Answers To Prayer
Jacob Wrestling In Prayer. "If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us." 1 John 5:14.
1. How does God anticipate the needs of His children?
“And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” Isa. 65:24.
2. Is there any limit to God’s ability to help?
“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Eph. 3:20.
3. How fully has God promised to supply our needs?
“My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19.
4. Do we always know what to pray for?
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought.” Rom. 8:26.
5. Does God always see fit to grant our petitions?
“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:8, 9.
NOTE.—Paul’s affliction, it seems, was impaired sight. Acts 9:8, 9, 18; 22:11-13. The retaining of this imperfection would be a constant reminder to him of his conversion, and hence a blessing in disguise.
6. If an answer does not come at once, what should we do?
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.” Ps. 37:7.
7. Why was the parable of the importunate widow given?
“And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” Luke 18:1.
NOTE.—The importunate widow got her request because of her persistency. God wants us to seek Him, and to seek Him earnestly, when we pray. He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Heb. 11:6.
8. How did Elijah pray before obtaining his request?
“Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.” James 5:17, 18. See Rev. 11:3-6.
9. Upon what condition does Christ say we shall receive?
“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24.
10. Without this faith, will God answer prayer?
“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.” James 1:6, 7.
11. What petitions may we confidently expect God to hear?
“And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15.
NOTE.—God’s will is expressed in His law, His promises, and His Word. Ps. 40:8; Rom. 2:17,18; 1 Peter 1:4.
12. When Daniel and his fellows were about to be slain because the wise men of Babylon could not reveal to Nebuchadnezzar his dream, how did God answer their united prayers?
“Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night-vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.” Dan. 2:19.
NOTE.—In 1839 the sultan of Turkey decreed that not a representative of the Christian religion should remain in the empire. Learning of this, Dr. William Goodell, an American missionary to Turkey, came home to his friend and colleague, Dr. Cyrus Hamlin, the first president of Robert College, Constantinople, with the sad news: “It is all over with us; we have to leave. The American consul and the British ambassador say it is no use to meet with antagonism this violent and vindictive monarch.” To this Dr. Hamlin replied: “The Sultan of the universe can, in answer to prayer, change the decree of the sultan of Turkey.” They gave themselves to prayer. The next day the sultan died, and the decree was never executed. See Dan. 4:17, 24, 25.
13. When Peter was imprisoned and about to be executed by Herod, what did the church do?
“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” Acts 12:5.
14. How were their prayers answered?
“Behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, ... and he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.... And they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.” Verses 7-10.
15. Because Solomon asked for wisdom rather than for long life and riches, what besides wisdom did God give him?
“Because thou hast asked this thing, ... behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart.... And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honor.” 1 Kings 3:11-13.
NOTE.—The following are some things we are taught in the Scriptures to pray for:—
(1) For daily bread. Matt. 6:11. (2) For the forgiveness of sin. 2 Chron. 7:14; Ps. 32:5, 6; 1 John 1:9; 5:16. (3) For the Holy Spirit. Luke 11:13; Zech. 10:1; John 14:16. (4) For deliverance in the hour of temptation and danger. Matt. 6:13; John 17:11, 15; Prov. 3:26; Psalm 91; Matt. 24:20. (5) For wisdom and understanding. James 1:5; 1 Kings 3:9; Dan. 2:17-19. (6) For peaceable and quiet lives. 1 Tim. 2:1, 2. (7) For the healing of the sick. James 5:14, 15; 2 Kings 20:1-11. (8) For the prosperity of the ministers of God and the gospel. Eph. 6:18, 19; Col. 4:3; 2 Thess. 3:1. (9) For those who suffer for the truth’s sake. Heb. 13:3; Acts 12:5. (10) For kings, rulers, and all in authority. 1 Tim. 2:1, 2; Ezra 6:10. (11) For temporal prosperity. 2 Cor. 9:10; James 5:17, 18. (12) For our enemies. Matt. 5:44. (13) For all saints. Eph. 6:18. (14) For all men. 1 Tim. 2:1. (15) For the Lord to vindicate His cause. 1 Kings 18:30-39. (16) For the coming of Christ and of God’s kingdom. Matt. 6:10; Rev. 22:20.
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Prayer makes the darkest cloud withdraw; Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw, Gives exercise to faith and love, Brings every blessing from above.
Restraining prayer, we cease to fight; Prayer makes the Christian’s armor bright; And Satan trembles when he sees The weakest saint upon his knees.
WILLIAM COWPER.
Public Worship
Solomon’s Temple. "Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people." Isa. 56:7.
1. How only can God be truly worshiped?
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24.
2. How are we instructed to worship the Lord?
“Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” Ps. 29:2.
3. What attitude is indicative of reverence in worship?
“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” Ps. 95:6.
4. Is singing a part of divine worship?
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.” “Come before His presence with singing.” Ps. 100:4, 2.
5. Does the Bible approve of the use of musical instruments in the worship of God?
“Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance [margin, pipe]: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high-sounding cymbals.” Ps. 150:3-5. See also Ps. 92:1-3.
6. What is promised to those who wait upon the Lord?
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isa. 40:31.
7. Is Christ’s presence limited to large congregations?
“Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matt. 18:20.
8. What were David’s feelings concerning public worship?
“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” “For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Ps. 122:1; 84:2, 10.
9. What admonition has Paul given concerning assembling for public worship?
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Heb. 10:25.
10. Does God take account of the meetings of His people?
“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord harkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name. And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels [margin, special treasure]; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” Mal. 3:16, 17.
11. Is there a blessing in habitual church attendance?
“Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house: they will be still [ever and constantly] praising Thee.” “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that I will seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.” Ps. 84:4; 27:4.
12. What caution is given regarding behavior in God’s house?
“Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.” Eccl. 5:1. See 1 Tim. 3:15.
13. What day has God specially designed for public worship?
“The seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, an holy convocation.” Lev. 23:3.
14. How has God commanded us to keep this day?
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.... In it thou shalt not do any work.” Ex. 20:8-10. See Isa. 58:13, 14.
15. Are offerings an appropriate part of divine worship?
“Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name: bring an offering, and come into His courts.” “Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God: let all that be round about Him bring presents unto Him that ought to be feared.” Ps. 96:8; 76:11.
16. Will there be public worship in the new creation?
“As the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before Me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before Me, saith the Lord.” Isa. 66:22, 23.
Rules On Going To Church
1. Go early to church. Not only be punctual, but be in your place before the hour announced for the service to begin.
2. Go in a reverent spirit. On the way remember whither you go. Avoid lightness of manner and conversation on worldly topics.
3. Before you enter and as you enter the church breathe a silent prayer of invocation for the influence of the Holy Spirit.
4. As you take your place, bow your head reverently in prayer for yourself and for all others who enter the sanctuary.
5. Resolve that you will foster no thought, fix your eyes on no object, utter no word, that will tend to divert your mind from the holy purpose for which you have come into this place.
6. As the minister enters the pulpit, offer an earnest silent prayer in his behalf.
7. In all the service take an active part, as hearer, as worshiper.
8. At the close of the service, after a moment of prayerful silence, greet with cheerfulness and good will all whom you happen to meet, remembering that Christian fellowship is a part of Christian worship.—Bishop Vincent.
NOTE.—An excellent suggestion is contained in the notice posted at the doorway of many churches: “Whosoever thou art that entereth this church, remember it is the house of God. Be reverent, be silent, be thoughtful. And leave it not without a prayer to God, for thyself, for him who ministers, and for those who worship here.”
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Before Jehovah’s awful throne, Ye nations, bow with sacred joy; Know that the Lord is God alone; He can create, and He destroy.
His sovereign power, without our aid, Made us of clay, and formed us men; And when like wandering sheep we strayed, He brought us to His fold again.
ISAAC WATTS.
Reverence For The House Of God
A Jewish Synagogue. "Ye shall keep My Sabbaths, and reverence My sanctuary." Lev. 19:30.
1. Why did God instruct His people to build a sanctuary?
“And let them make Me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Ex. 25:8.
2. How did He tell them to regard this dwelling-place of God?
“Ye shall keep My Sabbaths, and reverence My sanctuary: I am the Lord.” Lev. 19:30.
3. What does the Lord say of things dedicated to His service?
“Every devoted thing is most holy unto the Lord.” Lev. 27:28.
4. When God met Moses at the burning bush, why did He tell him to take off his shoes?
“And He said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.” Ex. 3:5. See also Joshua 5:15.
NOTE.—The presence of God made the place holy. Wherever God meets with His people, that place is holy.
5. When the tabernacle was reared anciently, what occurred?
Jesus Cleansing The Temple. "Take these things hence; make not My Father’s house an house of merchandise." John 2:16.
“Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” Ex. 40:34. See 2 Chron. 5:13, 14.
6. Why should all show respect for the house of worship?
“The Lord is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him.” Hab. 2:20.
NOTE.—A failure to recognize this fact leads many to treat the house of worship without due respect. Nothing seems more appropriate to divine worship than that a sense of awe and silence should pervade the place of worship, and that only the sound of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving to God should be heard within its walls. Both upon entering and just before leaving the house of God it is highly appropriate and a most excellent practise for each worshiper to bow the head for a few moments in silent prayer.
7. How did Christ manifest His regard for the sanctity of God’s house?
“And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold doves; and would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And He taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.” Mark 11:15-17.
NOTE.—This cleansing occurred at the close of Christ’s public ministry. There was a similar cleansing also at the beginning of His ministry. See John 2:13-17.
8. What punishment did God bring upon Nadab and Abihu for offering strange or common fire in the tabernacle service?
“And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which He commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.” Lev. 10:1, 2.
NOTE.—This, like the two cleansings of the temple by Christ at the beginning and close of His ministry (John 2:13-17; Matt. 21:12-16), shows that God is particular in regard to the worship and conduct of the worshipers in His house. No performance or exercise should be permitted in any church or building especially dedicated to God’s service which is not in keeping with its sacred character, or conducive to reverence for God and for holy things. It should not be made a place for feasting, visiting, or worldly entertainment and amusement.
9. For what purpose are we exhorted to have grace?
“Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: for our God is a consuming fire.” Heb. 12:28, 29.
10. In what spirit did David say he would worship?
“But as for me, I will come into Thy house in the multitude of Thy mercy: and in Thy fear will I worship toward Thy holy temple.” Ps. 5:7.
11. What instruction has Solomon given respecting our conduct in the house of God?
“Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.” Eccl. 5:1.
12. How extensively has God said He would be honored?
“For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same My name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto My name, and a pure offering: for My name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts.” Mal. 1:11.
13. For how many did God design that His house should be a house of prayer?
“Even them [the sons of the stranger] will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon Mine altar; for Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.” Isa. 56:7.
NOTE.—The fifty-sixth chapter of Isaiah contains a prophecy relating to New Testament times. It is plain, therefore, that Christ enunciated a general principle, applicable to all houses dedicated to God’s service, when, quoting this prophecy, He said that God’s house should be a house of prayer for all nations. See margin of Mark 11:17.
14. Who is present in all assemblies met in Christ’s name?
“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matt. 18:20.
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With reverence let the saints appear, And bow before the Lord; His high commands with reverence hear, And tremble at His word.
O Jesus, Lord of earth and heaven, Our life and joy, to Thee Be honor, thanks, and blessing given Through all eternity.
ISAAC WATTS.
Christian Communion
The Lord’s Supper. "This do in remembrance of Me." 1 Cor. 11:24.
1. What was connected with the worship of God before the first advent?
“Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.” Heb. 9:1.
NOTE.—Paul says that these ordinances consisted “in meats and drinks, and divers washings,” imposed “until the time of reformation,” and that they were “a shadow of good things to come.” Heb. 9:10; 10:1.
2. To whom did the sacrificial offerings point forward?
“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.” Eph. 5:2.
NOTE.—Through the provisions of the sacrificial law, the repentant sinner showed his faith in the coming Redeemer, who was to shed His blood for the sins of mankind. These sacrificial offerings were ordinances which pointed forward to the work of Christ, which they typified. Since the crucifixion, the ordinances of the Christian church point backward, and are designed to show faith in the work of Christ already accomplished.
3. What does the Lord desire us to keep in mind?
“By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, ... how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Cor. 15:2-4.
4. What ordinance commemorates Christ’s burial and resurrection?
“Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.” Col. 2:12.
5. For what purpose was the Lord’s Supper instituted?
“The Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread: and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me.” 1 Cor. 11:23, 24.
6. What is signified by the wine?
“In like manner also the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in My blood: this do, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me.” Verse 25, R. V.
7. What do both the bread and the wine commemorate?
“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till He come.” Verse 26.
8. What caution is given concerning engaging in this ordinance unworthily?
“Whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.... He that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” Verses 27-29.
NOTE.—The last expression shows what is meant by eating and drinking unworthily. It is not the one who has a deep sense of his sinfulness and of his unworthiness of God’s mercy and grace, but he who does not discern that Christ died for his sins—who is not penitent—that eats and drinks unworthily.
9. What preparation should be made for this service?
“Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” Verse 28.
10. What is essential to Christian fellowship and cleansing from sin?
“If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.
11. What still higher fellowship does the Christian enjoy?
“And truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” Verse 3.
Praise And Thanksgiving
Joy And Gladness. "O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together." Ps. 34:3.
1. When did the psalmist say he would bless the Lord?
“I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” “Every day will I bless Thee; and I will praise Thy name forever and ever.” Ps. 34:1; 145:2.
2. What do those do who offer praise?
“Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me.” Ps. 50:23.
3. Where does David say he will praise God?
“My praise shall be of Thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear Him.” Ps. 22:25.
4. What does he exhort all to do?
“O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” Ps. 34:3.
5. What personal experience does he say he will declare in the hearing of all who fear God?
“Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what He hath done for my soul.” Ps. 66:16.
6. What effect do such testimonies have upon the humble?
“My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.” Ps. 34:2.
7. Into what condition did those lapse anciently who failed to glorify God and to be thankful?
“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Rom. 1:21.
8. What element should enter into all our worship?
“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Phil. 4:6. See Col. 4:2.
9. In how many things should we give thanks?
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thess. 5:18.
10. How often, and for how much, should we render thanks?
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Eph. 5:20.
11. With what exhortation does the psalmist close his songs of praise?
“Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power. Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high-sounding cymbals. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.” Psalm 150.
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O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, Bow down before Him, His glory proclaim; With gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness, Kneel and adore Him, the Lord is His name.
Low at His feet lay thy burden of carefulness, High on His heart He will bear it for thee, Comfort thy sorrows, and answer thy prayerfulness, Guiding thy steps as may best for thee be.
Fear not to enter His courts in the slenderness Of the poor wealth thou wouldst reckon as thine: Truth in its beauty, and love in its tenderness, These are the offerings to lay on His shrine.
These, though we bring them in trembling and fearfulness, He will accept for the Name that is dear; Mornings of joy give for evenings of tearfulness, Trust for our trembling, and hope for our fear.
The Value Of Song
David And His Harp. "Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing." Ps. 100:2.
1. How early in the world’s history do we read of singing?
“Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? ... when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” Job 38:4-7.
2. What did Israel do when delivered from Egypt?
“Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, ... The Lord is my strength and song, and He is become my salvation: ... and I will exalt Him.” Ex. 15:1, 2.
3. How did the angels manifest their joy at Christ’s birth?
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:13, 14.
4. How are we told to come before the Lord?
“Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.” Ps. 100:2. See 2 Chron. 29:30.
5. How does David say such service is regarded by God?
“I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.” Ps. 69:30, 31.
6. What instruction did Paul give concerning singing?
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Col. 3:16. See also Eph. 5:19; James 5:13; Ps. 149:5, 6.
NOTES.—Music, like poetry and flowers, is elevating and refining in its nature, and should therefore have its place in the worship of God, and in the life and experience of God’s people. It is adapted to every mood and feeling of the human soul, and many times has reached hearts when other means have failed. Next to prayer, music seems best adapted to worship.
“The history of the songs of the Bible is full of suggestion as to the uses and benefits of music and song. Music is often perverted to serve purposes of evil, and it thus becomes one of the most alluring agencies of temptation. But, rightly employed, it is a precious gift of God, designed to uplift the thoughts to high and noble themes, to inspire and elevate the soul. As the children of Israel, journeying through the wilderness, cheered their way by the music of sacred song, so God bids His children today gladden their pilgrim life. There are few means more effective for fixing His words in the memory than repeating them in song. And such song has wonderful power. It has power to subdue rude and uncultivated natures; power to quicken thought and to awaken sympathy, to promote harmony of action, and to banish the gloom and foreboding that destroy courage and weaken effort.”—_“__Education,__”__ pages 167, 168._
“O that we might sing evening and morning, and let song touch song all the way through! O that we could put songs under our burden! O that we could extract the sense of sorrow by song! Then sad things would not poison so much. Sing in the house; teach your children to sing. When troubles come, go at them with song. When griefs arise, sing them down. Lift the voice of praise against cares. Praise God by singing; that will lift you above trials of every sort. Attempt it. They sing in heaven, and among God’s people on earth song is the appropriate language of Christian feeling.”—Henry Ward Beecher.
7. What instrument did John see the saints have?
“I saw ... them, ... having the harps of God.” Rev. 15:2.
8. And what song are they to sing?
“And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints.” Verse 3. See Ps. 87:7.
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Out of my heart I sing a song, O world so great and grand! But hearts are weak, and hands reach out For the touch of a kindly hand.
O song that I sing, I pray you bring To some sad soul thy balm; Fall soft, I pray, like the breath of May, Or the touch of a loving hand.
I sing for hearts that ache and break, I sing for hearts that are true; O world so vast, O world so wide, I sing my song for you!
XIV. CHRISTIAN SERVICE
The Good Samaritan. "When he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds." Luke 10:33, 34.
The Gift Of Giving
Abraham Offering Up Isaac. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." John 3:16.
1. What example of giving has God given to the world?
“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.
2. By what were Abraham’s faith and devotion tested?
“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac; and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.” Heb. 11:17.
3. What did Christ do to redeem us?
“Who gave Himself for our sins.” Gal. 1:4. See also Titus 2:14; 1 Tim. 2:6.
4. Why did He lay aside His riches and become poor?
“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” 2 Cor. 8:9.
5. After Abraham was blessed, what was he to be?
“I will bless thee, ... and thou shalt be a blessing.” Gen. 12:2.
6. As Christ sent out His disciples to preach, to heal the sick, and to raise the dead, what did He say to them?
“Freely ye have received, freely give.” Matt. 10:8.
7. Why does God comfort us in our troubles?
“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Cor. 1:4.
NOTE.—All who accept the gospel take upon themselves the obligation to pass its blessings on to others. In this way the work of salvation is extended. Every soul reclaimed from sin, God expects to join in the same work for others which lifted him up, and placed his feet upon the Rock. The good things of God are not to be selfishly kept to ourselves. We receive to give. Says Whittier, “The soul is lost that’s saved alone.” And as love prompted God’s great gift, so His love in our hearts will prompt us to give, to minister, and to engage in loving service for the welfare and the happiness of others.
8. What did Christ say of the blessedness of giving?
“I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35.
NOTE.—The government of God is founded on the principle of benevolence, or the desire to bless others. Our richest blessings come as the result of the good things we have passed on to our fellow men.
“The quality of mercy is not strained, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath; it is twice blessed— It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.”
9. For what was Christ anointed by the Holy Spirit?
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” Isa. 61:1. See Luke 4:18.
NOTE.—The Holy Spirit is given to fit God’s children for service.
10. After being thus anointed, what did Jesus do?
“Who went about doing good.” Acts 10:38.
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Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on; ’Twas not given for you alone. Pass it on; Let it travel down the years, Let it wipe another’s tears, Till in heaven the gift appears— Pass it on.
Preaching The Gospel
The Gospel Commission. "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15.
1. Before leaving His disciples, what great commission did Christ give them?
“And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15.
NOTE.—The word gospel means good news, or glad tidings.
2. What is the gospel of Christ?
“I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Rom. 1:16.
3. How extensively and for how long did Christ say the gospel should be preached?
“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.” Matt. 24:14.
4. Why was the gospel to be preached to the Gentiles?
“Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His name.” Acts 15:14.
5. How are those who preach the gospel described?
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth.” Isa. 52:7.
6. What was the object of Christ’s ministry?
“I the Lord have called Thee in righteousness, and will hold Thine hand, and will keep Thee, and give Thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house.” Isa. 42:6, 7.
7. For what purpose did Christ select the apostle Paul, and send him to the Gentiles?
“And He said, ... I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness ... to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me.” Acts 26:15-18.
8. What is the Christian minister commanded to preach?
“Preach the word.” 2 Tim. 4:2.
9. Of what did Christ say the Scriptures testify?
“They are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39.
NOTE.—Every one, therefore, who preaches the word aright, will preach Christ. Paul, who faithfully preached God’s word, said he was determined not to know (i.e., to make known) anything “save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” 1 Cor. 2:2. Jonathan Edwards was once asked by a young minister what he thought of a sermon he had just preached. “It was a very poor sermon, indeed,” said Mr. Edwards. “Why?” asked the young minister. “Because,” said Mr. Edwards, “there was no Christ in it.” All the great truths of the Scriptures center in Christ. Rightly understood, all lead to Him. Christ, therefore, should be presented in every discourse as the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end, of the great plan of salvation.
10. How does God expect His ministers to preach the word?
“He that hath My word, let him speak My word faithfully.” Jer. 23:28.
11. How did Christ present the truth to the people?
“And with many such parables spake He the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.” Mark 4:33.
NOTE.—Ministers should learn to adapt their labors to those for whom they labor—to meet the people where they are.
12. What rule for teaching doctrine is laid down in the Bible?
“For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” Isa. 28:10.
13. How should the servant of God labor?
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.” 2 Tim. 2:24, 25.
NOTE.—While the claims of the law of God are presented to the sinner, ministers should never forget that love—the love of God—is the only power that can soften the heart and lead to repentance and obedience, and that to save men is their great work.
14. As a preparation for their work, what did Christ do to the apostles?
“Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24:45.
15. For what did He tell them to tarry in Jerusalem?
“But tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Verse 49.
16. How did the apostles preach the gospel?
“With the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven.” 1 Peter 1:12.
17. What was the result of this preaching?
“Many of them which heard the word believed.” “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” Acts 4:4; 6:7.
18. What promise is made to the faithful gospel minister?
“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Ps. 126:6.
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To every clime, where lost by sin, The grace of Christ a soul may win, From here Thy messengers go forth From east to west, from south to north.
Perchance, in heaven one day to me Some blessed soul may come and say, All hail, beloved! But for thee My soul to death had been a prey. Ah, then what sweetness in the thought One soul to glory to have brought!
The Good Shepherd. "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof." 1 Peter 5:2.
The Shepherd And His Work
Feeding The Five Thousand. "Give ye them to eat." Matt. 14:16.
1. Who did Christ say is the good shepherd?
“I am the good shepherd.” John 10:11.
2. What is Christ elsewhere called?
“The Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” “The chief Shepherd.” 1 Peter 2:25; 5:4.
3. What does the expression “the chief Shepherd” imply?
That there are under-shepherds.
4. How does the good shepherd manifest his love and care for the sheep?
“The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” John 10:11.
5. What does the hireling, or false shepherd, do, and why?
“The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.” Verse 13.
6. What example will the true shepherd set before his flock?
“In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works.” Titus 2:7.
7. What is the special work of the gospel shepherd?
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood.” Acts 20:28. “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof.” 1 Peter 5:2. See also John 21:15-17.
8. With what kind of food will the true shepherd feed the flock?
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word.” 2 Tim. 4:1, 2. “O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at My mouth, and warn them from Me.” Eze. 33:7. See Eze. 3:17-21.
9. Was there to come a time when people would not listen to plain Bible truth?
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Tim. 4:3, 4.
10. Instead of the straight testimony, what kind of preaching will such demand?
“Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.” Isa. 30:10.
11. What test is given by which we may distinguish between true and false shepherds?
“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. “For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth.” Mal. 2:7.
12. What will those servants be doing upon whom Christ pronounces a blessing when He comes?
“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.” Matt. 24:45-47.
13. What excuses are made by some for not expounding the prophecies?
“And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: and the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned.” Isa. 29:11, 12.
NOTE.—The prophecies of Daniel were to be unsealed at “the time of the end.” See Dan. 12:4, 9, 10; Rev. 10:1, 2. In Jer. 25:34-37 is found a warning message addressed to unfaithful shepherds.
14. After receiving his commission to preach, how did the apostle Paul feel?
“For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” 1 Cor. 9:16.
15. How faithfully will the true shepherd watch the flock?
“They watch for your souls, as they that must give account.” Heb. 13:17.
NOTE.—Mark Guy Pearse once said to Mr. Spurgeon: “When I was a young fellow in London, I used to sit right over there and hear you preach, and you will never know how much good you did me. You used to wind me up like an eight-day clock. I was bound to go right for a week after hearing you.”
16. If God’s watchmen fail to warn the wicked, what terrible responsibility will be charged to their account?
“If thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” Eze. 33:8. See Isa. 3:10, 11.
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Watchman, blow the gospel trumpet, Every soul a warning give; Whosoever hears the message May repent and turn and live.
Sound it loud o’er every hilltop, Gloomy shade and sunny plain; Ocean depths repeat the message, Full salvation’s glad refrain.
Sound it in the hedge and highway, Earth’s dark spots where exiles roam; Let it tell all things are ready, Father waits to welcome home.
Blow the trumpet, trusty watchman, Blow it loud o’er land and sea; God commissions, sound the message! Every captive may be free. DR. H. L. GILMOUR.
Missionary Work
Ruth Gleaning In The Field Of Boaz. "For the love of Christ constraineth us." 2 Cor. 5:14.
1. What has been given to every man?
“For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work.” Mark 13:34.
2. Besides work, what else has been given to every man?
“And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability.” Matt. 25:15.
3. What are those called to whom this work is committed?
“For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.” Verse 14.
4. What use did these servants make of their talents?
“Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.... But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.” Verses 16-18.
5. What excuse did the one who hid his talent make?
“I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.” Verse 25.
6. What did his master say to him?
“His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant.” Verse 26.
7. What did he say the servant should have done?
“Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.” Verse 27.
8. What is characteristic of slothful persons?
“The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.” Prov. 22:13.
NOTE.—That is, they see great obstacles before them, and are always ready with excuses.
9. What was the fate of the slothful servant?
“And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matt. 25:30.
10. What was said to the servant who improved his talents?
“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Verse 21.
11. Why did Christ endure the cruel death on the cross?
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb. 12:2.
12. What will bring to the Lord this satisfaction and joy?
“He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied.” Isa. 53:11.
13. How will Christ demonstrate His joy over the saved?
“He will joy over thee with singing.” Zeph. 3:17.
14. What did Paul set forth as his crown of rejoicing?
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are our glory and joy.” 1 Thess. 2:19, 20.
15. Since this joy comes to Christ only through His self-denial and suffering for others, in what way must all others partake of that joy?
“It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him: if we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us.” 2 Tim. 2:11, 12.
16. What motive should prompt to soul-saving labor?
“For the love of Christ constraineth us.” 2 Cor. 5:14.
17. Whom does every faithful Christian worker represent?
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” Verse 20.
18. What does God do with the unfruitful members?
“Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” John 15:2.
19. Can one occupy a mere neutral position toward Christ?
“He that is not with Me is against Me: and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth.” Luke 11:23.
20. For what does the Lord tell us to pray?
“The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth laborers into His harvest.” Luke 10:2.
21. How are we cautioned against delaying the work?
“Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” John 4:35.
22. What promise is made to those who sow the gospel seed?
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Ps. 126:5, 6.
23. What promise is made to soul-winners?
“He that winneth souls is wise.” Prov. 11:30. “And they that be wise [margin, teachers] shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.” Dan. 12:3.
The Poor, And Our Duty Toward Them
On The Way To The Inn. "He ... bound up his wounds, ... and set him on his own beast." Luke 10:33, 34.
1. What is God’s attitude toward the poor?
“He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.” Ps. 72:12.
2. For what purpose did Christ say God had anointed Him?
“He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.” Luke 4:18.
3. When did He say we could minister to the poor?
“Whensoever ye will ye may do them good.” Mark 14:7.
4. What did Paul say regarding our duty to the poor?
“I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35.
5. What promises are made to those who consider the poor?
“Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and Thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.” Ps. 41:1-3.
Lazarus At The Rich Man’s Gate. "Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard." Prov. 21:13.
6. How does the Lord regard kindness shown to the poor?
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.” Prov. 19:17. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Heb. 6:10.
7. What fate awaits those who turn a deaf ear to the poor?
“Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.” Prov. 21:13.
8. What classes are we especially enjoined to help?
“Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” Isa. 1:17.
9. What is pure and undefiled religion declared to be?
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27.
10. What kind of fast is most acceptable to God?
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen?... Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” Isa. 58:6, 7.
11. What is promised those who do this work?
“Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry and He shall say, Here I am.... And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday. And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” Verses 9-11.
12. How did the patriarch Job treat the poor?
“I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.” Job 29:16.
13. What did Christ tell the rich young man to do?
“Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me.” Matt. 19:21.
NOTE.—From Matt. 25:31-45 we learn that Christ identifies Himself with needy, suffering humanity; and that any neglect shown them He regards as done unto Himself.
Christian Help Work
The Samaritan At The Inn. "He ... brought him to an inn, and took care of him." Luke 10:33, 34.
1. What was the character of Christ’s work among men?
“Who went about doing good.” Acts 10:38.
2. What will His true followers do?
“He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1 John 2:6.
3. In ministering to the needy, whom are we really serving?
“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” Matt. 25:40.
4. How long will there be poor in the world?
“Ye have the poor always with you.” Matt. 26:11.
5. What relation do all sustain to God?
“The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.” Prov. 22:2.
6. What is one good evidence of genuine repentance?
“Break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor.” Dan. 4:27.
7. What is one evidence that one has a knowledge of God?
“He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know Me? saith the Lord.” Jer. 22:16.
8. What classes are subjects for Christian help work?
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27.
9. Is it our duty always to give what is expected or asked?
“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” Acts 3:6. See 2 Cor. 12:8.
10. What is sometimes of greater value even than money to discouraged souls?
“I smiled on them when they had no confidence.” Job 29: 24, margin R. V.
11. What divine law of retroaction attends giving?
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38. See Ps. 18:25, 26; 109:17; Gal. 6:7.
12. What is promised those who give to the poor?
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.” Prov. 19:17. “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack.” Prov. 28:27.
13. How did Job learn of the needs of the poor?
“The cause of him that I knew not I searched out.” Job 29:16, R. V. “I used to investigate.” Jewish Version.
14. What parable illustrates practical Christian help work?
The parable of the good Samaritan. Luke 10:30-37.
15. When Christ sent out the seventy, what did He tell them to do in the cities whither they went?
“And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” Verse 9.
16. Amidst poverty, suffering, and distress, what kind of workers does God wish to see?
“But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison-houses: they are for a prey, and NONE DELIVERETH: for a spoil, and none saith, RESTORE. Who among you will give ear to this?” Isa. 42: 22, 23.
17. What is our duty toward the outcast and wandering?
“Hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth. Let Mine outcasts dwell with thee.” Isa. 16:3, 4.
18. What incentive have Christians for doing prison work?
“I was in prison, and ye came unto Me.” Matt. 25:36.
19. Who notes the groans of the prisoner?
“From heaven did the Lord behold the earth; to hear the groaning of the prisoner.” Ps. 102:19, 20.
20. What work constitutes the fast most acceptable to God?
“Is not this the fast that I have ordained, to untie the knots of wickedness; to relax the burden of the yoke; and rescue those who are oppressed by violence: and that ye withdraw every yoke? Is it not to part thy bread with the famished, and to bring the vagrant poor into thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou clothe him?” Isa. 58:6, 7, Spurrell’s Version.
21. What promises are made to those who thus minister to the wants and distresses of others?
“If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” Verses 10, 11.
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Somebody near you is struggling alone Over life’s desert sand; Faith, hope, and courage together are gone: Reach him a helping hand, Turn on his darkness a beam of your light; Kindle, to guide him, a beacon-fire bright; Cheer his discouragement; soothe his affright; Lovingly help him to stand.
Somebody near you is hungry and cold; Send him some aid today. Somebody near you is feeble and old, Left without human stay: Under his burdens put hands kind and strong; Speak to him tenderly, sing him a song; Haste to do something to help him along Over his weary way. MRS. E. E. WILLIAMS.
Visiting The Sick
A Message Of Comfort. "I was sick, and ye visited Me." Matt. 25:36.
1. For what will Christ finally commend the righteous?
“I was sick, and ye visited Me.” Matt. 25:36.
2. Why, in His earthly ministry, did Christ heal the sick?
“That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” Matt. 8:17.
3. With what is Christ touched?
“With the feeling of our infirmities.” Heb. 4:15.
4. What relief did He bring to Peter’s household?
“And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, He saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. And He touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.” Matt. 8:14, 15.
5. What example did He leave us?
“Who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.” Acts 10:38. “As He is, so are we in this world.” 1 John 4:17.
6. What should we not forget in our ministry for the sick?
“Pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16.
Healing The Sick
Healing The Blind Men. "Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses." Matt. 8:17.
1. What does the Lord declare Himself to be?
“I am the Lord that healeth thee.” Ex. 15:26. “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.” Ps. 103:3.
2. What was promised Israel on condition of obedience?
“Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, ... and the Lord will take away from thee all sickness.” Deut. 7:11-15.
3. When through disobedience Jeroboam’s hand was withered, by what means was it restored?
“And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Entreat now the face of the Lord thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the Lord, and the king’s hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.” 1 Kings 13:6.
4. When Miriam was stricken with leprosy, how was she healed?
“And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech Thee.” Num. 12:13.
5. What mistake did Asa make in his severe affliction?
“And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians.” 2 Chron. 16:12.
6. How was a child restored to life by Elijah?
“And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the Lord, and said, O Lord my God, I pray Thee, let this child’s soul come into him again. And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.” 1 Kings 17:21, 22.
7. How was Hezekiah’s prayer for restoration from sickness answered?
“Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.” Isa. 38:5.
8. What constituted a large part of Christ’s ministry?
“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” Matt. 4:23.
9. In doing this, what prophecy was fulfilled?
“He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all that were sick: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” Matt. 8:16, 17.
NOTE.—The essence of the gospel is restoration, or healing of body, soul, and spirit. See John 3:16, Luke 4:17-19; Acts 3:19-21; Rom. 8:21-23; 1 Cor. 15:51-55.
10. In the case of the woman healed of an infirmity, what gave effect to her touch of Christ’s garment?
“And He said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.” Luke 8:48.
11. Before sending out the twelve, what power did Christ give them?
“Then He called His twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And He sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.” Luke 9:1, 2. See Matt. 10:1, 7, 8; Luke 10:1, 9.
12. What notable miracle was performed by the apostles shortly after the day of Pentecost?
The Great Physician. "And He healed them all." Matt. 12:15.
“Then Peter said [to the lame man], Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle-bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.” Acts 3:6-8.
13. Among others, what gift has God set in the church?
“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” 1 Cor. 12:28.
14. In sickness, what is every child of God privileged to do?
“Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” James 5:14.
15. What assurance of blessing is given to those who ask according to God’s will?
“The prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” Verse 15.
NOTE.—Physical healing may not always be for our good or to the glory of God. Hence we must be ready to pray with Jesus, “Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done.” Luke 22:42. Paul was denied the removal of infirmity, but the Lord assured him, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” 2 Cor. 12:9. It is not a denial of faith to make use of the simple remedial means that God has given, or those ordinary essentials upon which He makes life dependent, as proper food, pure air, rest, exercise, and sunshine.
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We may not climb the heavenly steeps, To bring the Saviour down; In vain we search the lowest deeps, For Him no depths can drown.
But warm, sweet, tender, even yet A present help is He; And faith has yet its Olivet, And love, its Galilee.
The healing of the seamless dress Is by our beds of pain; We touch Him in life’s throng and press, And we are whole again.
Through Him the first fond prayers are said Our lips of childhood frame; The last low whispers of our dead Are burdened with His name. JOHN G. WHITTIER.
Prison Work
In Prison. "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them." Heb. 13:3.
1. What does Christ give us as one reason why He will bid the righteous welcome into His kingdom?
“I was in prison, and ye came unto Me.” Matt. 25:36.
2. What is pure and undefiled religion declared to be?
To visit those in affliction. James 1:27.
NOTE.—In 1909 there were 100,221 prisoners in 195 penal institutions in the United States, or an average of 112 to each 100,000.
3. What does God see when He looks down from heaven?
“For He hath looked down from the height of His sanctuary; from heaven did the Lord behold the earth; to hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death.” Ps. 102:19, 20.
4. For what purpose did God send His Son into the world?
“To bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house.” Isa. 42:7.
5. For what work did Christ say He was anointed?
“To preach the gospel to the poor; ... to preach deliverance to the captives, ... to set at liberty them that are bruised.” Luke 4:18.
6. Why did the psalmist wish to be brought out of the prison-house of sin?
“Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise Thy name.” Ps. 142:7.
7. Whose prison-house does Satan not open?
“That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house [the grave] of his prisoners.” Isa. 14:17.
8. For what does the psalmist pray?
“Let the sighing of the prisoner come before Thee; according to the greatness of Thy power preserve Thou those that are appointed to die.” Ps. 79:11.
9. How does God regard His people who are in prison?
“For the Lord heareth the poor, and despiseth not His prisoners.” Ps. 69:33.
10. Why has the devil been permitted to cast some of God’s people into prison?
“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried.... Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Rev. 2:10. See Dan. 11:33-35.
NOTE.—Dr. William Dodd (1729-77), an unfortunate English divine, who, under stress of circumstances, became a heavy forger, was imprisoned at Newgate for a time, and finally executed. Upon visiting him, John Wesley found “a penitent and hopeful malefactor,” and in his “Journal” says: “A real, deep work of God seemed to be already begun in his soul. Perhaps by driving him too fast, Satan has driven him to God, to that repentance which shall never be repented of.” Visiting him shortly before his execution, Mr. Wesley is reported to have replied to Mr. Dodd’s apologies for receiving him in the condemned cell, “Courage, brother; perhaps God saw that nothing else would do.” See “Life of John Wesley,” by Richard Watson, page 207.
11. How would God have us sympathize with those in bonds and adversity?
“Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.” Heb. 13:3.
12. What blessed invitation will Christ finally extend to those who have ministered to the wants of the needy, and visited the sick and those in prison?
“Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Matt 25:34.
Order And Organization
The Camp Of Israel. "Let all things be done decently and in order." 1 Cor. 14:40.
1. Of what is God the author?
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 1 Cor. 14:33. See 1 Cor. 11:16.
2. Why did Paul give instruction to Timothy concerning the duties and qualifications of bishops and deacons?
“These things write I unto thee, ... that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground [margin, stay] of the truth.” 1 Tim. 3:14, 15.
3. How should everything pertaining to God’s work be done?
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” 1 Cor. 14:40.
NOTE.—“Order is heaven’s first law.”—Milton. In the Scriptures Christians are likened to soldiers, and their work to that of a warrior, or to a conqueror going forth to conquer. 2 Tim. 2:3, 4; 1 Tim. 1:18; Rev. 6:2. As order, organization, direction, and discipline are necessary in an army, so are they also in the church. The weapons used and the object sought are different in each case (Rom. 13:4; 2 Cor. 10:3, 4); but the necessity for order and organization are the same in both.
4. What is one prime essential of soldiers in an army?
“All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel.” 1 Chron. 12:38.
5. That the burden of judging and looking after the affairs of Israel might not all rest on Moses, what instruction did Jethro, his father-in-law, give him?
“Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.” Ex. 18:21, 22.
6. How many apostles did Christ at first ordain to preach the gospel?
“And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach.” Mark 3:14.
7. How many did He later appoint to this work?
“After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before His face into every city and place, whither He Himself would come.” Luke 10:1.
8. When the number of the disciples multiplied, what instruction did the apostles give the believers, that none might be neglected in the daily ministration of temporal necessities?
“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” Acts 6:3.
NOTE.—The men thus selected were known as deacons. The lesson to be learned from this is that leaders and people should unite in planning and providing for the necessary organization and officering of the church according to its growth and needs. This cooperation is again shown in the words of Paul, “Whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send.” 1 Cor. 16:3. See also Acts 15:22.
9. What word came through the Spirit to the ministering prophets and teachers laboring at Antioch?
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 13:2, 3.
10. What is one of the gifts which God has set in the church?
“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that ... helps, governments.” 1 Cor. 12:28.
NOTE.—The word here rendered governments implies the work or office of “steering, piloting, directing.”
11. For the direction of matters in each local church, what instruction did the apostle Paul give to Titus?
“For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.” Titus 1:5.
12. What instruction did he give to the members of the church as to their relationship to those thus appointed?
“Obey them that have the rule [margin, guide] over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief.” Heb. 13:17. See 1 Peter 5:5; Mark 10:42-45.
13. What instruction and caution are given to elders?
“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, ... Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:1-3.
NOTE.—For the qualifications and duties of elders, see 1 Tim. 3:1-3; Titus 1:6-9; Acts 20:28-31; and the scripture just quoted. How God regards rebellion against divinely appointed authority and leadership, is illustrated in the expulsion of Satan and his angels from heaven, and in the fate of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. See Rev. 12:7-9; Numbers 16. The unity and harmony which should exist among believers is described in John 13:34, 35; 17:20-23; and Eph. 4:1-6. The evil of place-seeking in the church is shown in Mark 10:35-45 and Luke 14:7-11; and of ecclesiastical tyranny, in Dan. 7:25; 8:24, 25; 2 Thess. 2:3, 4; and John 16:2. The course to be pursued toward offending members, and in cases where differences arise, is pointed out in Matt. 18:15-18; 5:23, 24; Gal. 6:1; 1 Tim. 5:19, 20; Titus 3:10, 11; 1 Corinthians 5; and Acts 15. And the guide-book in all matters of both doctrine and discipline should be the Bible. Isa. 8:20; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 4:1, 2.
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Has some one seen Christ in you today? Christian, look to your heart, I pray; The little things you have done or said— Did they accord with the way you prayed? Have your thoughts been pure and words been kind? Have you sought to have the Saviour’s mind? The world with a criticizing view Has watched; but did it see Christ in you?
Has some one seen Christ in you today? Christian, look to your life, I pray; There are aching hearts and blighted souls Being lost on sin’s destructive shoals, And perhaps of Christ their only view May be what they see of Him in you. Will they see enough to bring hope and cheer? Look to your light! does it shine out clear?
Support Of The Ministry
Jacob’s Vow. "Of all that Thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto Thee." Gen. 28:22.
1. What is one way in which we are commanded to honor God?
“Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase.” Prov. 3:9.
2. What part of one’s income has the Lord especially claimed as His?
“And all the tithe [tenth] of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord.” Lev. 27:30.
3. For whose support and for what work was the tithe devoted in Israel?
“Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.” Num. 18:21.
4. In what language does Paul approve of the same method of support for the gospel ministry?
“If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?... Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? _Even so hath the Lord ordained that they __ which preach the gospel should live of the gospel_.” 1 Cor. 9:11-14.
5. Upon what fundamental basis does the requirement of tithe-paying rest?
“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Ps. 24:1.
6. Who owns all the gold and silver in the world?
“The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, saith the Lord of hosts.” Haggai 2:8.
7. Who owns all the cattle and fowls of the earth?
“For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are Mine.” Ps. 50:10, 11.
8. Who gives man power to get wealth?
“But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth.” Deut. 8:18.
9. What statement of Christ shows that man is not an original owner, but a steward of God’s goods?
“For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.” Matt. 25:14. See 1 Cor. 4:7.
10. How early in the history of the world do we read of tithe-paying?
“For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all.” Heb. 7:1, 2. See Gen. 14:17-20.
11. What vow did Jacob make at Bethel?
“And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God: ... and of all that Thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto Thee.” Gen. 28:20-22.
NOTE.—It is thus evident that the duty of paying tithes was recognized by the patriarchs as a religious obligation.
12. After what order was Christ made a high priest?
“Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.” Heb. 6:20.
NOTE.—As Christ’s priesthood succeeded the Aaronic or Levitical priesthood, which was supported by the tithes of Israel; and as Christ was made a priest after the order of Melchisedec, who received tithes of the patriarchs before the Levitical priesthood was ordained, it is but logical and natural to conclude that the ministry under Christ’s priesthood should be supported by the same means as were both of these priesthoods,—the tithes of God’s people.
13. Did Christ Himself approve of tithe-paying?
“Ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” Matt. 23:23.
14. Of what is one guilty who withholds the tithe and free-will offerings?
“Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings.” Mal. 3:8.
15. Concerning what does the Lord ask us to prove Him, and upon what conditions does He promise great blessings?
“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.” Verses 10, 11.
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My gracious Lord, I own Thy right To every service I can pay, And call it my supreme delight To hear Thy dictates, and obey.
What is my being, but for Thee,— Its sure support, its noblest end? ’Tis my delight Thy face to see, And serve the cause of such a Friend.
I would not sigh for worldly joy, Or to increase my worldly good; Nor future days or powers employ To spread a sounding name abroad.
’Tis to my Saviour I would live— To Him who for my ransom died; Nor could all worldly honor give Such bliss as crowns me at His side. PHILIP DODDRIDGE.
The Widow’s Mites. "This poor widow hath cast in more than they all." Luke 21:3.
Free-Will Offerings
Bringing Gifts To The Feast. "Bring an offering, and come into His courts." Ps. 96:8.
1. By what has God ordained that His work be sustained?
“Tithes and offerings.” Mal. 3:8.
2. How are we told to come into His courts?
“Bring an offering, and come into His courts.” Ps. 96:8.
NOTE.—Various offerings are mentioned in the Bible, such as thank-offerings, peace-offerings, sin-offerings, and trespass-offerings.
3. In celebrating the three annual feasts, what instruction did God give to His people anciently?
“Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto Me in the year.... And none shall appear before Me empty.” Ex. 23:14, 15.
4. With what spirit would God have us give?
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Cor. 9:7.
5. On what condition did Paul say he would have a reward?
“If I do this thing willingly, I have a reward.” 1 Cor. 9:17.
6. What has Christ said regarding giving?
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35.
7. How does God regard the covetous man?
“The wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord abhorreth.” Ps. 10:3. See Ex. 18:21.
8. What warning did Christ give against covetousness?
“Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15.
9. How, in the parable, did God regard the selfish rich man?
“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” Verse 20.
10. What application does Christ make of this parable?
“So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Verse 21. See 1 Tim. 6:7.
11. By what means can men lay up treasure in heaven?
“Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.” Luke 12:33. See 1 Tim. 6:7.
12. What charge was Timothy instructed to give the rich?
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Tim. 6:17-19.
13. How does God regard such a course?
“But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Heb 13:16.
14. According to what rule should one give?
“Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which He hath given thee.” Deut. 16:17.
15. Upon what basis are gifts acceptable to God?
“For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” 2 Cor. 8:12.
16. What indicates where our hearts are?
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Luke 12:34.
Hospitality
Elijah And The Widow. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers." Heb. 13:2.
1. What do the Scriptures say concerning hospitality?
“Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:9, 10. “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; ... distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” Rom. 12:10-13.
2. Is a mere expression of good wishes sufficient?
“If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” James 2:15, 16.
3. When should we exercise hospitality?
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Gal. 6:10.
4. What encouragement is given to entertain strangers?
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Heb. 13:2. See Gen 18: 1-8; 19:1-3.
5. What blessings are promised those who do such work?
“The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Prov. 11:25. 1 Kings 17:8-16.
Who Is The Greatest?
Jesus Washing The Disciples’ Feet. "Whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all." Mark 10:44.
1. At the last Passover, what did Christ say to His disciples?
“And he said unto them, With desire have I desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer: for I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Luke 22:15, 16.
2. Concerning what had there been a strife among the disciples?
“And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.” Verse 24.
3. How did Christ rebuke this spirit?
“And He said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.” Verses 25, 26. See Mark 10:42-45.
4. What did the Saviour say of His own position?
“For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.” Verse 27.
5. Notwithstanding that He was their Lord and Master, what example of humility and willing service did Christ give?
“He riseth from supper, and laid aside His garments; and took a towel, and girded Himself. After that He poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded.” John 13:4, 5.
6. What was the custom anciently respecting feet-washing?
“Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet.” “And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant’s house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet.” “And the man brought the men into Joseph’s house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet.” Gen. 18:4; 19:2; 43:24. See also Judges 19:21; 2 Sam. 11:8.
7. How did Christ reprove Simon for misjudging Him in permitting a woman who was a sinner to wash His feet?
“And He turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest Me no water for My feet: but she hath washed My feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.” Luke 7:44.
NOTES.—From the scriptures just cited, it appears that the usual custom in Christ’s time was for the guests to wash their own feet.
“As sandals were ineffectual against the dust and heat of an Eastern climate, washing the feet on entering a house was an act both of respect to the company and of refreshment to the traveler.”—_Complete Dictionary of the Bible, by Smith and Barnum, article __“__Washing the Hands and Feet.__”_
At a feast it was an Oriental custom for servants or slaves to wash the feet of guests. See 1 Sam. 25:40, 41. It was not the custom, however, of equals to wash the feet of equals, much less for superiors to wash the feet of inferiors. But this is the very thing that Christ did when He washed the disciples’ feet, and instituted the ordinance of feet-washing. In this lies the lesson of humility and willingness to serve which He designed to teach.
8. What question did Peter ask concerning this proffered service?
“Then cometh He to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto Him, Lord, dost Thou wash my feet?” John 13:6.
9. What answer did Jesus make?
“Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.” Verse 7.
10. How did Peter feel about the Saviour’s washing his feet?
“Peter saith unto Him, Thou shalt never wash my feet.” Verse 8.
11. What was the Master’s reply to Peter?
“Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me.” Same verse.
NOTE.—This ordinance is a type of a higher cleansing,—the cleansing of the heart from the stain of sin. It is a rebuke to all selfishness and seeking of place and preferment among Christ’s professed followers, and a witness to the fact that, in God’s sight, it is true humility and loving service which constitute real greatness.
12. Learning that union with Christ depended on this service, what did Peter say?
“Simon Peter saith unto Him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.” Verse 9. See verse 10.
13. After having washed their feet, what did Christ say?
“I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” Verse 15.
14. What did He say about their washing one another’s feet?
“Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.” Verses 13, 14.
15. What did Christ say would be their experience in obeying His instruction?
“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” Verse 17.
16. How does Christ regard an act performed toward the humblest of His disciples?
“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” Matt. 25:40.
NOTE.—The great lesson intended to be taught by the instituting of this ordinance evidently was such humility as would lead to willing service for others. The ordinance itself has been practised by many of the most devout followers of Christ during the Christian era, and is still observed by some. Kitto, in his Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature, says it became “a part of the observances of the early Christian church,” and that “traces of the practise abound in ecclesiastical history.” The Waldenses held it as an ordinance of the church (see their “Confession of Faith,” page 12); and according to the Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature (Vol. III, page 616), “the Church of England at first carried out the letter of the command.” It is a great test of character, and its observance tends to unite hearts in Christian fellowship and love.
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I will never, never leave thee, I will never thee forsake; I will guide, and save, and keep thee, For My name and mercy’s sake: Fear no evil, Only all My counsel take.
XV. ADMONITIONS AND WARNINGS
The Dream Of Pilate’s Wife. "Have thou nothing to do with that just Man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him." Matt. 27:19.
Pride
Jonah And The Whale. "Pride goeth before destruction." Prov. 16:18.
1. How does the Lord regard pride?
“Six things doth the Lord hate: ... a proud look,” etc. Prov. 6:16-19.
2. Of what is pride a forerunner?
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Prov. 16:18. See Prov. 29:23.
3. What was the cause of Satan’s downfall?
“Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty.” Eze. 28:17.
4. What is God’s attitude toward the proud?
“God resisteth the proud.” James 4:6. See Ps. 40:4; 101:5; 138:6; 1 Tim. 6:4.
5. Why should we not indulge in pride?
“An high look, and a proud heart, ... is sin.” Prov. 21:4.
6. What is to be one of the sins of the last days?
“Men shall be ... proud.” 2 Tim. 3:2.
7. How are the proud now generally regarded?
“Now we call the proud happy.” Mal. 3:15.
8. What is to be the fate of the proud?
“All the proud ... shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up.” Mal. 4:1.
Nathan’s Parable. "The rich man ... spared to take of his own flock, ... but took the poor man’s lamb, and dressed it." 2 Sam, 12:2-4.
Selfishness
Jacob Deceiving His Father. "Thou shalt not covet." Ex. 20:17.
1. What great commandment excludes selfishness?
“Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Matt. 22:39.
2. What sin is forbidden by the tenth commandment?
“Thou shalt not covet.” Ex. 20:17.
3. What sins are to characterize the last days?
“Men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous.” 2 Tim. 3:2.
4. How prevalent is this sin of self-seeking?
“For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” Phil. 2:21.
5. What does charity not do?
“Charity ... seeketh not her own.” 1 Cor. 13:4, 5.
6. How are we admonished with regard to selfishness?
“Let no man seek his own.” 1 Cor. 10:24. “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Phil. 2:4. “Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” 1 Cor. 10:33. “Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification.” Rom. 15:2.
7. What example of unselfishness did Christ leave us?
“For your sakes He became poor.” 2 Cor. 8:9. “Even Christ pleased not Himself.” Rom. 15:3. See 1 John 3:17.
Covetousness
The Sin Of Achan. "When I saw ... I coveted them, and took them." Joshua 7:21.
1. What warning did Christ give concerning covetousness?
“And He said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15.
2. What commandment forbids this sin?
“Thou shalt not covet.” Ex. 20:17.
Covetous: “Inordinately desirous; excessively eager to obtain and possess (especially money); avaricious.”—Webster.
3. What showed this principle to have been strong in the rich man who already had abundance?
“And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” Luke 12:18, 19.
4. What did God say to him?
“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” Verse 20.
5. What application of this parable did the Saviour make?
“So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Verse 21.
6. What does Paul call covetousness?
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Col. 3:5.
NOTE.—“Do not wade far out into the dangerous sea of this world’s comfort. Take the good that God provides you, but say of it, ‘It passeth away;’ for indeed it is but a temporary supply for a temporary need. Never suffer your goods to become your god.”—Spurgeon.
7. What do these sins bring upon mankind?
“For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.” Verse 6.
8. What double service did Christ say is impossible?
“Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Luke 16:13.
9. Of what sin were the Pharisees guilty?
“And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided Him.” Verse 14.
10. What reply did Christ make?
“And He said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Verse 15.
11. How does the Lord regard the covetous?
“For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord abhorreth.” Ps. 10:3.
12. What did this sin lead Achan to do?
“When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold, ... I coveted them, and took them.” Joshua 7:21.
13. What did covetousness lead Judas to do?
“And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray Him unto them. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray Him.” Mark 14:10, 11.
14. Why are the last days to be perilous?
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers.” 2 Tim. 3:1, 2.
Balaam And The Angel. "The elders of Moab, ... with the rewards of divination in their hand, ... came unto Balaam." Num. 22:7.
15. What parable did Christ give to correct the false idea of the Pharisees that wealth was a sign of special favor with God?
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Luke 16:19-31.
16. What did He point out as one of the dangers of the possession of wealth?
“And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto His disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!... Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!” Mark 10:23, 24.
NOTE.—And how hard it is for those who have riches not to trust in them!
17. As a rule, what class generally accept the gospel?
“Harken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?” James 2:5.
18. How difficult did Christ say it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God?
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:25.
NOTE.—If Christ here referred to a small, low gate in the walls of Jerusalem, called “The Needle’s Eye,” as is thought by some, the force of the statement still remains; for, before a camel could pass through this gate, it was necessary that he should be relieved of his burden, and get down on his knees and creep through.
19. Why was the rich young man desiring salvation, unwilling to sell what he had and give alms, as Christ told him to do?
“But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” Matt. 19:16.
20. What is the love of money declared to be?
“For the love of money is the root of all evil.” 1 Tim. 6:10.
21. What evils befall those who are determined to be rich?
“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” Verse 9.
22. Who gives man the power to get wealth?
“But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth.” Deut. 8:18.
23. How may all, rich and poor, honor God?
“Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase.” Prov. 3:9.
24. What caution is given concerning riches?
“If riches increase, set not your heart upon them.” Ps. 62:10.
25. Can riches be retained to men’s hurt?
“There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.” Eccl. 5:13.
26. What charge is given to the rich?
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Tim. 6:17-19.
27. What makes rich without adding sorrow?
“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it.” Prov. 10:22.
28. How are true riches obtained?
“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life.” Prov. 22:4.
29. How did Moses esteem the reproach of Christ?
“Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.” Heb. 11:26.
30. What two classes of rich men are mentioned in the Bible?
“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” Prov. 13:7.
NOTE.—In Luke 12:16-20 is an example of the first class; in Acts 4:34-37 are examples of the second.
31. What solemn warning is addressed to the rich who, in the last days, have heaped up treasure, and oppressed the poor?
“Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and _the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat __ your flesh as it were fire_. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.” James 5:1-5.
32. Will silver or gold be able to deliver in the day of wrath?
“Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath.” Zeph. 1:18. See also Prov. 11:4.
33. What will the rich men do with their money then?
“They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumbling-block of their iniquity.” Eze. 7:19.
NOTES.—When the steamer “Central America,” with nearly six hundred passengers aboard, was wrecked off Cape Hatteras, Sept. 12, 1857, in a fearful storm, many of the passengers who were returning miners from the gold-mines of California, divested themselves of their treasure belts and scattered the gold upon the cabin floors, telling those to take it who would, lest its weight about their persons should carry them to their death. “Full purses, containing in some instances thousands of dollars, lay around untouched. Carpetbags were opened, and the shining metal was poured out on the floor with the prodigality of death’s despair. One of the passengers opened a bag and dashed about the cabin twenty thousand dollars in gold-dust, and told him who wanted to gratify his greed for gold to take it. But it was passed by untouched, as the veriest dross.”—_“__Our First Century,__”__ pages 642, 643._
When the steamship “Arctic” was lost from a collision in mid-ocean, Sept. 20, 1854, one passenger offered thirty thousand pounds sterling, or one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, if the life-boats would put back to save him. They turned to do so, but he sank before they reached him.—Id., page 614.
34. As stewards of God’s gifts, what are we told to do?
“And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.” Luke 16:9. “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10.
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Is not the way to heavenly gain Through earthly grief and loss? Rest must be won by toil and pain; The crown repays the cross. HENRY F. LYTE.
Debts
Forging The Chains. "The borrower is servant to the lender." Prov. 22:7.
1. What general rule is laid down in the Bible respecting the meeting of obligations?
“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom.... Owe no man anything, but to love one another.” Rom. 13:7, 8.
2. In what condition is one who borrows?
“The borrower is servant to the lender.” Prov. 22:7.
3. To what extent is one responsible for that borrowed?
“And if a man borrow aught of his neighbor, and it be hurt, or die, ... he shall surely make it good.” Ex. 22:14.
4. Why did the young man in Elisha’s time feel so bad about the loss of an ax head?
“But as one was felling a beam, the ax head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.” 2 Kings 6:5.
5. What miracle was wrought by Elisha for its restoration?
“And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.” Verse 6.
NOTE.—From this we may learn God’s willingness to help those who honestly seek to meet their obligations.
6. How does the good man guide his affairs?
“A good man showeth favor, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.” Ps. 112:5.
7. To what should those listen who lack business discretion?
“Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honored.” Prov. 13:18.
NOTE.—It is wise for those who, from lack of natural business ability, find themselves constantly running into debt, to seek advice and counsel from those endowed with more wisdom in such matters.
8. Which of Christ’s parables teaches business discretion?
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.” Luke 14:28-30.
9. How were means provided for building the tabernacle?
“And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the Lord commanded, saying, Take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the Lord; gold, and silver, and brass,” etc. Ex. 35:4-9.
10. What provision did David make for building the temple?
“I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God.” 1 Chron. 29:2.
11. How did the people respond to his call for contributions?
“Then the chief of the fathers and princes ... offered willingly.... Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.” Verses 6-9.
12. When King Jehoash wished to repair the temple, what provision did he make for raising the necessary means?
“And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the Lord, ... and all the money that cometh into any man’s heart to bring into the house of the Lord, let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.” 2 Kings 12:4, 5.
13. When, after sixteen years, it was found that these repairs had not yet been made, what was done?
“Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the Lord: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money that was brought into the house of the Lord.” Verse 9.
14. What was done with the money thus raised?
“They gave the money ... into the hands of them that did the work, ... and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the Lord.” Verse 11.
NOTES.—These examples furnish good lessons on financing gospel enterprises. In each instance, it will be noticed, the means were provided before the work of building was begun. No debt, therefore, was created. In all business transactions this plan is an excellent one to follow.
“Debt! There is no worse demoralizer of character. The sad records of defaulting, embezzling, and dishonest failure which we meet with so constantly in the daily press are often, indeed most frequently, the result of the demoralization of debt, and the consequent desperate efforts of extraction. The financial props have given way.... Debt ruins as many households and destroys as many fine characters as rum; it is the devil’s mortgage on the soul, and he is always ready to foreclose. Pay all your bills. Look every man in the face, conscious that you owe the world no more than it owes you. Be indebted for nothing but love, and even that be sure you pay in kind, and that payments are frequent.”—Talmage.
“This running into debt is a great cause of dishonesty.... Young men are growing quite shameless about being in debt; and the immorality extends throughout society. Tastes are becoming more extravagant and luxurious, without the corresponding increase of means to enable them to be gratified. But they are gratified nevertheless; and debts are incurred, which afterwards weigh like a millstone round the neck.... The safest plan is to run up no bills, and never get into debt; and the next is if one does get into debt, to get out of it again as quickly as possible. A man in debt is not his own master: he is at the mercy of the tradesman he employs.... No man can be free who is in debt. The inevitable effect of debt is not only to injure personal independence, but, in the long run, to inflict moral degradation. The debtor is exposed to constant humiliations.”—_“__Thrift,__”__ by Samuel Smiles, pages 243-247._
The following testimony on this subject is borne by a Chicago lady, who had been happily wedded for fifty years. “I know why John and I have been happy during these fifty years. In the first place, we have made it a rule never to go in debt. I have lived in Chicago sixty-eight years, and never during that time have I owed a person a cent.... I believe a good deal of unhappiness is caused by spending more than you make. It has been our policy to buy what we could well afford to have, and then stop.”—Chicago Tribune, Aug. 24, 1902.
Respect Of Persons
Peter In The House Of Cornelius. "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons." Acts 10:34.
1. Of what has God made all nations?
“And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.” Acts 17:26.
2. To how many is God good?
“The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Ps. 145:9.
3. Is God a respecter of persons?
“Neither doth God respect any person.” 2 Sam. 14:14.
4. Who is accepted with God?
“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.” Acts 10:34, 35.
5. What prohibitions are given in the Scriptures against having respect of persons?
“Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man.” Deut. 1:17. “Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor.” Lev. 19:15. “Blessed is that man that ... respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.” Ps. 40:4.
6. Of what are those guilty who respect persons?
“If ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” James 2:9. “He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth.” Prov. 14:21.
7. By what illustration is this sin made plain?
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?” James 2:1-4.
8. What led to the appointment of deacons in the early Christian church?
“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” Acts 6:1.
9. What mistake did Peter and others make some years later in their conduct?
“But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.” Gal. 2:11-13.
10. How are all national, unholy, and unjust distinctions among men swept away in Christ?
“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Gal. 3:27, 28. See also Col. 3:11.
The Pharisee And The Publican. "I tell you, this man [the publican] went down to his house justified rather than the other." Luke 18:14.
Backsliding
Peter’s Denial. "And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the Man." Matt. 26:72.
1. How does God regard backsliding?
“Thy backslidings shall reprove thee: ... it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that My fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God of hosts.” Jer. 2:19. “If any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Heb. 10:38.
2. What has ever been the tendency of God’s people?
“My people are bent to backsliding from Me.” Hosea 11:7.
3. What inevitably leads to departure from God?
“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” Heb. 3:12.
NOTE.—Unbelief is “the sin which doth so easily beset us.” Heb. 12:1.
4. In what ways did the constant backsliding of the people of Jerusalem manifest itself?
“Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return. I harkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle.” Jer. 8:5, 6.
5. To what is backsliding likened?
“Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with Me, O house of Israel, saith the Lord.” Jer. 3:20.
6. To regain God’s favor, what must the backslider do?
“Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed My voice, saith the Lord.” Verse 13.
7. On what condition does God promise mercy to sinners?
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” Isa. 55:7.
8. Why must the wicked forsake their thoughts and ways?
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord.” Verse 8.
NOTE.—God desires that we shall think His thoughts, which are right thoughts, pure thoughts, everlasting thoughts. He desires also that we shall take on His ways, which are ways of pleasantness, and walk in His paths, which are paths of peace.
9. What is especially necessary to prevent backsliding?
“Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:38.
10. What are believers exhorted to do?
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Cor. 13:5.
11. If one has God’s law in the heart, what will not occur?
“The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.” Ps. 37:31.
12. What is one characteristic of backsliding?
“Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from Mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?” Mal. 3:7.
13. In response, what neglected ordinance does God cite?
“Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings.” Verse 8.
14. What remedy is indicated?
“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Verse 10.
15. Because of Christ’s plain teachings, what did some of His disciples do?
“From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him.” John 6:66.
16. When the backslider repents, what does God do?
“Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto Him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.... I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away from him.” Hosea 14:2-4.
17. Will there be special danger of backsliding in the last days?
“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Matt. 24:12.
18. What are some of the evils against which we are specially warned at this time?
“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” Luke 21:34.
19. In view of the perils surrounding us, what are we told to do?
“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Verse 36.
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O for a closer walk with God! A calm and heavenly frame, A light to shine upon the road That leads me to the Lamb.
WILLIAM COWPER.
Unbelief
Moses And Aaron Before Pharaoh. "Let us lay aside ... the sin which doth so easily beset us." Heb. 12:1.
1. What warning is given in the Bible concerning unbelief?
“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” Heb. 3:12.
2. Without faith, what is impossible?
“Without faith it is impossible to please Him.” Heb. 11:6.
3. How only can we be justified?
“Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom. 5:1.
4. By what do the just live?
“Now the just shall live by faith.” Heb. 10:38.
NOTE.—If men are justified by faith, and are to live by faith, it follows that to be unbelieving is not to be justified, and consequently not to live in the sense here referred to.
5. In whom does the Lord have no pleasure?
“But if any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Same verse.
6. What kind of report did the ten spies bring back concerning the promised land?
“They brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched.” Num. 13:32.
7. What did Caleb say of the ability of Israel to take it?
“Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.” Verse 30.
8. What did the ten spies say?
“But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.” Verse 31.
9. Why did not Israel attain to the standard of righteousness?
“But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith.” Rom. 9:31, 32.
10. When told of the disciples’ failure to heal an afflicted son, what did Christ say of that generation?
“He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto Me.” Mark 9:19.
11. What did Christ say to Thomas because he did not believe the testimony of his brethren concerning His resurrection?
“Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing.” John 20:27.
NOTE.—The Lord rebuked Thomas for his unbelief, because he would not accept the testimony of so many credible witnesses who had seen Him. How much more reprehensible is that unbelief which holds out against the present “cloud of witnesses” of prophecy fulfilled and fulfilling!
12. After speaking of the numerous examples of faith presented in Hebrews 11, what does Paul exhort us to do?
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Heb. 12:1.
NOTE.—The “every weight” here spoken of includes those traits of character and habits of life that retard or hinder our running successfully the Christian race. These are to be laid aside. But there is one thing referred to here that is more than a weight; it is a sin, and one that easily besets us all,—the sin of unbelief. To be unbelieving, therefore, is sinful.
13. Why did many fail to enter into God’s rest anciently?
“And to whom sware He that they should not enter into His rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” Heb. 3:18, 19.
14. How are these unbelieving ones spoken of?
“But with whom was He grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness?” Verse 17.
15. What lesson should we learn from their course?
“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.” Heb. 4:1.
NOTE.—God does not change. If He was grieved at the unbelief of the Israelites, and refused them admittance to Canaan in consequence, He cannot permit us to enter the heavenly rest as long as we indulge in unbelief.
16. What should all labor to do?
“Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Verse 11.
17. Against what are we warned when rebuked of God?
“My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him.” Heb. 12:5.
18. Whom does the Lord chasten?
“For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.” Verse 6.
19. When God made a promise to Abraham that seemed impossible of fulfilment, how did the patriarch receive it?
“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.” Rom. 4:20.
20. For what was Abraham’s faith counted?
“For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” Verse 3.
21. When troubled with doubts, how should we pray?
“Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.” Mark 9:24.
22. What is promised those who believe when they pray?
“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24.
Judging
Slaying The First-Born. "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." Rom. 12:19.
1. What warning does Christ give concerning judging?
“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” Matt. 7:1.
2. What is Satan called in the Scriptures?
“The accuser of our brethren ... which accused them before our God day and night.” Rev. 12:10.
NOTE.—Then when we judge, accuse, and condemn one another, we are doing the work of Satan.
3. If we bite and devour one another, what may we expect?
“But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” Gal. 5:15.
4. Before attempting to judge, criticize, or correct others, what should we first do?
“And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye: and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Matt. 7:3-5.
5. What did Christ say He did not come to do?
“If any man hear My words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.” “For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 12:47; 3:17.
6. What question does Paul ask concerning judging?
“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth.” Rom. 14:4.
7. To whom are all to give account?
“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Verse 12.
8. What exhortation, therefore, does the apostle give?
“Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling-block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” Verse 13.
9. Instead of railing on His enemies, what did Christ do?
“Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously.” 1 Peter 2:23.
10. Wherein do man’s judging and God’s judging differ?
“For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” 1 Sam. 16:7. “Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15.
11. How does Christ tell us to judge?
“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” John 7:24.
12. How, by whom, and in what spirit should those having committed faults be dealt with?
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Gal. 6:1.
13. Of what are those generally guilty who judge others?
“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.” Rom. 2:1.
14. Whom are we not likely to judge and condemn?
“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” 1 Cor. 11:31.
15. What instruction does James give regarding judging?
“Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.” James 4:11. See Titus 3:2.
16. Why is it safer not to judge and condemn others?
“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned.” Luke 6:37. “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matt. 7:2. See Ps. 18:25, 26.
17. To what time are we exhorted to defer judgment?
“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the heart.” 1 Cor. 4:5.
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“Judge not;” the workings of his brain And of his heart thou canst not see. What looks to thy dim eyes a stain, In God’s pure sight may only be A scar, brought from some well-won field Where thou wouldst only faint and yield.
The look, the air, that frets thy sight, May be a token that, below, The soul has closed in deadly fight With some infernal, fiery foe Whose glance would scorch thy smiling grace, And cast thee shuddering on thy face.
The fall thou darest to despise— Perhaps the angel’s slackened hand Has suffered it, that he may rise And take a firmer, surer stand; Or, trusting less to earthly things, May henceforth learn to use his wings.
And judge none lost, but wait and see, With hopeful pity, not disdain; The depth of that abyss may be The measure of the height of pain, And love, and glory, that may raise The soul to God in after-days.
ADELAIDE A. PROCTER.
Gossiping And Backbiting
Sowing Tares. "While men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares." Matt. 13:25
1. What does the ninth commandment forbid?
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” Ex. 20:16.
NOTE.—The evident object of this commandment is to guard the rights, interests, and reputation of our neighbor, by guarding our conversation, and confining our words to that which is strictly true.
2. What instruction did John the Baptist give the soldiers who asked of him advice regarding the way of life?
“And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.” Luke 3:14.
3. What is one test of a perfect man?
“If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” James 3:2.
4. How did Christ teach the importance of guarding our speech?
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matt. 12:36, 37.
5. To whom are our words all known?
“For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether.” Ps. 139:4.
6. Of what are one’s words an index?
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Matt. 12:34.
7. What conduct is condemned by the Scriptures?
“Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbor: I am the Lord.” Lev. 19:16.
8. To what are the words of a talebearer compared?
“The words of a talebearer are as wounds.” Prov. 26:22.
9. What is their effect?
“He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” Prov. 17:9.
10. What would follow if there were no talebearers?
“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.” Prov. 26:20.
11. Among other things, what did Paul fear he would find in the Corinthian church?
“For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults.” 2 Cor. 12:20.
12. What result follows backbiting and like evils?
“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” Gal. 5:14, 15.
13. How may a backbiting tongue be rebuked?
“The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.” Prov. 25:23.
14. To whom is the promise made of abiding in the tabernacle of the Lord, and dwelling in His holy hill?
“He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. _He that backbiteth not with __ his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor_.” Ps. 15:2, 3.
NOTE.—“Never carry a sword in your tongue to wound the reputation of any man,” says Kirkle. Noah Webster laid down this rule: “We should say nothing of a person in his absence that we should be unwilling to say if he were present.” How few govern their conversation according to this rule! See Prov. 31:10, 26.
15. What caution is given in regard to receiving an accusation against an elder?
“Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.” 1 Tim. 5:19.
NOTE.—“He that lends an easy and credulous ear to calumny is either a man of very mean morals, or has no more sense of understanding than a child.”—Menander.
16. Can man, unrenewed by grace, control his tongue?
“For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:7, 8.
17. As a guard against the misuse of the power of speech, therefore, for what should we pray?
“Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” Ps. 141:3.
18. What vow did David take against offenses of the tongue?
“I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.” Ps. 39:1.
19. What is a sure cure for backbiting?
“Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Matt. 22:39. “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” Matt. 7:12. “Speak evil of no man.” Titus 3:2. See also James 4:11.
20. What are those words like which are fitly spoken?
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Prov. 25:11.
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“Keep a watch on your words, my darlings, For words are wonderful things: They are sweet like bees’ fresh honey; Like the bees they have terrible stings; They can bless like the warm, glad sunshine, And brighten a lonely life; They can cut in the strife of anger, Like an open, two-edged knife.”
Joseph Sold Into Egypt. "Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." James 3:16.
Envy, Jealousy, And Hatred
Saul Seeks David’s Life. "Who is able to stand before envy?" Prov. 27:4.
1. What does Solomon say of envy?
“Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?” Prov. 27:4.
2. What is said of jealousy?
“Jealousy is cruel as the grave.” Song of Solomon 8:6.
3. What is said of one who hates his brother?
“Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer.” 1 John 3:15.
4. What did envy lead the chief priests to do with Christ?
“For he [Pilate] knew that the chief priests had delivered Him [to be crucified] for envy.” Mark 15:10.
5. What did it lead the Jews to do in Paul’s day?
“But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.” Acts 13:45.
6. What exists where envy and strife are?
“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” James 3:16.
7. Why should the heart be closely watched?
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Prov. 4:23.
Hypocrisy
Jesus Betrayed By A Kiss. "Let love be without dissimulation." Rom. 12:9.
1. Of what sin were the Pharisees guilty?
“Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” Luke 12:1.
NOTE.—Hypocrisy is a feigning to be what one is not; dissimulation; a concealment of one’s real character or motives; especially, the assuming of a false appearance of virtue or religion.
2. How did the Pharisees show themselves to be hypocrites?
“Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoreth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me.” Matt. 15:7, 8.
3. How did they make void one of God’s commandments?
“For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother.... But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; and honor not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.” Verses 4-6.
4. How did Christ say hypocrites pray?
“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” Matt. 6:5.
5. What does Christ call one who readily sees the faults of others, but does not see nor correct his own?
“Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Matt. 7:5.
6. How does a hypocrite treat his neighbor?
“An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbor.” “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.” Prov. 11:9; 23:7.
7. Which of the apostles was once guilty of dissimulation?
“And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him [Peter]; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.” Gal. 2:13.
8. Why did Paul say he opposed Peter in this matter?
“But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.” Verse 11.
9. What did David say he would not do?
“I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.” Ps. 26:4.
10. How pure should be our love?
“Let love be without dissimulation.” Rom. 12:9.
11. What will become of the hypocrite’s hope?
“So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite’s hope shall perish.” Job 8:13.
12. What is to be the fate of that servant who, while professing to love the Lord, shows by his actions that he is worldly, and is not looking nor longing for His coming?
“The Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for Him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matt. 24:50, 51. “The sinners in Zion are afraid; tearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites.” Isa. 33:14.
13. What is characteristic of heavenly wisdom?
“The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17.
Danger In Rejecting Light
John Reproving Herod. "Walk while ye have the light." John 12:35.
1. How does God regard sins of ignorance?
“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent.” Acts 17:30.
2. To whom is sin imputed?
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” James 4:17.
3. In what words did Christ teach the same truth?
“Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak [margin, excuse] for their sin.” John 9:41; 15:22. See John 3:19.
4. In view of this, what instruction does He give?
“Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you.... While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.” John 12:35, 36.
5. Who courts the light?
“Every one that doeth evil hateth the light.... But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:20, 21.
The Just Recompense
Destruction Of Sennacherib’s Army. "Who will render to every man according to his deeds." Rom. 2:6.
1. How has God recompensed men in the past?
“For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” Heb. 2:2, 3.
2. How are all to be rewarded in the judgment?
“For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Cor. 5:10. “Who will render to every man according to his deeds: ... for there is no respect of persons with God.” Rom. 2:6-11. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap.” Gal. 6:7.
3. What will be the reward of the wrong-doer?
“For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption.” Verse 8. “Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil.” Rom. 2:9.
4. What will be the recompense of the righteous?
“But he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Gal. 6:8. “But glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worketh good.” Rom. 2:10.
5. What general rule of recompense is laid down in the Bible?
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matt. 7:1, 2. “With the merciful Thou wilt show Thyself merciful; with an upright man Thou wilt show Thyself upright; with the pure Thou wilt show Thyself pure; and with the froward Thou wilt show Thyself froward.” Ps. 18:25, 26.
6. In view of this, what are we warned not to do?
“Recompense to no man evil for evil.” Rom. 12:17. “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9.
7. What is said of those who render evil for good?
“Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.” Prov. 17:13.
8. What principle of justice should govern us in our dealings?
“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” Prov. 3:27.
9. Where are all to be recompensed?
“Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.” Prov. 11:31.
10. In meting out the final awards, what may we be sure God will do?
“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” Gen. 18:25. “Justice and judgment are the habitation of Thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before Thy face.” Ps. 89:14.
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O that the Lord would guide my ways To keep His statutes still! O that my God would grant me grace To know and do His will!
Order my footsteps by Thy word, And make my heart sincere; Let sin have no dominion, Lord, But keep my conscience clear.
Make me to walk in Thy commands, ’Tis a delightful road; Nor let my head, nor heart, nor hands Offend against my God. ISAAC WATTS
XVI. THE HOME
The Marriage At Cana. "Home is the grandest of all institutions."—Spurgeon. See page 711.
The Marriage Institution
Isaac And Rebekah. "Marriage is honorable in all." Heb. 13:4.
1. After creating man, what did God say?
“And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone.” Gen. 2:18.
2. What, therefore, did God say He would make?
“I will make him an help meet for him.” Same verse.
NOTE.—Not a helpmeet nor a helpmate, but—two words—a help meet for him; that is, fit or suitable for him. The word meet in the original means a front, a part opposite, a counterpart, or mate. Man’s companion, or help, was to correspond to him. Each was to be suited to the other’s needs.
3. Could such a help be found among the creatures which God had already made?
“And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.” Verse 20.
4. What, therefore, did God do?
“And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; and the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.” Verses 21, 22.
NOTE.—How beautiful, in its fulness of meaning, is this simple but suggestive story, at which skeptics sneer. God did not make man after the order of the lower animals, but “in His own image.” Neither did He choose man’s companion, or “help,” from some other order of beings, but made her from man—of the same substance. And He took this substance, not from man’s feet, that he might have an excuse to degrade, enslave, or trample upon her; nor from man’s head, that woman might assume authority over man; but from man’s side, from over his heart, the seat of affections, that woman might stand at his side as man’s equal, and, side by side with him, together, under God, work out the purpose and destiny of the race,—man, the strong, the noble, the dignified; woman, the weaker, the sympathetic, the loving. How much more exalted and inspiring is this view than the theory that man developed from the lower order of animals.
5. What did Adam say as he received his wife from God?
“And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Verse 23.
6. What great truth was then stated?
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Verse 24.
7. In what words does Christ recognize marriage as of God?
“Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Matt. 19:6.
NOTE.—Thus was the marriage institution ordained of God in Eden, before man sinned. Like the Sabbath, it has come down to us with the Edenic dews of divine blessing still upon it. It was ordained not only for the purpose of peopling the earth and perpetuating the race, but to promote social order and human happiness; to prevent irregular affection; and, through well-regulated families, to transmit truth, purity, and holiness from age to age. Around it cluster all the purest and truest joys of home and the race. When the divine origin of marriage is recognized, and the divine principles controlling it are obeyed, marriage is indeed a blessing; but when these are disregarded, untold evils are sure to follow. That which, rightly used, is of greatest blessing, when abused becomes the greatest curse.
8. By what commands has God guarded the marriage relation?
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.” “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife.” Ex. 20:14, 17.
9. What New Testament injunction is given respecting marriage?
“Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” Heb. 13:4, R. V.
NOTE.—By many, marriage is lightly regarded—is often made even a subject of jest. Its divine origin, its great object, and its possibilities and influences for good or evil are little thought of, and hence it is often entered into with little idea of its responsibilities or its sacred obligations. The marriage relationship is frequently used in the Scriptures as a symbol of the relationship existing between God and His people. See Rom. 7:1-4; 2 Cor. 11:2; Hosea 2:19, 20; Rev. 19:7.
10. After the fall, what sort of marriages were introduced by men, which were productive of great evil?
“And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.” Gen. 6:1, 2.
NOTE.—Not only was there plurality of wives, which in itself is an evil, but the “sons of God,” descending from Seth, married the “daughters of men,” the descendants from the idolatrous line of Cain, and thus corrupted the seed, or church, of God itself. All the barriers against evil thus being broken down, the whole race was soon corrupted, violence filled the earth, and the flood followed.
11. What restriction did God make respecting marriages in Israel?
“Let them marry to whom they think best; only to the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry.” Num. 36:6.
12. What prohibition did God give His chosen people against intermarrying with the heathen nations about them, and why?
“Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. For they will turn away thy son from following Me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.” Deut. 7:3, 4.
NOTE.—Intermarriage with the ungodly was the mistake made by the professed people of God before the flood, and God did not wish Israel to repeat that folly.
13. What instruction is given in the New Testament regarding marriage with unbelievers?
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? and what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God.” 2 Cor. 6:14-16.
NOTE.—This instruction forbids all compromising partnerships. Marriage of believers with unbelievers has ever been a snare by which Satan has captured many earnest souls who thought they could win the unbelieving, but in most cases have themselves drifted away from the moorings of faith into doubt, backsliding, and loss of religion. It was one of Israel’s constant dangers, against which God warned them repeatedly. “Give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace [by such compromise] or their wealth forever.” Ezra 9:12. See also Ex. 34:14-16; Judges 14:1-3; Ezra 9 and 10; and Neh. 13:23-27. Even Solomon fell before the influence of heathen wives. Concerning him the inspired Word has left this melancholy record: “His wives turned away his heart after other gods.” 1 Kings 11:4. No Christian can marry an unbeliever without running serious risk, and placing himself upon the enemy’s ground. The Scriptures do not advocate separation after the union has been formed (see 1 Cor. 7:2-16), but good sense should teach us that faith can best be maintained, and domestic happiness best insured, where both husband and wife are believers, and of the same faith. Both ministers and parents, therefore, should warn the young against all improper marriages.
14. What instruction did Abraham give his servant Eliezer when sending him to select a wife for his son Isaac?
“Thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my father’s house.” Gen. 24:40.
NOTE.—This passage indicates that in early Bible times parents generally had more to do in the selection of life companions for their children than they commonly have now. Young people who are wise will seek the advice and counsel of their parents, and above all, will seek to know the will of God, before entering upon this important relationship, with its grave responsibilities and its momentous consequences.
15. For how long does marriage bind the contracting parties?
“For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth.” Rom. 7:2. See 1 Cor. 7:39.
16. What only does Christ recognize as proper ground for dissolving the marriage relationship?
“Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery.” Matt. 19:9.
NOTE.—Civil laws recognize other reasons as justifiable causes for separation, such as extreme cruelty, habitual drunkenness, or other like gross offenses; but only one offense, according to Christ, warrants the complete annulment of the marriage tie.
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There is a bliss beyond all that the minstrel has told, When two that are linked in one heavenly tie, With heart never changing and brow never cold, Love on through all ills, and love on till they die. MOORE.
A Happy Home, And How To Make It
The Home Circle. "Happy the home when God is there, And love fills every breast."
1. Where and by whom were the foundations of home laid?
“And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there He put the man whom He had formed.” Gen. 2:8.
2. In making this home, what besides man was needed?
“And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet [one adapted, or suitable] for him.” Verse 18.
3. After creating Adam and Eve, what did God say to them?
“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.” Gen. 1:28.
4. To what are the wife and children of the man who fears the Lord likened?
“Happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive-plants round about thy table.” Ps. 128:2, 3.
5. What are children declared to be?
“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord.” Ps. 127:3. “Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.” Prov. 17:6.
6. How should the wife relate herself to her husband?
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church.” Eph. 5:22, 23.
7. And how should husbands regard their wives?
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it.... So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.... Let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.” Verses 25-33.
8. Against what are husbands cautioned?
“Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.” Col. 3:19.
9. Why should wives be in subjection to their husbands?
“Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation [manner of life] of the wives.” 1 Peter 3:1.
10. Why should husbands be considerate of their wives?
“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” Verse 7.
11. Why should children obey their parents?
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” Eph. 6:1.
12. How should parents bring up their children?
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Verse 4.
13. Why should fathers not provoke their children to anger?
“Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” Col. 3:21.
14. By what means may the mother bind the hearts of the loved ones at home together?
“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” Prov. 31:26.
NOTE.—“We want to get into the hearts of our children if we hold them, and help them, and bless them, and take them to heaven with us.”—Frances Murphy.
15. How will such a mother be regarded?
“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Verse 28.
NOTE.—“Show me a loving husband, a worthy wife, and good children, and no pair of horses that ever flew along the road could take me in a year where I could see a more pleasing sight. Home is the grandest of all institutions.”—Spurgeon.
16. How faithfully should parents teach the precepts and commandments of God to their children?
“And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deut. 6:7.
NOTES.—“The home should be made a school of instruction, rather than a place of monotonous drudgery. The evenings should be cherished as precious seasons, to be devoted to the instruction of the children in the way of righteousness. But how many children are sadly neglected! They are not educated in the home, that they may comprehend the truth of God, and are not trained to love justice and to do judgment. They should be patiently instructed, that they may understand the laws that govern them, and that they may know the springs of their actions. They are to be brought into harmony with the laws of heaven, to cherish the truth as it is in Jesus. In this way they may be fitted to join the society of the angels, and to stand in the presence of the adorable Redeemer.”—Sabbath School Worker, August, 1896.
“A church within a church, a republic within a republic, a world within a world, is spelled by four letters—home! If things go right there, they go right everywhere; if things go wrong there, they go wrong everywhere. The door-sill of the dwelling-house is the foundation of church and state.... In other words, domestic life overarches and undergirds all other life.... First, last, and all the time, have Christ in your home.”—Talmage.
17. What is the great secret of a happy home?
“Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.” Prov. 15:17.
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Happy the home when God is there, And love fills every breast; When one their wish, and one their prayer, And one their heavenly rest.
Happy the home where Jesus’ name Is sweet to every ear; Where children early lisp His fame, And parents hold Him dear.
Happy the home where prayer is heard, And praise is wont to rise; Where parents love the Sacred Word, And live but for the skies.
Religion In The Home
Worship In A Cavalier’s Home. "First, last, and all the time, have Christ in your home."—Talmage.
1. How well acquainted is God with each individual’s life?
“Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising. Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether.” Ps. 139:2-4.
2. What is the beginning of wisdom?
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments.” Ps. 111:10.
3. Upon whom is God’s fury to be poured?
“Pour out Thy fury upon the heathen that know Thee not, and upon the families that call not on Thy name.” Jer. 10:25.
4. How are parents instructed to bring up their children?
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Eph. 6:4.
NOTE.—“Religion is love, and a religious home is one in which love reigns. There must be love in action, love that flows out in all the home intercourse, showing itself in a thousand little expressions of thoughtfulness, kindness, unselfishness, and gentle courtesy.”—_“__Week-Day Religion__”_ by J. R. Miller, D. D., page 83.
5. How faithfully should parents teach their children the Word of God?
“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shall teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deut. 6:6, 7.
6. What is the value of proper early instruction?
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Prov. 22:6.
NOTE.—No man ever said that he began the service of God too young. No parent ever regretted bringing up his children to love, fear, honor, and obey God.
7. How early were the Scriptures taught to Timothy?
“And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim. 3:15.
NOTE.—Timothy’s father was a Greek, and his mother a Jewess. From a child he had been taught the Scriptures. The faith of his mother and of his grandmother in the Word of God had early been implanted in him through their faithful instruction. 2 Tim. 1:5. The piety which he saw in his home life had a molding influence upon his own life. This, with his knowledge of the Scriptures, qualified him to bear responsibilities and to render faithful service later in the cause of Christ. His home instructors had cooperated with God in preparing him for a life of usefulness. Thus it should be in every home.
8. Why did God confide in Abraham, and commit sacred trusts to him?
“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” Gen. 18:19.
9. Wherever Abraham went, what was his practise?
“And there he builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord.” Gen. 12:8. See also Gen. 13:4; 21:33.
NOTE.—“The manner in which the family worship is conducted is very important. It should be made so pleasant as to be looked forward to with gladness even by the youngest children. Too often it is made tedious, monotonous, or burdensome.... To make it dull and irksome is treason to true religion.... A few minutes given every day to preparation for family worship will serve to make it, as it should be, the most pleasant and attractive incident of the day.”—_“__Week-Day Religion,__”_ by J. R. Miller, D. D., pages 81-83.
10. What instruction suggests the giving of thanks for daily food?
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thess. 5:18.
NOTE.—As a rule, children will reflect the life and principles manifested in their parents. The reason why so many children are irreverent, irreligious, and disobedient today is because their parents are so. Like parent like child. If parents would see a different state of things, they must themselves reform. They must bring God into their homes, and make His Word their counselor and guide. They must teach their children the fear of God, and that His Word is the voice of God addressed to them, and that it is to be implicitly obeyed. “In too many households prayer is neglected.... If ever there was a time when every house should be a house of prayer, it is now. Fathers and mothers should often lift up their hearts to God in humble supplication for themselves and their children. Let the father, as priest of the household, lay upon the altar of God the morning and evening sacrifice, while the wife and children unite in prayer and praise. In such a household Jesus will love to tarry.”—_“__Christian Education,__”_ page 221.
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Are all the children in? The night is falling, And storm-clouds gather in the threatening west; The lowing cattle seek a friendly shelter; The bird hies to her nest; The thunder crashes; wilder grows the tempest, And darkness settles o’er the fearful din; Come, shut the door, and gather round the hearthstone: Are all the children in?
Are all the children in? The night is falling, When gilded sin doth walk about the streets. O, “at the last it biteth like a serpent”! Poisoned are stolen sweets. O mothers, guard the feet of inexperience, Too prone to wander in the paths of sin! O, shut the door of love against temptation! Are all the children in?
Are all the children in? The night is falling, The night of death is hastening on apace; The Lord is calling, “Enter thou thy chamber, And tarry there a space.” And when He comes, the King in all His glory, Who died the shameful death our hearts to win, O, may the gates of heaven shut about us, With all the children in! ELIZABETH ROSSER.
Honor Due To Parents
Washington And His Mother. "Honor thy father and thy mother." Ex. 20:12.
1. By what is every child known?
“Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” Prov. 20:11.
2. What is the duty of every child?
“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.” Prov. 1:8.
3. What does the fifth commandment require of children?
“Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” Ex. 20:12.
NOTE.—While this precept refers directly to our earthly parents, it also includes God, our Father in heaven; for in honoring them we honor Him. To the child too young to know God, the earthly parent takes the place of God. Learning to honor, respect, and obey his earthly parents is the child’s first and most important lesson in learning to honor, respect, and obey God, his Heavenly Parent. Benjamin Franklin well said: “Let a child’s first lesson be obedience, and the second may be what thou wilt.”
4. For how long a time should one honor his parents?
“Harken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.” Prov. 23:22.
NOTE.—As long as parents live, they should be honored and respected by their children. The duty enjoined in the fifth commandment does not cease at maturity, nor when the child leaves the parental roof.
Jesus With The Doctors In The Temple. "And He went down with them [His parents], and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them." Luke 2:51.
5. What is the character of a child who will not listen to his father’s instruction?
“A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.” Prov. 15:5.
6. What course on the part of children is well-pleasing to the Lord?
“Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord.” Col. 3:20.
7. In what spirit should children obey their parents?
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” Eph. 6:1.
8. What is one way in which a child may dishonor his parents?
“He that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.” Prov. 28:7.
9. What is said of one who robs his father or his mother?
“Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.” Verse 24.
10. How did Jesus honor His parents?
“He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them.” Luke 2:51.
11. How did the Jewish leaders in the days of Christ, for the sake of gain, make void the fifth commandment?
“But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; and honor not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.” Matt. 15:5, 6.
NOTE.—The word translated gift in this text means a thing dedicated to God, and therefore not to be used for any other purpose. In this way the Jewish teachers, by their traditional law, taught children that by saying that their property was thus dedicated to the temple or to religious purposes, they were free from the obligation to honor and support their parents, thus making void one of the commandments of God. This Christ condemned.
12. In what other way do some dishonor their father and mother?
“There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.” Prov. 30:11.
13. What will be the fate of the one who curseth his father or his mother?
“Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.” “The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.” Prov. 20:20; 30:17.
14. What will be the reward of those who honor their parents?
“Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” Ex. 20:12.
NOTE.—The fulness of this promise will be realized in the life to come, when the earth, restored to its Edenic beauty, will become the eternal home of all those who have truly honored their parents and kept all God’s commandments.
15. What comment has the apostle Paul made upon this commandment?
“Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” Eph. 6:2, 3.
16. In what age of the world is disobedience to parents to be especially manifest?
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.” 2 Tim. 3:1, 2.
NOTE.—Disobedience to parents is a marked characteristic of the present generation. Never before was it so common or so wide-spread. The root of the evil, however, lies not so much in the children as in the parents. Many of the latter are disobedient to God, their Father in heaven, and so have failed to bring up their children in the fear of God and in the ways of righteousness. Bible instruction, lessons of faith, and prayer must not be neglected in the home if we would see obedient, God-fearing children growing up in the world.
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Be kind to thy father, for when thou wert young, Who loved thee so fondly as he? He caught the first accents that fell from thy tongue, And joined in thy innocent glee.
Be kind to thy mother, for lo! on her brow May traces of sorrow be seen; O well may’st thou cherish and comfort her now, For loving and kind hath she been.
Child Training
His First Teacher. "Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Eph. 6:4.
1. How should parents train their children?
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Prov. 22:6. “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Eph. 6:4.
2. How diligently should parents teach children God’s Word?
“These words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shall teach them diligently unto thy children.” “Ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deut. 6:6, 7. 11:19.
3. What high ideal should be placed before the young?
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Tim. 4:12.
4. What duty does God require of children?
“Honor thy father and thy mother.” Ex. 20:12.
5. What is to be one of the prominent sins of the last days?
“For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.” 2 Tim. 3:2.
6. Why did God reprove Eli?
“In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.” 1 Sam. 3:12, 13.
7. How should the youth be taught to regard the aged?
“Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord.” Lev. 19:32.
8. What are some good fruits of proper child training?
“Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.” Prov. 29:17.
9. What will result if correction is withheld?
“The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” Verse 15. See Prov. 22:15.
10. Is there danger of delaying correction too long?
“Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” Prov. 19:18. See Prov. 23:13, 14.
11. Does proper correction evidence a want of parental love?
“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” Prov. 13:24.
NOTE.—One Christian mother writes thus concerning the importance of child training: “Children who are allowed to come up to manhood or womanhood with the will undisciplined and the passions uncontrolled, will generally in after-life pursue a course which God condemns. The neglect of parents to properly discipline their children has been a fruitful source of evil in many families. The youth have not been restrained as they should have been. Parents have neglected to follow the directions of the Word of God in this matter, and the children have taken the reins of government into their own hands. The consequence has been that they have generally succeeded in ruling their parents, instead of being under their authority. False ideas and a foolish, misdirected affection have nurtured traits which have made the children unlovely and unhappy, have embittered the lives of the parents, and have extended their baleful influence from generation to generation. Any child that is permitted to have his own way will dishonor God and bring his father and mother to shame.”
12. Whom does the Lord chasten?
“For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.” Heb. 12:6.
NOTE.—From this we may learn that all child training should be done in love, and that proper child training is an evidence of true love.
13. Against what evil should fathers guard?
“Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” Col. 3:21.
NOTE.—Correction should never be given in anger, for anger in the parent stirs up anger in the child. It is well to pray with a child before correcting him, and frequently mild but faithful instruction, admonition, and prayer are all the training necessary,—are, in fact, the best training that can be given. But in any case of perverseness, stubbornness, or wilful disobedience, the correction, whatever it may be, should be persisted in until the child yields submissively to the will and wishes of the parent. It is best, generally, that correction should be done in private, as this tends to preserve the self-respect of the child, a very important element in character building. No correction nor training should be violent or abusive, or given for the purpose of breaking the will of the child, but rather to direct the will, bring it into proper subjection, and the child to a realizing sense of what is right and duty.
14. How are the present effects and future results of chastisement contrasted?
“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Heb. 12:11.
15. What question must every unfaithful parent meet?
“Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?” Jer. 13:20.
NOTE.—Happy will those parents be who can say, “Behold, here am I and the children Thou gavest me.” See Isa. 8:18.
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The oldest university was not on India’s strand, Nor in the valley of the Nile, nor on Arabia’s sand; From time’s beginning it has taught and still it teaches free Its learning mild to every child—the school of Mother’s Knee.
The oldest school to teach the law, and teach it deeply, too, Dividing what should not be done from what each one should do, Was not in Rome nor Ispahan nor by the Euxine Sea; But it held its sway ere history’s day—the school of Mother’s Knee.
The oldest seminary, where theology was taught, Where love to God, and reverent prayer, and the Eternal Ought Were deep impressed on youthful hearts in pure sincerity, Came to the earth with Abel’s birth—the school of Mother’s Knee.
The oldest, and the newest, too, it still maintains its place, And from its classes, ever full, it graduates the race. Without its teaching, where would all the best of living be? ’Twas planned by heaven this earth to leaven—the school of Mother’s Knee.
Christ And His Mother. "Blessed art thou among women." Luke 1:28, 42.
The Mother
Manoah’s Sacrifice. "How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him?" Judges 13:12.
1. WHY did Adam call his wife’s name Eve?
“And Adam called his wife’s name Eve: because she was the mother of all living.” Gen. 3:20.
NOTE.—It is said that the three sweetest words in any language are mother, home, and heaven.
2. What did God say to Abraham concerning his wife, Sarah?
“And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.” Gen. 17:16.
3. What commandment guards the honor of the mother?
“Honor thy father and thy mother.” Ex. 20:12.
4. How early did Hannah dedicate her son Samuel to God?
“And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed ... give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life.” 1 Sam. 1:11.
5. To whom did God commit the care and early training of His only begotten Son?
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him.” Matt. 2:11.
6. Under the influence of her tender care and faithful instruction, what is said of the child life of Jesus?
“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him.... And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:40-52.
NOTES.—“The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.”
“A mother is a mother still, The holiest thing on earth.”
A Christian mother, above all others, can deeply implant and faithfully cherish the seeds of truth in the young and tender heart. More even than the father, the mother molds the life, character, and destiny of man. Every stage and phase of life is touched and influenced by her. Infancy, childhood, youth, manhood, and old age alike center in her. She is both the morning and the evening star of life,—the angel spirit of the home.
7. What tender, filial regard did Christ manifest for His mother in the hour of His death?
“When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple standing by, whom He loved [John], He saith unto His mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith He to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.” John 19:26, 27.
8. How early did Timothy know the Scriptures?
“And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures.” 2 Tim. 3:15.
9. What is said of his mother and his grandmother?
“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice.” 2 Tim. 1:5.
NOTE.—No position in life is superior to that of the mother, no influence more potent for good or evil. “All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my mother,” said Abraham Lincoln. “All that I have ever accomplished in life, I owe to my mother,” declared D. L. Moody. “A kiss from my mother,” said Benjamin West, “made me a painter.” “My mother was the making of me,” declares the noted inventor, Thomas A. Edison. And Andrew Carnegie, the millionaire, who gave his mother his earnings when a boy, adds, “I am deeply touched by the remembrance of one to whom I owe everything that a wise mother ever gave to a son who adored her.” It has been truly said that the home is the primeval school, the best, the most hallowed, and the most potential of all academies, and that the mother is the first, the most influential, and therefore the most important of all teachers. See poem on page 721.
Teaching The Children
The Child Timothy. "From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation." 2 Tim. 3:15.
1. What should be the prayer of every parent?
“O my Lord, ... teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.” Judges 13:8.
NOTE.—This is a part of the prayer of Manoah, the father of Samson.
2. How should our children be taught?
“All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” Isa. 54:13.
3. What will happen if a child is not properly instructed?
“A child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” Prov. 29:15.
4. How did Solomon’s parents regard him as a child?
“I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.” Prov. 4:3.
5. What does Solomon say his father did for him as a child?
“He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words; keep my commandments, and live.” Prov. 4:4.
6. From what time does David say he himself was taught?
“O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth.” Ps. 71:17.
7. How should all Christian parents bring up their children?
“Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Eph. 6:4.
8. How was Moses taught during the days of his early childhood?
By faith, under the instruction of a devoted mother. See Heb. 11:23; Ex. 2:1-10.
NOTE.—The hiding of Moses was at the time when Pharaoh, king of Egypt, had issued a decree that every Hebrew male child should be killed as soon as he was born, to prevent too rapid an increase of the Hebrews. The second chapter of Exodus tells the story of the finding of Moses by the king’s daughter, and his being brought up by his own mother employed as a nurse. She was a woman of faith, and her teaching of Moses was such that after he had been at the Egyptian court till he “was come to years,” he chose to suffer affliction with God’s people rather than to enjoy the honor of succeeding to the throne of Egypt as the adopted heir. He became the leader of God’s people when they escaped from the Egyptian bondage, and after he died, he was raised to life and taken to heaven. See Heb. 11:24-26; Jude 9; Matt. 17:1-3.
9. How was Joseph regarded by his father?
“Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age.” Gen. 37:3.
NOTE.—The wonderful record of Joseph’s life, found in Genesis 37-50, shows that he lived intimately with his father till he was seventeen years of age. He must have been carefully taught of God also, for in all his marvelous experience as slave, prisoner, and premier of Egypt, he remained true to his heavenly Father, not a single sin being recorded of him to the day of his death.
10. How was Esther brought up?
“He [Mordecai the Jew] brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter, ... when her father and mother were dead.” Esther 2:7.
NOTE.—Mordecai was a man who feared and served God, as is shown by his wise and courageous counsel to Esther, and by his own Christian conduct when the lives of both were at stake in their efforts to save the people of God from destruction while in captivity in Medo-Persia. He undoubtedly taught Esther from childhood to fear and serve God. Otherwise she would not have met the crisis with such fearless courage and such confidence in God.
11. After she became queen of Persia, how did Esther show her integrity to God?
By risking her life to save her own people. “Then Esther bade them [the messengers] return Mordecai this answer: Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:15, 16.
12. How early does Paul say Timothy was instructed?
“From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation.” 2 Tim. 3:15.
13. How earnestly should parents teach their children the things of God?
“Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children.” “Ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deut. 6:7; 11:19.
14. What reward in this life is promised the faithful mother?
“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Prov. 31:28.
15. What beautiful picture of home life is drawn by the psalmist for the father who fears the Lord?
“Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the side of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord.” Ps. 128:3, 4.
16. What motive will inspire all true parents to faithfulness in teaching their children?
“That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner-stones, polished after the similitude of a palace.” Ps. 144:12.
NOTE.—We often hear the saying, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” This is not out of keeping with the saying of the wise man, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Prov. 22:6. No father or mother knows the future of the little child prattling about the home circle. But God knows, as He did in the cases of Moses and Esther and Timothy. Whether it is His purpose for some of our children to rule the world, as did Joseph and Daniel virtually, as prime ministers; or for some of them to “stand before kings,” as did Moses and Esther and Daniel; or for some of them to serve and suffer for the name of Christ, as did Peter and John and Paul, it is our sacred privilege to teach the children faithfully and diligently during their tender years.
Christ Blessing Little Children. "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me." Matt. 19:14.