Sunday
March 24
1. BROTHERLY LOVE
a. What was the specific problem of the Ephesus church? Revelation 2:4, 5.
“The members of the church [of Ephesus] were united in sentiment and action. Love for Christ was the golden chain that bound them together. They followed on to know the Lord more and still more perfectly, and in their lives were revealed the joy and peace of Christ. They visited the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and kept themselves unspotted from the world. . . .
“But after a time the zeal of the believers began to wane, and their love for God and for one another grew less. Coldness crept into the church. Some forgot the wonderful manner in which they had received the truth. One by one the old standard-bearers fell at their post. Some of the younger workers, who might have shared the burdens of these pioneers, and thus have been prepared for wise leadership, had become weary of oft-repeated truths. In their desire for something novel and startling they attempted to introduce new phases of doctrine, more pleasing to many minds, but not in harmony with the fundamental principles of the gospel. . . .
“As these false doctrines were urged, differences sprang up, and the eyes of many were turned from beholding Jesus as the Author and Finisher of their faith. The discussion of unimportant points of doctrine, and the contemplation of pleasing fables of man’s invention, occupied time that should have been spent in proclaiming the gospel.”—The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 579, 580.
Monday
March 25
2. A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN QUALITY
a. What Christian characteristic is emphasized by the apostle Paul? Titus 1:7, 8; Hebrews 13:1, 2.
“ ‘A lover of hospitality’ is among the specifications given by the Holy Spirit as marking one who is to bear responsibility in the church. And to the whole church is given the injunction: ‘Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.’
“These admonitions have been strangely neglected. Even among those who profess to be Christians true hospitality is little exercised. Among our own people the opportunity of showing hospitality is not regarded as it should be, as a privilege and blessing. There is altogether too little sociability, too little of a disposition to make room for two or three more at the family board without embarrassment or parade. . . .
“God is displeased with the selfish interest so often manifested for ‘me and my family.’ . . .
“When the spirit of hospitality dies, the heart becomes palsied with selfishness.”—The Adventist Home, pp. 445-447.
b. Name two Old Testament examples of Christian hospitality. Genesis 18:1–8; 19:1–3.
“The Bible lays much stress upon the practice of hospitality. Not only does it enjoin hospitality as a duty, but it presents many beautiful pictures of the exercise of this grace and the blessings which it brings. Foremost among these is the experience of Abraham. . . .
“These acts of courtesy God thought of sufficient importance to record in His word; and more than a thousand years later they were referred to by an inspired apostle: ‘Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.’
“The privilege granted Abraham and Lot is not denied to us. By showing hospitality to God’s children we, too, may receive His angels into our dwellings. Even in our day angels in human form enter the homes of men and are entertained by them. And Christians who live in the light of God’s countenance are always accompanied by unseen angels, and these holy beings leave behind them a blessing in our homes.”—Ibid., p. 445.
Tuesday
March 26
3. MARRIAGE IS HONORABLE
a. When did God establish the institution of marriage? Genesis 1:26–28; 2:18, 21–24. How did Christ bless marriage in His ministry? John 2:1–5.
“God celebrated the first marriage. Thus the institution has for its originator the Creator of the universe. ‘Marriage is honourable’; it was one of the first gifts of God to man, and it is one of the two institutions that, after the fall, Adam brought with him beyond the gates of Paradise. When the divine principles are recognized and obeyed in this relation, marriage is a blessing; it guards the purity and happiness of the race, it provides for man’s social needs, it elevates the physical, the intellectual, and the moral nature.
“He who gave Eve to Adam as a helpmeet performed His first miracle at a marriage festival. In the festal hall where friends and kindred rejoiced together, Christ began His public ministry. Thus He sanctioned marriage, recognizing it as an institution that He Himself had established. . . .
“Christ honored the marriage relation by making it also a symbol of the union between Him and His redeemed ones. He Himself is the Bridegroom; the bride is the church, of which, as His chosen one, He says, ‘Thou art all fair, My love; there is no spot in thee.’ ”—The Adventist Home, pp. 25, 26.
“[Christ’s] first miracle was wrought on the occasion of the marriage. Thus He announced to the world that marriage when kept pure and undefiled is a sacred institution.”—Ibid., p. 341.
b. When questioned regarding divorce, what did Christ say to the Pharisees? Matthew 19:1–8. How long must the marriage vow last? Romans 7:1–3; 1 Corinthians 7:39; Malachi 2:14–16.
“In the youthful mind marriage is clothed with romance, and it is difficult to divest it of this feature, with which imagination covers it, and to impress the mind with a sense of the weighty responsibilities involved in the marriage vow. This vow links the destinies of the two individuals with bonds which naught but the hand of death should sever.
“Every marriage engagement should be carefully considered, for marriage is a step taken for life. Both the man and the woman should carefully consider whether they can cleave to each other through the vicissitudes of life as long as they both shall live.”—Ibid., p. 340.
Wednesday
March 27
4. RESPECT TO FAITHFUL LEADERS
a. According to Inspiration, how should church members consider their faithful leaders? Hebrews 13:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13.
“The Bible specially teaches us to beware of lightly bringing accusation against those whom God has called to act as His ambassadors. The apostle Peter, describing a class who are abandoned sinners, says, ‘Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.’ 2 Peter 2:10, 11. And Paul, in his instruction for those who are placed over the church, says, ‘Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.’ 1 Timothy 5:19. He who has placed upon men the heavy responsibility of leaders and teachers of His people will hold the people accountable for the manner in which they treat His servants. We are to honor those whom God has honored.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 386.
b. When Aaron and Miriam rebelled against the leadership of Moses, how did God deal with them? Numbers 12:1–10; Exodus 20:12.
“The judgment visited upon Miriam should be a rebuke to all who yield to jealousy, and murmur against those upon whom God lays the burden of His work.”—Ibid.
“Parents are entitled to a degree of love and respect which is due to no other person. God Himself, who has placed upon them a responsibility for the souls committed to their charge, has ordained that during the earlier years of life, parents shall stand in the place of God to their children. And he who rejects the rightful authority of his parents is rejecting the authority of God. The fifth commandment requires children not only to yield respect, submission, and obedience to their parents, but also to give them love and tenderness, to lighten their cares, to guard their reputation, and to succor and comfort them in old age. It also enjoins respect for ministers and rulers and for all others to whom God has delegated authority.”—Ibid., p. 308.
c. What biblical understanding has been strangely forgotten in modern society—and too often, why? Hebrews 13:17, 18; Leviticus 19:32.
“You often set your opinions up above men and women who have had many more years of experience than yourself, and who are far better qualified to direct and give words of wise judgment than yourself.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 163.
Thursday
March 28
5. JESUS, ALWAYS THE SAME
a. What is written about the two natures of Christ? Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1–3, 14; Hebrews 1:1–3, 6–10.
“By His humanity, Christ touched humanity; by His divinity, He lays hold upon the throne of God. As the Son of man, He gave us an example of obedience; as the Son of God, He gives us power to obey. It was Christ who from the bush on Mount Horeb spoke to Moses saying, ‘I AM THAT I AM. . . . Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.’ Exodus 3:14. This was the pledge of Israel’s deliverance. So when He came ‘in the likeness of men,’ He declared Himself the I AM. The Child of Bethlehem, the meek and lowly Saviour, is God ‘manifest in the flesh.’ 1 Timothy 3:16. And to us He says: ‘I AM the Good Shepherd.’ ‘I AM the living Bread.’ ‘I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life.’ ‘All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.’ John 10:11; 6:51; 14:6; Matthew 28:18. I AM the assurance of every promise. I AM; be not afraid. ‘God with us’ is the surety of our deliverance from sin, the assurance of our power to obey the law of heaven.”—The Desire of Ages, pp. 24, 25.
b. Did Christ lose any of His divine attributes during His incarnation? Explain. Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17.
“God always has been. He is the great I AM. The psalmist declares, ‘Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.’ He is the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity. . . . He is infinite and omnipresent. No words of ours can describe His greatness and majesty.”—Medical Ministry, p. 92.
Friday
March 29
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. How can I escape the pitfall that occurred in Ephesus?
2. Why is hospitality such a valuable asset in the church?
3. If we are serious about Scripture, how must we understand marriage?
4. Explain the far-reaching extent of the fifth commandment.
5. Why is it vital for us to cherish the two natures of Christ?