Sun,
Aug 17
1. A NEW COMMANDMENT
a. How much love was demonstrated by the great Exemplar, and what is its significance for His followers? John 13:1 (last part); 15:13.
“How broad, how full, is this love! The disciples were to love one another as Christ had loved them. This was to be their testimony to the world that Christ was formed within, the hope of glory. At the time the disciples did not understand the new part of that commandment; but after the sufferings of Christ, after His crucifixion and resurrection and ascension to heaven, they began to have some idea of what the love of God comprehended, and of the love they were to exercise one toward another. After the Holy Spirit rested upon them on the day of Pentecost, that love was revealed.”—The Signs of the Times, October 20, 1898.
b. What is the first fruit of the Holy Spirit and what are the evidences that this fruit is being perfected in us? Galatians 5:22; 1 John 4:11–13; 3:18.
“The completeness of Christian character is attained when the impulse to help and bless others springs constantly from within.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 551.
Mon,
Aug 18
2. A NEW COMMANDMENT (CONTINUED)
a. In what sense did Christ refer to brotherly love as “a new commandment”? John 13:34.
“To the disciples this commandment was new; for they had not loved one another as Christ had loved them. He saw that new ideas and impulses must control them; that new principles must be practiced by them; through His life and death they were to receive a new conception of love. The command to love one another had a new meaning in the light of His self-sacrifice. The whole work of grace is one continual service of love, of self-denying, self-sacrificing effort. During every hour of Christ’s sojourn upon the earth, the love of God was flowing from Him in irrepressible streams. All who are imbued with His Spirit will love as He loved. The very principle that actuated Christ will actuate them in all their dealing one with another.”—The Desire of Ages, pp. 677, 678.
b. What reveals that we are the sons of God and the friends of Christ? Romans 8:14; 1 John 3:10.
“Religion consists in doing the words of Christ; not doing to earn God’s favor, but because, all undeserving, we have received the gift of His love. Christ places the salvation of man, not upon profession merely, but upon faith that is made manifest in works of righteousness. Doing, not saying merely, is expected of the followers of Christ. It is through action that character is built. ‘As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.’ Romans 8:14. Not those whose hearts are touched by the Spirit, not those who now and then yield to its power, but they that are led by the Spirit, are the sons of God.”—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pp. 149, 150.
“The character and disposition of Christ’s followers will be like their Master’s. He is the pattern, the holy and perfect example given for Christians to imitate. His true followers will love their brethren and be in harmony with them. They will love their neighbors as Christ has given them example and will make any sacrifice if they can by so doing persuade souls to leave their sins and be converted to the truth.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, pp. 58, 59.
Tue,
Aug 19
3. A SPECIAL TITLE
a. What title does Jesus bestow upon His faithful followers, and why? John 15:15, 14.
“Says Christ: ‘Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.’ This is the condition imposed; this is the test that proves men’s characters.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 188.
“The present is a season of solemn privilege and sacred trust to the servants of God. If these trusts are faithfully kept, great will be the reward of the faithful servant when the Master shall say: ‘Give an account of thy stewardship.’ The earnest toil, the unselfish work, the patient, persevering effort, will be rewarded abundantly; Jesus will say: Henceforth I call you not servants, but friends, guests. The approval of the Master is not given because of the greatness of the work performed, because many things have been gained, but because of the fidelity in even a few things. It is not the great results we attain, but the motives from which we act, that weigh with God. He prizes goodness and faithfulness more than the greatness of the work accomplished.”—Ibid., vol. 2, pp. 510, 511.
b. For what purpose did Jesus choose us, and what are the responsibilities that accompany this privilege? John 15:16, 17.
“Our Saviour manifested for us a love that the love of man can never equal. When we were bruised and dying, He had pity upon us. He did not pass us by on the other side, and leave us, helpless and hopeless, to perish. He did not remain in His holy, happy home, where He was beloved by all the heavenly host. He beheld our sore need, He undertook our case, and identified His interests with those of humanity. He died to save His enemies. He prayed for His murderers. Pointing to His own example, He says to His followers, ‘These things I command you, that ye love one another’; ‘as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.’ John 15:17; 13:34.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 381, 382.
“We may claim to be followers of Christ, we may claim to believe every truth in the word of God; but this will do our neighbor no good unless our belief is carried into our daily life.”—Ibid., p. 383.
Wed,
Aug 20
4. PERSECUTED BY THE WORLD
a. What does the world do to the friends of Christ? Why? John 15:18, 19.
“When men are bound together, not by force or self-interest, but by love, they show the working of an influence that is above every human influence. Where this oneness exists, it is evidence that the image of God is being restored in humanity, that a new principle of life has been implanted. It shows that there is power in the divine nature to withstand the supernatural agencies of evil, and that the grace of God subdues the selfishness inherent in the natural heart.
“This love, manifested in the church, will surely stir the wrath of Satan. Christ did not mark out for His disciples an easy path.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 678.
b. Why did the world persecute Christ, and why are His followers also persecuted? John 3:19, 20; 15:20, 21.
“Between righteousness and sin, love and hatred, truth and falsehood, there is an irrepressible conflict. When one presents the love of Christ and the beauty of holiness, he is drawing away the subjects of Satan’s kingdom, and the prince of evil is aroused to resist it. Persecution and reproach await all who are imbued with the Spirit of Christ. The character of the persecution changes with the times, but the principle—the spirit that underlies it—is the same that has slain the chosen of the Lord ever since the days of Abel.”—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 29.
“The truth of God has never been popular with the world. The natural heart is ever averse to the truth. I thank God that we must renounce the love of the world, and pride of heart, and everything which tends to idolatry, in order to be followers of the Man of Calvary. Those who obey the truth will never be loved and honored by the world. From the lips of the divine Teacher, as He walked in humility among the children of men, were heard the words: Whosoever will be My disciple, let him take up his cross, and follow Me. Yes, follow our Exemplar. Was He seeking for praise and honor of men? Oh, no! Shall we then seek for honor or praise from worldlings?
“Those who have no love for God will not love the children of God. Listen to the words of heavenly instruction: ‘Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you.’ ”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 491.
Thu,
Aug 21
5. DIVINE LOVE IN THE LIFE OF THE BELIEVERS
a. How does the apostle Paul distinguish between spurious vs. true Christian love? 1 Corinthians 13:1–8.
“No matter how high the profession, he whose heart is not filled with love for God and his fellow men is not a true disciple of Christ. Though he should possess great faith and have power even to work miracles, yet without love his faith would be worthless. He might display great liberality; but should he, from some other motive than genuine love, bestow all his goods to feed the poor, the act would not commend him to the favor of God. In his zeal he might even meet a martyr’s death, yet if not actuated by love, he would be regarded by God as a deluded enthusiast or an ambitious hypocrite.”—The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 318, 319.
b. What must we realize about the characteristics commended by Christ in Revelation 3:10–12, as well as the promises to those possessing them?
“The pure and holy garments are not prepared to be put on by any one after he has entered the gate of the city. All who enter will have on the robe of Christ’s righteousness and the name of God will be seen in their foreheads. This name is the symbol which the apostle saw in vision, and signifies the yielding of the mind to intelligent and loyal obedience to all of God’s commandments. There will be no covering up of sins and faults to hide the deformity of character; no robes will be half washed; but all will be pure and spotless.”—The Youth’s Instructor, August 18, 1886.
Fri,
Aug 22
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What qualities of divine love does Christ want to develop in me?
2. What is hindering me from receiving Christ’s unselfish love in its fullness?
3. How is Christ’s commandment to be new to me?
4. Why shouldn’t I be surprised at persecution?
5. Describe the blessings to the believers in the period of Philadelphia.