Sunday
August 21
1. THE SHADOW MEETS THE SUBSTANCE
a. Why was Moses’ “handwriting of ordinances” in force only until the cross? Colossians 2:14, 17.
“The ceremonial system was made up of symbols pointing to Christ, to His sacrifice and His priesthood. This ritual law, with its sacrifices and ordinances, was to be performed by the Hebrews until type met antitype in the death of Christ, the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Then all the sacrificial offerings were to cease. It is this law that Christ ‘took . . . out of the way, nailing it to his cross’ (Colossians 2:14).”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 365.
b. What is meant by the ordinances (Ephesians 2:15; Hebrews 10:1, 8) being only “a shadow of good things to come”? Hebrews 9:11, 12; 10:12.
“The sacrificial offering was to be an object lesson of the love of God revealed in Christ—in the suffering, dying victim, who took upon Himself the sin of which man was guilty, the innocent being made sin for us.”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 233.
Monday
August 22
2. PRIVILEGED, YET PROUD
a. Why was the law of Moses to stand as a witness against the people of Israel? Deuteronomy 31:24–26.
b. According to the foresight of God, what would the Jews do after taking possession of the Promised Land? Deuteronomy 31:16, 29.
c. Which ordinance of the law of Moses, especially, created enmity between Jews and Gentiles? Numbers 3:38; 16:40; 18:4, 7.
d. How did the scribes and Pharisees make matters worse by their traditions? Matthew 23:4. What were the people required to do upon their return from the market, to make sure any contamination through contact with the Gentiles would be washed away? Mark 7:1–4.
“Among the observances most strenuously enforced was that of ceremonial purification. A neglect of the forms to be observed before eating was accounted a heinous sin, to be punished both in this world and in the next; and it was regarded as a virtue to destroy the transgressor.
“The rules in regard to purification were numberless. The period of a lifetime was scarcely sufficient for one to learn them all. The life of those who tried to observe the rabbinical requirements was one long struggle against ceremonial defilement, an endless round of washings and purifications. While the people were occupied with trifling distinctions, and observances which God had not required, their attention was turned away from the great principles of His law.”—The Desire of Ages, pp. 395, 396.
e. What danger exists even today among all who are entrusted with the oracles of God? Luke 18:9–14.
“Brethren, when you humble your hearts before God, you will see that there is danger of pharisaism in every church, danger of thinking and praying as did the self-righteous Pharisee: [Luke 18:11 quoted].”—Manuscript Releases, vol. 11, p. 267.
Tuesday
August 23
3. A PARTITION WALL BROKEN DOWN
a. What did John the Baptist and Jesus declare about the privilege to be extended to non-Jews? Matthew 3:9; 8:11, 12; John 1:29.
“Christ knew that His kingdom would be perfected, and would extend throughout the world. He would work as the Restorer, and His Spirit would prevail. For a moment He looked into futurity, and heard the voices proclaiming in all parts of the earth, ‘Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world’ (John 1:29). In these strangers He saw the pledge of a great harvest, when the partition wall between Jew and Gentile should be broken down, and all nations, tongues, and peoples should hear the message of salvation. . . . The gathering in of the Gentiles was to follow His approaching death.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 622.
b. What explanation did Peter give, revealing how God opened his mind concerning His plan for the Gentiles? Acts 11:4–12; 15:7–9.
“[Peter] related his experience in regard to the vision [in Acts 10:9–16] and pleaded that it admonished him to observe no longer the ceremonial distinction of circumcision and uncircumcision, nor to look upon the Gentiles as unclean.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 141.
“The opinion is held by many that God placed a separating wall between the Hebrews and the outside world; that His care and love, withdrawn to a great extent from the rest of mankind, were centered upon Israel. But God did not design that His people should build up a wall of partition between themselves and their fellow men. The heart of Infinite Love was reaching out toward all the inhabitants of the earth. Though they had rejected Him, He was constantly seeking to reveal Himself to them and make them partakers of His love and grace. His blessing was granted to the chosen people, that they might bless others.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 368.
c. As believers cherishing like precious faith in the present truth of the three angels’ messages, what are we ever to keep in mind? Galatians 3:26–29.
Wednesday
August 24
4. TWO DISTINCT LAW SYSTEMS
a. What explanation did Paul give concerning the old law separating Jews and Gentiles—a law which had been abolished? Ephesians 2:11–19. How did he explain that, under the gospel, all are equal in God’s sight? Romans 3:22, 23; 9:24–26, 30.
“Paul set forth the great truth of human brotherhood, declaring that God ‘hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth’ (Acts 17:26). In the sight of God all are on an equality, and to the Creator every human being owes supreme allegiance.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 238.
b. What other ceremonial precept—a precept which was a sign of righteousness and of belonging to the Jewish nation—was also abolished at the cross? Romans 4:9–11; Acts 15:1, 5, 10, 11.
c. Were any of the Ten Commandments of the moral law—written by Christ (Deuteronomy 4:13; 9:9, 10)—abolished, or reduced, or changed? Matthew 5:17–20; 22:36–40; Luke 16:17.
d. What should we learn from how Paul revealed the contrast between the law-breaking Jews and the law-abiding Christians converted from among the Gentiles? Romans 2:23–27; 8:7; 1 Corinthians 7:19.
“The carnal mind is enmity against God, and it rebels against His will. . . .
“If God’s people would recognize His dealings with them and accept His teachings, they would find a straight path for their feet and a light to guide them through darkness and discouragement.”—Reflecting Christ, p. 64.
Thursday
August 25
5. ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!
a. Explain “Peter’s ladder” (2 Peter 1:1–7)—whereby we partake of the divine nature—in contrast to Satan’s counterfeit of self-trust, doubt, being led by feelings, appetite, pride, compromise, judgmentalism, and, finally, emotionalism. What fruit reveals that a judgmental attitude has been replaced by brotherly kindness and charity? Galatians 6:1–3, 10.
“Be not like the Pharisees, who were blinded with spiritual pride, self-righteousness, and self-sufficiency, and who because of this were forsaken of God. For years I have been receiving instructions and warnings that this was the danger to our people.”—The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, p. 166.
“Nothing can perfect unity in the church but the spirit of Christlike forbearance. Satan can sow discord; Christ alone can harmonize the disagreeing elements. Then let every soul sit down in Christ’s school and learn of Christ, who declares Himself to be meek and lowly of heart. . . .
“The great truths of the Word of God are so clearly stated that none need make a mistake in understanding them. When as individual members of the church, you love God supremely and your neighbor as yourself, there will be no need of labored efforts to be in unity, for there will be oneness in Christ as a natural result. The ears will no longer be open to reports that will injure your neighbor, and no one will take up a reproach against his neighbor.”—Manuscript Releases, vol. 11, pp. 266, 267.
“What mother ever loved her child as Jesus loves His children? He looks upon the marred character with grief deeper, keener than any mother’s. He sees the future retribution of an evil course of action. Then let everything be done that can be done for the neglected soul.”—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 287.
Friday
August 26
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Why is it wrong to try to blend the moral and ceremonial laws?
2. Which law caused enmity between Jew and Gentile, and how did the Jews make it worse by adding hateful traditions?
3. How did Christ predict that all would have equal access to Him?
4. Why was the wall between Jew and Gentile to be broken down?
5. What did Christ confirm in contrast to what was nailed to the cross?