy say to his agents?
" 'But our principal concern is to silence this sect of Sabbath keepers. We must
excite popular indignation against them. We will enlist great men and worldly-wise
men upon our side, and induce those in authority to carry out our purposes. Then the
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sabbath which I have set up shall be enforced by laws the most severe and exacting.
Those who disregard them shall be driven out from the cities and villages, and made
to suffer hunger and privation. When once we have the power, we will show what we
can do with those who will not swerve from their allegiance to God. We led the
Romish church to inflict imprisonment, torture, and death upon those who refused to
yield to her decrees; and now that we are bringing the Protestant churches and the
world into harmony with this right arm of our strength, we will finally have a law to
exterminate all who will not submit to our authority. When death shall be made the
penalty of violating our sabbath, then many who are now ranked with commandment
keepers will come over to our side.' "- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 473.
D Monday
FOUR SPECIAL TOOLS April 30
3. What three special tools does Satan employ to separate many from Christ
without necessarily separating them from the church? What instruction does
he give to his angels? (Note.) How does the Bible warn us on this point?
Romans 13:11-14.
" 'But before proceeding to these extreme measures, we must exert all our wisdom
and subtlety to deceive and ensnare those who honor the true Sabbath. We can separate
many from Christ by worldliness, lust, and pride. They may think themselves safe
because they believe the truth, but indulgence of appetite or the lower passions, which
will confuse judgment and destroy discrimination, will cause their fall.' "- Testimonies
to Ministers, p. 473.
4. With what other tool does he also hope to have much success? 1 Timothy 6:9,
10. What work are his angels instructed to do among the professed followers
of Christ?
" 'Go, make the possessors of lands and money drunk with the cares of this life.
Present the world before them in its most attractive light, that they may lay up their
treasure here and fix their affections upon earthly things. We must do our utmost to
prevent those who labor in God's cause from obtaining means to use against us. Keep
the money in our own ranks. The more means they obtain, the more they will injure
our kingdom by taking from us our subjects. Make them care more for money than
for the upbuilding of Christ's kingdom and the spread of the truths we hate, and we
need not fear their influence; for we know that every selfish, covetous person will fall
under our power, and will finally be separated from God's people.' "-Testimonies to
Ministers, p. 474.
•
D Tuesday
UNCONVERTED CHURCHGOERS Mayl
5. On whom does Satan count as his special helpers? Ezekiel 33:31; 2 Timothy
3:4, 5. Through the neglect of what two spiritual duties does Satan find easy
access to the hearts of these believers? (Second note.)
" Through those that have a form of godliness but know not the power, we can
gain many who would otherwise do us harm. Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of
God will be our most effective helpers. Those of this class who are apt and intelligent
will serve as decoys to draw others into our snares. Many will not fear their influence,
because they profess the same faith. We will thus lead them to conclude that the re-
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quirements of Christ are less strict than they once believed, and that by conformity to
the world they would exert a greater influence with worldlings. Thus they will separate
from Christ; then they will have no strength to resist our power, and erelong they will
be ready to ridicule their former zeal and devotion.' "-Testimonies to Ministers, p. 474.
"Satan well knows that all whom he can lead to neglect prayer and the searching
of the Scriptures, will be overcome by his attacks. Therefore he invents every possi-
blc_ device to engross the mind."- The Great Controversy, p. 519.
6. Under what symbols did Christ refer to this class of believers? Matthew
25:8, 10; 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.
"This is the class [2 Tim. 3:1-5] that in time of peril are found crying, Peace and
safety. They lull their hearts into security, and dream not of danger. When startled
from their lethargy, they discern their destitution, and entreat others to supply their
lack; but in spiritual things no man can make up another's deficiency."-Christ's Object
Lessons, pp. 411, 412.
o Wednesday
DANGER IN OUR MEETINGS May2
7. What concern does Satan have in connection with the meetings of the people
of God? (Notes.) What warning comes to us on this point in Hebrews 10:23-25?
" 'V ntil the great decisive blow shall be struck, our efforts against commandment
keepers must be untiring. We must be present at all their gatherings. In their large
meetings especially our cause will suffer much, and we must exercise great vigilance,
and employ all our seductive arts to prevent souls from hearing the truth and becom-
• ing impressed by it.' "-Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 474, 475.
"The Scriptures declare that upon·one occasion, when the angels of God came to
present themselves before the Lord, Satan came also among them (Job 1:6), not to bow
before the Eternal King, but to further his own malicious designs against the righteous.
With the same object he is in attendance when men assemble for the worship of God.
Though hidden from sight, he is working with all diligence to control the minds of the
worshipers. Like a skillful general he lays his plans beforehand. As he 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 con-
trol 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 Controver-
sy, pp. 518, 519.
- 21-
8. For what purpose does Satan send his agents to our meetings? (Note.) How
does Paul warn us on this point? Romans 16:17.
" 'I will have upon the ground, as my agents, men holding false doctrines mingled
with just enough truth to deceive souls. 1 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 overcom-
ing 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.
o Thursday
DISSENSION AND DIVISION IN THE CHURCH May3
9. What special effort does Satan put forth in opposition to the prayer of Christ
in John 17:21?
" 'We 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. How does Satan use men to create dissension and division in the church?
Acts 20:28-30; Revelation 2:2. How are we to obtain the victory over Satan's
temptations and deceptions? James 4:7,8; Romans 8:37.
"Upon the occurrence of trials in the church let every member examine his own
heart to see if the cause of trouble does not exist within. By spiritual pride, a desire to
dictate, an ambitious longing for honor or position, a lack of self-control, by the in-
dulgence of passion or prejudice, by instability or lack of judgment, the church may
be disturbed and her peace sacrificed."- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 241.
o Friday
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS May4
a. Against whom and how does Satan direct his special attacks in these last
day!!?
b. What are the four special tools that Satan is using in his warfare against the
remnant people of God? •
c. Mention two neglects through which Satan is sure to accomplish his aim with
professed believers in the threefold message.
d. What plans does Satan make in connection with our meetings?
e. What problems does Satan introduce among lay members and leaders in
order to create unrest and dissension within the borders of Israel? •
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LOVE OF THE WORLD
"Christ's followers are required to come out from the world, and be separate,
and touch not the unclean, and they have the promise of being the sons and
daughters of the Most High, members of the royal family. But if the condi-
tions are not complied with on their part, they will not, cannot, realize the
fulfillment of the promise."-Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 441.
KEY TEXT: "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the
Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." 2 Cor-
inthians 6:17.
o Sunday
THE DAYS OF NOAH/OUR DAYS May 6
1. What did Jesus say about the conduct of human society in the days of Noah?
Luke 17:27. What was their deceptive reasoning?
"As time passed on, with no apparent change in nature, men whose hearts had at
times trembled with fear, began to be reassured. They reasoned, as many reason
now, that nature is above the God of nature, and that her laws are so firmly established
that God Himself could not change them. Reasoning that if the message of Noah were
correct, nature would be turned out of her course, they made that message, in the
minds of the world, a delusion-a grand deception. They manifested their contempt
for the warning of God by doing just as they had done before the warning was given.
They continued their festivities and their gluttonous feasts; they ate and drank,
planted and builded, laying their plans in reference to advantages they hoped to gain
I> in the future; and they went to greater lengths in wickedness, and in defiant disregard
of God's requirements, to testify that they had no fear of the Infinite One. They asserted
that if there were any truth in what Noah had said, the men of renown-the wise, the
prudent, the great men-would understand the matter."-Patnarchs and Prophets, p. 97.
2. What comparison did Jesus make between the days of Noah and our days?
Luke 17:26.
"God did not condemn the antediluvians for eating and drinking; He had given
them the fruits of the earth in great abundance to supply their physical wants. Their
sin consisted in taking these gifts without gratitude to the Giver, and debasing
themselves by indulging appetite without restraint. !twas lawful for them to marry.
Marriage was in God's order; it was one of the first institutions which He established.
- 23-
He gave special directions concerning this ordinance, clothing it with sanctity and
beauty; but these directions were forgotten, and marriage was perverted and made to
minister to passion.
"A similar condition of things exists now. That which is lawful in itself is carried
to excess. Appetite is indulged without restraint. Professed followers of Christ are to-
day eating and drinking with the drunken, while their names stand in honored church
records. Intemperance benumbs the moral and spiritual powers and prepares the way
for indulgence of the lower passions. Multitudes feel under no moral obligation to
curb their sensual desires, and they become the slaves of lust. Men are living for the
pleasures of sense; for this world and this life alone."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 101,
102.
D Monday
THE DAYS OF LOT/OUR DAYS May7
3. What condition promoted sensualism and materialism in the days of Lot?

Ezekiel 16:49. What did Christ say about the inhabitants of Sodom? Luke
17:28, 29. How great is our guilt before God if we tolerate transgression of
the seventh commandment?
"The most solemn message ever committed to mortals has been entrusted to this
people, and they can have a powerful influence if they will be sanctified by it. They
profess to be standing upon the elevated platform of eternal truth, keeping all of
God's commandments; therefore, if they indulge in sin, if they commit fornication and
adultery, their crime is of tenfold greater magnitude than is that of the classes I have
named, who do not acknowledge the law of God as binding upon them. In a peculiar
sense do those who profess to keep God's law dishonor Him and reproach the truth by
transgressing its precepts."- Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 450, 451.
4. What sin, so common in our days, involves more guilt than the sins of Sodom
and Gomorrah? (Note.) What did Jesus and Peter say about the coming
destruction? Luke 17:29,30; 2 Peter 3:10.
"The flames that consumed the cities of the plain shed their warning light down
even to our time. Weare taught the fearful and solemn lesson that while God's mercy
bears long with the transgressor, there is a limit beyond which men may not go on in
sin. When that limit is reached, then the offers of mercy are withdrawn, and the
ministration of judgment begins.
"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, pp. 162, 165.
D Tuesday
LESSONS FROM THE PAST May 8
5. What special stratagem did Satan use before the Flood to turn the descen-
dants of Seth away from God? Genesis 6:1, 2: Whose tragic marriages are
recorded in the Bible as a warning to all future generations? Judges 14:1-3;
1 Kings 11:1-4; Nehemiah 13:23-27.
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"The children of Seth, attracted by the beauty of the daughters of Cain's descen-
dants, displeased the Lord by intermarrying with them. Many of the worshipers of
God were beguiled into sin by the allurements that were now constantly before them,
and they lost their peculiar, holy character. Mingling with the depraved, they became
like them in spirit and in deeds."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 81.
"Never should God's people venture upon forbidden ground. Marriage between
believers and unbelievers is forbidden by God. But too often the unconverted heart
follows its own desires, and marriages unsanctioned by God are formed."- The Advent-
ist Home, p. 63.
6. For what purpose were the children of Israel required to wear distinctive
garments? Numbers 15:38-41. What lesson does that requirement contain
for us?
"Here [Num. 15:38-41] God expressly commanded a very simple arrangement of

dress for the children of Israel for the purpose of distinguishing them from the
idolatrous nations around them. As they looked upon their peculiarity of dress, they
were to remember that they were God's commandment-keeping people, and that He
had wrought in a miraculous manner to bring them from Egyptian bondage to serve
Him, to be a holy people unto Him. They were not to serve their own desires, or to im-
itate the idolatrous nations around them, but to remain a distinct, separate people,
that all who looked upon them might say: These are they whom God brought out of
the land of Egypt, who keep the law of Ten Commandments. An Israelite was known
to be such as soon as seen, for God through simple means distinguished him as
His."- Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 524.
"If God gave such definite directions to His ancient people in regard to their
dress, will not the dress of His people in this age come under His notice? Should there
not be in their dress a distinction from that of the world? Should not the people of
God, who are His peculiar treasure, seek even in their dress to glorify God? And
should they not be examples in point of dress, and by their simple style rebuke the
pride, vanity, and extravagance of worldly, pleasure-loving professors? God requires
this of His people."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1114.
"Obedience to fashion is pervading our Seventh-day Adventist churches and is
doing more than any other power to separate our people from God."-Testimonies, vol. 4,
p.647.
LESSONS FROM ANCIENT ISRAEL o Wednesday

AND THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH May 9
7. How did Satan succeed in corr~pting ancient Israel? Deuteronomy 31:16,

29. How does friendship with the world affect modern Israel? James 4:4.
"Satan is continually seeking to overcome the people of God by breaking down

the barriers which separate them from the world. Ancient Israel were enticed into sin
when they ventured into forbidden association with the heathen. In a similar manner
are modern Israel led astray."-The Great Controversy, p. 508.
"Jesus is coming; and will He find a people conformed to the world? and will He
acknowledge these as His people that He has purified unto Himself? Oh, no. None but
the pure and holy will He acknowledge as His. Those who have been purified and
made white through suffering, and have kept themselves separate, unspotted from
the world, He will own as His."-Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 133.
- 25-
8. How did Satan succeed in corrupting the early Christian church after the
death of the apostles, when it had become evident that persecution was
unable to exterminate the true faith? 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4.
"Satan therefore laid his plans to war more successfully against the government
of God by planting his banner in the Christian church. If the followers of Christ could
be deceived and led to displease God, then their strength, fortitude, and firmness
would fail, and they would fall an easy prey.
"The great adversary now endeavored to gain by artifice what he had failed to
secure by force. Persecution ceased, and in its stead were substituted the dangerous I
allurements of temporal prosperity and worldly honor. Idolaters were led to receive a
part of the Christian faith, while they rejected other essential truths. They professed
to accept Jesus as the Son of God and to believe in His death and resurrection, but
they had no conviction of sin and felt no need of repentance or of a change of
heart. ...
"Most of the Christians at last consented to lower their standard, and a union was
formed between Christianity and paganism."-The Great Controversy, pp. 42, 43.
"That which Satan has led men to do in the past, he will if possible, lead them to
do again. The early church was deceived by the enemy of God and man, and apostasy
was brought into the ranks of those who professed to love God; and today, unless the
people of God awake out of sleep, they will be taken unawares by the devices of
Satan."-Review and Herald, Nov. 22,1892.
o Thursday
GOD CALLS FOR A REFORMATION MaylO
9. How do we know that God will not accept a divided heart? Matthew 6:24:
John 17:14-16.
"All who are not decided followers of Christ are servants of Satan. In the unre-
generate 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. f
"We are co-workers with Christ, or co-workers with the enemy. We either gather
with Christ or scatter abroad. Weare decided, wholehearted Christians, or none at
all."- Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 126. •
"We cannot be half the Lord's an'Q half the world's. We are not God's people
unless we are such entirely."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 83.
"Those who begin their Christian life by being half and half, will at last be found
enlisted on the enemy's side, whatever may have been their first intentions."-The
SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1086.
10. What reformation does God require of us before He can accept us as sons and
daughters? 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Luke 21:34,35; 1 John 2:15-17.
"The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, powers infinite and omniscient,
receive those who truly enter into covenant relation with God. They are present at
every baptism, to receive the candidates who have renounced the world and have
received Christ into the soul temple. These candidates have entered into the family
-26 -
of God, and their names are inscribed in the Lamb's book of life."- The SDA Bible Com-
mentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1075.
"Those who come out of the world in spirit and in all practice may regard
themselves as sons and daughters of God. They may believe His Word as a child
believes every word of his parents. Every promise is sure to him that believes. Those
who unite with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who show by their lives that
they are no longer following the course they followed before they united with these
divine instrumentalities, will receive the wisdom from above....
"After we have formed a union with the great threefold power, we shall regard
our duty toward the members of God's family with a much more sacred awe than we
have ever done before. This is a phase of religious reform that very few appreciate.
Those who seek to answer the prayer, 'Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,'
will seek by living pure, sanctified lives to show to the world how the will of God is
done in heaven."-Ibid., p. 1102.
o Friday
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS May 11
a. Describe the influence of the world upon professed believers in our days, in
the light of Luke 17:26, 27.
b. What sins did Christ mention when He compared our days with the days of
Lot?
c. How can God be glorified or dishonored?
d. What warning should we take from past apostasies?
e. How are we to answer the prayer, "Thy will be done ... "?
•
* * * * *
[Continued from page I8}
tion of spiritualism, the latter creates a bond of sympathy with Rome. The Pro-
testants 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 Con-
troversy, p. 588.
.~ "Except those who are kept by the power of God, through faith in His word, the
. whole world will be swept into the ranks of this delusion."-Ibid., p. 562.
•
o Friday
a. How will the movement for Sunday enforcement work in cooperation with
spiritualism?
b. What is one of the most outstanding teachings of spiritualism about Christ?
c. What special danger is before us in connection with the work of spiritualism?
d. How will spiritualism be instrumental in preparing the way for Armaged-
don?
e. Who are the only ones that will not be carried away in the snares of
spiritualism? How will they avoid this danger? •
- 27-
DANGEROUS ASSOCIATIONS
"The followers of Christ are to separate themselves from sinners, choosing

their society only when there is opportunity to do them good. We cannot be
too decided in shunning the company of those who exert an influence to
draw us away from God."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 459.
KEY TEXT: "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." 1
Corinthians 15:33.
o Sunday
IN THE DAYS OF THE PATRIARCHS May 13
1. Explain why Lot's daughters became corrupted although they had a God-fearing
father. Genesis 13:12, 13.
"Lot dwelt but a short time in Zoar. Iniquity prevailed there as in Sodom, and he
feared to remain, lest the city should be destroyed. Not long after, Zoar was consumed,
as God had purposed. Lot made his way to the mountains, and abode in a cave, stripped
of all for which he had dared to subject his family to the influences of a wicked city.
But the curse of Sodom followed him even here. The sinful conduct of his daughters
was the result of the evil associations of that vile place. Its moral corruption had
become so interwoven with their character that they could not distinguish between
good and evil."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 167, 168.
o
2. What was the consequence of Dinah's association with the ungodly at
Shechem? Genesis 34:1, 2, 25, 27, 30, 31.
"The tarry of Jacob and his sons at Shechem ended in violence and bloodshed.
The one daughter of the household had been brought to shame and sorrow, two
brothers were involved in the guilt of murder, a whole city had been given to ruin and
slaughter, in retaliation for the lawless deed of one rash youth. The beginning that led
to results so terrible was the act of Jacob's daughter, who 'went out to see the
daughters of the land,' thus venturing into association with the ungodly. He who
seeks pleasure among those that fear not God is placing himself on Satan's ground
and inviting his temptations."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 204.
-28 -
D Monday
APOSTASY IN THE JORDAN May 14
3. How did Satan lead Israel into apostasy during their encampment beside the
river Jordan? Numbers 25:1-3; 1 Corinthians 10:8.
"At first there was little intercourse between the Israelites and their heathen
neighbors, but after a time Midianitish women began to steal into the camp. Their ap-
pearance excited no alarm, and so quietly were their plans conducted that the atten-
tion of Moses was not called to the matter. It was the object of these women, in their
association with the Hebrews, to seduce them into transgression of the law of God, to
draw their attention to heathen rites and customs, and lead them into idolatry. These
motives were studiously concealed under the garb of friendship, so that they were not
suspected, even by the guardians of the people."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 454.
4. In what sense should we take that woeful experience as a warning? 1 Corin-

thians 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. It is not the ignorant and
uncultured merely that need to be guarded; he will prepare his temptations for those
in the highest positions, in the most holy office; if he can lead them to poi!ute their
souls, he can through them destroy many. And he employs the same agents now as he
employed three thousand years ago. By worldly friendships, by the charms of beauty,
by pleasure seeking, mirth, feasting, or the wine cup, he tempts to the violation of the
seventh commandment."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 457, 458.
D Tuesday
LESSONS FROM THE APOSTASY AT THE JORDAN May 15
5. What instruction, given to ancient Israel, is a vital issue for the people of God
today? Why? Leviticus 18:25-30; Proverbs 1:10; l/Corinthians 15:33.
"It was by associating with idolaters and joining in their festivities that the
Hebrews were led to transgress God's law and bring His judgments upon the nation.
So now it is by leading the followers of Christ to associate with the ungodly and unite
in their amusements that Satan is most successful in alluring them into sin. 'Come out
from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean.' 2
Corinthians '6: 17. God requires of His people now as great a distinction from the
world, in customs, habits, and principles, as He required of Israel anciently. If they
faithfully follow the teachings of His word, this distinction will exist; it cannot be
otherwise. The warnings given to the Hebrews against assimilating with the heathen
were not more direct or explicit than are those forbidding Christians to conform to the
slJirit and customs of the ungodly."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 458.
6. What accounts for the success of Satan in alluring professed Christians into
sin? Jeremiah 17:9; Psalm 12:2; 1 Timothy 5: 13.
"It was when the Israelites were in a condition of outward ease and security that
they were led into sin. They failed to keep God ever. before them, they neglected
prayer and cherished a spirit of self-confidence. Ease and self-indulgence left the
citadel of the soul unguarded, and debasing thoughts found entrance. It was the
-29-
traitors within the walls that overthrew the strongholds of principle and betrayed
Israel into the power of Satan. It is thus that Satan still seeks to compass the ruin of
the soul."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 459.
o Wednesday
WARNING FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF SAMSON May 16
7. How did Samson begin to corrupt his ways? Judges 14:1-3. With what kind
of companions did Samson mingle? Judges 14:10, 15.
"God's providential care had been over Samson, that he might be prepared to ac-
complish the work which he was called to do. At the very outset of life he was sur-
rounded with favorable conditions for physical strength, intellectual vigor, and moral
purity. But under the influence of wicked associates he let go that hold upon God
which is man's only safeguard, and he was swept away by the tide of evil. Those who
in the way of duty are brought into trial may be sure that God will preserve them; but
if men willfully place themselves under the power of temptation, they will fall, sooner
or later."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 568.
8. The calamity that Samson invited to come upon himself was finally, by the
mercy of God, turned into a blessing. Explain how. Judges 16:28 (compare
Hebrews 11:32).
"In suffering and humiliation, a sport for the Philistines, Samson learned more of
his own weakness than he had ever known before; and his afflictions led him to repen-
tance." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 566.
o Thursday
VICTORY IS WITHIN OUR REACH May 17
9. How can we close the avenues of the soul against Satan's attacks? Psalm
101:2-4; Proverbs 4:23; 23:7.
"Many of the amusements popular in the world today, even with those who claim
to be Christians, tend to the same end as did those of the heathen. There are indeed
few among them that Satan does not turn to account in destroying soul. Through the
drama he has worked for ages to excite passion and glorify vice. The opera, with its
fascinating display and bewildering music, the masquerade, the dance, the card table,
Satan employs to break down the barriers of principle and open the door to sensual in-
dulgence. In every gathering for pleasure where pride is' fostered or appetite indulged,
where one is led to forget God and lose sight of eternal interests, there Satan is binding his ~
chains about the soul. . . . • ..
"Those who would not fall a prey to Satan's devices must guard well the avenues of
the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure
thoughts....
"This will require earnest prayer and unceasing watchfulness. We must be aided by
the abiding influence of the Holy Spirit, which will attract the mind upward, and habituate
it to dwell on pure and holy things. And we must give diligent study to the word of
God."-Patriflrchs and Prophets, pp. 459, 460.
10. What help is at hand for those who want to be overcomers? John 6:37; Hebrews
1:13, 14. What consent and cooperation is required of the individual? Psalm
119:9; 1 Peter 1:22.
-30-
I PRIDE AND CORRELATED SINS
"If evil angels control the heart, it will be seen in various ways. The fruit will
be selfishness, covetousness, pride, and evil passions:' - Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 188.
KEY TEXT: "Only by pride cometh contention; but with the well advised is wis-
dom." Proverbs 13:10.
D Sunday
PRIDE AND SOME OF ITS ASSOCIATES May 20
1. What sin, generally found in unregenerate hearts, is especially offensive to

God? Mark 7:21, 22; Proverbs 8:13. How does pride operate in human
hearts?
"We profess to have the same Father, to be bound for the same immortal home,
to enjoy the same solemn faith, and to believe the same testing message; and yet
many are at strife with one another like quarrelsome children. Some who are engaged
in the same branch of the work are at variance with one another and therefore at
variance with the Spirit of Christ.
"The love of praise has corrupted many hearts. Those who have been connected
with the Health Institute have at times manifested a spirit of finding fault with the
plans laid, and Satan has given them a hold upon the minds of others there who have
t- accepted these persons as blameless while innocent persons have been charged with
wrong. It is a wicked pride that delights in the vanity of one's own works, that boasts
of one's excellent qualities, seeking to make others seem inferior in order to exalt self,
• claiming more glory than the cold heart is willing to give to God."-Testimonies, vol. 4,
p. 223. •
"There is nothing so offensive to God or so dangerous to the human soul as pride
and self-sufficiency. Of all sins it is the most hopeless, the most incurable."-Christ's
Object Lessons, p. 154.
2. What are some of the sins which often go together with pride? Psalm 101:4,
5; 2 Timothy 3:2.
"The sins which man is disposed to look upon as small may be the very ones
which God accounts as great crimes. The drunkard is despised and is told that his sin
will exclude him from heaven, while pride, selfishness, and covetousness go unrebuked.
But these are sins that are especially offensive to God."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 337.
- 31-
"Pride, ignorance, and folly are constant companions. The Lord is displeased
with the pride manifested among His professed people. He is dishonored by their con-
formity to the unhealthful, immodest, and expensive fashions of this degenerate
age."-Ibid., vol. 4, p. 643.
o Monday
PRIDE'S CONSORT: SELFISHNESS May 21
3. What is the most evident characteristic of selfishness? How did Christ and
Paul warn the disciples against self-love? Matthew 18:23-33; Philippians
2:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:24.
"If Christ does not reign in the heart, there will be discontent and moral deformi- ,
ty. Selfishness will require of others that which we are unwilling to give them."-Testi-
monies, vol. 3, p. 81.
4. How does Satan use selfishness (self-love or self-esteem) in human hearts as

an instrument to create confusion, perplexity, division and defeat? Proverbs
16:25, 26, 28.
"The evils of self-esteem and an unsanctified independence, which most impair

our usefulness and which will prove our ruin if not overcome, spring from selfishness.
'Counsel together' is the message which has been again and again repeated to me by
the angel of God. By influencing one man's judgment, Satan may endeavor to control
matters to suit himself. He may succeed in misleading the minds of two persons; but,
when several consult together, there is more safety. Every plan will be more closely
criticized; every advance move more carefully studied. Hence there will be less
danger of precipitate, ill-advised moves, which would bring confusion, perplexity, and
defeat. In union there is strength. In division there is weakness and defeat."- Testi-
monies, vol. 5, pp. 29, 30.
"A strange deception is upon the people of God. Selfishness prevents the unity
that should exist."- The Youth Instmctor, March 22, 1900.
o Tuesday
AN OFFSPRING OF PRIDE May 22
5. What is one of the offsprings of pride? 1 Timothy 6:4.
"Envy is one of the most despicable traits of Satanic character. It is constantly

seeking the lifting up of self, by casting slurs upon others. A man who is envious will
belittle his neighbor, thinking to exalt himself. The sound of praise is grateful to him
who has approbativeness highly developed, and he hates to hear the praises of
another. Oh, what untold mischief has this evil trait of character worked in our world!
The same enmity existed in the heart of Saul that stirred the heart of Cain against his
brother Abel, because Abel's works were righteous, and God honored him, and his
own works were evil, and the Lord could not bless him."- The SDA Bible Commentary
[E.G. White Comments], vol. 3, p. 1159.
6. What is the origin of envy and how does it operate? 1 Corinthians 3:3; James
3:14,15.
"Envy is not merely a perverseness of temper, but a distemper, which disorders

all the faculties. It began with Satan....
- 32-
"The envious man shuts his eyes to the good qualities and noble deeds of others.
He is always ready to disparage and misrepresent that which is excellent. Men often
confess and forsake other faults, but there is little to be hoped for from the envious
man. Since to envy a person is to admit that he is a superior, pride will not permit any
concession. If an attempt be made to convince the envious person of his sin, he
becomes even more bitter against the object of his passion, and too often he remains
incurable.
"The envious man diffuses poison wherever he goes, alienating friends and stir-
ring up hatred and rebellion against God and man. He seeks to be thought best and
greatest, not by putting forth heroic, self-denying efforts to reach the goal of ex-
cellence himself, but by standing where he is and diminishing the merit due to the ef-
forts of others." - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 56.
o Wednesday
FURTHER OFFSPRINGS OF PRIDE May 23
7. What are the fruits of pride and envy? Proverbs 13:10 (first part); James
3:16.
"Lucifer desired God's power, but not His character. He sought for himself the
highest place, and every being who is actuated by his spirit will do the same. Thus
alienation, discord, and strife will be inevitable. Dominion becomes the prize of the
strongest. The kingdom of Satan is a kingdom of force; every individual regards
every other as an obstacle in the way of his own advancement, or a steppingstone on
which he himself may climb to a higher place."-The Desire of Ages, pp. 435, 436.
8. How did Christ warn the disciples against self-exaltation and why was this
warning necessary? Matthew 18:1-4; 20:20-28; 23:8.
"The Saviour gathered His disciples about Him, and said to them, 'If any man
desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.' There was in these
words a solemnity and impressiveness which the disciples were far from comprehend-
ing. That which Christ discerned they could not see. They did not understand the
nature of Christ's kingdom, and this ignorance was the apparent cause of their con-
tention. But the real cause lay deeper. By explaining the nature of the kingdom,
Christ might for the time have quelled their strife; but this would not have touched the
underlying cause. Even after they had received the fullest knowledge, any question of
precedence might have renewed the trouble. Thus disaster would have been brought
to the church after Christ's departure."-The Desire of Ages, p. 435.
•
o Thursday
THERE IS A CURE May 24
9. How can pride be overcome? James 4:6-10; 1 Peter 5:6-9.
"God proves His people in this world. This is the fitting-up place to appear in His
presence. Here, in this world, in these last days, persons will show what power affects
their hearts and controls their actions. If it is the power of divine truth, it will lead to
good works. It will elevate the receiver, and make him noblehearted and generous,
like his divine Lord. But if evil angels control the heart,. it will be seen in various ways.
The fruit will be selfishness, covetousness, pride, and evil passions."- Testimonies, vol. 1,
p.188.
- 33-
10. What is Christ's prescription for the cure of pride and associated sins?
Revelation 3:18, 19.
"Self-exaltation is a dangerous element. It tarnishes everything it touches. It is

the offspring of pride, and it works so ingeniously that, unless guarded against, it will
take possession of the thoughts and control the actions.
"The Laodicean message must be proclaimed with power; for now it is especially
applicable. Now, more than ever before, are seen pride, worldly ambition, self-
exaltation, double-dealing, hypocrisy, and deception."- The SDA Bible Commentary
[E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 962.
D Friday
a. How does God regard pride and self-sufficiency?

b. How does self-esteem open the door to Satan?
c. Describe and illustrate the behavior of the first offspring of pride.
d. What is the origin of strife and alienation?
e. What is Christ's prescription for the cure of pride and its pathological com·
plications? •
* "* * "* *
(Continued from page 30)
"The very ones whom God purposes to use as His instruments for a special work,
Satan employs his utmost power to lead astray. He attacks us at our weak points,
working through defects in the character to gain control of the whole man; and he
knows that if these defects are cherished, he will succeed. But none need be over-
come. Man is not left alone to conquer the power of evil by his own feeble efforts.
Help is at hand and will be given to every soul who really desires it." -Patriarchs and
Prophets, p. 568.
o D Friday
a. Quote two examples of forbidden association which brought serious conse-

quences before the days of Moses.
b. Describe the apostasy at the Jordan. What warning should we take from that
experience?
c. What condition offers Satan an excellent opportunity to lead professed
Christians into sin?
d. What lesson should we learn from the unfortunate experience of Samson?
e. How well can we guard the avenues of the soul?
•
- 34-
Lesson 9 Sabbath, June 2, 1990
• PRESUMPTION
"Presumption is a common temptation, and as Satan assails men with this,

he obtains the victory nine times out of ten. Those who profess to be
followers of Christ, and claim by their faith to be enlisted in the warfare
against all evil in their nature, frequently plunge without thought into temp-
tations from which it would require a miracle to bring them forth unsullied."
- Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 44, 45.
KEY TEXT: "Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not
have dominion over me; then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent
from the great transgression." Psalm 19:13.
o Sunday
FAITH vs. PRESUMPTION May 27
1. What is presumption? Matthew 15:8; James 2:14.
"A mere profession of discipleship is of no value. The faith in Christ which saves
the soul is not what it is represented to be by many. 'Believe, believe,' they say, 'and
you need not keep the law.' But a belief that does not lead to obedience is presump-
tion."-Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 146.
"Often when Satan has failed of exciting distrust, he succeeds in leading us to
presumption. If he can cause us to place ourselves unnecessarily in the way of tempta-
tion, he knows that the victory is his. God will preserve all who walk in the path of
obedience; but to depart from it is to venture on Satan's ground. There we are sure to
fall."-The Desire of Ages, p. 126.
2. What is the difference between faith and presumption? James 2:18 .

•
"But faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he who has true faith is
secure against presumption. For presumption is Satan's counterfeit of faith. Faith
claims God's promises, and brings forth fruit in obedience. Presumption also claims
the promises, but uses them as Satan did, to excuse transgression." - The Desire of
Ages, p. 126.
D Monday
EXAMPLES OF PRESUMPTION May 28
3. In the Old Testament history, who was so greedy for flattering reward that
he presumed upon God's mercy? Jude 11; 2 Peter 2:10, 15. How are many
professed Christians following his example?
- 35-
/'
"Balaam 'loved the wages of unrighteousness.' 2 Peter 2: 15. The sin of covetous-
ness, which God declares to be idolatry, had made him a timeserver, and through this
one fault Satan gained entire control of him. It was this that caused his ruin. The
tempter is ever presenting worldly gain and honor to entice men from the service of
God. He tells them it is their overconscientiouness that keeps them from prosperity.
Thus many are induced to venture out of the path of strict integrity. One wrong step
makes the next easier, and they become more and more presumptuous. They will do
and dare most terrible things when once they have given themselves to the control of
avarice and a desire for power. Many flatter themselves that they can depart from
strict integrity for a time, for the sake of some worldly advantage, and that having
gained their object, they can change their course when they please. Such are entan-
gling themselves in the snare of Satan, and it is seldom that they escape."-Patriarchs arui
Prophets, pp. 439, 440.
4. How were Nadab and Abihu destroyed as a result of presumption? Leviticus

10:1, 2. What had partially destroyed their ability to distinguish between
right and wrong? Leviticus 10:8-10.
"Aaron's sons, who officiated in holy things, would not have thus transgressed if
they had not indulged freely in the use of wine, and were partially intoxicated. They
gratified the appetite, which debased their faculties, and disqualified them for their
sacred office. Their intellects were beclouded, so that they did not have a realizing
sense of the difference between the sacredness of the fire which God let fall from
Heaven, and was kept burning continually upon the altar, and the common fire, which
He had said they should not use. If they had had the full and clear use of their reason-
ing faculties they would have recoiled with horror at the presumptuous transgression
of God's positive commands."-Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4, p. 12.
D Tuesday
FURTHER EXAMPLES OF PRESUMPTION May 29
5. How did Achan show presumption in his behavior? Joshua 7:20, 21.
"Achan learned too late that God's law, like its Author, is unchanging. It has to do
with all our acts and thoughts and feelings. It follows us, and reaches every secret
spring of action. By indulgence in sin, men are led to lightly regard the law of God.
Many conceal their transgressions from their fellow men, and flatter themselves that
God will not be strict to mark iniquity. But His law is the great standard of right, and •
with it every act of life must be compared in that day when God shall bring every
work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or evil. Purity of
heart will lead to purity of life. All excuses for sin are vain."-The SDA Bible Commen-
tary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 2. pp. 996, 997.
6. For what sin did the Lord have to punish King Uzziah? 2 Chronicles 26:16.
"The case of Uzziah the king reveals how God will punish the sin of presumption....
The Lord has ordained men to certain positions in His church, and He would not have
them step out of the places to which He has appointed them. When the Lord gives
them a measure of success, they are not to become lifted up, and think themselves
qualified to do a work for which they are not fitted, and to which God has not called
them."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 3, p. 1132.
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D Wednesday
PRESUMPTION AND SELF·RIGHTEOUSNESS May 30
7. In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, how did the Pharisee act as
he was led from presumption to self-righteousness and self-sufficiency? Luke
18:9-12.
"Whoever trusts in himself that he is righteous, will despise others. As the

• Pharisee judges himself by other men, so he judges other men by himself. His righteous-
ness is estimated by theirs, and the worse they are the more righteous by contrast he
appears. His self-righteousness leads to accusing. 'Other men' he condemns as trans-
gressors of God's law. Thus he is making manifest the very spirit of Satan, the ac-
• cuser of the brethren."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 151.
8. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, what spirit did the elder son reveal? Luke
15:25-30.
"Self-righteousness not only leads men to misrepresent God, but.makes them cold-
hearted and critical toward their brethren. The elder son, in his selfishness and
jealousy, stood ready to watch his brother, to criticize every action, and to accuse him
for the least deficiency. He would detect every mistake, and make the most of every
wrong act. Thus he would seek to justify his own unforgiving spirit. Many today are
doing the same thing. While the soul is making its very first struggles against a flood
of temptation, they stand by, stubborn, self-willed, complaining, accusing. They may
claim to be children of God, but they are acting out the spirit of Satan."-Christ's Object
Lessons, p. 210.
D Thursday
PRESUMPTION AND SELF·SUFFICIENCY May 31
9. How was Peter, for a time, controlled by the spirit of the Pharisee? Luke
22:33,34.
"The evil that led to Peter's fall and that shut out the Pharisee from communion
with God is proving the ruin of thousands today. There is nothing so offensive to God
or so dangerous to the human soul as pride and self-sufficiency. Of all sins it is the
most hopeless, the most incurable.
"Peter's fall was not instantaneous, but gradual. Self-confidence led him to the
belief that he was saved, and step after step was taken in the downward path, until he
could deny his Master. Never can we safely put confidence in self or feel, this side of
heaven, that we are secure against temptation. Those who accept the Saviour,
however sincere their conversion, should never be taught to say or to feel that they
are saved. This is misleading."-Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 154, 155.
10. How are many believers in the threefold message deceived by their self-
righteousness and self-sufficiency? Revelation 3: 17. What prayer and ex-
perience were recorded for our encouragement? Psalm 19:13; Luke 22:32.
"Those whom Christ warns have some excellent qualifications, but they are
neutralized by all who have a diseased self-love, self-d~ception, self-justification for
gross neglect to help brethren in the service of God by encouraging words and deeds.
There is a dead fly in the ointment. They are being weighed by One who never
- 37-
makes a mistake. He tells the result of actions which demonstrate that the love of
Christ is not an abiding principle in the soul. God calls upon you all to learn from
Christ His meekness. Put away your faculty for seeing the mistakes of others. Turn
your attention to your own defects. Your self-righteousness is nauseating to the Lord
Jesus Christ. "-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, pp. 962, 963.
"It was through self-sufficiency that Peter fell; and it was through repentance and
humiliation that his feet were again established. In the record of his experience every
repenting sinner may find encouragement."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 155.
o Friday
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS June 1
a. Explain the difference between faith and presumption.
b. Describe two cases of presumption which occurred in the days of Moses.
c. Quote from the Old Testament two more examples of presumption.
d. How was presumption allied with self-righteousness in the case of the
Pharisee and .the elder son in the parables?
e. What accounted for the fall of Peter? How was he restored?
•
* 1< * 1< *
(Continued from page 15)
"The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his
marvelous work 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. By
their testimony every statement and every miracle must be tested."-The Great Con-
troversy, p. 593.
"We must all now seek to arm ourselves for the contest in which we must soon
engage. Faith in God's word, prayerfully studied and practically applied, will be our
shield from Satan's power and will bring us off conquerors through the blood of
Christ."-Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 302.
o Friday
a. How did spiritualism operate in the days of Moses and Aaron? Give ex-
amples.
b. How did Satan work through the same agency in the time of the apostles?
Give examples.
c. How does Satan make it appear that God's special blessing has been poured
out upon the popular churches? For what purpose does he do that?
d. Through what work will Satan be able to take the world captive?
e. How is Satan preparing the minds of many Sabbathkeepers to fall prey to the·
masterpiece of his deceptions? •
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FAITH WITHOUT WORKS
"The message of the True Witness finds the people of God in a sad deception,
yet honest in that deception. They know not that their condition is deplorable
in the sight of God." - Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 253.
KEY TEXT: "Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of
nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and
poor, and blind, and naked." Revelation 3:17.
D Sunday
THEORY WITHOUT PRACTICE June 3
1. What deception, very common in the days of Christ, can be seen also today?
.Matthew 23:1-3.
"The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ's day was that a mere as-
sent to the truth constitutes righteousness.... A jealous regard for what is termed
theological truth often accompanies a hatred of genuine truth as made manifest in
life....The same danger still exists. Many take it for granted that they are Chris-
tians, simply because they subscribe to certain theological tenets. But they have not
brought the truth into practical life. They have not believed and loved it, therefore
they have not received the power and grace that come through sanctification of the
truth. Men may profess faith in the truth; but if it does not make them sincere, kind,
patient, forbearing, heavenly-minded, it is a curse to its possessors, and through their
influence it is a curse to the world."-The Desire of Ages, pp. 309, 310.
2. What influence will the world receive from us if we preach the truth but do
not practice it? Romans 2:23, 24.
"The world is full of sickness, suffering, and iniquity. Nigh and afar off are souls
in poverty and distress, weighed down with a sense of guilt and perishing for want of
a saving influence. The gospel of truth is kept ever before them, yet they perish
because the example of those who should be a savor of life to them is a savor of death.
Their souls drink in bitterness because the springs are poisoned, when they should be
like a well of water springing up into everlasting life."-Prophets and Kings, p. 232.
"This is an age of almost universal apostasy, and those who claim to hold advanced
truth mislead the churches when they do not give evidence that their character and
works harmonize with the divine truth."-Testimonies to Ministers, p. 151.
- 39-
"V nless the work is first done in their own hearts, all the specific directions that
might be given to point out their course of action will be labor in vain."-Ibid., p. 125.
D Monday
LUKEWARMNESS AND ITS CONSEQUENCES June 4
3. What condition disqualifies a denomination from doing the work of God?

Isaiah 59:1,2; Jeremiah 6:16; 8:5.
"The church has long been contented with little of the blessing of God; they have
not felt the need of reaching up to the exalted privileges purchased for them at infinite
cost. Their spiritual strength has been feeble, their experience of a dwarfed and crip-
pled character, and they are disqualified for the work the Lord would have them to
do."-Testimonies to Ministers, p. 175.
"Christ longs to work mightily by His Spirit for the conviction and conversion of
sinners. But, according to His divine plan, the work must be performed through the
instrumentality of His church; and her members have so far departed from Him that
He cannot accomplish His will through them."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 189.
4. What does the faithful and true Witness say concerning the condition of the
professed people of God in the Laodicean period? Revelation 3: 15. How does
this condition affect their relationship with Christ? Revelation 3:16.
"We have a great truth, but through careless indifference the truth has lost its
force upon us. Satan has come in with his specious temptations, and has led the pro-
fessed followers of Christ away from their Leader, classing them with the foolish
virgins."- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 130.
"To those who are indifferent at this time Christ's warning is: 'Because thou are
lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of My mouth.' Rev. 3:16.
The figure of spewing out of His mouth means that He cannot offer up your prayers
or your expressions of love to God. He cannot endorse your teaching of His word or
your spiritual work in anywise. He cannot present your religious exercises with the
request that grace be given you."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 408.
D Tuesday
SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS June 5
5. Does the apostasy in the Laodieean church affect only some individuals or
does it involve the denomination? (Notes.) Why were the Jews in the days of
Christ unable to see what was wrong with them? Matthew 15:14.
"The central power of the earth is a demon. His throne is in the midst of the
world, where should have been seen the throne of God. He has been patronized by the
church, for the church has been conformed to the world, and is living in transgression
of the holy law of God."-This Day With God, p. 28 (1900).
"Many who once were earnest Adventists are conforming to the world-to its
practices, its customs, its selfishness. Instead of leading the world to render obe-
dience 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."- Testimonies, vol. 8,
p.119.
- 40-
6. For what reason are the majority of leaders and members unable to see the
seriousness of the spiritual condition of their church today? John 12:40;
Revelation 3: 17.
"The deadly lethargy of the world is paralyzing your senses. Sin no longer ap-
pears repulsive because you are blinded by Satan."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 233.
"Why is there so dim a perception of the true spiritual condition of the church?
Has not blindness fallen upon the watchmen standing on the walls of Zion?" -Ibid., vol. 8,
p.248.
'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.' "-Ibid., p. 249.
o Wednesday
SELF·DECEPTION June 6
7. How does the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy describe the deception of
those who are careless and indifferent at this time? Matthew 24:48-51.
"The evil servant says in his heart, 'My Lord delayeth his corning.' He does not
say that Christ will not corne. He does not scoff at the idea of His second corning. But
in his heart and by his actions and words he declares that the Lord's corning is
delayed. He banishes from the minds of others the conviction that the Lord is corning
quickly. His influence leads men to presumptuous, careless delay. They are confirmed
in their worldliness and stupor. Earthly passions, corrupt thoughts, take possession of
the mind. The evil servant eats and drinks with the drunken, unites with the world in
pleasure seeking. He smites his fellow servants, accusing and condemning those who
are faithful to their Master. He mingles with the world. Like grows with like in trans-
gression. It is a fearful assimilation."-The Desire of Ages, p. 635.
"There are too many in families and in the church who make little account of glar-
ing inconsistencies. There are young men who appear what they are not. They seem
honest and true; but they are like whited sepulchers, fair without, but corrupt to the
core. The heart is spotted, stained with sin; and thus the record stands in the heavenly
courts. A process has been going on in the mind that has made them callous, past feel-
ing. But if their characters, weighed in the balances of the sanctuary, are pronounced
wanting in the great day of God, it will be a calamity that they do not now comprehend.
Truth, precious, untarnished truth, is to be a part of the character."- Testimonies, vol. 5,
pp. 396, 397. •
"The Lord's hand is not shortened that He cannot save, nor His ear heavy that He
cannot hear; but it is our sins that have separated us from God. The church is corrupt
because of her members who defile their bodies and pollute their souls."-Ibid., pp. 78,
79.
8. Why is it so dangerous to associate with this company? 1 Corinthians 15:33.
"It is impossible for you to unite with those who are corrupt, and still remain pure.
'What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath
light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial?' God and Christ and the
heavenly host would have man know that if he unites with the corrupt, he will become
corrupt."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1102.
- 41-
"And all who place themselves on the side of the disloyal are standing under
Satan's black banner, and are charged with rejecting and despitefully using Christ.
They are charged with deliberately crucifying the Lord of life and glory."-Ibid., yol. 5,
p.ll07.
"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."- Testimonies, yol. 5, p. 398.
D Thursday
LAODICEANISM, A HOPELESS CONDITION June 7
9. What is our present duty toward those who are in the Laodicean church?
Isaiah 58:1; Revelation 3:18-20.
"Though they are called the people of God, the house of Jacob, though they pro-
fess to be linked with God in obedience and fellowship, they are far from Him.
Wonderful privileges and promises have been given to them, but they have betrayed
their trust. With no words of flattery must the message be given them. 'Show my peo-
ple their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. ' Show them where they are
making a mistake. Set their danger before them. Tell them of the sins they are com-
mitting, while at the same time they pride themselves on their righteousness....
"Our work now is to rouse the people. Satan with all his angels has come down
with great power, to work with every conceivable deception to counterwork the work
of God. The Lord has a message for His people. This message will be borne, whether
men will accept or reject it."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], yol. 4,
p.1149.
10. What will be the fate of those who are content to remain in the Laodicean
church? Ezekiel 9:5-8.
"Here [Ezekiel 9] we see that the church-the Lord's sanctuary-was the first to
feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men, those to whom God had given
great light and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had
betrayed their trust."-Testimonies, yol. 5, p. 211.
o Friday
a. What influence will the world receive from us if we are hypocrites-if our life
contradicts our profession? 0
b. If this inconsistency becomes a denominational problem, in what sense does

the denomination become disqualified?
c. What fundamental fact are Laodiceans unable to see? Why?
d. Describe the deception of the believers represented by the evil servant. Why
is it so dangerous to associate with this class?
e. If we are actually following the advice of Christ in Revelation 3:18-20, then
what is our duty toward those who are careless and indifferent, and well
satisfied in the Laodicean c o n d i t i o n ? ' •
- 42-
STUBBORN RESISTANCE OF TRUTH

AND EVIDENCE
"As they [who 'received not the love of the truth'] reject the teachings of His
word, God withdraws His Spirit and leaves them to the deceptions which
they love."-The Great Controversy, p. 431.
KEY TEXT: "Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be
saved ... for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that
they should believe a lie." 2 Thessalonians 2:10, 11.
o Sunday
PERVERSION OF JUDGMENT June 10
1. What warning, based on the stubbornness of the Jewish people, has a special
application today? Hebrews 3:15. What three steps lead to perversion of
judgment? (Note.) What does the Bible say on this point? Isaiah 5:20.
"Men may possess capabilities given them in trust of God, but if they are not
humble men, daily converted men, as vessels of honor, they will do the greater harm
because of their capabilities. If they are not learners of Christ Jesus, if they do not
pray and keep their natural hereditary and cultivated tendencies under control, traits
of character that God abhors will pervert the judgment of those who associate with
them."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 4, p. 1138.
2. How does God deal with people who set up idols in their hearts, in opposition
to light and evidences, and refusej:o be corrected? Ezekiel 14:7; Hosea 4:17.
Give examples. Exodus 7:20-22; 2 Timothy 3:8.
"There are idols cherished in our families and in our churches today which have
the same influence upon us as did the golden calf upon the Israelites. Will the people
search themselves? Will the shepherds do their work as faithful sentinels of God? Will
they see what idols they are cherishing? Will every one that is in moderate circumstances
consider that they are to be a people distinct and separate in their fashions of dress, their
speech, their deportment, from the world?"- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Com-
ments], vol. 7, p. 941.
"Those who choose to make excuses and continue in sin and conformity to the
world will be left to their idols. There will be a day when they will not beg to be excused,
when not one will wish to be excused."-Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 41.
- 43-
D Monday
LESSONS FROM BALAAM June 11
3. To what extent did Balaam, knowingly, go the wrong way? Numbers 24:1;
31:16; Revelation 2:14. What had led him to do that? 2 Peter 2:15.
"If Balaam had had a disposition to accept the light that God had given, he would
now have made true his words; he would at once have severed all connection with
Moab. He would no longer have presumed upon the mercy of God, but would have
returned to Him with deep rep~ntance. But Balaam loved the wages of unrighteous-
ness, and these he was determined to secure."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 448.
4. How did Balaam show that his heart was perverted when the messengers of
Balak came to him? Numbers 22:7-13.
"Balaam was once a good man and a prophet of God; but he had apostatized, and
had given himself up to covetousness; yet he still professed to be a servant of the
Most High. He was not ignorant of God's work in behalf of Israel; and when the
messengers announced their errand, he well knew that it was his duty to refuse the
rewards of Balak and to dismiss the ambassadors. But he ventured to dally with temp-
tation, and urged the messengers to tarry with him that night, declaring that he could
give no decided answer till he had asked counsel of the Lord. Balaam knew that his
curse could not harm Israel. God was on their side, and so long as they were true to
Him no adverse power of earth or hell could prevail against them. But his pride was
flattered by the words of the ambassadors."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 439.
D Tuesday
LESSONS FROM BALAAM (cont'd) June 12
5. When the second test came to Balaam, how did he act contrary to his sense of
duty? Numbers 22:19-21. Why did the Lord finally allow Balaam to follow
his own will?
"In the night season the Lord appeared to Balaam and said, 'If the men come to
call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that
shalt thou do.' Thus far the Lord would permit Balaam to follow his own will, because
he was determined upon it. He did not seek to do the will of God, but chose his own
course, and then endeavored to secure the sanction of the Lord." -Patriarchs and Pro-
phets, p. 440.
6. How are individuals and denominations today following the example of

Balaam and repeating the mistake of Israel? Psalm 81:11,12.
"There are thousands at the present day who are pursuing a similar course. They
would have no difficulty in understanding their duty if it were in harmony with their
inclinations. It is plainly set before them in the Bible or is clearly indicated by cir-
cumstances and reason. But because these evidences are contrary to their desires and
inclinations they frequently set them aside and presume to go to God to learn their du-
ty. With great apparent conscientiousness they pray long and earnestly for light. But
God will not be trifled with. He often permits such persons to follow their own desires
and to suffer the result....When one clearly sees a duty, let him not presume to go to
God with the prayer that he may be excused from performing it. He should rather,
with a humble, submissive spirit, ask for divine strength and wisdom to meet its
claims."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 440, 441.
- 44-
D Wednesday
LESSONS FROM KING SAUL June 13
7. How did King Saul act contrary to a "Thus saith the Lord," on two occa·
sions? 1 Samuel 13:9-13; 15:1,3, 13-15.
"When, in direct violation of God's command, Saul proposed to present a sacrifice

of that which God had devoted to destruction, open contempt was shown for the
divine authority. The service would have been an insult to Heaven. Yet with the sin of
Saul and its result before us, how many are pursuing a similar course. While they
refuse to believe and obey some requirement of the Lord, they persevere in offering
up to God their formal services of religion. There is no response of the Spirit of God to
such service. No matter how zealous men may be in their observance of religious
ceremonies, the Lord cannot accept them if they persist in willful violation of one of
His commands."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 634.
8. After his presumptuous action, how did the king try to justify his disobe-
dience? 1 Samuel 15:20,21.
"Those who set themselves against the government of God have entered into an
alliance with the archapostate, and he will exercise his power and cunning to cap-
tivate the senses and mislead the understanding. He will cause everything to appear
in a false light. Like our first parents, those who are under his bewitching spell see on-
ly the great benefits to be received by transgression."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 635.
D Thursday
SELF-DECEPTION OF THE JEWS June 14
9. How did men, in the days of Christ, show determined resistance of truth and
evidence? Mark 3:28-30.
"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.
Thus it had been with these Jewish leaders. They were convinced that a divine power
attended Christ, but in order to resist the truth, they attributed the work of the Holy
Spirit to Satan. In doing this they delib~rately chose deception; they yielded them-
selves to Satan, and henceforth they were controlled by his power.
"Closely connected with Christ's warning in regard to the sin against the Holy
Spirit is a warning against idle and evil words. The words are an indication of that
which is in the heart. 'Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.' But the
words are more than an indication of character; they have power to react on the
character. Men are influenced by their own words. Often under a momentary im-
pulse, prompted by Satan, they give utterance to jealousy or evil surmising, express-
ing 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."-The Desire of Ages, pp. 322, 323.
-45-
10. How is this sin being repeated in our days? John 3:19, 20. How does God con-
firm the decision of those who want to go their own ways? 2 Thessalonians
2:10-12.
"They [who resist truth and evidence] think they are following sound reason, but
they are following another leader. They have placed themselves under the control of a
power which in their blindness they are wholly ignorant of. They have resisted the on-
ly Spirit that could lead them, enlighten them, save them. They are following in the
path of guilt for which there can be no forgiveness, in this life or in the life to come.
Not that any degree of guilt would exhaust the mercy of God, but because pride and
persistent stubbornness leads them to do despite to the Spirit of God, to occupy a
place where no manifestation of the Spirit can convince them of their error. They will
not yield their stubborn wills.
"In this our day men have placed themselves where they are wholly unable to
fulfill the conditions of repentance and confession: therefore they cannot find mercy
and pardon. The sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit does not lie in any sudden
word or deed; it is the firm, determined resistance of truth and evidence."- The SDA
Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 5, pp. 1092, 1093.
D Friday
a. For what purpose should individuals and families examine their hearts every
day? For what should they be looking?
b. How did Balaam sin despite his knowledge and conviction?
c. What warning should we take from Balaam's stubborn resistance to truth
and evidence?
d. What lesson should we learn from the disobedience of King Saul?
e. What lesson should we learn from the Jews concerning the sin against the
Holy Ghost? •
•"It was Saul's stubbornness that made his case hope-

less, and yet how many venture to follow his example.
The Lord in mercy sends words of reproof to save the
erring, but they will not submit to be corrected. They
insist that they have done no wrong, and thus resist the
Spirit of God." - The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments],
vol. 2, p. 1016.
-46-
•
REBELLION
"Rebellion will exist as long as Satan exists. Those who are actuated by his
spirit will not discern the Spirit of God or listen to its voice until the mandate
shall go forth. 'He that is unjust, let him be unjust still .. .' "- Selected Messages,
book 1, p. 72.
KEY TEXT: "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniqui-
ty and idolatry." 1 Samuel 15:23.
o Sunday
THE SPIRIT OF REBELLION June 17
1. How do men, knowingly or unknowingly, reveal the spirit of rebellion? Isaiah
5:20,21,23; 50:11.
"The class here represented [Isaiah 5:20], in order to exalt their own opinions,
employ a reasoning which is not authorized by the Word of God. They walk in the
sparks of their own kindling. By their specious reasoning, they confuse the distinction
that God desires to have drawn between good and evil. The sacred is brought down
on a level with common things. Avarice and selfishness are called by false names;
they are called prudence. Their rising up in independence and rebellion, their revenge
and stubbornness, in their eyes are proofs of dignity, evidences of a noble mind. They
act as though ignorance of divine things were not dangerous and even fatal to the
soul; and they prefer their own reasoning to divine revelation, their own plans and
human wisdom to the admonitions and commands of God."- The SDA Bible Commen-
tary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 4, p. 1138.
"When men almost invariably choose the knowledge that Satan presents; when
their taste is so perverted that it craves that knowledge as though it were a fountain of
supreme wisdom, then they give evideuce that they are separated from God and are
in rebellion against Christ."- Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 504, 505.
"If you seek to turn aside the counsel of God to suit yourselves, if you lessen the
confidence of God's people in the testimonies He has sent them, you are rebelling
against God as certainly as were Korah, Dathan, and Abiram."-Ibid., p. 66.
2. How was this evil often revealed in the history of Israel? Daniel 9:5.
"Again and again was ancient Israel afflicted with rebellious murmurers. These
were not always persons of feeble influence. In many cases, men of renown, rulers in
Israel, turned against the providential leading of God and fiercely set to work to tear
down that which they had once zealously built up. We have seen something of this
repeated many times in our experience."-Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 594.
- 47-
o Monday
SEVERAL TYPES OF REBELLION June 18
3. What warning has been recorded for us as a lesson in the experience of Korah,
Dathan, and Abiram? Numbers 16:3.
"In the rebellion of Korah is seen the working out, upon a narrower stage, of the
same spirit that led to the rebellion of Satan in heaven. It was pride and ambition that
prompted Lucifer to complain of the government of God, and to seek the overthrow of
the order which had been established in heaven. Since his fall it has been his object to
infuse the same spirit of envy and discontent, the same ambition for position and
honor, into the minds of men. He thus worked upon the minds of Korah, Dathan, and
Abiram, to arouse the desire for self-exaltation and excite envy, distrust, and rebellion.
Satan caused them to reject God as their leader, by rejecting the men of God's appoint-
ment. Yet while in their murmuring against Moses and Aaron they blasphemed God, they
were so deluded as to think themselves righteous, and to regard those who had faithfully
reproved their sins as actuated by Satan."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 403.
4. How did Eli become responsible for the rebellion of his sons? 1 Samuel 2:
27-30.
"Eli allowed his children to control him. The father became subject to the children.
The curse of transgression was apparent in the corruption and evil that marked the course
of his sons. They had no proper appreciation of the character of God or of the sacredness
of His law. His service was to them a common thing. From childhood they had been
accustomed to the sanctuary and its service; but instead of becoming more reverent,
they had lost all sense of its holiness and significance. The father had not corrected
their want of reverence for his authority, had not checked their disrespect for the
solemn services of the sanctuary; and when they reached manhood, they were full of
the deadly fruits of skepticism and rebellion."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 575, 576.
o Tuesday
SEVERAL TYPES OF REBELLION (cont'd) June 19
5. How did King Saul cut himself off from God by his own rebellion? 1 Samuel
15:22-24.
"All through his course of rebellion Saul had been flattered and deceived by
Satan. It is the tempter's work to belittle sin, to make the path of transgression easy
and inviting, to blind the mind to the warnings and threatenings of the Lord. Satan, by
his bewitching power, had led Saul to justify himself in defiance of Samuel's reproofs
and warnings."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 680. .
"It is a perilous step to slight the reproofs and warnings of God's word or of His
Spirit. Many, like Saul, yield to temptation until they become blind to the true
character of sin. They flatter themselves that they have had some good object in
view, and have done no wrong in departing from the Lord's requirements. Thus they
do despite to the Spirit of grace, until its voice is no longer heard, and they are left to
the delusions which they have chosen."-Ibid., p. 635.
6. What inconsistency did the rebellious king reveal in his attitude toward
David? 1 Samuel 19:1, 10; 24:16,17; 26:1, 2, 21.
-48 -
"The enmity that is cherished toward the servants of God by those who have
yielded to the power of Satan changes at times to a feeling of reconciliation and favor,
but the change does not always prove to be lasting. After evil-minded men have
engaged in doing and saying wicked things against the Lord's servants, the convic-
tion that they have been in the wrong sometimes takes deep hold upon their minds.
The Spirit of the Lord strives with them, and they humble their hearts before God,
and before those whose influence they have sought to destroy, and they may change
their course toward them. But as they again open the door to the suggestions of the
evil one, the old doubts are revived, the old enmity is awakened, and they return to
engage in the same work which they repented of, and for a time abandoned. Again
they speak evil, accusing and condemning in the bitterest manner the very ones to
whom they made most humble confession. Satan can use such souls with far greater
power after such a course has been pursued than he could before, because they have
sinned against greater light."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 662, 663.
o Wednesday
HOW THE NATION WAS AFFECTED June 20
7. What was the immediate consequence of Saul's refusal to listen to the warn·
ings of God through Samuel? 1 Samuel 16:14.
"There were many who had lost confidence in the ruler of Israel, for they could
see that he was no longer guided by the Spirit of the Lord." -Patriarchs and Prophets. p.
658.
"The people felt now [after the death of Samuel] that God was forsaking them. The
king seemed little less than a madman. Justice was perverted, and order was turned to
confusion."-Ibid., p. 663.
8. How did the people suffer because of the rebellious attitude of the king? 1
Samuel 22:1, 2; 23:7, 26, 27.
"The Philistines, taking advantage of its [Israel's] unguarded condition, had pene-
trated into the very heart of the country. Thus while Satan had been urging Saul to
employ every energy in hunting David, that he might destroy him, the same malignant
spirit had inspired the Philistines to seize their opportunity to work Saul's ruin and over-
throw the people of God. How often is the same policy still employed by the archenemy!
He moves upon some unconsecrated heart to kindle envy and strife in the church, and
then, taking advantage of the divided condition of God's people, he stirs up his agents to
work their ruin."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 675.
o Thursday
LET US HEED THE WARNING 0 June 21
9. What are some of the characteristics of the most common type of rebels who
will trouble us to the end? Psalm 50:16-20.
"To the end of time, men will arise to create confusion and rebellion among those
who claim to be representatives of the true God. Those who prophesy lies will en-
courage men to look upon sin as a light thing. When the terrible results of their evil
deeds are made manifest, they will seek, if possible, to make the one who has faithful-
ly warned them, responsible for their difficulties."-Prophets and Kings, p. 442.
10. How was Achan led to make a forced and belat.ed confession? Joshua 7:19,
20. What does the Spirit of Prophecy say of those whose hearts are still full
of presumption and rebellion when forced to make a belated confession?
-49 -
"When a crisis finally comes, as it surely will, and God speaks in behalf of His
people, those who have sinned, those who have been a cloud of darkness and who
have stood directly in the way of God's working for His people, may become alarmed
at the length they have gone in murmuring and in bringing discouragement upon the
cause; and, like Achan, becoming terrified, they may acknowledge that they have sinned.
But their confessions are too late and are not of the right kind to benefit themselves,
although they may relieve the cause of God. Such do not make their confessions
because of a conviction of their true state and a sense of how displeasing their course
has been to God. God may give this class another test, another proving, and let them
show that they are no better prepared to stand free from all rebellion and sin than
before their confessions were made. They are inclined to be ever on the side of
wrong. And when the call is made for those who will be on the Lord's side to make a
decided move to vindicate the right, they will manifest their true position. Those who
have been nearly all their lives controlled by a spirit as foreign to the Spirit of God as
was Achan's will be very passive when the time comes for decided action on the part of
all. They will not claim to be on either side. The power of Satan has so long held them
that they seem blinded and have no inclination to stand in defense of right."- Testi-
monies, vol. 3, pp. 271, 272:
o Friday
a. What attitude proves men rebels?
b. Why was Eli held responsible for the sins of his sons?
c. How did King Saul become guilty of rebellion?
d. How did the rebellion of King Saul affect the nation?
e. Give the most evident characteristics of those who are controlled by the
spirit of rebellion. •
•
"Rebellion and apostasy are in the very air we breathe.
We shall be affected by it unless we by faith hang our
helpless souls upon Christ. If men are so easily misled,
how will they stand when Satan shall personate Christ,
and work miracles?" - The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White
Comments], vol. 2, p. 1114.
•
- 50-
TWO COMPANIES OF BELIEVERS AT

THE CLOSE OF PROBATION
"There are those who are waiting and watching and working for our Lord's
appearing. Another class are falling into line under the generalship of the
first great apostate. Few believe with heart and soul that we have a hell to
shun and a heaven to win." - The Desire of Ages, p. 636.
KEY TEXT: "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him
be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he
that is holy, let him be holy still." Revelation 22:11.
D Sunday
THE COMING OF THE MASTER June 24
1. What event does the coming of the Master refer to in Mark 13:35, 36?
"Jesus has left us word: 'Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the Master of
the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all,
Watch.' Weare waiting and watching for the return of the Master, who is to bring the
morning, lest coming suddenly He find us sleeping. What time is here referred to?
Not to the revelation of Christ in the clouds of heaven to find a people asleep. No; but
to His return from His ministration in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary."
- Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 190.
2. Why will many professed followers of Christ be rejected at the end of proba-
tion? Luke 13:25-27.
o
"When Jesus ceases to plead for man, the cases of all are forever decided. This is the
time of reckoning with His servants. To those who have neglected the preparation of puri-
ty and holiness, which fits them to be waiting ones to welcome their Lord, the sun sets in
gloom and darkness, and rises not again. Probation closes; Christ's intercessions cease in
heaven. This time finally comes suddenly upon all, and those who have neglected to
purify their souls by obeying the truth are found sleeping. They became weary of waiting
and watching; they became indifferent in regard to the coming of their Master. They longed
not for His appearing, and thought there was no need of such continued, persevering
watching. They had been disappointed in their expectations and might be again. They
concluded that there was time enough yet to arouse. They would be sure not to lose the
opportunity of securing an earthly treasure. It would be safe to get all of this world they
could. And in securing this object, they lost all anxiety and interest in the appearing of the
- 51-
Master. They became indifferent and careless, as though His coming were yet in the
distance. But while their interest was buried up in their worldly gains, the work closed
in the heavenly sanctuary, and they were unprepared."-Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 191.
D Monday
WHILE CHRIST IS KNOCKING AT THE DOOR June 25
3. What self-deception are we warned against in connection with Revelation

3:20? What is our urgent duty?
"When you had such evidences that God was waiting to be gracious to His peo-
ple, that mercy's voice was inviting sinners and backsliders to the cross of Christ,
why did you not unite with those who had the burden of the work upon them? Why did
you not come up to the help of the Lord? Some of you seemed benumbed, stupefied, and
amazed, and were unprepared to participate fully in the work. Many assented to it, but
their hearts were not in it. This was a great evidence of the lukewarm condition of the
church.
"Your worldliness does not incline you to throw wide open the door of your hard
hearts at the knock of Jesus, who is seeking an entrance there."- Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 216.
"Our Redeemer sends His messengers to bear a testimony to His people. He says:
'Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I
will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.' Revelation 3:20. But many
refuse to receive Him. The Holy Spirit waits to soften and subdue hearts; but they are not
willing to open the door and let the Saviour in, for fear that He will require something of
them. And so Jesus of Nazareth passes by. He longs to bestow on them the rich blessings
of His grace, but they refuse to accept them. What a terrible thing it is to exclude Christ
from His own temple! What a loss to the church!"-lbid., vol. 6, p. 262.
"No longer remain in the condition of the Laodicean church. In the name of the Lord I
call upon every family to show its true colors. Reform the church in your own home."
-Ibid., vol. 7, p. 67.
4. How do unconverted churchgoers allow the world to influence their lives? Luke
8:14; 21:34.
"I saw some becoming weary; their eyes were directed downward, and they were
engrossed with earthly things, and were unfaithful in watching. They were saying: 'In the
first watch we expected our Master, but were disappointed. We thought surely He would
come in the second watch, but that passed, and He came not. We may be again disap-
pointed. We need not be so particular. He may not come in the following watch. We are in
the third watch, and now we think it best to lay up our treasure on the earth, ~hat we may
be secure against want.' Many were sleeping, stupefied with the cares of this life and
allured by the deceitfulness of riches from their waiting, watching position." - Testimonies,
vol. 2, p. 192.
"I saw that it was impossible to have the affections and interests engrossed in worldly
cares, to be increasing earthly possessions, and yet be in a waiting, watching position, as
our Saviour commanded."-lbid., p. 193.
D Tuesday
NO SECOND CHANCE June 26
5. What duty do careless believers overlook? Mark 13:33,34,37. What will they
realize although too late? Jeremiah 8:20.
-52-
"If such had only known that the work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary would
close so soon, how differently would they have conducted themselves, how earnestly
would they have watched! The Master, anticipating all this, gives them timely warn-
ing in the command to watch. He distinctly states the suddenness of His coming. He
does not measure the time, lest we shall neglect a momentary preparation, and in our
indolence look ahead to the time when we think He will come, and defer the prepara-
tion. 'Watch ye therefore: for ye know not.' Yet this foretold uncertainty, and sudden-
ness at last, fails to rouse us from stupidity to earnest wakefulness, and to quicken our
watchfulness for our expected Master. Those not found waiting and watching are
finally surprised in their unfaithfulness. The Master comes, and instead of their being
ready to open unto Him immediately, they are locked in worldly slumber, and are lost
at last."-Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 191, 192.
6. What evidence shows that there will be no chance for repentance and conver-
sion after the close of probation? Revelation 22:11.
"When He [Christ] comes He is not to cleanse us of our sins, to remove from us

the defects in our characters, or to cure us of the infirmities of our tempers and
dispositions. If wrought for us at all, this work will all be accomplished before that
time. When the Lord comes, those who are holy will be holy still. Those who have
preserved their bodies and spirits in holiness, in sanctification and honor, will then
receive the finishing touch of immortality. But those who are unjust, unsanctified,
and filthy will remain so forever. No work will then be done for them to remove their
defects and give them holy characters. The Refiner does not then sit to pursue His
refining process and remove their sins and their corruption. This is all to be done in
these hours of probation. It is now that this work is to be accomplished for us."- Testi-
monies, vol. 2, p. 355.
o Wednesday
REJECTED June 27
7. Under the influence of what spirit (or mood) are many professed Christians
sealing their doom? 2 Peter 3:4; Isaiah 56:12; Jeremiah 6:14.
"Many, I saw, were flattering themselves that they were good Christians, who
have not a single ray of light from Jesus. They know not what it is to be renewed by
the grace of God. They have no living experience for themselves in the things of God.
And I saw that the Lord was whetting His sword in heaven to cut them down. Oh,
that every lukewarm professor could realize the clean work that God is about to make
among His professed people! Dear friend~, do not deceive yourselves concerning your
condition."- Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 190.
8. What is said of those believers who refuse to come out of the condition of
Laodicea? Revelation 3:16; Matthew 25:8-10.
"It would be more pleasing to the Lord if lukewarm professors of religion had
never named His name. They are a continual weight to those who would be faithful
followers of Jesus. They are a stumbling block to unbelievers, and evil angels exult
over them, and taunt the angels of God with their crooked course. Such are a curse to
the cause at home or abroad. They draw nigh to God with their lips, while their heart
is far from Him."-Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 188.
- 53-
o Thursday
ACCEPTED June 28
9. How can we identify the faithful believers who are actually preparing for the
coming of Christ? Luke 12:31-37.
"Because we know not the exact time of His coming, we are commanded to
watch. 'Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watch-
ing.' Luke 12:37. Those who watch for the Lord's coming are not waiting in idle ex-
pectancy. 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 cooperate
with the divine intelligences in working for the salvation of souls." - The Desire ofAges,
p.634.
to. Describe the company that will find final acceptance before God at the close
of probation. Luke 12:37-40.
"A company was presented before me in contrast to the one described. They
were waiting and watching. Their eyes were directed heavenward, and the words of
their Master were upon their lips: 'What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. ' 'Watch
ye therefore: for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at
midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly He find you
sleeping.' The Lord intimates a delay before the morning finally dawns. But He
would not have them give way to weariness, nor relax their earnest watchfulness,
because the morning does not open upon them as soon as they expected. The waiting
ones were represented to me as looking upward. They were encouraging one another
by repeating the words: 'The first and second watches are past. We are in the third
watch, waiting and watching for the Master's return. There remains but a little period
of watching now.' "-Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 192.
o Friday
a. What fact should be brought home at this time to those who are becoming
weary of waiting and watching?
b. What two interests exclude each other?
c. What work does Christ want to accomplish for us now so that we may have
final acceptance in the investigative judgment?
d. How are many professed believers in the threefold message sealing their re-
jection?
" e. How do we make it evident that we are actually preparing for the second
coming of Christ? •
- 54-
•
"When probation ends, it will come suddenly, unexpectedly-at a
time when we are least expecting it. But we can have a clean record in
heaven today, and know that God accepts us; and finally, if faithful,
we shall be gathered into the kingdom of heaven.
"There is not a second probation for anyone. Now is probationary
• time, before the angel shall fold her golden wings, the angel of mercy,
and shall step down from the throne, and mercy, mercy is gone
forever.
"God has not revealed to us the time when this message will
close, or when probation will have an end. Those things that are
revealed we shall accept for ourselves and for our children; but let us
not seek to know that which has been kept secret in the councils of
the Almighty....
"Letters have come to me asking me if I have any special light as
to the time when probation will close; and I answer that I have only
this message to bear, that it is now time to work while the day lasts,
for the night cometh in which no man can work. Now, just now, it is
time for us to be watching, working, and waiting."-ThesDA BibleCommen-
tary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 989.
The Thirteenth Sabbath Offering is
for "North India Mission."
See details on pages 4 and 56.

India: Political
Bay 01 Bengal
OCEAN
The arrow on the map above points to Imphal, Manipur, India,

where the brethren plan to build a mission house. See page 4 for
additional information.
.,

SDARM Qtr. 2 1990 Bible Study

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Sabbath Bible Lessons

4. What is Satan constantly trying to introduce into the church? 1 Corinthians

WARNING AGAINST USELESS DISCUSSIONS D Tuesday

"Mere noise and shouting are no evidence of sanctification, or of the descent

9. Describe in a few words a scene of ancient Baal worship. 1 Kings 18:26-28.

a. How has Satan always worked to counteract the work of reformation?

•"It is the desire and plan of Satan to bring in among us those

THE MASTERPIECE OF DECEPTION

(Continued on page 38)

THE MASTERPIECE OF DECEPTION

8. While Satan, working through the agency of spiritualism, seems to bring

"Through spiritualism, Satan appears as a benefactor of the race, healing the

9. As evil angels seduce and control apostatized Christianity, what condition

(Continued on page 27)

SPECIAL TOOLS OF SATAN

LOVE OF THE WORLD

3. What condition promoted sensualism and materialism in the days of Lot?

"Here [Num. 15:38-41] God expressly commanded a very simple arrangement of

LESSONS FROM ANCIENT ISRAEL o Wednesday

7. How did Satan succeed in corr~pting ancient Israel? Deuteronomy 31:16,

"Satan is continually seeking to overcome the people of God by breaking down

"The followers of Christ are to separate themselves from sinners, choosing

4. In what sense should we take that woeful experience as a warning? 1 Corin-

(Continued on page 34)

I PRIDE AND CORRELATED SINS

1. What sin, generally found in unregenerate hearts, is especially offensive to

4. How does Satan use selfishness (self-love or self-esteem) in human hearts as

"The evils of self-esteem and an unsanctified independence, which most impair

5. What is one of the offsprings of pride? 1 Timothy 6:4.

"Envy is one of the most despicable traits of Satanic character. It is constantly

"Envy is not merely a perverseness of temper, but a distemper, which disorders

9. How can pride be overcome? James 4:6-10; 1 Peter 5:6-9.

"Self-exaltation is a dangerous element. It tarnishes everything it touches. It is

a. How does God regard pride and self-sufficiency?

a. Quote two examples of forbidden association which brought serious conse-

"Presumption is a common temptation, and as Satan assails men with this,

2. What is the difference between faith and presumption? James 2:18 .

4. How were Nadab and Abihu destroyed as a result of presumption? Leviticus

"Whoever trusts in himself that he is righteous, will despise others. As the

FAITH WITHOUT WORKS

3. What condition disqualifies a denomination from doing the work of God?

8. Why is it so dangerous to associate with this company? 1 Corinthians 15:33.

b. If this inconsistency becomes a denominational problem, in what sense does

STUBBORN RESISTANCE OF TRUTH

6. How are individuals and denominations today following the example of

"When, in direct violation of God's command, Saul proposed to present a sacrifice

•"It was Saul's stubbornness that made his case hope-

a. What attitude proves men rebels?

c. How did King Saul become guilty of rebellion?

d. How did the rebellion of King Saul affect the nation?

TWO COMPANIES OF BELIEVERS AT

3. What self-deception are we warned against in connection with Revelation

"When He [Christ] comes He is not to cleanse us of our sins, to remove from us

The Thirteenth Sabbath Offering is

for "North India Mission."

See details on pages 4 and 56.

The arrow on the map above points to Imphal, Manipur, India,

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