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ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP

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Lesson 7 Sabbath, November 17, 2012

Clothed With Humility

“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).

“The Majesty of heaven clothed Himself with the humility of a child. This is the character of Christ.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 422.

Suggested Readings:   Prophets and Kings, pp. 143-153
  Early Writings, pp. 56-58

Sunday November 11

1. THE MISSION OF ELIJAH

a. What summarized the life goal of the prophet Elijah? 1 Kings 18:30, 36.

“God would have His honor exalted before men as supreme, and His counsels confirmed in the eyes of the people. The witness of the prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel gives the example of one who stood wholly for God and His work in the earth. The prophet calls the Lord by His name, Jehovah God, which He Himself had given to denote His condescension and compassion. Elijah calls Him the God of Abraham and Isaac and Israel. He does this that He may excite in the hearts of His backslidden people humble remembrance of the Lord, and assure them of His rich free grace. Elijah prays, ‘Be it known this day that thou art the God of Israel.’ The honor of God is to be exalted as supreme, but the prophet asks further that his mission also may be confirmed. . . .

“Elijah’s whole life was devoted to the work of reform. He was a voice crying in the wilderness to rebuke sin and press back the tide of moral evil. And while he came to the people as a reprover of sin, his message offered the balm of Gilead for the sin-sick souls of all who would be healed. His zeal for God’s glory and his deep love for the house of Israel present lessons for the instruction of all who stand today as representatives of God’s work in the earth.”—Loma Linda Messages, p. 572.


Monday November 12

2. THE CONTRAST ON MOUNT CARMEL

a. Describe the prayer of Elijah on Mount Carmel in contrast to that which had been offered by the followers of Baal. 1 Kings 18:37–39; 26–29.

“Reminding the people of the long-continued apostasy that has awakened the wrath of Jehovah, Elijah calls upon them to humble their hearts and turn to the God of their fathers, that the curse upon the land of Israel may be removed. Then, bowing reverently before the unseen God, he raises his hands toward heaven and offers a simple prayer. Baal’s priests have screamed and foamed and leaped, from early morning until late in the afternoon; but as Elijah prays, no senseless shrieks resound over Carmel’s height. He prays as if he knows Jehovah is there, a witness to the scene, a listener to his appeal. The prophets of Baal have prayed wildly, incoherently. Elijah prays simply and fervently, asking God to show His superiority over Baal, that Israel may be led to turn to Him.”—Prophets and Kings, p. 152.

b. As the answer to Elijah’s prayer came immediately—but not the rain—what does this teach us about faith and works? 1 Kings 18:40–45.

“The servant watched while Elijah prayed. Six times he returned from the watch, saying, There is nothing, no cloud, no sign of rain. But the prophet did not give up in discouragement. He kept reviewing his life, to see where he had failed to honor God, he confessed his sins, and thus continued to afflict his soul before God, while watching for a token that his prayer was answered. As he searched his heart, he seemed to be less and less, both in his own estimation and in the sight of God. It seemed to him that he was nothing, and that God was everything; and when he reached the point of renouncing self, while he clung to the Saviour as his only strength and righteousness, the answer came. . . .

“There never was a more solemn time in the history of the world than the time in which we are now living. . . . What we are, what we are doing, what is to be our course of action in the future, are all questions of untold moment, and we cannot afford to be listless, indifferent, unconcerned. It becomes each one of us to inquire, ‘What is eternity to me?’ ”—The Review and Herald, May 26, 1891.


Tuesday November 13

3. CHRISTIAN MODESTY AT RISK

a. How does Christ describe the professed churches of today? Isaiah 4:1. In the chapter introducing this prophecy, what picture is given—and what spiritual battle is now at stake? Isaiah 3:7–9, 16, 22–25; Matthew 5:27–29.

“The love of dress endangers the morals and makes woman the opposite of the Christian lady, characterized by modesty and sobriety. Showy, extravagant dress too often encourages lust in the heart of the wearer and awakens base passions in the heart of the beholder. God sees that the ruin of the character is frequently preceded by the indulgence of pride and vanity in dress.”—Counsels on Health, p. 602.

“The world is crazy after show and fashion and pleasure. Licentiousness is steadily and fearfully on the increase. Why will not Christians be true to their high profession!

“Christ is ashamed of His professed followers. Wherein do we bear any resemblance to Him? Wherein does our dress conform to the Bible requirements? I do not want the sins of the people upon me, and I will give the trumpet a certain sound. For years I have borne a plain and decided testimony upon this subject, in print and upon the speaker’s stand. I have not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God. I must be clear of the blood of all. The fact that worldliness and pride bear almost universal sway is no excuse for one Christian to do as others do. God has said: ‘Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil’ (Exodus 23:2).

“Fashion is deteriorating the intellect and eating out the spirituality of our people. Obedience to fashion is pervading our Seventh-day Adventist churches and is doing more than any other power to separate our people from God. I have been shown that our church rules are very deficient. All exhibitions of pride in dress, which is forbidden in the word of God, should be sufficient reason for church discipline. If there is a continuance, in face of warnings and appeals and entreaties, to still follow the perverse will, it may be regarded as proof that the heart is in no way assimilated to Christ. Self, and only self, is the object of adoration, and one such professed Christian will lead many away from God.

“There is a terrible sin upon us as a people, that we have permitted our church members to dress in a manner inconsistent with their faith. We must arise at once and close the door against the allurements of fashion. Unless we do this, our churches will become demoralized.”—Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 647, 648.


Wednesday November 14

4. DELIVERANCE ASSURED TO THE REMNANT

a. In harmony with 1 Timothy 2:8–10, how does the prophecy of Isaiah 3 and 4 foresee the final victory for God’s holy remnant? Isaiah 4:3, 4.

“Puritan plainness and simplicity should mark the dwellings and apparel of all who believe the solemn truths for this time.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 189.

“The power of godliness has well-nigh departed from many of the churches. Picnics, church theatricals, church fairs, fine houses, personal display, have banished thoughts of God. Lands and goods and worldly occupations engross the mind, and things of eternal interest receive hardly a passing notice.

“Notwithstanding the widespread declension of faith and piety, there are true followers of Christ in these churches. 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 Great Controversy, pp. 463, 464.

b. How is this a key to our security in the time of trouble? Isaiah 4:5, 6; 33:14–16.

“The Lord has shown me in vision, repeatedly, that it is contrary to the Bible to make any provision for our temporal wants in the time of trouble. I saw that if the saints have food laid up by them, or in the fields, in the time of trouble when sword, famine, and pestilence are in the land, it will be taken from them by violent hands, and strangers would reap their fields. Then will be the time for us to trust wholly in God, and He will sustain us. I saw that our bread and water would be sure at that time, and we should not lack, or suffer hunger. The Lord has shown me that some of His children would fear when they see the price of food rising, and they would buy food and lay it by for the time of trouble. Then in a time of need, I saw them go to their food and look at it, and it had bred worms, and was full of living creatures, and not fit for use.”—Maranatha, p. 181.


Thursday November 15

5. MEEKNESS IN A DAZZLING WORLD

a. How does God summarize His call to His final, faithful remnant? Zephaniah 2:1–3; 3:8–13.

b. In thus seeking meekness (Zephaniah 2:3), what can we learn from the counsel given to one who lacked this trait? 1 Peter 5:5.

“You imagine troubles and trials which do not exist; you exaggerate little annoyances into grievous trials. This is not the meekness which Christ blessed. It is an unsanctified, rebellious, unfilial discontent. Meekness is a precious grace, willing to suffer silently, willing to endure trials. Meekness is patient and labors to be happy under all circumstances. Meekness is always thankful and makes its own songs of happiness, making melody in the heart to God. Meekness will suffer disappointment and wrong, and will not retaliate. Meekness is not to be silent and sulky. A morose temper is the opposite of meekness; for this only wounds and gives pain to others, and takes no pleasure to itself.

“You have but just entered the school of Christ. You have almost everything yet to learn. You do not now dress extravagantly, but you have pride of appearance. You desire to dress with less simplicity. You think considerably more of dress than you should. . . . [Matthew 11:28–30 quoted.] Submit your neck to the yoke which Christ imposes and you will find in this submission the very happiness that you have tried to gain to yourself in your own way by following your own course.

“You may be cheerful if you will bring even your thoughts into subjection to the will of Christ. You should make no delay, but closely search your own heart and die to self daily.”—Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 335, 336.


Friday November 16

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. How can we compare the work and mission of Elijah to our own?

2. When there is a delay to answered prayer, what are we then to do?

3. How is our literal clothing to reflect our spiritual calling?

4. What characterizes the dress, deportment, and home of the faithful few?

5. How can we cultivate the essential grace of Christlike meekness?

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