The Time: Sabbath School Lessons

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~ SECOND QUARTER 1987 ~
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Lesson Titles for This Quarter
THE TIME AND THE WORK
1. The Denominational Default and Its Conse-

quences
2. A Great Work in a Short Time
3. The Present Need: Qualified Workers
4. Individual Responsibility and Self-Training
5. Requirements for Successful Christian Service
6. Conquering Obstacles for the Progress of
the Work
7. Screening Prospective Workers - Part I
8. Screening Prospective Workers - Part II
9. Working for Special Classes
10. Eleventh Hour Workers
11. Facing Trials and Difficulties
12. Standing Before Deceptions
13. The Finishing of the Work
The Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, Planning for Health, for April-June 1987, is pub-
lished by the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement General Conference, Sabbath School
Department. It is printed and distributed by Reformation Herald Publishing Association (R H P A),
P.O. Box 7240, Roanoke, Virginia 24019, U.S.A.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
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FOREWORD
Our Sabbath school lessons for this quarter, entitled THE TIME AND
THE WORK, are designed to arouse our attention to our great needs and
duties in connection with the great closing work, in view of the nearness of
the end.
"Time is short. Workers for Christ are needed everywhere. There
should be a hundred earnest, faithful laborers in home and foreign mission
fields where now there is but one. The highways and byways are yet un-
worked. Urgent inducements should be held out to those who ought now to
be engaged in work of the Master."-The Review and Herald, May 16,1912.
Evident facts are before us: The end is at the door, and there is still a
great work to be done. This means that we need to have entire consecration
to the Lord and to follow His directions faithfully, so that He can use us as
His instruments in the fulfillment of His designs in this brief remnant of
time. One of the main questions to which we, especially the younger ones,
should give much consideration at this time is the need of more qualified
workers.
"The burden bearers among us are dropping off into the silent grave.
The active members of the church, the true workers in all reforms, are most-
ly past the meridian of life, and are declining in physical and mental
strength. We should anxiously contemplate who are to rise up and fill their
places. To whom are to be committed the vital interests of the church? The
question may be asked by us with the deepest concern. Who will bear the
responsibilities of the cause of God when a few more standard-bearers fall?
We can but look anxiously upon the youth of today as those who must take
these burdens, and upon whom responsibilities must fall." - Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 128.
It is our earnest prayer that the burden that our older workers have upon
their hearts will be shared by all; and that a change will take. place in many
hearts, homes, and local churches as these lessons are studied prayerfully
and discussed among the members; and that a good number of our younger
brethren will respond to the obvious needs of the work.
May the Lord richly bless both teachers and students.
The General Conference Sabbath School Department
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Thirteenth Sabbath Offering
Chapel in South Korea
South Korea is a republic of the southern Korean Peninsula, chiefly south of the
38th parallel. Over 33 million people (according to a 1972 estimate) live in an area of
38,022 square miles (or 98,477 km 2).
The country does not have an official religion. There are about 5 million Bud-
dhists, over 4 million Confucians, about 4 million Christians, and two local religions
with a smaller following. One of the greatest blessings that the South Koreans enjoy
is religious freedom.
In 1975, two delegates from Australia, on their way to the General Conference
Session to be held in Brasilia, Brazil, visited Korea and went to an SDA ministerial
gathering, where they gave out some of our publications. The Korean Adventist
minister, workers, and members in general, seemed to be much more zealous for the
truth than their brethren in many other countries, and it was evident that they were
not happy with the low standards exhibited by their counterparts from the English-
speaking world. The two visitors met strong opposition, especially on the part of
some of the ministers, who strongly defended their church. That did not mean to our
brethren, however, that they had knocked on the wrong door. The contacts made
were not in vain. Some of the good seed sown fell on good ground, and a few honest
hearts responded favorably.
At the end of 1977, one of the Korean ministers who attended that ministerial
gathering in 1975, sent an invitation to our leaders, saying that he and others were
prepared to undertake the work of reformation in Korea, but that they needed our
cooperation.
Two of our leading brethren visited Korea in March and April 1978, fellowshiped
48 Reform-minded Adventists, and organized the South Korea Mission with head-
quarters in Seoul, the capital city.
In spite of the difficulties, the work in Korea is going ahead. Preparations are now
being made for the construction of a chapel on a lot that was donated by one of our
brethren. Building lots in that area are very expensive. This means that a great
sacrifice has already been made. Of course, our Korean brethren are willing to make
more sacrifices, without which they know they would not be able to build at all. But
they need the help of their brethren living in other countries. This is the basis of their
appeal for a special offering to be taken up at the last Sabbath of this quarter.
Our members and friends around the world are, therefore, requested to think and
pray about the needs in Korea, and come prepared to make an extra sacrifice, giving a
more generous Sabbath school offering on June 27th. May God bless all givers.
The General Conference Sabbath School Department
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Lesson 1 Sabbath, April 4, 1987
THE DENOMINATIONAL DEFAULT

AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
"True religion means living the Word in your practical life. Your profession
is not of any value without the practical doing of the Word:'-The SDA Bible
Commentary [E.G. White Comments), vol. 7, p. 935.
KEY TEXT: "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.
Profession or Works D Sunday

March 29
1. What condition, present among the Laodiceans, counteracts the preaching

of the truth? Revelation 3:15.
"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.
"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 unto everlasting life."-Prophets and Kings, p. 232.
2. How does history repeat itself in this case? 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.... The Pharisees claimed to be children
of Abraham, and boasted of their possession of the oracles of God; yet these advan-
tages did not preserve them from selfishness, malignity, greed for gain, and the
basest hypocrisy. They thought themselves the greatest religionists of the world, but
their so-called orthodoxy led them to crucify the Lord of glory.
"The same danger still exists. Many take it for granted that they are Christians,
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.
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History Is a Warning o Monday
March 30
3. How is modern Israel repeating the sin of ancient Israel? What is the conse-
quence? Hosea 4:6; Romans 11:19-21.
"The sin of ancient Israel was in disregarding the expressed will of God and
following their own way according to the leadings of unsanctified hearts. Modern
Israel are fast following in their footsteps, and the displeasure of the Lord is as surely
resting upon them."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 94.
"The result of Israel's sin is before us. Will the church of today take warning?"
-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 306.
4. What description fits a church united with the world? Isaiah 1:21 (first part);
Hosea 2:2.
"If most earnest vigilance is not manifested at the great heart of the work to pro-
tect the interests of the cause, the church will become as corrupt as the churches of
other denominations."-Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 513.
"The world must not be introduced into the church, and married to the church,
forming a bond of unity. Through this means the church will become indeed corrupt,
and as stated in Revelation, 'a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.' "-Testimonies
to Ministers, p. 265.
"The church is in the Laodicean state. The presence of God is not in her midst."
-Manuscript 156, 1898.
" 'How is the faithful city become an harlot!' My Father's house is made a house
of merchandise, a place whence the divine presence and glory have departed!"- Testi-
monies, vol. 8, p. 250. (Read the whole chapter.)
Without the Presence of God o Tuesday

March 31
5. Who was the leader of the Jewish church in the days of Christ? John 8:44
(first part). Under whose control do the Laodicean majority place themselves
as a denomination while the test is slowly approaching?
"As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third
message, but have not been sanctified through it, abandon their position, and take
refuge under the bamler of the powers of darkness."-The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, p.
426.
"Already has the power of darkness placed its mold and superscription upon the
work that should stand forth untainted, unpolluted from Satan's cunning devices."
- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 277.
6. What will the Adventist denomination be doing, even without the presence
of God, to the very end of probation? Isaiah 58:2.
"The forms of religion will be continued by a people from whom the Spirit of God
has been finally withdrawn; and the satanic zeal with which the prince of evil will in-
spire them for the accomplishment of his malignant designs, will bear the semblance
of zeal for God."-The Great Controversy, p. 615.
"But the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel; although many still con-
tinued the forms of religion, His power and presence were lacking." - Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 210. (Read the whole chapter.)
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No Acceptance Before God D Wednesday
April 1
7. How did the Jewish leaders mislead their own people and the Gentiles? Mat·
thew 15:14; Romans 2:17-24. How are the unrepentant Laodiceans follow-
ing in the footsteps of the Jews? Revelation 3: 17. What compromise are they
willing to make, yielding to worldly demands?
"A company was presented before me under the name of Seventh-day Advent-
ists, who were advising that the banner or sign which makes us a distinctive people
should not be held out so strikingly; for they claimed it was not the best policy in
securing success to our institutions."-Selected Messages, book 2, p. 385.
"I was shown a company who were howling in agony. On their garments was
written in large characters, 'Thou art weighed in the balance, and found wanting.' I
• asked who this company were. The angel said, 'These are they who have once kept
the Sabbath and have given it up.' I heard them cry with a loud voice, 'We have
believed in Thy coming, and taught it with energy.' And while they were speaking,
their eyes would fall upon their garments and see the writing, and then they would
wail aloud."-Early Writings, p. 37.
8. Why does the Lord refuse to accept their work and their worship? Revelation
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."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 408.
"The 4eavenly 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?' "-Ibid., vol. 8, p. 249.
"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."-Ibid., vol. 5, p. 189.
A Faithful Remnant D Thursday

April 2
9. What principle in connection with the spiritual vineyard have the successive
churches throughout the centuries been unwilling to admit? Luke 20:16. What
provision does the Lord have for the preservation of the truth? Romans 9:27,
29; 11:5; Revelation 12:17.
"Because they [the Jews] failed of fulfilling God's purpose, the children of Israel
were set aside, and God's call was extended to other peoples. If these too prove un-
faithful, will they not in like manner be rejected?" -Christ's Object Lessons, p. 304.
"Thank God, all will not be rocked to sleep in the cradle of carnal security. There
will be faithful ones who will discern the signs of the times. While a large number pro-
fessing present truth will deny theidaith by their works, there will be some who will
endure unto the end."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 10.
10. As the Lord cannot use the unrepentant Laodiceans, whom does He call to
carryon the work? Revelation 3:20.
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"Many who have had great light have not appreciated and improved it. ... Christ
declares that He will spue these out of His mouth....
"The Lord will give His message to those who have walked in accordance with
the light they have had, and will recognize them as true and faithful, according to the
measurement of God. These men will take the place of those who, having light and
knowledge, have walked not in the way of the Lord, but in the imagination of their
own unsanctified hearts."-Selected Messages, book 3, pp. 421, 422.
"He [God] will take His Holy Spirit from the church, and give it to others who will
appreciate it."-The Review and Herald, July 16, 1895.
Recapitulation o Friday
April 3
a. How can people be misled in spite of having the truth presented to them?
How can the truth become a curse to those who preach it and to those who
hear it?
b. What comparison does the Spirit of Prophecy make between the nominal
Adventist Church on the one hand and ancient Israel as well as the deno-
minational churches on the other hand?
c. What shows that the nominal church does not realize that the presence of
God has been withdrawn from her?
d. What is the meaning of Revelation 3:16?
e. How can you prove, by the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy, that when the
mother church, represented by the majority, turns away from God, He uses a
faithful remnant, whom He recognizes as His true church? •
* * * * *
"The time is not far distant, when the test will come to every soul.
... In this time the gold will be separated from the dross in the
church. True godliness will be clearly distinguished from the appear-
ance and tinsel of it. Many a star that we have admired for its brilliancy
will then go out in darkness. Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on
the wind, even from places where we see only floors of rich wheat. All
who assume the ornaments of the sanctuary, but are not clothed with
Christ's righteousness, will appear in the shame of their own naked-
ness." - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 81.
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Lesson 2 Sabbath, Apri111, 1987
A GREAT WORK IN A SHORT TIME
"Christ has given 'to every man his work' (Mark 13:34). He expects every man
to do his work with fidelity. High and low, rich and poor, all have a work to
do for the Master.".-Selected Messages, book I, p. 266.
KEY TEXT: "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night
cometh, when no man can work." John 9:4.
These Are the Last Days D Sunday

April 5
1. What period of time is pointed out in John 9:4 (last part)? Compare with John
11:9, 10. What does the servant of the Lord say about this last remnant of
time?
"The angel of mercy is folding her wings, ready to depart. Already the Lord's
restraining power is being withdrawn from the earth, and Satan is seeking to stir up
the various elements in the religious world, leading men to place themselves under
the training of the great deceiver, who works with all deceivableness of unrighteous-
ness in the children of disobedience. Already the inhabitants of the earth are marshal-
ing under the leading of the prince of darkness, and this is but the beginning of the end.
"The law of God is made void. We see and hear of confusion and perplexity, want
and famine, earthquakes and floods; terrible outrages will be committed by men; pas-
sion, not reason, bears sway. The wrath of God is upon the inhabitants of the world,
who are fast becoming as corrupt as were the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Already fire and flood are destroying thousands of lives and the property that has
been selfishly accumulated by the oppression of the poor. The Lord is soon to cut
short His work and put an end to sin."-Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 49.
2. What do we read about the shortness of this last remnant of the time of pro-
bation? Matthew 24:33; Luke 21:28.
"The day is at hand. For the lessons to be learned, the work to be done, the trans-
formation of character to be effected, the time remaining is but too brief a span."
-Education, p. 184.
God Will Cut Shott His Work D Monday

April 6
3. How long will we be able to work for the Lord? Matthew 20:12.
"There is a great work to be done in a short time. We need to understand our

work, and to do it with fidelity."-Counsels on Stewardship, p. 44.
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4. What is written about the final phase of God's work on earth? Romans 9:28.
"I saw that the quick work that God was doing on the earth would soon be cut
short in righteousness and that the messengers must speed swiftly on their way to
search out the scattered flock."-Early Writings, p. 50.
"The Lord God of heaven will not send upon the world His judgments for disobe-
dience and transgression until He has sent His watchmen to give the warning. He will
not close up the period of probation until the message shall be more distinctly pro-
claimed. The law of God is to be magnified; its claims must be presented in their true,
sacred character, that the people may be brought to decide for or against the truth.
Yet the work will be cut short in righteousness."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 19.
The World's Need D Tuesday

April 7
5. What need, existing in the world, places a great responsibility upon us as a
church and as individuals? Isaiah 59:14, 15.
"The world is in need of workers who will labor as Christ did for the suffering and
the sinful. There is indeed a multitude to be reached. The world is full of sickness,
suffering, distress, and sin. It is full of those who need to be ministered unto-the
weak, the helpless, the ignorant, the degraded."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 254.
"Nigh and afar off are souls, not only the youth but those of all ages, who are in
poverty and distress, sunken in sin, and weighed down with a sense of guilt. It is the
work of God's servants to seek for these souls, to pray with them and for them, and
lead them step by step to the Saviour."-Ibid., p. 255.
6. What must unbelievers see before some of them will be convinced that there
is a God in heaven? Matthew 25:37-40.
"Many have lost the sense of eternal realities, lost the similitude of God, and they
hardly know whether they have souls to be saved or not. They have neither faith in
God nor confidence in man. But they can understand and appreciate acts of practical
sympathy and helpfulness. As they see one with no inducement of earthly praise or
compensation come into their wretched homes, ministering to the sick, feeding the
hungry, clothing the naked, and tenderly pointing all to Him of whose love and pity
the human worker is but the messenger-as they see this, their hearts are touched.
Gratitude springs up. Faith is kindled."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 259.
Under Difficult Circumstances D Wednesday

April 8
7. Under what circumstances will we have to do the work that the Lord has en·
trusted to us? Isaiah 66:5; Matthew 24:9, 10.
"The work which the church has failed to do in a time of peace and prosperity she
will have to do in a terrible crisis under most discouraging, forbidding circumstances.
The warnings that worldly conformity has silenced or withheld must be given under
the fiercest opposition from enemies of the faith. And at that time the superficial, con-
servative class, whose influence has steadily retarded the progress of the work, will
renounce the faith and take their stand with its avowed enemies, toward whom their
sympathies have long been tending. These apostates will then manifest the most bitter
enmity, doing all in their power to oppress and malign their former brethren and to
excite indignation against them. This day is just before us."- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 463.
-10-
8. What instruction of Jesus will have a special application in the days of perse-
cution? Matthew 10:23.
"When the religious denominations unite with the papacy to oppress God's peo-
ple, places where there is religious freedom will be opened by evangelistic canvass-
ing. If in one place the persecution becomes severe, let the workers do as Christ has
directed. 'When they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another.' If persecution
comes there, go to still another place. God will lead His people, making them a bless-
ing in many places."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 478.
"The lives of the workers may be endangered by those who are controlled by
Satan. It is then their privilege to follow the example of their Master, and go to
another place."-Gospel Workers, p. 410.
Our Present Duty D Thursday

April 9
9. What is our present duty in view of the great need of the world and the short-
ness of time? Romans 13:11; Ephesians 5:14-18.
"We should have a continual sense of the shortness of time and of the fearful
events which prophecy has declared must speedily take place. It is because these
truths are not made a reality that the life is so inconsistent with the truth which we
profess."-Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 612.
10. How will our actions show that we are wide awake? Luke 12:37; 1 Thessalo-
nians 5:6-8, 16-23.
"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 in-
telligences in working for the salvation of souls."- The Desire of Ages, p. 634.
"We should watch and work and pray as though this were the last day that would
be granted us. How intensely earnest, then, would be our life. How closely would we
follow Jesus in all our words and deeds."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 200.
Recapitulation D Friday
April 10
a. On the basis of what evidences do you think that these are the last days?
b. What do we understand by the statement that "the work will be cut short in
righteousness"?
c. What is the great need of the world? How will many souls be convinced by the
truth? In what area of our work should we put much more emphasis?
d. What must we expect on the part of the earthly governments and the deno-
minational churches? How are we to act when persecution comes?
e. With what thought should we pray, and watch, and work? •
-11-
THE PRESENT NEED:

QUALIFIED WORKERS
"Time is short. Workers for Christ are needed everywhere. There should be a
hundred earnest, faithful laborers in home and foreign mission fields where
now there is but one."-The Review and Herald, May 16,1912.
KEY TEXT: "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and
how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how
shall they hear without a preacher?" Romans 10:14.
Character D Sunday
April 12
1. As far as character is concerned, for what kind of men is God calling? Psalm
15; Exodus 18:21 (first part).
"We have a work to do which but few realize. It is to carry the truth to all nations.
There is a broad field for laborers in foreign lands as well as in America. God calls for
men who are devoted, pure, largehearted, broad-minded, and humble to enter these
fields." - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 580.
"The greatest want of the world is the want of men-men who will not be bought
or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call
sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the
pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall."-Education, p. 57.
2. What stand must such men be prepared to take in the face of imprisonment
or death for the truth's sake? Revelation 12:11, 12.
"When trees without fruit are cut down as cumberers of the ground, when multi-
tudes of false brethren are distinguished from the true, then the hidden ones will be
revealed to view, and with hosannas range under the banner of Christ. Those who
have been timid and self-distrustful will declare themselves openly for Christ and His
truth. The most weak and hesitating in the church will be as David-willing to do and
dare. The deeper the night for God's people, the more brilliant the stars."- Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 81.
Faith, Obedience, and Endurance D Monday

April 13
3. As we read about the Israelites walking through the Red Sea on dry ground
(E'xodus 14:29; Psalm 78:13), what lesson does that experience contain for
us?
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"Often the Christian life is beset by dangers, and duty seems hard to perform.
The imagination pictures impending ruin before and bondage or death behind. Yet
the voice of God speaks clearly, 'Go forward.' We should obey this command, even
though our eyes cannot penetrate the darkness, and we feel the cold waves about our
feet. The obstacles that hinder our progress will never disappear before a halting,
doubting spirit. Those who defer obedience till every shadow of uncertainty disap-
pears and there remains no risk of failure or defeat, will never obey at all. Unbelief
whispers, 'Let us wait till the obstructions are removed, and we can see our way clearly;'
but faith courageously urges an advance, hoping all things, believing all things."-Pa-
triarcks and Prophets, p. 290.
4. How will God's workers show courage under the most discouraging circum-
stances? Hebrews 10:38, 39.
.,
"God will have men who will venture anything and everything to save souls.
Those who will not move until they can see every step of the way clearly before them
will not be of advantage at this time to forward the truth of God. There must be
workers now who will push ahead in the dark as well as in the light, and who will hold
up bravely under discouragements and disappointed hopes, and yet work on with
faith, with tears and patient hope, sowing beside all waters, trusting the Lord to bring
the increase. God calls for men of nerve, of hope, faith, and endurance, to work to the
point."-EvangeIZsm, p. 63.
Humble, But Trained o Tuesday

April 14
5. As far as degrees and social position are concerned, what kind of men will
the Lord use in the finishing of His work? Matthew 11:25; 1 Corinthians
1:26-28.
"The Lord says, I will take illiterate men, obscure men, and move upon them by
My Spirit to carry out My purposes in the work of saving souls. The last message of
mercy will be given by a people who love and fear Me."-Special Testimonies, Series B,
No. 12x, p. 5.
"In the last solemn work few great men will be engaged.... The Lord has faith-
ful servants, who in the shaking, testing time will be disclosed to view."-Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 80, 81.
6. What does Ecclesiastes 10:10 suggest in regard to professional efficiency?

How can humble workers increase their ability? Proverbs 1:5.
"If placed under the control of His Spirit, the more thoroughly the intellect is
cultivated, the more effectively it can be used in the service of God. The uneducated
man who is consecrated to God and who longs to bless others can be, and is, used by
the Lord in His service. But those who, with the same spirit of consecration, have had
the benefit of a thorough education, can do a much more extensive work for Christ.
They stand on vantage ground."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 333.
Training New Workers o Wednesday

April 15
7. What is our duty, as a church, concerning the preparation of new workers?
Leviticus 10:11. What offices has God put in the church? Ephesians 4:11.
What need is to be met by those who are qualified to teach?
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"Young men who desire to enter the field as ministers, colporteurs, or canvassers,
should first receive a suitable degree of mental training, as well as a special prepara-
tion for their calling. Those who are uneducated, untrained, and unrefined are not
prepared to enter a field in which the powerful influences of talent and education com-
bat the truths of God's Word. Neither can they successfully meet the strange forms of
error, religious and philosophical combined, to expose which requires a knowledge of
scientific as well as Scriptural truth."- The Review and Herald, May 23, 1912.
"Open new fields, is the word from the Lord, and add to our workers. Educate
young men to labor, and tarry not. Educate, educate, educate."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p.
416.
"It is not wise to be constantly expending means to open untried fields while so
little is done to prepare workers to occupy them."- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 581.
8. How can new workers be trained? How did Elisha, Timothy, Mark, Silas, and
others get their training? 1 Kings 19:19-21; 2 Kings 2:9, 10; Acts 15:39,
40; 16:1-3.
a) Every local church, a training center

"The best help that ministers can give the members of our churches is not ser-
monizing, but planning work for them. Give each one something to do for others.
Help all to see that as receivers of the grace of Christ they are under obligation to
work for Him. And let all be taught how to work. Especially should those who are
newly come to the faith be educated to become laborers together with God."-Testi-
monies, vol. 6, p. 49.
b) Every experienced minister and worker, an instructor

"Ministry comprehends far more than preaching the Word. It means training
young men as Elijah trained Elisha, taking them from their ordinary duties, and giv-
ing them responsibilities to bear in God's work-small responsibilities at first, and
larger ones as they gain strength and experience....
"Those who undertake this training of young workers are doing noble service.
The Lord Himself cooperates with their efforts. And the young men to whom the
word of consecration has been spoken, whose privilege it is to be brought into close
association with earnest, godly workers, should make the most of their opportunity.
God has honored them by choosing them for His service and by placing them where
they can gain greater fitness for it and they should be humble, faithful, obedient, and
willing to sacrifice. If they submit to God's discipline, carrying out His directions, and
choosing His servants as their counselors, they will develop into righteous, high-
principled, steadfast men, whom God can entrust with responsibilities. "-Prophets and
Kings, pp. 222, 223.
Training New Workers (continued) D Thursday

April 16
9. What is written about those who carry the message of salvation from place to
place? Romans 10:14, 15. What does the Spirit of Prophecy say about the
canvassing work as an education for the ministry?
"One of the very best ways in which young men can obtain a fitness for the
ministry is by entering the canvassing field. Let them go into towns and cities to can-
vass for the books which contain the truth for this time. In this work they will find
-14 -
opportunity to speak the words of life, and the seeds of truth they sow will spring up
to bear fruit. By meeting the people and presenting to them our publications, they will
gain an experience that they could not gain by preaching.... They will learn to pray
as they work. They will be educated in patience, kindness, affability, and helpfulness.
They will practice true Christian courtesy, bearing in mind that Christ, their compan-
ion, cannot approve of harsh, unkind words or feelings. Their words will be purified.
The power of speech will be regarded as a precious talent, lent them to do a high and
holy work."-Gospel Workers, pp. 96, 97.
10. Mention some of the places where "schools of the prophets" were established
in ancient Israel. 2 Kings 2:3, 15; 4:38. What was the purpose of those
schools? What kind of schools should we establish today?
"The schools of the prophets were founded by Samuel to serve as a barrier

• against the widespread corruption, to provide for the moral and spiritual welfare of
the youth, and to promote the future prosperity of the nation by furnishing it with
men qualified to act in the fear of God as leaders and counselors. . . . .
"In Samuel's day there were two of these schools-one at Ramah, the home of the
prophet, and the other at Kirjath-jearim, where the ark then was. Others were estab-
lished in later times."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 593.
"The youth should be encouraged to attend our training-schools for Christian
workers, which should become more and more like the schools of the prophets."- The
Review and Herald, May 16, 1912.
April 17
Describe the type of men needed for the finishing of the work from the stand-
point of:
a. character;
b. faith, obedience, and endurance;
c. training.
d. Mention some of the plans for the training of workers, as recommended by
the Spirit of Prophecy.
e. What do you think about colporteur work as a way of getting a training for
the efficient Bible work? •
-15 -
INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY
AND SELF-TRAINING
"All who put to use the ability that God has given them, will have increased
ability to devote to his service. Those who do nothing in the cause of God will
fail to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth:' - The Review and
Herald, May 23, 1912. . •
KEY TEXT: "Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid
to the marriage." Matthew 22:9.
Individual Effort D Sunday

April 19
1. In what sense will every true Christian be impressed by the Holy Spirit to
answer the call of God? Isaiah 6:8; Revelation 22:17. What place does indiv-
idual effort have in the work of God?
"Everywhere there is a tendency to substitute the work of organizations for in-

dividual effort. Human wisdom tends to consolidation, to centralization, to the build-
ing up of great churches and institutions. Multitudes leave to institutions and organi-
zations the work of benevolence; they excuse themselves from contact with the
world, and their hearts grow cold. They become self-absorbed and unimpressible.
Love for God and man dies out of the soul.
"Christ commits to His followers an individual work-a work that cannot be done
by proxy. Ministry to the sick and the poor, the giving of the gospel to the lost, is not
to be left to committees or organized charities. Individual responsibility, individual ef-
fort, personal sacrifice, is the requirement of the gospel."-The Ministry of Healing, p. 147.
2. What should young men and women do instead of waiting until they are called
by church officers to do something for t.he Lord? Matthew 22:9.
"Do not always wait until some human examination pronounces you competent to
work, but go out into the highways and hedges, and begin to work for God. Use wisely
the knowledge you have. Exercise your ability with faithfulness, generously impart-
ing the light that God gives you. Study how best to give to others peace and light and
truth, and the many other rich blessings of heaven. Constantly improve." - The Review
and Herald, May 16, 1912.
Gifts and Talents D Monday

April 20
3. What special gifts did Christ bestow upon His followers? 1 Corinthians 12:
8-11,28.
-16 -
4. Besides the special gifts with which the early church was blessed, what
general talents do we have as individuals? (Note.) Who is the actual owner of
our talents? 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.
We have: mental faculties (intelligence), speech, influence, time, money, etc.

(Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 333-352.)
"The special gifts of the Spirit are not the only talents represented in the parable.
It includes all gifts and endowments, whether original or acquired, natural or spir-
itual. All are to be employed in Christ's service. In becoming His disciples, we sur-
render ourselves to Him with all that we are and have. These gifts He returns to us
purified and ennobled, to be used for His glory in blessing our fellow men."-Christ's
Object Lessons, p. 328.
It Faithful Use and Continual Development of Talents D Tuesday

April 21
5. What responsibility is attached to the talents that every individual has re-
ceived from God? Matthew 25:14; Luke 19:13.
"However large, however small your talents, remember that what you have is
yours only in trust. Thus God is testing you, giving you opportunity to prove yourself
true. To him you are indebted for all your capabilities. To him belong your powers of
body, mind, and soul, and for him these powers are to be used. Your time, your in-
fluence, your capabilities, your skill-all must be accounted for to him who gives
all."-The Review and Herald, May 16,1912.
"All the powers of the mind should be exercised, all the faculties cultivated. Per-
ception, judgment, memory, and all the reasoning powers should have equal strength
in order that minds may be well balanced."-Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 33.
"We are indebted to God for all the qualities of the mind. These powers can be
cultivated, and so discreetly directed and controlled as to accomplish the purpose for
which they were given. It is duty to so educate the mind as to bring out the energies of
the soul and develop every faculty. When all the faculties are in exercise, the intellect will
be strengthened, and the purpose for which they were given will be accomplished."
-Ibid., p. 32.
6. What other responsibilities do our God-given talents also involve? Matthew

25:20; Ephesians 4:15.
"Talents used are talents multiplied. Success is not the result of chance or
destiny; it is the outworking of God's own providence, the reward of faith and discre-
tion, of virtue and persevering effort. The Lord desires us to use every gift we have;
and if we do this, we shall have greater gifts to use. He does not supernaturally endow
us with the qualifications we lack; but while we use that which we have, He will work
with us to increase and strengthen every faculty. By every wholehearted, earnest
sacrifice for the Master's service our powers will increase." -Christ's Object Lessons, pp.
353,354.
Talents Made Effective D Wednesday

April 22
7. What virtue or principle is to increase the efficiency of our gifts and talents?
1 Corinthians 12:31; 13:1-7; John 21:15-17.
-17 -
"The question that Christ had put to Peter was significant. He mentioned only
one condition of discipleship and service. 'Lovest thou Me?' He said. This is the
essential qualification. Though Peter might possess every other, yet without the love
of Christ he could not be a faithful shepherd over the Lord's flock. Knowledge,
benevolence, eloquence, gratitude, and zeal are all aids in the good work; but without
the love of Jesus in the heart, the work of the Christian minister is a failure."-The
Desire of Ages, p. 815.
"Eloquence, knowledge of truth, rare talents, mingled with love, are all precious
endowments. But ability alone, the choicest talents alone, cannot take the place of
love.
"This love must be manifested by God's workers. Love for God and for those for
whom Christ has died will do a work that we can scarcely comprehend. Those who do
not cherish and cultivate this love cannot be successful missionaries."- Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 84.
•
8. What power may make our talents effective in the work of God? John 14:
16-18; Mark 16:20; Acts 4:33.
"Learning, talents, eloquence, every natural or acquired endowment, may be

possessed; but without the presence of the Spirit of God, no heart will be touched, no
sinner be won to Christ. On the other hand, if they are connected with Christ, if the
gifts of the Spirit are theirs, the poorest and most ignorant of His disciples will have a
power that will tell upon hearts."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 328.
Responding to the Call of God D Thursday

April 23
9. How did Moses feel when he was called of the Lord? Exodus 3:11, 13; 4:1,
10. What happened after he accepted the call?
"The divine command to Moses to deliver Israel found the wilderness shepherd
distrustful, slow of speech, and timid. He was overwhelmed with a sense of his in-
capacity to be a mouthpiece for God. But he accepted the work, putting all his trust in
the Lord. The greatness of his mission called into exercise the best power of his mind.
God blessed his ready obedience, and he became eloquent, hopeful, self-possessed,
well fitted for his great work. His experience is an illustration of what God will do to
strengthen the characters of those who trust him implicitly, and give themselves
unreservedly to his service."-The Review and Herald, May 30, 1912.
"In the common walks of life there is many a toiler patiently treading the round of
his daily tasks, unconscious of latent powers that, roused to action, would place him
among the world's great leaders. The touch of a skilled hand is needed to arouse and
develop those dormant faculties."-Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 511.
..
10. What is one of the first things that a young man or woman should do when
impressed with the need to work for the Lord? James 1:5.
"Let the youth who need an education set to work with a determination to obtain
it. Do not wait for an opening; make one for yourselves. Take hold in any small way
that presents itself. Practice economy. Do not spend your means for the gratification
of appetite, or in pleasure seeking. Be determined to become as useful and efficient as
God calls you to be. Be thorough and faithful in whatever you undertake. Procure
every advantage within your reach for strengthening the intellect. Let the study of
books be combined with useful manual labor, and by faithful endeavor, watchfulness,
-18 -
and prayer secure the wisdom that is from above. This will give you an all-round
education."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 334.
Apri124
a. How should you and others put forth individual efforts and exercise in-
dividual responsibility to help promote the work of God?
b. Besides the talents mentioned in this lesson, what other talents, with which
many people are gifted, should also be used in the work?
c. For what purpose has God distributed different talents among the church
members?
d. How much can talents, without the love of Christ and without the Holy
• Spirit, accomplish in the work of saving souls?
e. As the call of Moses is taken into consideration, in what sense is the Holy
Spirit striving with many young people today? •
"The Lord desires us to use every gift we

have; and if we do this, we shall have greater
gifts to use. He does not supernaturally en-
dow us with the qualifications we lack; but
while we use that which we have, He will
work with us to increase and strengthen
every faculty. By every wholehearted, earnest
sacrifice for the Master's service our powers
will increase." -Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 353, 354.
-19 -
Lesson 5 Sabbath, May 2, 1987
REQUIREMENTS FOR
SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN SERVICE
Besides the factors and qualifications studied before (Lessons 3 and 4), there
are other requisites for successful Christian service. "Of every Christian the •
Lord requires growth in efficiency and capability in every line." - Christ's Ob-
ject Lessons, p. 330.
KEY TEXT: "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as
touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my
Father which is in heaven." Matthew 18:19.
Mental Culture o Sunday

April 26
1. Explain the relationship between education and success in the work. Prov-
erbs 4:13; 8:14-18; 2 Timothy 2:15.
"We must not enter into the Lord's work haphazard and expect success. The Lord
needs men of mind, men ofthought. Jesus calls for co-workers, not blunderers."- Tes-
timonies, vol. 4, p. 67.
"The Lord desires us to obtain all the education possible, with the object in view
of imparting our knowledge to others. None can know where or how they may be called
to labor or to speak for God. Our heavenly Father alone sees what He can make of
men. There are before us possibilities which our feeble faith does not discern. Our
minds should be so trained that if necessary we can present the truths of His word
before the highest earthly authorities in such a way as to glorify His name. We should
not let slip even one opportunity of qualifying ourselves intellectually to work for
God."-Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 333, 334.
2. In what sense are the children of this world wiser than the children of light?
Luke 16:8 (last part). What lessons should we learn from professionals in the
world?
"The work of winning souls to Christ demands careful preparation. Men cannot
enter the Lord's service without the needed training, and expect the highest success.
Mechanics, lawyers, merchants, men of all trades and professions, are educated for
the line of business they hope to enter. It is their policy to make themselves as effi-
cient as possible. Go to the milliner or the dressmaker, and she will tell you how long
she toiled before she had a thorough knowledge of her business. The architect will tell
you how long it took him to understand how to plan a tasteful, commodious building.
And so it is in all the callings that men follow."-Gospel Workers, p. 92.
-20-
"God requires the training of the mental faculties. He designs that His servants
shall possess more intelligence and clearer discernment than the worldling, and He is
displeased with those who are too careless or too indolent to become efficient, well-
informed workers."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 333.
Power of Godly Example D Monday

April 27
3. On what grounds did Paul urge the believers to follow his example? Philip-
pians 3: 17. What is the implication of the advice given by Paul to Timothy in
1 Timothy 4:12, 16?
"Paul carried with him the atmosphere of heaven. All who associated with him
felt the influence of his union with Christ. The fact that his own life exemplified the
truth he proclaimed, gave convincing power to his preaching. Here lies the power of
truth. The unstudied, unconscious influence of a holy life is the most convincing ser-
mon that can be given in favor of Christianity. Argument, even when unanswerable,
may provoke only opposition; but a godly example has a power that it is impossible
wholly to resist."-The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 510, 511.
"A godly example will tell more for the truth than the greatest eloquence, unac-
companied by a well-ordered life. Trim the lamp of the soul, and replenish it with the
oil of the Spirit. Seek from Christ that grace, that clearness of comprehension, which
will enable you to do successful work."-Gospel Workers, pp. 104, 105.
4. What will happen when Christians set a good example to the world? Matthew
5:13-16; 1 Peter 3:15-17.
"In no way could the Lord be better glorified and the truth more highly honored
than for unbelievers to see that the truth has wrought a great and good work upon the
lives of naturally covetous and penurious men. If it could be seen that the faith of such
had an influence to mold their characters, to change them from close, selfish, over-
reaching, money-loving men to men who love to do good, who seek opportunities to
use their means to bless those who need to be blessed, who visit the widow and
fatherless in their affliction, and who keep themselves unspotted from the world, it
would be an evidence that their religion was genuine. Such would let their light so
shine that others seeing their good works would be led to glorify their Father which is
in heaven. This fruit would be unto holiness, and they would be living representatives
of Christ upon the earth. Sinners would be convicted that there is in the truth a power
to which they are strangers."- Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 239.
Order and Harmonious Action D Tuesday

. April28
5. How does Paul emphasize the importance of order? 1 Corinthians 14:33, 40.
What is impossible without order and harmonious action in the work of God?
"God is a God of order. Everything connected with heaven is in perfect order;

subjection and thorough discipline mark the movements of the angelic host. Success
can only attend order and harmonious action. God requires order and system in His
work now no less than in the days of Israel. All who are working for Him are to labor
intelligently, not in a careless, haphazard manner. He would have His work done with
faith and exactness, that He may place the seal of His approval upon it." -Patriarchs
and Prophets, p. 376.
- 21-
6. What condition should not be tolerated in the church? James 3:16; 1 Tim-
othy 6:3-5. Why and how is Satan intent on opposing order and harmony in
the great cause?
"Satan well knows that success can only attend order and harmonious action. He
well knows that everything connected with heaven is in perfect order, that subjection
and thorough discipline mark the movements of the angelic host. It is his studied ef-
fort to lead professed Christians just as far from heaven's arrangement as he can;
therefore he deceives even the professed people of God and makes them believe that
order and discipline are enemies to spirituality, that the only safety for them is to let
each pursue his own course, and to remain especially distinct from bodies of Chris-
tians who are united and are laboring to establish discipline and harmony of action.
All the efforts made to establish order are considered dangerous, a restriction to
rightful liberty, and hence are feared as popery. These deceived souls consider it a
virtue to boast of their freedom to think and act independently. They will not take any •
man's say-so. They are amenable to no man. I was shown that it is Satan's special
work to lead men to feel that it is in God's order for them to strike out for themselves
and choose their own course, independent of their brethren."-Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 650.
Diligence, Perseverance, Self-Denial, Etc. o Wednesday

April 29
7. How is the importance of diligence emphasized? Proverbs 22:29; 13:11. Men-

tion a few more essentials to success.
"Success in any line demands a definite aim. He who would achieve true success
in life must keep steadily in view the aim worthy of his endeavor."-Education, p. 262.
"In proportion to the enthusiasm and perseverance with which the work is car-
ried forward will be the success given."-Prophets and Kings, p. 263.
"Persevering diligence working in faith, will always be crowned with success."
- Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 206.
"There is no branch of legitimate business for which the Bible does not afford an
essential preparation. Its principles of diligence, honesty, thrift, temperance, and
purity are the secret of true success."-Education, p. 135.
8. What is the place of self-denial and self-sacrifice as a factor in success? Mat-

thew 16:24.
"Christ is authoritatively calling upon everyone who claims to believe on Him to

follow His example of self-denial and self-sacrifice in working for the conversion of
those whom Satan and his vast army are exerting every power to destroy. God's peo-
ple are called upon to rally without delay under the bloodstained banner of Christ
Jesus. Unceasingly they are to continue their warfare against the enemy, pressing the
battle even to the gates. And everyone who is added to the ranks by conversion is to
be assigned his post of duty. Everyone should be willing to be or to do anything in this
warfare. When church members put forth earnest efforts to advance the message,
they will live in the joy of the Lord and will meet with success."- Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 30.
Obedience and Dependence on the Power of God o Thursday

April 30
9. What do we read about obedience to the word of God as a condition of suc-

cess? 2 Chronicles 20:20 (last part).
- 22-
"Obedience to every word of God is another condition of success. Victories are
not gained by ceremonies or display, but by simple obedience to the highest General,
the Lord God of heaven. He who trusts in this Leader will never know defeat. Defeat
comes in depending on human methods, human inventions, and placing the divine
secondary. Obedience was the lesson that the Captain of the Lord's host sought to
teach the vast armies of Israel-obedience in things in which they could see no suc-
cess. When there is obedience to the voice of our Leader, Christ will conduct His bat-
tles in ways that will surprise the greatest powers of earth."- Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 140.
10. What assurance do we have concerning the power of faith and prayer? Mat-
thew 18:19,20.
"The greatest victories which are gained to the cause are not by labored argu-
ment, ample facilities, abundance of influence, and plenty of means; but they are
those victories which are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest,
agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power."-Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 443,
444.
May 1
a. Explain the difference between workers and blunderers.

b. What will give power to the presentation of the truth?
c. How much do order, system, exactness, and harmony have to do with success?
d. List a few more essentials to success.
e. What brings defeat and what brings victory in the work of God?
•
"Remember that the Lord Jesus is

the Master Worker. He waters the seed
,
sown. He puts into your minds words
that will reach hearts."
- 23-
CONQUERING OBSTACLES
FOR THE PROGRESS OF THE WORK
"Those who have received the light should seek to enlighten those who have •
it not. If the church members do not individually take hold of this work,
then they show that they have no living connection with God." - Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 462.
KEY TEXT: "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good
works." Hebrews 10:24.
Training More Workers o Sunday

May 3
1. What educational program did God want to set up for Israel? Isaiah 28:10.
How was this plan neglected for a long time? 2 Chronicles 15:3. Whose effort
is it to prevent the training of young men and women for the work of God?
"It is Satan that would keep men in ignorance and inefficiency, that they may be
developed in a one-sided way which they may never be able to correct. He would have
men exercise one set of faculties to the exclusion of the exercise of another set, so
that the mind will lose its vigor, and when there is a real necessity, be unable to rise to
the emergency."-Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 256.
2. What calls are coming to us continually, from far and nigh? Acts 16:9 (last
part). Why can we not answer these calls? How does history repeat itself?
"The fields are already whitening for the harvest. We have light, and rich, glor-
ious endowments from heaven in the truth made ready to our hands; but men and
women have not been educated and disciplined to work in the fast-ripening harvest
fields."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 582.
"It is a lamentable fact that the advancement of the cause is hindered by the dearth •
of educated laborers. Many are wanting in moral and intellectual qualifications."
-Gospel Workers, p. 93.
"The work is now greatly retarded because men are carrying responsibilities for
which they are unfitted. Shall this great want continue and increase? Shall these great
responsibilities drop from the hands of old, experienced workers into the hands of
those unable to manage them? Are we not neglecting a very important work by failing
to educate and train our youth to fill positions of trust?"- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 585.
More Repentance and Conversion o Monday

May 4
3. In the days of Ezra and Nehemiah, who was responsible for a great deal of op-
position and discouragement? Nehemiah 4:12. How does history repeat itself?
-24-
"At the same time that the Samaritans were plotting against Nehemiah and his
work, some of the leading men among the Jews, becoming disaffected, sought to
discourage him by exaggerating the difficulties attending the enterprise."-Prophets
and Kings, pp. 642, 643.
"The opposition and discouragement that the builders in Nehemiah's day met
from open enemies and pretended friends is typical of the experience that those today
will have who work for God. Christians are tried, not only by the anger, contempt,
and cruelty of enemies, but· by the indolence, inconsistency, lukewarmness, and
treachery of avowed friends and helpers. Derision and reproach are hurled at them.
And the same enemy that leads to contempt, at a favorable opportunity uses more
cruel and violent measures.
"Satan takes advantage of every unconsecrated element for the accomplishment
of his purposes. Among those who profess to be the supporters of God's cause there
.. are those who unite with His enemies and thus lay His cause open to the attacks of
His bitterest foes."-Ibid., pp. 644, 645.
4. Because some brethren were not converted, what obstacles did Paul have to
face? 2 Corinthians 11:26 (last part). What hindrances do we have to meet?
"There are persons in the church who are not converted, and who will not unite in
earnest, prevailing prayer....
"We have far more to fear from within than from without. The hindrances to
strength and success are far greater from the church itself than from the world....
[H]ow often have the professed advocates of the truth proved the greatest obstacle to
its advancement! The unbelief indulged, the doubts expressed, the darkness cherished,
encourage the presence of evil angels, and open the way for the accomplishment of
Satan's devices."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 122.
"The advocates of truth expect fierce and cruel opposition from their open
enemies, but this is far less dangerous than the secret doubts expressed by those who
feel at liberty to question and find fault with what God's servants are doing. These
may appear to be humble men; but they are self-deceived, and they deceive others. In
their hearts are envy and evil surmisings. They unsettle the faith of the people in
those in whom they should have confidence, those whom God has chosen to do His
work; and when they are reproved for their course they take it as personal abuse.
While professing to be doing God's work they are in reality aiding the enemy."
- Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 273, 274.
More Unity and Mutual Confidence o Tuesday

May 5
• 5. What condition weakens the church? 1 Corinthians 11: 18. For what did Christ
pray as He was about to leave His disciples? John 17:21. How does Sister
White emphasize the importance of unity and mutual confidence?
"God wants His people to be united in the closest bonds of Christian fellowship;
confidence in our brethren is essential to the prosperity of the church; union of action
is important in a religious crisis. One imprudent step, one careless action, may plunge
the church into difficulties and trials from which it may not recover for years. One
member of the church filled with unbelief may give an advantage to the great foe that
will affect the prosperity of the entire church, and many souls may be lost as the
result. Jesus would have His followers subject one to another; for one may not discern
the dangers which another's eye is quick to perceive; but if the undiscerning will in
confidence obey the warning, they may be saved great perplexities and trials."
- 25-
6. What are some of the most common causes of strife and division? Mark 9:33,
34; 1 Corinthians 5:6, 11-13; 11:19; 1 Timothy 6:3-5. What further advice
does the servant of the Lord give on this subject?
"Though we have an individual work and an individual responsibility before God,

we are not to follow our own judgment, regardless of the opinions and feelings of our
brethren; for this course would lead to disorder in the church. It is the duty of
ministers to respect the judgment of their brethren; but their relations to one another,
as well as the doctrines they teach, should be brought to the test of the law and the
testimony; then, if hearts are teachable, there will be no divisions among us."-Testi-
monies to Ministers, p. 503.
More Emphasis on Church Order o Wednesday

May 6
7. What problem has always existed in the church? 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 2
Thessalonians 3: 11.
"Oh, how Satan would rejoice to get in among this people and disorganize the
work at a time when thorough organization is essential and will be the greatest power
to keep out spurious uprisings and to refute claims not endorsed by the word of God!
We want to hold the lines evenly, that there shall be no breaking down of the system
of regulation and order."- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 228.
8. For what purpose has God given us a system of gospel order? 1 Corinthians
12:24,25.
"I saw that this door at which the enemy comes in to perplex and trouble the flock
can be shut. 1 inquired of the angel how it could be closed. He said, 'The church must
flee to God's Word and become established upon gospel order, which has been over-
looked and neglected.' This is indispensably necessary in order to bring the church into
the unity of the faith."-Early Writings, p. 100.
Arousing the People to Action o Thursday

May 7
9. What results will be seen when we contemplate Christ more fully? Hebrews
12:2, 3; 1 Corinthians 15:58.
"If Christ were our pattern, His life our rule, what zeal would be manifested,
what efforts put forth, what liberality exercised, what self-denial practiced! How un-
tiringly should we labor, what fervent petitions for power and wisdom would ascend
to God! If all the professed children of God would feel that it is the chief business of
life to do the work which He has bidden them to do, if they would labor unselfishly in
His cause, what a change would be seen in hearts and homes, in churches, yea, in the
world itself!"-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 460.
10. What change is urgently required in our religious life, as we see the day of
Christ's coming drawing near? Hebrews 10:21-24.
"Vigilance and fidelity have been required of Christ's followers in every age; but
now that we are standing upon the very verge of the eternal world, holding the truths
we do, having so great light, so important a work, we must double our diligence.
Everyone is to do to the very utmost of his ability."-Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 460, 461.
-26 -
May 8
a. What part do young men and women have in answering the questions found
in Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 585.
b. How does Satan succeed in using some avowed friends and helpers to hinder
the work of God?
c. What course of action will surely cause disorder and division in the church?
How can perplexities, trials, and divisions be avoided?
d. What provision will keep disorderly elements from hindering the work?
e. What is necessary before our message can bring a change in our hearts, homes,
and churches, and in the world? •
"It is not the purpose of God that

His people should colonize or settle
together in large communities. The dis-
ciples of Christ are His representatives
upon the earth, and God designs that
they shall be scattered all over the
country, in the towns, cities, and vil-
lages, as lights amidst the darkness of
the world." -Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 244.
-27 -
SCREENING PROSPECTIVE WORKERS

- Part 1-
"The Lord will not entrust the burden for His flock to unqualified in-
dividuals.... There has been too little done in examining ministers; and for
this very reason churches have had the labors of unconverted, innefficient
men.".-Gospel Workers, p. 437.
KEY TEXT: "For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled,
not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, tem-
perate." Titus 1:7, 8.
High Standard of the Early Christian Church D Sunday

May 10
1. What is the first condition on which a candidate for ordination is to be

tested? 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6.
"Those who stand as ministers in the sacred desk should be men of blameless
reputation; their lives should be spotless, above everything that savors of impurity."
"They that minister must be holy, pure, and without blemish, or God will destroy
them. God has not changed."-Early Writings, p. 103.
2. What other requisites, if not met, bar a man from being entrusted with the
care of the flock? 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9. What requirements apply to
the wife of a spiritual leader? 1 Timothy 3:11. How does Satan often succeed
in reducing or destroying the usefulness of a worker?
"I was shown that Satan is ever at work to dishearten and lead astray ministers
whom God has chosen to preach the truth. The most effectual way in which he can
work is through home influences, through unconsecrated companions. If he can con-
trol their minds, he can through them the more readily gain access to the husband,
who is laboring in word and doctrine to save souls. I was referred to the warnings
which God has repeatedly given, and to the duties which have been pointed out as
belonging to the wife of a minister; yet these warnings have not had a lasting in-
fluence."- Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 449.
Carnal Men D Monday

May 11
3. What is written about men who cannot work without friction? 1 Corinthians
3:3; 2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:15; Proverbs 26:17-19.
-28-
"As men lose their first love, they do not keep the commandments of God, and
then they begin to criticize one another."- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 189.
"Angels of heaven cannot work with the human agent who sows the seeds of dis-
sension and strife, but evil angels attend him wherever he goes."-The SDA Bible Com-
mentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, pp. 940, 941.
4. What does the Bible say about a person that is hasty of spirit? Proverbs
14:29 (last part); 25:28; 29:20. What do fretful and impatient men need be-
fore they can work for the Lord?
"There are men in this church who feel that they should teach the truth to others,
while they are fretful, impatient, and faultfinding in their own families. Such need
that one teach them, until they become patient, God-fearing men at home. They need
to learn the first principles of true religion. They should seek God with earnestness of
soul, for they have been a scourge in their families and as a desolating hail to depress
and destroy their brethren."- Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 612.
Men Who Exalt Themselves o Tuesday

May 12
5. What is said about those who bring self into the work? Luke 11:23; Philip-
pians 2:21.
"The reason why we have no more men of great breadth and extended knowl-
edge, is because they trust to their own finite wisdom, and seek to place their own
mold upon the work, in the place of having the mold of God."-Fundamentals of Chris-
tian Education, p. 110.
"Christians who live for self dishonor their Redeemer. They may apparently be
very active in the service of the Lord, but they weave self into all that they do. Sowing
the seeds of selfishness, they must at last reap a harvest of corruption.... Service for
self takes a variety of forms. Some of these forms seem harmless. Apparent goodness
gives them the appearance of genuine goodness. But they bring no glory to the Lord.
By their service His cause is hindered.... Those who bring self into their work can-
not be trusted."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Cqmments], vol. 5, p. 1096.
6. What happens to those who exalt themselves? Luke 14:11 (first part).
"When one begins to get lifted up in his own eyes and thinks he can do some-
thing, the Spirit of God is withdrawn, and he goes on in his own strength until he is
overthrown."-Early Writings, p. 120.
"But when men exalt themselves, feeling that they are a necessity for the success
of God's great plan, the Lord causes them to be set aside. It is mad-e evident that the
Lord is not dependent upon them. The work does not stop because of their removal
from it, but goes forward with greater power."-The Desire of Ages, p. 436.
Men Who Want to Be Foremost o Wednesday

May 13
7. There are men who will always criticize and put themselves forward, even
disrespectfully. What change do they need before they can be used success-
fully in the work? Philippians 2:3-7.
"Men of small minds delight to quibble, to criticize, to seek for something to ques-
tion, thinking this a mark of sharpness; but instead it shows a mind lacking refinement
- 29-
and elevation. How much better to be engaged in seeking to cultivate themselves and
to ennoble and elevate their minds."- Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 445.
"We have in our ranks too many who are restless, talkative, self-commending,
and who take the liberty to put themselves forward, having no reverence for age, ex-
perience, or office. The church is suffering today for help of an opposite character-
modest, quiet, God-fearing men, who will bear disagreeable burdens when laid upon
them, not for the name, but to render service to their Master, who died for them. Per-
sons of this character do not think it detracts from their dignity to rise up before the
ancient and to treat gray hairs with respect. Our churches need weeding out."-Ibid.,
vol. 4, p. 340.
8. What contention existed among the disciples in the days of Christ? Matthew A
18:1. What positions were coveted by James and John, and what did Christ I
say to them? Matthew 20:20-27. What is written about those who want to i
be foremost?
"Vainglory, selfish ambition, is the rock upon which many souls have been wrecked
and many churches rendered powerless. Those who know least of devotion, who are
least connected with God, are the ones who will most eagerly seek the highest place.
They have no sense of their weakness and their deficiencies of character.....
"Those who are eagerly studying how they may secure the pre-eminence should
study rather how they may gain that wisdom which is 'first pure, then peaceable, gen-
tle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and
without hypocrisy.' "-Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 174, 175.
Unbalanced Minds D Thursday

May 14
9. What do we know about men who ignore the light of God and walk in the
light of the sparks of their own kindling? Isaiah 50:11.
"[M]en are to be condemned who start out with a proclamation of wonderful

light, and yet draw away from the agents whom God is leading.... These teachers
follow the sparks of their own kindling, move according to their own independent
judgment, and cumber the truth with false notions and theories. They refuse the
counsel of their brethren, and press on in their own way until they become just what
Satan would desire to have them-unbalanced in mind."- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 56.
10. As these men cannot be easily cure, what warning should be borne in mind?
Jeremiah 23:21, 22.
"The experience of some had been obtained among a class of religious fanatics
who had no true sense of the exalted character of the work. The religious experience
of this class of professed Seventh-day Adventists was not reliable. They had not firm
principles underlying all their actions. They were self-confident, and boastful. Their
religion did not consist in righteous acts, true humility of soul, and sincere devotion to
God, but in impulse, in noise and confusion, spiced with eccentricities and oddities."
"They were not qualified for the work of the ministry, for they could not instruct
others properly." -Ibid.
"Oh, what a blot, what a reproach, have these fanatical movements brought upon
the cause of God! And those who held so fast to this spirit of dark fanaticism, not-
withstanding the plain evidences that it was from Satan, are not to be relied upon;
their judgment is not to be considered of any weight."-Ibid., vol. 1, p. 229.
- 30-
"God will not entrust the care of His precious flock to men whose mind and judg-
ment have been weakened by former errors that they have cherished, such as so-
called perfectionism and Spiritualism, and who, by their course while "in these errors,
have disgraced themselves and brought reproach upon the cause of truth."-Early
Writings, p. 101.
May 15
a. Point out some of the requisites a man must meet before he can be ordained.
b. What is the great need of men who act like "a desolating hail"?
t,
c. What is the reason why we do not have more men of great breadth and extended
.
'i
knowledge?
• d. Describe the work of a man of a small mind. How have souls been wrecked
and churches rendered powerless?
e. What are the evidences of an unbalanced mind? •
"God cannot use men who, in time of

peril, when the strength, courage, and in-
fluence of all are needed, are afraid to take a
firm stand for the right. He calls for men who
will do faithful battle against wrong, warring
against principalities and powers, against the
rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places. It is to
such as these that He will speak the words:
'Well done, good and faithful servant.' "
-Prophets and Kings, p. 142.
- 31-
SCREENING PROSPECTIVE WORKERS

- Part 11-
"No one should be accepted as a laborer in the cause of God, until he makes it
manifest that he has a real, living experience in the things of God."- Gospel
Workers, p. 438. .
KEY TEXT: "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." James 1:8.
Men Who Lack the Right Education D Sunday

May 17
1. What warning must be considered before a man is ordained to the ministry?

1 Timothy 5:22. What becomes of a mind that is not exercised in the acquisi-
tion of more and more knowledge?
"We see the need of encouraging higher ideas of education and of employing
more trained men in the ministry. Those who do not obtain the right kind of education
before they enter upon God's work are not competent to accept this holy trust and to
carry forward the work of reformation. Yet all should continue their education after
they engage in the work."- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 584.
"The mind must not remain dormant. If it is not exercised in the acquisition of
knowledge, there will be a sinking into ignorance, superstition, and fancy. If the in-
tellectual faculties are not cultivated as they should be to glorify God, they will
become strong and powerful aids in leading to perdition."-Ibid., vol. 4, p. 443.
2. What shows that the intellectual level of the apostles was uplifted in the
school of Christ? Acts 4:13. With what argument do some people decry the
importance of education? ~
"A life devoted to God should not be a life of ignorance. Many speak against
education because Jesus chose uneducated fishermen to preach the gospel. They
assert that He showed preference for the uneducated." -Counsels to Parents, Teachers,
and Students, p. 511.
"If the educated and noble would not do the work they were qualified to do,
Christ would select men who would be obedient and faithful in doing His will. He
chose humble men and connected them with Himself, that He might educate them to
carry forward the great work on earth when He should leave it."-Ibid., p. 512.
"Those who are willing to remain in a narrow sphere because God condescended
to accept them when they were there, are very foolish. Yet there are hundreds and
thousands who are doing this very thing."-Ibid., p. 506.
- 32-
Double-Minded Men o Monday
May 18
3. What is double-mindedness? How do double-minded men prove to be a hin-

drance in the work? Ezekiel 33:31; Matthew 6:24; Titus 1:16.
"While professing to be Christians, many have the mold of the world upon them,
and their affections are not set upon God. They are double minded, making an at-
tempt to serve God and mammon at the same time; but the world's Redeemer has de-
clared, 'Ye cannot serve God and mammon' (Matt. 6:24). By trying to serve two
'0 masters, they are unstable in all their ways, and cannot be depended upon. To all ap-
pearances they are serving God, while at the same time in heart they are yielding to
the temptation of Satan and cherishing sin. They may speak words that are smoother
than oil, yet their hearts are full of deception and deceit in all their practices. Profess-
ing to be righteous, yet they have a heart that is desperately wicked.
"Of what profit is it to say pleasant things, to deplore the work of Satan, and yet
at the same time to enter into the fulfillment of all his devices? This is being double
minded."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], voL 7, p. 938.
"Double-minded men and women are Satan's best allies. Whatever favorable
opinion they may have of themselves, they are dissemblers."-Ibid., voL 5, p. 1086.
4. Why can Balaam be properly described as a double-minded man? Numbers

22:7-13,32; 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11.
"At the time Balak sent messengers for him [Balaam], he was double-minded,
pursuing a course to gain and retain the favor and honor of the enemies of the Lord,
for the sake of rewards he received from them. At the same time he was professing to
be a prophet of God."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], voL 1, p. 1116.
Men Who Cannot Be Trusted o Tuesday

May 19
5. What is the typical attitude of the slothful servant? Matthew 25:18.
"Many who excuse themselves from Christian effort plead their inability for the
work. But did God make them so incapable? No, never. This inability has been pro-
duced by their own inactivity and perpetuated by their deliberate choice. Already, in
their own characters, they are realizing the result of the sentence, 'Take the talent
from him.' The continual misuse of their talents will effectually quench for them the
• Holy Spirit, which is the only light. The sentence, 'Cast ye the unprofitable servant in-
to outer darkness,' sets Heaven's seal to the choice which they themselves have made
for eternity."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 365.
"As in the natural, so in the spiritual world: every power unused will weaken and
decay. Activity is the law of life; idleness is death."-Ibid., p. 364.
6. How does unfaithfulness in little things affect the development of our char-
acters? Luke 16:10.
"By unfaithfulness in even the smallest duties, man robs his Maker of service
which is His due. This unfaithfulness reacts upon himself. He fails of gaining the
grace, the power, the force of character, which may be received through an unreserved
surrender to God. Living apart from Christ he is subject to Satan's temptations, and he
- 33-
makes mistakes in his work for the Master. Because he is not guided by right princi-
ples in little things, he fails to obey God in the great matters which he regards as his
special work. The defects cherished in dealing with life's minor details pass into more
important affairs. He acts on the principles to which he has accustomed himself. Thus
actions repeated form habits, habits form character, and by the character our destiny
for time and for eternity is decided." -Christ's Object Lessons, p. 356.
Men of Unstable Minds and Lax Habits o Wednesday

May 20
7. Describe an unstable character. James 1:6-8,22-24. How does Satan take
advantage of such a character?
"Characters formed by circumstance are changeable and discordant-a mass of

contraries. Their possessors have no high aim or purpose in life. They have no en-
nobling influence upon the characters of others. They are purposeless and power-
less."-Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 657.
"To those who let the mind drift where it will drift if not guarded, Satan makes
suggestions which so fill the mind that they are trained in his army to decoy other
souls."-Messages to Young People, p. 42.
8. How do many young men and women give evidence that they do not know
what they actually want? (Note.) What is the meaning of Paul's appeal in 1
Corinthians 9:24, 26?
"[M]any will never attain superior rank in the pulpit or in business, because of
their unfixedness of purpose, and the laxness of the habits contracted in their youth.
Careless inattention is seen in everything they undertake." -Gospel Workers, p. 278.
Careless and Negligent Men o Thursday

May 21
9. How does James rebuke the early Christians for being respecters of persons?
James 2:1-5. However, if a man is careless concerning his personal appear-
ance, or if his house is untidy, for what office is he unfit? Why?
"There is a class of men attempting to preach who are slipshod, careless, and ir-
reverent. They would better be tilling the soil than teaching the sacred truth of God."
"The influence of the minister who is careless in his dress is displeasing to God,
and the impression made upon his hearers is that he looks upon the work in which he
is engaged as no more sacred than common labor. And not only this, but instead of
showing them the importance of propriety and taste in clothing, he sets them an ex-
ample of slackness and untidiness, which some are not slow to follow."-Gospel Workm,
p.174.
"If the corners of your house are untidy, there will be some dirty corners in the
heart."-Camp Meeting Bulletin, Ottawa, Kansas, May 15, 1889.
10. What does the Bible say about those who reverse values? Proverbs 12:15;
Isaiah 5:20, 21. With what do negligent people often confound care in dress?
And what do they think of coarseness?
"There is a class who are continually harping upon pride and dress, who are care-
less of their own apparel, and who think it a virtue to be dirty, and dress without order
- 34-
and taste; and their clothing often looks as if it flew and lit upon their persons. Their
garments are filthy, and yet such ones will ever be talking against pride. They class
decency and neatness with pride.
"Those who are careless and untidy in dress are seldom elevated in their conver-
sation and possess but little refinement of feeling. They sometimes consider oddity
and coarseness humility."-Child Guidance, p. 415.
May 22
a. If a man is entirely devoted to God, what attitude will he take toward self·
education?
b. What characterizes a double-minded man?
c. How can a slothful servant be identified?
d. By what evidences can we predict whether a man may be successful or un·
successful?
e. What damage is caused by a lack of tidiness, neatness, refinement, and de-
cency? •
"Be sure to maintain the dignity of the

work by a well-ordered life an godly conversa-
tion. Never be afraid of raising the standard
too high.... All coarseness and roughness
must be put away from us. Courtesy, refine-
ment, Christian politeness, must be cherished.
Guard against being abrupt and blunt. Do not
regard such peculiarities as virtues; for God
does not so regard them. Endeavor not to of-
fend any unnecessarily." - The Review and Herald,
Nov. 25, 1890.
- 35-
WORKING FOR SPECIAL CLASSES
"The gospel invitation is to be given to the rich and the poor, the high and the
low, and we must devise means for carrying the truth into new places, and to
all classes of people." - Evangelism, p. 552.
KEY TEXT: "Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall
fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt
them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of
the rocks." Jeremiah 16:16.
Laboringfor Wealthy and Educated People o Sunday

May 24
1. Christ tried, also, to reach some wealthy people. Give three examples: John
3:1-3; Luke 18:18-23; Matthew 27:57. What work does the Lord want us
to do in behalf of the wealthy classes?
"Multitudes who are prosperous in the world and who never stoop to the common
forms of vice, are yet brought to destruction through the love of riches. Absorbed in
their worldly treasures, they are insensible to the claims of God and the needs of their
fellow men. Instead of regarding their wealth as a talent to be used for the glory of
God and the uplifting of humanity, they look upon it as a means of indulging and glori-
fying themselves. They add house to house and land to land, they fill their homes with
luxuries, while want stalks the streets, and all about them are human beings in misery
and crime, in disease and death. Those who thus give their lives to self-serving are
developing in themselves, not the attributes of God, but the attributes of Satan.
"These men are in need of the gospel. They need to have their eyes turned from
the vanity of material things to behold the preciousness of the enduring riches. They
need to learn the joy of giving, the blessedness of being co-workers with God. Persons
of this class are often the most difficult of access, but Christ will open ways whereby
they may be reached."-Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 256, 257.
2. Give the names of three educated men who were a great help to the work in
the days of the apostles. John 3:1, 10; Colossians 4:14 (d. Luke 1:3; Acts
1:1); Act 21:40; 22:1-3. What plan is recommended by the Spirit of Proph-
ecy with a view to reaching the educated classes?
"Much has been lost by our people through following such narrow plans that the
more intelligent, better-educated classes are not reached."-Evangelism, p. 562.
"A fund should be raised to educate men and women to labor for these higher
classes, both here and in other countries. We have had altogether too much talk about
coming down to the common mind. God wants men of talent and good minds, who
can weigh arguments, men who will dig for the truth as for hid treasures. These men
will be able to reach, not only the common, but the better classes. "-Testimonies, vol. 5,
pp. 580, 581.
- 36-
Laboringfor the Degraded and the Outcasts DMonday
May 25
3. What class of people, considering their past condition, is described in 1 Cor-

inthians 6:9-11? What work does the Lord want us to do in behalf of people
who live in wealthy homes and who may be morally degraded?
"God-dishonoring sins are practiced by people living in lordly homes; but some of
these very people, under the preaching of the last testing message, will be convicted
and converted....
"God will raise up workers who will occupy peculiar spheres of influence,
workers who will carry the truth to the most unpromising places. Men will say, 'Yea,'
where once they said, 'Nay.' Some who were once enemies will become valuable
helpers, advancing the work with their means and their influence."-Evangelism, p.
567.
4. What promise does the Bible hold out for the outcasts who will turn to the
Lord? Isaiah 11:12; 56:8. What instruction is to be heeded by those who
work for this class of people?
"Great care should be taken in working for the outcasts. Neither young men nor
young women should be sent into the lowest places of our cities. The sight of the eyes
and the hearing of the ears of young men and women should be kept from evil. There
is much that the youth can do for the Master. If they will watch and pray and make
God their trust, they will be prepared to do various kinds of excellent work under the
supervision of experienced laborers."-Medical Ministry, p. 312.
"If those who labor for the abandoned and fallen would work in the fear of the
Lord, striving to make those for whom they labor understand what is truth, many of
these outcasts would be distinguished as children of God."-Evangelism, p. 568.
Laboringfor the Distressed D Tuesday

May 26
5. What missionary field is brought to our attention in Isaiah 58:7 and James
1:27?
"In the world today, where selfishness, greed, and oppression rule, many of the
Lord's true children are in need and affliction. In lowly, miserable places, surrounded
with poverty, disease, and guilt, many are patiently bearing their own burden of suf-
fering, and trying to comfort the hopeless and sin-stricken about them. Many of them
are almost unknown to the churches or to the ministers; but they are the Lord's
lights, shining amid the darkness. For these the Lord has a special care, and He calls
upon His people to be His helping hand in relieving their wants. Wherever there is a
church, special attention should be given to searching out this class and ministering to
them." - Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 255.
6. What work is to be done in behalf of other sufferers? Matthew 10:8; 25:36.
"Many are sunken in sin. Many are in distress. They are pressed with suffering,
want, unbelief, despondency. Disease of every type afflicts them, both in body and in
soul. They long to find a solace for their troubles."-Evangelism, p. 569.
- 37-
Laboringfor Jews and Catholics o Wednesday
May 27
7. What plan does the Lord have for the God-fearing Jews? Jeremiah 16:16;
Romans 11:24.
"It has been a strange thing to me that there were so few who felt a burden to
labor for the Jewish people, who are scattered throughout so many lands. Christ will
be with you as you strive to strengthen your perceptive faculties, that you may more
clearly behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. The slum-
bering faculties of the Jewish people are to be aroused."-Eva;igelism, p. 578.
"There will be many converted from among the Jews, and these converts will aid
in preparing the way of the Lord."-Ibid., p. 579.
8. Where has the light of truth found God-fearing people down through the
ages? Matthew 4:16. What work does the Lord want us to do in behalf of
honest Catholics?
"Among the Catholics there are many who are most conscientious Christians, and
who walk in all the light that shines upon them, and God will work in their behalf.
Those who have had great privileges and opportunities, and who have failed to im-
prove their physical, mental, and moral powers, but who have lived to please them-
selves, and have refused to bear their responsibility, are in greater danger and in
greater condemnation before God than those who are in error upon doctrinal points,
yet who seek to live to do good to others."-Evangelism, p. 575.
"From that which God has shown me, a great number will be saved from among
the Catholics."-Ibid., p. 574.
Laboringfor Ministers of Other Denominations o Thursday

May 28
9. How did Jesus rebuke James and John for checking a man who was working
in the name of the Lord but who was not following the apostles? Mark 9:38-40.
"None who showed themselves in any way friendly to Christ were to be repulsed.
There were many who had been deeply moved by the character and the work of Christ,
and whose hearts were opening to Him in faith; and the disciples, who could not read
motives, must be careful not to discourage these souls. When Jesus was no longer per-
sonally among them, and the work was left in their hands, they must not indulge a nar-
row, exclusive spirit, but manifest the same far-reaching sympathy which they had seen in
their Master.
"The fact that one does not in all things conform to our personal ideas or opinions will
not justify us in forbidding him to labor for God. Christ is the Great Teacher; we are not to
judge or to command, but in humility each is to sit at the feet of Jesus, and learn of Him."
- The Desire of Ages, pp. 437, 438.
10. What evidence shows that many who work in the name of Christ are deceived?
Matthew 7:22; Philippians 1:15-18. What is our duty toward honest
ministers of other denominations and Christian groups?
"Our ministers should seek to come near to the ministers of other denominations.
Pray for and with these men, for whom Christ is interceding."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 78.
Continued on page 41
- 38-
Lesson 10 Sabbath, June 6, 1987
ELEVENTH HOUR WORKERS
"Among earth's inhabitants, scattered in every land, there are those who
have not bowed the knee to Baal. Like the stars of heaven, which appear only
at night, these faithful ones will shine forth when darkness covers the earth
and gross darkness the people:'-Prophets and Kings, p. 188.
KEY TEXT: "Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but
the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that
he will send forth labourers into his harvest." Matthew 9:37, 38.
The Gathering Time D Sunday

May 31
1. Why would it have been a mistake for Elijah to number the servants of
Jehovah? 1 Kings 19:14, 15, 18. Who only is able to number Israel? 2 Tim-
othy 2:19.
"What strange work Elijah would have done in numbering Israel at the time
when God's judgments were falling upon the backsliding people! He could count only
one on the Lord's side."-Prophets and Kings, p. 189.
2. Why would it be a mistake for us to number the people of God today? What
program is to be carried out in these last days? Isaiah 11:10-12.
"Then let no man attempt to number Israel today, but let everyone have a heart
of flesh, a heart of tender sympathy, a heart that, like the heart of Christ, reaches out
for the salvation of a lost world."-Prophets and Kings, p. 189.
"Every jewel will be brought out and gathered, for the hand of the Lord is set to
recover the remnant of His people, and He will accomplish the work gloriously."-Ear(y
Writings, p. 70.
More Laborers: God's Provision D Monday

June 1
3. What parable did Jesus put before the disciples in connection with the call-
ing of laborers? Matthew 20:1-16.
4. What did the householder do in the eleventh hour? Why did not the last
laborers come in earlier? Matthew 20:6, 7.
"When the householder went to the market place at the eleventh hour and found
men unemployed he said, 'Why stand ye here all the day idle?' The answer was,
'Because no man hath hired us.' None of those called later in the day were there in the
morning. They had not refused the call. Those who refuse and afterward repent, do
well to repent; but it is not safe to trifle with the first call of mercy."-Christ's Object
Lessons, p. 399.
- 39-
More Laborers: Our Duty Toward Outsiders D Tuesday
June 2
5. Considering the need of laborers, what should we always remember in our

prayers? Matthew 9:37, 38.
6. What condition, if prevalent in the church, is a real hindrance in the conver-

sion of new souls? 1 Corinthians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 12:20. If the Lord has
chosen instruments apart from our ranks, why does not He send them to us
immediately?
"The Lord does not now work to bring many souls into the truth, because of the
church members who have never been converted and those who were once converted
but who have backslidden. What influence would these unconsecrated members have
on new converts? Would they not make of no effect the God-given message which His
people are to bear?"- Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 371.
More Laborers: Our Duty (continued) D Wednesday

June 3
7. How are we to act before our prayers for more laborers can be answered?
Hebrews 12:12-15.
"God has jewels in all the churches, and it is not for us to make sweeping denun-
ciation of the professed religious world, but in humility and love, present to all the
truth as it is in Jesus. Let men see piety and devotion, let them behold Christlikeness
of character, and they will be drawn to the truth."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G.
White Comments], vol. 4, p. 1184.
"In bearing the message, make no personal thrusts at other churches, not even
the Roman Catholic Church. Angels of God see in the different denominations many
who can be reached only by the greatest caution."-Evangelism, p. 576.
8. For what change of attitude on our part is the Lord anxiously waiting? Ephe-
sians 4:20-25. What results will be seen after this change?
"If we would humble ourselves before God, and be kind and courteous and ten-
derhearted and pitiful, there would be one hundred conversions to the truth where
now there is only one. But, though professing to be converted, we carry around with
us a bundle of self that we regard as altogether too precious to be given up. It is our
privilege to lay this burden at the feet of Christ and in its place take the character and
similitude of Christ. The Saviour is waiting for us to do this."-Testimonies, vol. 9, pp.
189, 190.
"Only through long and severe struggles is self mastered. This self-training must
be taken up by the individual members of the church, and the rubbish which has ac-
cumulated around the door of the heart must be removed, ere they can serve God
with singleness of purpose, adorning their profession by a well-ordered life and a god-
ly conversation. Then, and not till then, can they teach sinners the truth and win souls
to Christ."-Ibid., vol. 4, p. 612.
Other Sheep D Thursday

June 4
9. Where will the Lord find many laborers in the eleventh hour? John 10:16.
-40-
"There are many souls to come out of the ranks of the world, out of the churches-
even the Catholic Church-whose zeal will far exceed that of those who have stood in
rank and file to proclaim the truth heretofore. For this reason the eleventh hour laborers
will receive their penny. These will see the battle coming and will give the trumpet a
certain sound. When the crisis is upon us, when the season of calamity shall come,
they will come to the front, gird themselves with the whole armor of God, and exalt
His law, adhere to the faith of Jesus, and maintain the cause of religious liberty which
reformers defended with toil and for which they sacrificed their lives."-Selected
Messages, book 3, pp. 386, 387.
10. Where will many souls respond to the call of the gospel? What prophecy will
then have its final and complete fulfillment? Isaiah 9:2.
"In heathen Africa, in the Catholic lands of Europe and of South America, in
China, in India, in the islands of the sea, and in all the dark corners of the earth, God
has in reserve a firmament of chosen ones that will yet shine forth amidst the dark-
ness, revealing clearly to an apostate world the transforming power of obedience to
His law."-Prophets and Kings, pp. 188, 189.
June 5
a. In what sense is the hand of the Lord "set to recover the remnant of His peo-
ple" at this time?
b. What is one of God's provisions to meet the need for more workers in these
last days?
c. Why are our prayers, based on Matthew 9:38, not answered more abundantly?
d. With what attitude should we approach members of other denominations?
e. When we show more evidences of repentance and conversion, what effect will
this change have upon many honest souls who are in the fallen churches? •
Continued from page 38

"* * "* * "*
"Our ministers should seek to come near to the ministers of other denominations.
Pray for and with these men, for whom Christ is interceding."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 78.
"Mistakes have been made in not seeking to reach ministers and the higher
classes with the truth. People not of our faith have been shunned altogether too much.
While we should not associate with them to receive their mold, there are honest ones
everywhere for whom we should labor cautiously, wisely, and intelligently, full of
love for their souls."-Ibid., vol. 5, p. 580.
May 29
a. How are we to reach the educated and wealthy classes?
b. What work is to be done for the outcasts? How?
c. How does the Lord want us to help the poor, the sick, and the distressed?
d. What burden should we feel for the honest Jews and Catholics?
e. What advice has been given concerning the ministers of other denomina-
tions?
- 41-
FACING TRIALS AND DIFFICULTIES
"When hedged about with apparently insurmountable difficulties, then is

the time above all others to trust in the Lord." - The Review and Herald, May 30,
1912. .
KEY TEXT: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Matthew
28:20.
Persecution D Sunday
June 7
1. What did Paul do under persecution and tribulation? 2 Corinthians 1:3-10.
What lesson did he leave for us?
"It was when the heavens were as brass over Paul that he trusted most fully in
God, and was delivered again and again from unreasonable and wicked men. Let us
trust in God, saying, 'Though he slay me, yet will I trust him.' Let self be crucified.
Let the love of God shine forth in words and works. Let the gospel of Jesus Christ ex-
ert strong, uninterrupted influence upon mind and heart."- The Review and Herald, May
30, 1912.
2. For what reason was John banished to the isle of Patmos? Revelation 1:9.
How did John Bunyan work for the Lord while in prison? How does God often
turn persecution to the furtherance of His cause?
"Success in the winning of souls does not depend upon age or circumstances, but
upon the love one has for others. Consider John Bunyan imprisoned in the Bedford
jail. His enemies think they have placed him where his work for others must cease.
But not so. He is not idle. The love for souls continues to burn within him, and from
the loathsome dungeon there is sent forth a light that has shone to all parts of the
civilized world. There he wrote his wonderful allegory of the pilgrim's journey from
the land of destruction to the celestial city. This book, 'The Pilgrim's Progress,' por-
trays the Christian life so accurately, and presents the love of Christ so attractively,
that through its instrumentality hundreds and thousands have been converted." - The
Review and Herald, May 30, 1912.
"Often when the servant of God is withdrawn from active duty, the mysterious
providence which our shortsighted vision would lament is designed by God to ac-
complish a work that otherwise would never have been done.
"Let not the follower of Christ think, when he is no longer able to labor openly
and actively for God and His truth, that he has no service to render, no reward to
secure. Christ's true witnesses are never laid aside. In health and sickness, in life and
death, God uses them still."- The Acts of the Apostles, p. 465.
-42-
Misrepresentations D Monday
June 8
3. There will always be those who will misrepresent our ch~racters, our mo-
tives, and the truths we defend. How should we react? 2 Timothy 2:24; 1
Peter 3:14-16.
"It takes those who have trained their minds to war against the truth to manufac-
ture quibbles. And we are not wise to take them from their hands, and pass them out
to thousands who would never have thought of them had we not published them to
the world. This is what our opponents want to have done; they want to be brought to
notice and to have us publish for them. This is especially true of some. This is their
main object in writing out their falsehoods and in misrepresenting the truth and the
characters of those who love and advocate the truth. They will die out more speedily
to be left unnoticed, to have their errors and falsehoods treated with silent contempt."
4. However, when it is absolutely necessary to unmask audacious falsehood,

how should this be done? Titus 3:10.
"There are occasions where their glaring misrepresentations will have to be met.
When this is the case, it should be done promptly and briefly, and we should then pass
on to our work. The plan of Christ's teaching should be ours. He was plain and sim-
ple, striking directly at the root of the matter, and the minds of all were met.
"It is not the best policy to be so very explicit and say all upon a point that can be
said, when a few arguments will cover the ground and be sufficient for all practical
purposes to convince or silence opponents. You may remove every prop today and
close the mouths of objectors so that they can say nothing, and tomorrow they will go
over the same ground again. Thus it will be, over and over, because they do not love
the light and will not come to the light, lest their darkness and error should be removed
from them. It is a better plan to keep a reserve of arguments than to pour out a depth
of knowledge upon a subject which would be taken for granted without labored
argument."-Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 37, 38.
Prejudice D Tuesday
June 9
5. What obstacle did Christ and the apostles have to meet wherever they went?
Give examples. John 1:46; 7:48; Acts 28:22. How are we to act in a way that
we will not increase the existing prejudice?
"It should ever be manifest that we are reformers, but not bigots. When our
laborers enter a new field, they should seek to become acquainted with the pastors of
the several churches in the place. Much has been lost by neglecting to do this. If our
ministers show themselves friendly and sociable, and do not act as if they were
ashamed of the message they bear, it will have an excellent effect, and may give these
pastors and their congregations favorable impressions of the truth. At any rate, it is
right to give them a chance to be kind and favorable if they will.
"Our laborers should be very careful not to give the impression that they are
wolves stealing in to get the sheep, but should let the ministers understand their posi-
tion and the object of their mission-to call the attention of the people to the truths of
God's Word. There are many of these whieh are dear to all Christians. Here is com-
mon ground, upon which we can meet people of other denominations; and in becoming
-43 -
acquainted with them we should dwell mostly upon topics in which all feel an interest,
and which will not lead directly and pointedly to the subjects of disagreement."
-Evangelism, pp. 143, 144.
6. How does Paul describe his manner of labor in view of the existence of prej-
udice? 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. What lesson should we learn from his method?
"Our workers need more of the wisdom that Paul had. When he went to labor for
the Jews, he did not first make prominent the birth, betrayal, crucifixion, and resur-
rection of Christ, notwithstanding these were the special truths for that time. He first
brought them down step by step over the promises of a coming Saviour, that had been
given, and over the prophecies that pointed him out. After dwelling upon these until
the specifications were distinct in the minds of all, he then declared that this Saviour
had already come, and had fulfilled every specification of prophecy. This was the
'guile' with which Paul caught souls. He presented the truth in such a manner that
their former prejudices did not arise to blind their eyes and pervert their judg-
ment."-The Review and Herald, June 13, 1912.
Despondency o Wednesday
June 10
7. What temptation may come to those laboring with limited resources, under
unfavorable conditions? 1 Kings 19:4; Nehemiah 4:10. What advice is very
precious under such circumstances?
"Those who are laboring in places where the work has not long been started,
often find themselves surrounded by discouraging conditions. The need of better
facilities is great, and encouragement and sympathy may seem to be withheld. At
such times let not the workers give way to discouragement, but let them take their
perplexities to the Lord in prayer. When trying to build up the work in new territory,
we have often gone to the limit of our resources. At times it seemed as if we could ad-
vance no farther. But we kept sending out petitions to heaven, all the time denying
self; and God heard and answered our prayers, supplying means for the advancement
of the work."-The Review and Herald, May 30,1912.
8. What promise of Jesus should we bear in mind when we feel despondent?

Matthew 28:18,20 (last part).
"Learn to take Christ at his word when you are inclined to despond. Believe that
'all power' is given to those who need it, and that this power is for you. Do not look on
the dark side, but look in faith to Jesus. The Word of the Lord is sufficient. Take hold
unitedly with a will to do what God has said must be done. Success will attend those
who cooperate with him all the time."- The Review and Herald, May 30, 1912.
Wrong Ideas, Fanaticism, and Ignorance o Thursday

June 11
9. What problem has always been a curse to the church? Titus 1:10,11; 2 Peter
2:10,18.
"The fires of the day of God will consume the stubble and chaff, and there will be
nothing left of any who continue in the ungodly course which they have so long loved.
-44 -
This class have a disrelish for the society of those whom God is truly with. Their
religious experience is of so Iowan order that they have no part nor lot in a rational,
intelligent religious experience; therefore they have despised the society of those
whom God leads and is teaching. Sarcasm and irony is the stronghold of some
peculiar minds of this class. They are bold and insolent, and do not regard good man-
ners. They have no care to discriminate and render honor to whom honor is due.
They manifest a proud, rebellious, defiant spirit against those who differ from their
opinions. Their boisterous manners and wrong course lead the true servant of God to
feel that they have resisted the efforts made for them, and he becomes disheartened
in reference to laboring any further in their behalf."- Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 554, 555.
10. What other problem has likewise plagued the church down through the cen-
turies? Galatians 1:6-8. How did Paul meet such problems? Galatians 5:
12-16; Corinthians 3:9-13.
"False teachers had brought to the Galatians doctrines that were opposed to the
gospel of Christ. Paul sought to expose and correct these errors. He greatly desired
that the false teachers might be separated from the church, but their influence had af-
fected so many of the believers that it seemed hazardous to take action against them.
There was danger of causing strife and division which would be ruinous to the spir-
itual interests of the church. He therefore sought to impress upon his brethren the im-
portance of trying to help one another in love."- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 243.
"The apostle made no mention of the false teachers who were seeking to destroy
the fruit of his labor. Because of the darkness and division in the church, he wisely
forbore to irritate them by such references, for fear of turning some entirely from the
truth. He called attention to his own work among them as that of 'a wise master
builder,' who had laid the foundation upon which others had built. "-The Acts of the
Apostles, p. 303.
June 12
a. Give examples showing how the truth gained a greater triumph through the
fact that God's servants were isolated from the world.
b. What is the best method of meeting misrepresentations?
c. What is the best way to break down prejudice?
d. What advice should we follow when tempted to give way to despondency?
e. How should the servants of God act in the presence of ignorance, fanaticism,
wrong ideas, and false teachings? •
-45 -
STANDING BEFORE DECEPTIONS
E. G. White wrote: "I was shown the heresies which are to arise, the delu-
sions that will prevail, the miracle-working power of Satan - the false Christs
that will appear - that will deceive the greater part, even of the religious
world, and that' would, if it were possible, draw away even the elect,"
.-Selected Messages, book 3, p. 414.
KEY TEXT: "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my
name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many." Matthew 24:4, 5.
Doctrinal Deceptions D Sunday

June 14
1. As far as doctrines and theories are concerned, how careful and selective
should we be? Colossians 2:6-8; 2 Timothy 4:2-4.
"I have been instructed that it is not new and fanciful doctrines nor human sup-
positions which the people need, but the testimony of men who know and practice the
truth."-Gospel Workers, p. 305.
"I beseech those who are laboring for God not to accept the spurious for the gen-
uine. Let not human reasoning be placed where sanctifying truth should be.... God
calls upon us to hold firmly to the fundamental principles that are based upon unques-
tionable authority."-Ibid., p. 308.
2. What deceptions occurred in ancient Israel? 1 Kings 22:22; 2 Peter 2:1.

What similar condition did the servant of the Lord foresee in the SDA
Church? What power is often used by those who turn away from the truth
and still profess to be serving the Lord? Galatians 3: 1. .
"Let the son of deceit and false witness be entertained by a church that has had
great light, great evidence, and that church will discard the message the Lord has
sent, and receive the most unreasonable assertions and false suppositions and false
theories. Satan laughs at their folly; for he knows what truth is.
"Many will stand in our pulpits with the torch of false prophecy in their hands,
kindled from the hellish torch of Satan."-Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 409, 410.
"Let us bear a plain, clear testimony right to the point, that hypnotism is being used
by those who have departed from the faith, and that we are not to link up with them.
Through those who depart from the faith, the power of the enemy will be exercised to
lead others astray."-Selected Messages, book 3, p. 412.
-46-
DoctrinalDeceptions~ontinued) o Monday
June 15
3. What warning has been given about time-setting and similar errors? (Note.)
How did Paul warn the believers against doctrinal deceptions? Ephesians
4:14.
"There will never again be a message for the people of God that will be based on
time. Weare not to know the definite time either for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit
or for the coming of Christ."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 188.
"There will always be false and fanatical movements made by persons in the
church who claim to be led of God-those who will run before they are sent, and will
give day and date for the occurrence of unfulfilled prophecy. The enemy is pleased to
have them do this, for their successive failures and leading into false lines cause con-
fusion and unbelief."-Ibid., book 2, p. 84.
4. What kind of deceptions are especially dangerous? (Note.) To face this

danger, what example do we have from the time of the apostles? Acts 15:2.
"Satan will surely enter any door thrown open for him. He will give messages of
truth, mingling with the truth ideas of his own, prepared to mislead souls, to draw the
mind to human beings and their sayings, and prevent it from holding firmly to a 'Thus
saith the Lord.' "-Selected Messages, book 2, pp. 96, 97.
"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
no light in it, yield to their judgment; for 'in the multitude of counselors there is
safety.' "- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 293.
Dreams and Visions/Impressions and Feelings o Tuesday

June 16
5. Against what form of deception should we always be on guard? Jeremiah

23:32; Zechariah 10:2. By what rule should dreams and visions be tested?
Jeremiah 23:28; Deuteronomy 18:22; Isaiah 8:20. According to the history
of the Advent people, what is the result of false visions?
"There will be false dreams and false visions, which have some truth, but lead
away from the original faith. The Lord has given men a rule by which to detect them:
'To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is
because there is no light in them' (Isa. 8:20). If they belittle the law of God, if they pay
no heed to His will as revealed in the testimonies of His Spirit, they are deceivers."
-Selected Messages, book 2, p. 98.
"What has become of those who had the visions, and those who encouraged
them? Several now living are skeptics, have no belief in the gifts of the church, no
faith in the truth, no religion at all. Such, I have been shown, is the sure result of
spurious visions."-Ibid., p. 78.
6. When people think that their own thoughts and feelings are impressions of
the Holy Spirit, and that it is their duty to teach others, what is the result?
What does the Lord say of such people? Jeremiah 23:21.
-47-
"I have been shown many who will claim to be especially taught of God, and will
attempt to lead others, and from mistaken ideas of duty they will undertake a work
that God has never laid upon them. Confusion will be the result." -Selected Messages,
book 2, p. 72.
"They are controlled by impulse and impressions, which they believe to be from
the Holy Spirit, and consider more reliable than the Inspired Word. They claim that
every thought and feeling is an impression of the Spirit; and when they are reasoned
with out of the Scriptures, they declare that they have something more reliable. But
while they think that they are led by the Spirit of God, they are in reality following an
imagination wrought upon by Satan."-Ibid., pp. 98, 99.
Miracles: Healing the Sick o Wednesday

June 17
7. What warning do we have about the miracle-working power of the great

deceiver? Matthew 24:4, 5, 24. What does Sister White say about her own
experience in connection with this deception? How are we to test the claims
of those who work miracles?
"Some have come to me claiming to be Christ, and have apparently worked mir-
acles. They have said that the Lord led me in many things, but the Sabbath was not a
test question; that the law of God was not binding upon men; all we had to do was to
accept Christ, and they themselves were Christ. "-Selected Messages, book 2, p. 76.
"The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his
marvelous works 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.
8. What is the source of the miraculous cures wrought by those who disregard
the law of God? Revelation 16:14; 1 John 2:4. How are many believers pre-
paring to be deceived?
"Many make great pretensions to holiness, and boast of the wonders they per-
form in healing the sick, when they do not regard this great standard of righteousness
[the law of God]."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1099.
"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 Climax of the Work ofDeception o Thursday

June 18
9. How and for what purpose did evil angels mingle with the people that came
to hear Jesus? What is happening at this time? What warning must be borne
in mind continually? Ephesians 6:12.
"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....
-48 -
"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.
"I have been shown that evil angels in the form of believers will work in our ranks
to bring in a strong spirit of unbelief."-Ibid., p. 410.
10. As spiritualism, under different forms, is gaining more and more ground,
what will soon be the climax of the work of deception? 2 Corinthians 11:14;
Matthew 24:26. How shall we be able to stand before this danger? Ephesians
6:11, 13-18.
"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?"-The
SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 6, pp. 1105, 1106.
June 19
a. How will the enemy misuse the pulpits of the SDA Church?
b. What rule should we follow before advocating or welcoming new doctrinal
ideas? What do you think of those who insist on setting a definite time for the
fulfillment of unfulfilled prophecy?
c. How careful should we be with dreams and visions, impressions and feel-
ings?
d. What shall we do so that we will not be deceived by the miracle-working
power of Satan?
e. What do you know about the climax of the work of deception? •
, ,
the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering.
- 49-
THE FINISHING OF THE WORK
"The great mass of the world will reject God's mercy, and will be overwhelmed
in swift and irretrievable ruin. But those who heed the warning shall dwell
'in the secret place of the Most High,' and 'abide under the shadow of the
Almighty.' "-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 167.
KEY TEXT: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for
a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matthew
24:14.
Charismatic Movement and Latter Rain o Sunday

June 21
1. What change must be seen among God's people before they are in a position
to warn the world? What help will come to them before they can work mir-
acles and heal the sick? Acts 3:19.
"The work of the Holy Spirit is to convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and
of judgment. The world can only be warned by seeing those who believe the truth
sanctified through the truth, acting upon high and holy principles, showing in a high,
elevated sense, the line of demarcation between those who keep the commandments
of God and those who trample them under their feet."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G.
White Comments], vol. 7, p. 980.
"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."- The Great Controversy, p. 464.
2. Before the true people of God receive power to heal the sick, what deception
will sweep through the fallen denominations? Revelation 13: 13. As this delu-
sion is already spreading all over nominal Christendom, what should we
know about the nearness of the end?
"[B]efore the time for such a movement [revival of primitive godliness and the lat-
ter rain] shall come, he [the enemy] will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a coun-
terfeit. 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 mar-
velously for them, when the work is that of another spirit. Under a religious guise,
Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world."-The Great Contro-
versy, p. 464.
-50-
Mankind Brought to a Decision o Monday
June 22
3. When the inhabitants of the earth shall see miracles wrought on both sides of
the great controversy, what will happen? Joel 3:14.
"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 wonders 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.
4. What is written about the little remnant, a faithful few, who will not be de-
ceived? Matthew 24:13; Revelation 17:14 (last part).
"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. The people are fast being
lulled to a fatal security, to be awakened only by the outpouring of the wrath of God."
- The Great Controversy, p. 562.
The Final Warning and Its Results o Tuesday

June 23
5. What points will be emphasized in the final message to be given under the
latter rain? Revelation 18:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 13:3, 8, 11,
14,16.
"God was in the work, and every saint, fearless of consequences, followed the
convictions of his own conscience and united with those who were keeping all the
commandments of God; and with power they sounded abroad the third message."
-Early Writings, p. 278.
"Thus the message of the third angel will be proclaimed. As the time comes for it
to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble instruments,
leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to His service. The laborers
will be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the training of literary in-
stitutions. Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal,
declaring the words which God gives them. The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The
fearful results of enforcing the observances of the church by civil authority, the in-
roads of spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power-all will be
unmasked. By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred."- The Great Controversy,
p.606.
6. What effect will the final warning have upon the churches and upon the na-
tions? lIaggai 2:7 (first part); Revelation 12:17 (first part).
"When the earth is lighted with the glory of the angel of Revelation eighteen, the
religious elements, good and evil, will awake from slumber, and the armies of the liv-
ing God will take the field."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p.
983.
"My attention was turned to the wicked, or unbelievers. They were all astir. The
zeal and power with the people of God had aroused and enraged them."-Earry
Writings, p. 272.
- 51-
The Final Warning and Its Result (continued) o Wednesday
June 24
7. What kind of men did God have in the Jewish Council, in the days of Christ?
John 7:50, 51; Luke 23:50,51. What kind of agents does God have among
the leading men of the nations? What will they do?
"While many of our rulers are active agents of Satan, God also has His agents
among the leading men of the nation. The enemy moves upon his servants to propose
measures that would greatly impede the work of God; but statesmen who fear the
Lord are influenced by holy angels to oppose such propositions with unanswerable
arguments. Thus a few men will hold in check a powerful current of evil. The opposi-
tion of the enemies of truth will be restrained that the third angel's message may do
its work. When the final warning shall be given, it will arrest the attention of these
leading men through whom the Lord is now working, and some of them will accept it,
and will stand with the people of God through the time of trouble."-The Great Con-
troversy, pp. 610, 611.
8. What effect will the final warning have upon God's people who are still in
Babylon? Revelation 18:4. What will come when the final warning has been
given? Matthew 24:14.
"Now the rays of light penetrate everywhere, the truth is seen in its clearness,
and the honest children of God sever the bands which have held them. Family connec-
tions, church relations, are powerless to stay them now. Truth is more precious than
all besides. Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, a large number
take their stand upon the Lord's side."-The Great Controversy, p. 612.
The Final Test and the Close ofProbation o Thursday

June 25
9. What measures will then be taken against the people of God? Revelation
12:17 (last part); 13:17, 15.
"The power attending the last warning has enraged the wicked; their anger is
kindled against all who have received the message, and Satan will excite to still
greater intensity the spirit of hatred and persecution."- The Great Controversy, pp. 614,615.
"Confusion, confusion, was on every side. I saw measures taken against the com-
pany who had the light and power of God. Darkness thickened around them; yet they
stood firm, approved of God, and trusting in Him."-Early Writings, p. 272.
"To all, the testing time will come....
"Secular rulers and religious leaders will unite to enforce the observance of the
Sunday; and as milder measures fail, the most oppressive laws will be enacted. It will
be urged that the few who stand in opposition to an institution of the church and a law
of the land ought not to be tolerated, and a decree will finally be issued denouncing
them as deserving of the severest punishment, and giving the people liberty, after a
certain time, to put them to death. Romanism in the Old World, and apostate Protes-
tantism in the New, will pursue a similar course toward those who honor the divine
precepts."- The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, pp. 443-445.
10. What announcement will be made in the heavenly sanctuary at the close of
Jesus' intercession? Revelation 22:11. How will God punish the impenitent
inhabitants of the earth? Revelation 16:1. What promises will then sustain
the faith of the redeemed? Isaiah 26:20,21; Psalm 46:1-3, 11.
- 52-
"When the accumulated figures in heaven's record books shall mark the sum of
transgression complete, wrath will come, unmixed with mercy, and then it will be
seen what a tremendous thing it is to have worn out the divine patience. This crisis
will be reached when the nations shall unite in making void God's law."-Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 524.
"An angel returning from the earth announces that his work is done; the final test
has been brought upon the world, and all who have proved themselves loyal to the
divine precepts have received 'the seal of the living God.' Then Jesus ceases His in-
tercession in the sanctuary above....
"Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble.
As the angels of God cease to hold in check the fierce winds of human passion, all the
elements of strife will be let loose. The whole world will be involved in ruin more ter-
rible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old."- The Great Controversy, pp. 613, 614.
June 26
a. How can you tell the difference between the charismatic movement and the
latter rain?
b. When mankind is brought to its final decision, what two classes will be
revealed?
c. What do you know about the final warning and its results?
d. What conversions will be seen, under the latter rain, at the very end?
e. What is written about the final test, the close of probation, the time of trou-
ble (Dan. 12: 1), and the deliverance of God's people? •
- 53-
An Impressive Dream
"In a dream given me Sept. 29, 1886, I was walking with a large company who
were looking for berries. There were many young men and women in the company
who were to help in gathering the fruit. We seemed to be in a city, for there was very
little vacant ground; but around the city there were open fields, beautiful groves, and
cultivated gardens. A large wagon laden with provisions for our company went before us.
"Soon the wagon halted, and the party scattered in every direction to look for
fruit. All around the wagon were both high and low bushes, bearing large, beautiful
whortleberries; but the company were all looking too far away to see them. I began to
gather the fruit near by, but very carefully, for fear of picking the green berries,
which were so mingled with the ripe fruit that I could pick only one or two berries
from a cluster.
"Some of the nice large berries had fallen to the ground, and were half consumed
by worms and insects. 'Oh,' thought I, 'if this field had only been entered before, all
this precious fruit might have been saved! But it is too late now. I will, however, pick
these from the ground, and see if there is any good in them.' Even if the whole berry is
spoiled, I can at least show the brethren what they might have found if they had not
been too late.'
"Just then two or three of the party came sauntering around where I was. They
were chatting, and seemed to be much occupied with each other's company. Seeing
me, they said, 'We have looked everywhere, and can find no fruit.' They looked with
astonishment at the quantity I had. I said, 'There are more to be gathered from these
bushes.' They began picking, but soon stopped, saying, 'It is not fair for us to pick
here; you found this spot, and the fruit is yours.' But I replied, 'That makes no dif-
ference. Gather wherever you can find anything. This is God's field, and these are His
berries; it is your privilege to pick them.'
"But soon I seemed to be alone again. Every little while I heard talking and
laughing at the wagon. I called out to those who were there, 'What are you doing?'
They answered, 'We could not find any berries, and as we were tired and hungry, we
thought we would come to the wagon and take a lunch. After we have rested awhile,
we will go out again.'
" 'But,' I said, 'you have brought in nothing as yet. You are eating up all our sup-
plies, without giving us any more. I cannot eat now; there is too much fruit to be picked.
You did not find it because you did not look close enough. It does not hang on the out-
side of the bushes, you must search for it. True, you cannot pick it by handfuls; but by
looking carefully among the green berries, you will find very choice fruit.'
"My small pail was soon full of berries, and I took them to the wagon. Said I,
'This is the nicest fruit that I ever picked, and I gathered it near by, while you have
wearied yourselves by searching at a distance without success.'
"Then all came to see my fruit. They said, 'These are high-bush berries, firm and
good. We did not think we could find anything on the high bushes, so we hunted for
low-bush berries only, and found but few of these.'
"Then I said, 'Will you take care of these berries, and then go with me to look for
more fruit on the high bushes?' But they had made no preparation to care for the fruit.
There were dishes and sacks in abundance but they had been used to hold food. I be-
came tired of waiting, and finally asked, 'Did you not come to gather fruit? Then why
are you not prepared to take care of it?'
"One responded, 'Sister White, we did not really expect to find any fruit where
there were so many houses, and so much going on; but as you seemed so anxious to
gather fruit, we decided to come with you. We thought we would bring enough to eat,
and would enjoy the recreation, if we did not gather any fruit.'
- 54-
"I answered, 'I cannot understand this kind of work. I shall go to the bushes again
at once. The day is already far spent, soon the night will be here, in which we can
gather no fruit.' Some went with me, but others remained by the wagon to eat.
"In one place a little company had collected, and were busily talking about
something in which they seemed much interested. I drew near, and found that a little
child in a woman's arms had attracted their attention. I said, 'You have but a little
time, and might better work while you can.'
"The attention of many was attracted by a young man and a young woman who
were running a race to the wagon. On reaching it, they were so tired that they had to
sit down and rest. Others also had thrown themselves down on the grass to rest.
"Thus the day wore on, and very little was accomplished. At last I said:
'Brethren, you call this an unsuccessful expedition. If this is the way you work, I do
not wonder at your lack of success. Your success or failure depends upon the way you
take hold of the work. There are berries here; for I have found them. Some of you
have been searching the low bushes in vain; others have found a few berries; but the
high bushes have been passed by, simply because you did not expect to find fruit on
them. You see that the fruit which I have gathered is large and ripe. In a little while
other berries will ripen, and we can go over the bushes again. This is the way in which
I was taught to gather fruit. If you had searched near the wagon, you might have
found fruit as well as I.
" 'The lesson that you have this day given to those who are just learning how to
do this kind of work, will be copied by them. The Lord has placed these fruit-bearing
bushes right in the midst of these thickly settled places, and He expects you to find
them. But you have been altogether too much engaged in eating, and amusing
yourselves. You did not come to the field with an earnest determination to find fruit.
" 'You must hereafter work with more zeal and earnestness, and with an
altogether different object in view, or your labors will never be successful. By work-
ing in the right way, you will teach the younger workers that such matters as eating
and recreation are of minor importance. It has been hard work to bring the wagon of
supplies to the ground, but you have thought more of the supplies than of the fruit you
ought to carry home as the result of your labors. You should be diligent, first to pick
the berries nearest you, and then to search for those farther away; after that you can
return and work near by again, and thus you will be successful."-Christian Service,
pp.46-49.
- 55-
KOREA
SCALE OF MILES
0 50 100
KILOMETRES
E3
0 50
Ch~Jq
Halla
,898"
(~I.)
o Co,IrritN HAMMOND INCOIHlRATB>, MapIowood, H. J.
The arrow on the map above points to Seoul,
South Korea, where the brethren plan to build a
monument for the Lord. See page 4 for more
detailed information.

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~ Sabbath School Lessons ~

THE TIME AND THE WORK

1. The Denominational Default and Its Conse-

The General Conference Sabbath School Department

Chapel in South Korea

The General Conference Sabbath School Department

THE DENOMINATIONAL DEFAULT

Profession or Works D Sunday

1. What condition, present among the Laodiceans, counteracts the preaching

2. How does history repeat itself in this case? Matthew 23:1-3.

Without the Presence of God o Tuesday

A Faithful Remnant D Thursday

A GREAT WORK IN A SHORT TIME

These Are the Last Days D Sunday

God Will Cut Shott His Work D Monday

"There is a great work to be done in a short time. We need to understand our

The World's Need D Tuesday

Under Difficult Circumstances D Wednesday

Our Present Duty D Thursday

THE PRESENT NEED:

Faith, Obedience, and Endurance D Monday

Humble, But Trained o Tuesday

6. What does Ecclesiastes 10:10 suggest in regard to professional efficiency?

Training New Workers o Wednesday

a) Every local church, a training center

b) Every experienced minister and worker, an instructor

Training New Workers (continued) D Thursday

"The schools of the prophets were founded by Samuel to serve as a barrier

Individual Effort D Sunday

"Everywhere there is a tendency to substitute the work of organizations for in-

Gifts and Talents D Monday

We have: mental faculties (intelligence), speech, influence, time, money, etc.

It Faithful Use and Continual Development of Talents D Tuesday

6. What other responsibilities do our God-given talents also involve? Matthew

Talents Made Effective D Wednesday

"Learning, talents, eloquence, every natural or acquired endowment, may be

Responding to the Call of God D Thursday

"The Lord desires us to use every gift we

Mental Culture o Sunday

Power of Godly Example D Monday

Order and Harmonious Action D Tuesday

"God is a God of order. Everything connected with heaven is in perfect order;

Diligence, Perseverance, Self-Denial, Etc. o Wednesday

7. How is the importance of diligence emphasized? Proverbs 22:29; 13:11. Men-

8. What is the place of self-denial and self-sacrifice as a factor in success? Mat-

"Christ is authoritatively calling upon everyone who claims to believe on Him to

Obedience and Dependence on the Power of God o Thursday

9. What do we read about obedience to the word of God as a condition of suc-

a. Explain the difference between workers and blunderers.

"Remember that the Lord Jesus is

Training More Workers o Sunday

More Repentance and Conversion o Monday

More Unity and Mutual Confidence o Tuesday

"Though we have an individual work and an individual responsibility before God,

More Emphasis on Church Order o Wednesday

Arousing the People to Action o Thursday

"It is not the purpose of God that

SCREENING PROSPECTIVE WORKERS

High Standard of the Early Christian Church D Sunday

1. What is the first condition on which a candidate for ordination is to be

Carnal Men D Monday