SQLite format 3@ Bo9 ii!%%atableTopicsTopicsCREATE TABLE Topics (Title NVARCHAR(100), Notes TEXT) T501-Jesus and Johannine Letters-Jun 27-Jul3{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Les 4I100-Introduction{\rtf1\-   q P  fgGFtbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Introduction\par "What We Don't Know About . . ." \b0\fs20\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \tab In 2007 a popular science magazine (Wired) had a cover article titled "What We Don't Know About . . ." The article then ran short pieces on such unanswered mysteries as "Why Do We Sleep?" "Is Time an Illusion?" "What's at the Earth's Core?" "What is the Universe Made of?" and "Why Can't We Predict the Weather?" \par \par \tab Even after hundreds of years of scientific advancement, on such basics, we're still in the dark! \par \par \tab Fortunately, on the most basic of all questions (and by far more important than "What's at the earth's core?")- questions such as "How did we get here?" "Why are we here?" and "Where are we going?"-we haven't been left to grope in darkness. Instead, God has revealed to us, in the Bible, the answers to these fundamental concerns. And among those revelations given to us in Scripture, we have the writings of John the evangelist.\par \par \tab This quarter, instead of studying John's Gospel (his own inspired eyewitness account of Jesus) or the book of Revelation (which he also wrote), we're going to study his three letters. Though addressed to certain churches and individuals in his time, they deal with issues relevant to us today, issues such as false doctrine, sin, love, apostasy and obedience. But most important of all, they deal with Jesus Christ, the One through whom we were created ("How did we get here?"), the One who gives our existence meaning and purpose ("Why are we here?") and the One who promises to come again and raise us to eternal life ("Where are we going?"). In short, in Jesus we find the answers to the most important questions. \par \par \tab As with many of the letters of the New Testament, John's don't occur in a vacuum. On the contrary, they were written to deal with issues facing some churches at that time, including the nature of Christ, which for John wasn't mere abstract theology but a topic that impacted the Christian's view of truth. For John, to deny that Jesus Christ "has come in the flesh" would ultimately lead to a view of sin and redemption that radically differs from the Bible's teaching. It would lead to a different dynamic within the community of believers and to a different relationship to the "world." Finally, it would lead to apostasy and ruin. Hence, the importance of this theme.\par \par \tab Indeed, while di scussing the passages and themes of these epistles, we need to keep in mind that they are all related to Jesus. Whenever we discuss them, we also discuss who Jesus is, what He has done for us, and what He promises to do for us, as well.\par \par \tab Thus, the three epistles of John speak to issues relevant for the church today. We would do well to listen to them, because we believe that ultimately it is God who is speaking to us through John's words, the God who-though not revealing to us answers to such questions as "What's at the earth's core?"-has revealed to us truths about a greater and firmer foundation upon which we can rest: our Creator and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.\par \par \tab\i A native German, Ekkehardt Mueller, Th.D., D.Min., is an associate director of the Biblical Research Institute in Silver Spring, Maryland. His specialties are New Testament, the book of Revelation, hermeneutics, and applied theology. He is married and has two grown children. \i0\par \par \par \par } :7-11\par \cf1\ulnone\par \cf2\ul 2Jn_1:12-13\cf1\par \ulnone\par \tab In 2 John the apostle expresses his thankfulness that the lady's children walk in the truth. He also talks about love and obedience and then focuses on the false teachers that he already mentioned in his first letter. He employs again the term antichrist. In his conclusion John expresses the desire to visit his audience. He also transmits greetings.\par \par \tab How does 3 John relate to the previous two letters, which deal with en if the apostle does not seem to move forward in any kind of linear progression. This observation has led some scholars to conclude that John presents his arguments in a cyclic way; that is, he revisits his topics but from different angles. Thus, the same things are being discussed but from various perspectives.\par \par \tab Read \cf2\ul 2Jn_1:1-13\cf1\ulnone . Follow his line of thought: \par \par \cf2\ul 2Jn_1:1-3\par \cf1\par \cf2 2Jn_1:4\par \cf1\par \cf2 2Jn_1:5-6\par \cf1\par \cf2 2Jn_1icpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Courier-Bold;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue64;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green0\blue0;\red33\green88\blue104;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 3 *July 11-17\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Walking in the Light-Turnin t as many ways as possible how we can be loving and lovable Christians.\par \par \b Summary: \par \b0 John meets false teachings head on, by focusing on the positive truth of Jesus\rquote sacrifice and intercession for us. Our understanding of what Jesus has done will be reflected in warm, loving relationships with others.\par \cf1\b\f7\fs48\par \f0\fs20 MONDAY June 29\par \par What-The Content of the Epistles\par \b0\par \tab In the first letter of John we find a number of important topics, ev to live in that light. What gets in the way?\par \par B. What impact does living in the light have on how we feel about those around us, both Christians and non-Christians?\par \par C. In what ways can focusing on the light help us to feel positive about people and situations?\par \par \b III.\tab Do: Caring for Others\par \pard\li765\par \pard\b0 A. In what practical ways can we deal with the discrepancies between how Jesus treated people and how we often do?\par \par B. Lis.\tab Know: Jesus\rquote Sacrifice Requires a Response\par \par \b0 A. In what ways does Jesus\rquote sacrifice and intercession affect our attitude toward sin?\par \par B. How does His sacrifice impact our moral behavior?\par \par C. How does our response to Jesus\rquote sacrifice affect our relationships with others?\par \par \b II.\tab Feel: Have a Positive Attitude\par \par \b0 A. \ldblquote God is light\rdblquote and offers us a life in the light; yet, we sometimes fail f2\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \b0\i0\f4\fs20\par \b\f3 Key Text: \cf4\ul\b0\i\f5 1Jn_1:5-7\cf3\ulnone\par \i0\f4\par \b\f3 The Student Will:\par \b0\f4\par \b\f3 Know: \b0\f6 Understand that Jesus\rquote sacrifice and intercession for us impacts how we live here and now.\par \par \b Feel: \b0 Confident that we can live a positive Christian life in Jesus.\par \par \b Do: \b0 Develop kind caring relationships.\par \par \b\i\f2\fs32 Learning Outline:\par \i0\f3\fs20\par \f6\par \pard\li90 I \tab It's one thing to have a knowledge about the nature of God, the plan of salvation, the Second Coming, and the right Sabbath day. But what happens to our witness if our lives don't reflect the love and character of the God who created these truths? Maybe you have propositional truth? That's good, but how much love and concern for others comes with your expression of that truth? \par \cf0\f1\fs24\par \cf1\f0\fs20\par \cf3\ul\f2\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\f3\fs24\par \i\time, how could we, as a church, better reflect the love and kindness that must go along with our witness? How can you, either as a class or as an individual, help your local church better manifest the love of God? It's frightening to think of how many people who, attracted to our message, have never accepted it because of the lack of kindness, grace, and love expressed by the church. We can and must do better. \par \par \cf3\f6\par \b\fs28\par \b0\fs24\par \cf0\f1\par \par \cf3\ul\f2\fs22\par } oman;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Courier-Bold;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Times-Roman;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset0 Courier-Oblique;}{\f6\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f7\fnil\fcharset0 Times-Bold;}{\f8\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red33\green88\blue104;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 1\tab\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab \par *June 27-July 3\par \par Jesus and the Johannine Letters\par \par SABBATH AFTERNOON\b0\tab\par \tab\tab\tab\par \b Read for This Week's Study: \b0 Skim over the three Epistles of John.\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 "And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world" (\cf2\ul 1Jn_4:14\cf1\ulnone , NKJV).\tab\par \par \tab False teachers spreading error among the saints? Deviant views on the nature of Christ? Power struggles in the church? Theological errors spreading in the pews? Folk needing assurance of salvation? Others needing to know that faith must lead to obedience to the law? \par \par \tab Sounds like our church today, right?\par \par \tab These, however, were some of the issues that John dealt with almost two thousand years ago in his three short epistles in the New Testament. \par \par \tab How true were Solomon's words, "There is nothing new under the sun" (\cf2\ul Ecc_1:9\cf1\ulnone , NKJV)! \par \par \tab John, though, does not concentrate on the problems only. He points to God the Father and the Son; he portrays who They are and what They have done for us, and thus what we must do in response.\par \par \b The Week at a Glance:\b0 Why do we believe that John wrote these epistles? To whom was he writing? What were his concerns? How does he address those concerns? What does John tell us about Jesus? What promises can we take away from these books? \par \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 4.\i0\par \par \par \b Sunday June 28\par \par From Whom and to Whom-Author and Recipients\par \par \b0\tab The first Epistle of John begins without formal introduction. For whatever reason, the author does not introduce himself. The second and third letters mention as the author a person called only "the elder." They also inform us to whom they are addressed-an elect lady and also someone named Gaius. This information is not extensive and leaves open a number of questions; nevertheless, from the letters themselves, we can learn about the one who wrote them. \par \par \tab Common style and vocabulary seem to indicate that the author of 1, 2, and 3 John is the same. What do these three letters tell us about him? As you read, focus on, among other things, some of the terms that he uses for those he addressed in the letters (\cf2\ul 1Jn_1:1-3\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Jn_2:1\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul 1Jn_2:18\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Jn_4:4\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 2Jn_1:1\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul 2Jn_1:12\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 3Jn_1:1\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul 3Jn_1:13-14\cf1\ulnone ).\par \par Obviously the author had been an eyewitness to Jesus. He also seemed to have had an intimate relationship with the church members to whom he wrote, because he called them "little children," an expression of endearment. He maintained a leadership position in the church, and more than once said that he eventually hoped to visit those to whom he was writing. The close resemblance of phrases and themes to the Gospel of John, as well as the testimony of church fathers, reveal that he was the apostle John.\par \par \tab All this brings up a very important point. How important that we seek to develop a kind, caring, loving relationship with those around us. It's very clear from these letters that John loved and cared about these people and that He wanted to see them strong in the Lord. There can be little doubt that the love he expressed for them only strengthened, greatly, the power of his words. What an important lesson for all who seek to be witnesses for Jesus and the truths He has given us as a church.\par \par ichael Foucault once differentiated between two kinds of knowledge: the kind that changed the one who acquired that knowledge and the kind of knowledge that brought no change at all. What could be some examples of these two types of knowledge? More important, what kind of knowledge is the knowledge of God, and what kind of changes should it bring to the ones knowing it?\par \par 3.How can we avoid falling into the trap of trying to earn our salvation by keeping the commandments, while at the same time a believe that Jesus is no impostor, and that the religion of the Bible is no cunningly devised fable. . . . John did not teach that salvation was to be earned by obedience; but that obedience was the fruit of faith and love."-Ellen G. White,\i The Acts of the Apostles\i0 , p. 563.\par \par \b Discussion Questions:\b0\par \par 1. It's one thing to keep the Ten Commandments; it's another thing to love other people. What's the difference? Which is easier to do, and why?\par \par 2.French philosopher Mce to the Creator will come even more to the front. In Scripture examples are mentioned, people who remained faithful even under the most challenging circumstances: Joseph, Daniel's friends, Daniel himself, and many others. The prime example is Jesus. We must make the decision to follow His lead, no matter what.\par \par "John tells us that true love for God will be revealed in obedience to all His commandments. It is not enough to believe the theory of truth, to make a profession of faith in Christ, toan we learn from this improvisation or skit?\par \cf1\b\f5\fs48 \b0\f0\fs20\par \b FRIDAY July 24\par \par Further Study: \b0 Read \cf2\ul Gen_39:7-12\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul Dan_3:8-18\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul Rev_13:16\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul Rev_14:5\cf1\ulnone .\par \par Walking in the light, which includes keeping the commandments, living like Jesus, and exercising love is especially important at the end of the world's history. God's law is being challenged, and the issue of true worship and obedientems to a local shelter in your area for distribution to those who need it.\par \par Write a skit based on the scenario described in Step 3 between the church member and the neighbor in need who is unlikable and obnoxious. Or have two class members assume the roles and present a short dramatic improvisation, showcasing how such an encounter between the two characters would play out. What helpful strategies or insights about approaching and effectively ministering to the needs of challenging neighbors cf these words reveal about the importance of obedience and love in our Christian walk?\par \par Need is all around us. It is often easy to feel compelled to help others at certain times of the year more so than at other times-especially around the holidays-when giving is naturally on the mind. But what about the rest of the year? Hold a food drive in your church. Encourage members to donate a canned food or nonperishable food item. Collect these items over the next four weeks. Take the box of donated i \i0\f3\fs20 \par \b Just for Teachers: \par Encourage students to engage in\b0 \b the following activities as a way of making head\b0 \b knowledge also hand and heart knowledge.\b0\par \par \b Word Study: \b0\par This week\rquote s lesson gave us two tests of Christian discipleship and one command. The tests are obedience and love. The command is to love and obey even as Jesus did. Examine the strong language John uses to describe those who refuse to meet these tests. What does your examination o!r \tab\par \tab In Scripture hate stands not only for what we may call hate today but also for preferring one person over another or neglecting somebody. In other words, you don't have to despise someone to reveal "hate" as it's sometimes understood in the Bible. \par \par \tab Is there someone you hate, and maybe with good reason, too? If so, ask yourself the question, What would Jesus do? \par \par \cf4\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\i\fs32\par STEP 4-Create\par \b0"n here. He has other problems at hand.\par \par \tab Hating one's brother is a strong statement, and we may not like applying it to us and our behavior. We may prefer to say that we are irritated or offended; but Scripture oftentimes uses the term hate in ways that we don't commonly use today. How is the term hate used, and how is it to be understood in the following texts? \cf2\ul Mat_6:24\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Mat_24:9-10\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Luk_14:26\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Joh_3:20\cf1\ulnone . \tab\pa#statement about the church member who hates his brother. This person is in darkness. Verse 10 shows the positive side; namely, a person who loves his brother. Verse 11 returns to hating one's brother. Not only is such a person in darkness, but his or her eyes have been blinded. \par \par \tab In his letter John is interested primarily in the Christian community. That does not mean he would deny the fact that Christians are called to love their neighbors and even their enemies; but this is not his concer$1Jn_2:5\cf1\ulnone . Obviously that love refers to our love toward God, which is manifested when we keep His commandments. Love was indirectly dealt with in the second part of our passage, the new commandment (vss. 6-9). Love toward fellow Christians is, however, clearly spelled out in the last section of our paragraph (vss. 9-11). It also begins with the phrase "he who says" (see \cf2\ul 1Jn_2:4\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul 1Jn_2:6\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul 1Jn_2:9\cf1\ulnone , NKJV).\par \par \tab Verse 9 makes a %\par Read Paul\rquote s Epistle to Philemon. Review how Paul relates love, obedience, and forgiveness to a real life situation as it affected Onesimus, the runaway slave. It was Paul\rquote s wish that Philemon walked as Christ walked. How can we ensure that we do the same?\par \par \cf1\f0\par \b THURSDAY July 23\par \par Loving Others (\cf2\ul 1Jn_2:9-11\cf1\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab Summarize what John is saying to us in the above verses. \par \par \tab Love was mentioned briefly in \cf2\ul &duced a new yard stick for relationships-love: loving the unlovable, loving without reservations. What makes such a love possible?\par \par \cf5\ul 1Jn_2:9-11\cf4\ulnone charges that if we do not love our neighbors, we live in darkness, we harbor hatred, and we are blind. Why are such charges justifiable?\par \par \b Application Questions:\par \b0 Imagine a neighbor in need. But he is somewhat obnoxious and unlikable. How would you show love toward such a person? Why are you called to do so?\par 'ommandments and love each other.\par \par \tab When was the last time you "washed someone's feet," figuratively speaking? If it has been a long time, what does that tell you about yourself and about how you relate to others? Why is the kind of death to self that leads to the service of others so hard to realize in our own lives? \par \par \cf4\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\i\fs32\par STEP 3-Apply\b0\par \i0\f3\fs20 \par \b Thought Questions:\par \b0 The gospel intro(e , NKJV]) in an unprecedented way because of the new age inaugurated with Jesus' first advent ("the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining" [\cf3\ul 1Jn_2:8\cf1\ulnone , NKJV]).\par \par \tab Finally, the concept of God's law connects the first part of our passage (\cf2\ul 1Jn_2:3-6\cf1\ulnone ) with the second (\cf2\ul 1Jn_2:7-8\cf1\ulnone ). The commandments are summarized in the commandment to love each other. To walk in the Light and to walk as Jesus did means to keep the c)ut an old one? That's because the commandment of neighborly love was already present in the Old Testament (\cf2\ul Lev_19:18\cf1\ulnone ). When John wrote his letter, Jesus' "new commandment" of \cf2\ul Joh_13:34\cf1\ulnone had already been a commandment for many years.\par \par \tab Yet in a sense, this commandment was new in that it was continuously realized in the life of Jesus ("in Him" [\cf3\ul 1Jn_2:6\cf1\ulnone , NKJV]) and was to be seen in His followers ("and in you" [\cf3\ul 1Jn_2:8\cf1\ulnon*Jesus loved them. \par \par \tab A similar situation occurs in \cf2\ul 1Jn_2:6-8\cf1\ulnone . After having talked about walking as Jesus did, John pointed to Jesus' commandment in \cf2 John 13\cf1 . It is this literary connection with \cf2\ul Joh_13:34-35\cf1\ulnone that helps us unlock the meaning of \cf2\ul 1Jn_2:7-8\cf1\ulnone . The commandment John is talking about is the commandment about brotherly and sisterly love. \par \par \tab But why does he state that he is writing not a new commandment b+" What is this "new commandment"? The answer is found in \cf2\ul Joh_13:34\cf1\ulnone , where the same expression, "new commandment," appears. \par \par \tab Read \cf3\ul Joh_13:34-35\cf1\ulnone . What is the context that helps us understand what this "new commandment" is?\par \par \tab After having shown His disciples what it means to serve; namely, even to step down and perform the lowly task of washing someone's feet, Jesus issued His "new commandment." His disciples should love each other just as ,oh_15:8\cf4\ulnone ).\par \b\i0\par Discuss: \par \b0 Love does not recognize any frontiers. What kind of frontiers do you see around you that inhibit the Christian concept of love? (\i See \cf5\ul Eph_2:14\cf4\ulnone .)\i0\par \cf1\b\f0\par \par WEDNESDAY July 22\par \par The New Commandment (\cf2\ul 1Jn_2:7-8\cf1\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab After stressing the importance of obeying the commandments (\cf2\ul 1Jn_2:3-4\cf1\ulnone ), John in verses 7 and 8 introduces the idea of a "new commandment.-ies love without frontiers. Add to this understanding another dimension: Jesus empowers us to love one another. Through Jesus, the God incarnate, \ldblquote the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_2:8\cf4\ulnone , NKJV). \i0 Jesus the Light empowers us to walk in the light. When we walk in the light, we cannot hate those around us. Love becomes the natural flow of the heart, and the fruitage of obedience overflows the cup of discipleship \i (\cf5\ul J.t of death. Further, in demanding that we love our \ldblquote neighbors,\rdblquote Jesus introduced into history a new definition of the word: Neighbors are not those who are tied to us by blood or creed or community but everyone who is in need. As in the parable of the good Samaritan, \ldblquote Our neighbor is every soul who is wounded and bruised by the adversary. Our neighborr is everyone who is the property of God.\rdblquote -Ellen G White, \i The Desire of Ages, \i0 p. 503. This new definition impl/dblquote He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul Mic_6:8\cf4\ulnone ,\i0 \i NKJV).\i0\par \i\par \b\i0 Yet, it is new because Jesus took it to new\b0 \b heights. \b0 Jesus appointed love as a test of discipleship. He expected that we should love our neighbors even as He loved us \i (\cf5\ul Joh_13:34; Joh_13:35\cf4\ulnone ), \i0 and, as the Cross shows, He loved us to the poin0ame time?\i\par \i0\par \b It is old because it has always been there. \b0 The commandment to love was there when the voice of the eternal Word called Cain to accountability: \ldblquote \lquote Where is Abel your brother?\rquote \rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul Gen_4:9\cf4\ulnone , NKJV). \i0 It was there when the law demanded, \ldblquote \lquote You shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord\rquote \rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul Lev_19:18\cf4\ulnone ,\i0 \i RSV). \i0 It was there when Micah thundered, \l1(\cf5\ul 1Jn_2:11\cf4\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 . That thought has sobering implications: A lack of love toward our neighbors makes us children of darkness. As such, we have no direction, no destination, and no vision. By contrast, the children of light abide in love for God and love for their neighbors. The apostle calls this love for others a new commandment \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_2:8\cf4\ulnone )\i0 ; and yet, not new only, but old \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_2:7\cf4\ulnone )\i0 . How can this commandment be old and new at the s2 for compromise here?\par \par \b III. To Love God Is to Love One Another \par \par \b0\i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_2:7-11\cf4\ulnone )\i0 John wastes no time on theories or speculations about what it means to love God. He positions love in the laboratory of living. The acid test of loving God is loving one\rquote s neighbors. Anyone who claims to love God but does not love his or her neighbor \ldblquote is in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes\rdblquote \i 3 love and obedience. He expects a \ldblquote perfected\rdblquote love-that is, a growing and maturing love. Lest someone fail to understand what this means, John points to the Jesus model: \ldblquote Walk just as He walked\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_2:6\cf4\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 .\i\par \i0 \par \b Think on This: \par \b0 Christian love and obedience must be a reflection of the Jesus walk-a walk through the wilderness, through Gethsemane, to the foot of the cross--wherever God leads. Why is there no room4 reveal living truth?\par \par \b II. To Obey God Is to Love Him \par \par \b0\i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_2:5-6\cf4\ulnone )\i0 If obedience is one test, love is another. By love that is \ldblquote perfected\rdblquote in us, \ldblquote we know that we are in Him\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_2:5\cf4\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 . \ldblquote God is love\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_4:8\cf4\ulnone )\i0 , and therefore those who say that they know God must love Him, abide in Him, and obey Him. God is not satisfied with selective5 person \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_2:4\cf4\ulnone ).\i0 Through obedience, we are asked to abide in Him and walk the way that Jesus walked \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_2:6\cf4\ulnone )\i0 . \ldblquote True religion is the imitation of Christ. Those who follow Christ will deny self, take up the cross, and walk in His footsteps.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White Comments, \i The\i0 \i SDA Bible Commentary, \i0 vol. 7, p. 949.\i\par \i0 \par \b Consider This: \par \b0 What is the connection between the law and love? Why must the life6 1Jn_2:3-5\cf4\ulnone )\i0 How can we be sure that we know God? John\rquote s answer is clear: \ldblquote By this we may be sure that we know him, if we keep his commandments\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_2:3\cf4\ulnone , RSV)\i0 . Knowing God is not an intellectual exercise, a logical drill, or emotional ecstasy; it is the submission of life in all its dimensions to God\rquote s demands. To affirm the knowledge of God but refuse to obey Him makes one a liar. \ldblquote The truth is not in\rdblquote such a7meone may say \ldblquote I know God\rdblquote without feeling any moral or ethical compulsions to enact this knowledge. Another may say \ldblquote I do not know God\rdblquote but be a highly ethical person. Christians have no such option. We must know God, but it does not end there. Our belief must govern our conduct and relationships. In essence, beyond knowing God intellectually, we must obey Him, love Him, and love our neighbors.\par \par \b I. To Know God Is to Obey Him \par \par \b0\i (\cf5\ul8tanding of God. Gnostics held that rational\b0 \b knowledge was enough to gain acceptance with God,\b0 \b and that conduct was of no consequence. But the\b0 \b apostle points to a higher standard: Knowledge of\b0 \b God must lead to obedience to His law and love\b0 \b toward Him and toward one another. Lead your class\b0 \b to discover the importance of obedience and love in\b0 \b learning who God is.\par \b0 \par \b\i\f4\fs32 Bible Commentary\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20 \par \b Overview: \par \b0 So9par \cf4\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\i\fs32\par STEP 2-Explore\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20 \par \b Just for Teachers:\par Jesus said and John recorded: \ldblquote\lquote This is eternal life, that they may know You, the\b0 \b only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent\rquote\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul Joh_17:3\cf4\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 . What constitutes this\b0 \b knowledge? The answer reveals a fundamental\b0 \b difference between the pagan and Christian\b0 \b unders:s is the atoning sacrifice for our sins. He was our substitute. But in our verses this week the other aspect shows up. Jesus lived an exemplary life. We should follow His footsteps.\par \par \tab Most of us, no matter who we are, are facing some sort of difficulties in life. Think about your greatest challenge, your greatest struggle. Then ask yourself the question, "What would Jesus do?" After you have what you deem your best answer, ask yourself, "What's stopping me from doing the same?" \tab\par \b\;ngs and His life are recorded so that we can understand how a human being, ideally, should live.\par \par \tab This is important to remember, because sometimes people want to focus only on Jesus as Savior, Jesus as their substitute, and not on Jesus as their Lord and example. John accepted Jesus both as Savior and as an example. In \cf2\ul 1Jn_1:7\cf1\ulnone he had mentioned the cleansing blood of Christ, which points to His death on the cross in our place. According to \cf2\ul 1Jn_2:2\cf1\ulnone Jesuese labels to others, or even to yourself. But what is the New Testament concept of a Christian? (\i See \cf5\ul Luk_9:23\cf4\ulnone .)\i0\par \par \cf1\f0\par \b TUESDAY July 21\par \par What Would Jesus Do? (\cf2\ul 1Jn_2:6-8\cf1\ulnone )\b0\tab\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \tab A while back there was a fad during which young Christian people would wear bracelets with the English letters WWJD inscribed on them, standing for "What Would Jesus Do?" Though some derided the whole idea as?hristians. Among them are the \ldblquote loaves-and-fishes\rdblquote Christians, those who see an economic advantage in being Christian. Then there are the social Christians, those to whom church is a prestigious club to belong to. And, finally, there are the ceremonial Christians to whom the forms of the church are needed when members are born, married, or buried.\par \par \b Discuss\b0 : \par Perhaps, as you read the \ldblquote taxonomy\rdblquote of Christian groups, you found yourself affixing th@\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\i\fs32\par Learning Cycle\par \fs16\par \fs32 STEP 1-Motivate\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20 \par \b Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \par \b0 Love and obedience to God compel us to reach out to those in need.\par \par \b Just for Teachers: \par How does one define who is a\b0 \b Christian? What are the marks of a genuine\b0 \b Christian? Lead your class to find biblical answers to these vital questions.\b0\par \par The world has many types of CAa love relationship. You can't truly love someone you don't know. And if you love someone, you are going to act a certain way. A man who truly loves his wife isn't going to cheat on her. He can profess his love day and night, and yet if his actions don't reveal that love, then he is, to use John's term, "a liar."\par \par \tab What other analogies can you think of that are helpful in understanding why our obedience, our deeds, form an inseparable part of what it means to know God? \par \par \cf4\ul\f1Bthose who say that you can come to know God and yet neglect keeping the commandments. John attacks this idea in very strong language, calling anyone who teaches it a liar. \par \tab\par \tab Why would keeping the law reveal our knowledge of God? How does our act of keeping the law reveal the reality of our knowledge of God? How is one related to the other?\par \par \tab The kind of knowledge of God that the Bible talks about isn't merely a cognizance of facts. It's a knowledge that forms the basis of Cdventists, in our position about the law? \tab\par \tab\par \tab Keeping the commandments is very important to John and to Jesus. The phrase occurs quite often in John's writings. Keeping the commandments is a sign that we know God/Jesus and love Him. Love and obedience are connected here. The term Him can refer to either God the Father or Jesus and is somewhat ambiguous-probably on purpose too. \cf2\ul 1Jn_2:4\cf1\ulnone states the same truth in negative terms, and may refer to a false claim made by DMany do today, as well. Talk, though, is cheap.\tab\par \par \tab For John, what was the outward evidence, the outward proof, that a person knows God? What else does John say about this topic? \cf2\ul Joh_14:15\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul Joh_14:21\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Joh_15:10\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Jn_3:22\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul 1Jn_3:24\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Jn_5:3\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rev_12:17\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rev_14:12\cf1\ulnone . How do these verses tie in with each other? How do they affirm us, as A "5M01-Jesus and Johannine Letters-Jun 27-Jul3{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\&5U01-Jesus and Johannine Letters-Jun 25)01-Jesus and Johannine Letters-Jun 27-Jul3{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Trebuchet MS;}{\f2\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Courier-Bold;}{\f4\ 4I100-Introduction{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\font 5901-Jesus and Johannine Letters-Jun 27-Jul3{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Trebuchet MS;}{\f2\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Courier-Bold;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Times-Roman;}{\f5\fnil\fch 5m01-Jesus and Johannine Letters-Jun 27-Jul3{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Trebuchet MS;}{\f2\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Ro those who tend to strike out on their own, apart from any body of Christ? At the same time, what potential dangers arise from being too dependent on others or on the church? How do we strike the right balance? \par \par 4. What can you do to help your local church be more receptive to the needs of its members, thus helping it fulfill some of the ideals of fellowship, as seen in aspects of the early church? In what areas can your church do better?\par \par \b\par \b0\f5\fs23\par \b\f0\fs20\par } Hhings accurately. Have you ever thought you saw something, only to realize later that you were wrong? If so, share your experience with the class. At the same time, what is it about the eyewitness accounts depicted in the Bible that give them so much credibility? Do we believe that they're true because they are in the Bible? Or are they in the Bible because they are true? Or is it both?\par \par 3. Go over this whole question of fellowship. Why is fellowship so important to all believers? What happens tIpar 1. As a class, go over together your own "eyewitness" accounts of Jesus. What did they have in common? In what ways did they differ? What can you learn from the experience of others that can help you better know the Lord? At the same time, what have you witnessed that, in sharing, could benefit others?\par \par 2. What is it about eyewitness testimonies that can be so powerful? At the same time, why should we not believe every eyewitness account? After all, people do lie, or they simply don't see tJhe same fellowship he is already enjoying with the Father and the Son. In the course of expressing this loving desire, he asserts the divinity, the eternity, and the incarnation-and consequent humanity-of the Son. This wondrous knowledge he conveys in simple but emphatic language so that readers, in his own day and in ours, may have no doubt concerning the foundation of the Christian faith and the nature and work of Jesus Christ."-The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 629.\par Discussion Questions:\par \Kst line has five syllables, the second line has seven, and the third line has five. Try writing your own spiritual haiku that reveals something of your experience with God or your appreciation of His love or His powers as Creator.\par \cf1\f0\par \par \b FRIDAY July 10\par \par Further Study:\b0 Read Ellen G. White, "Peace, Be Still," p. 340, in \i The Desire of Ages.\i0\par \par "John, who has personally known Christ, desires to share his knowledge with his readers in order that they may enjoy tLe? \tab\par \par \cf4\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \f3\fs20\par \b\i\f4\fs32 STEP 4-Create\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20\par \b Just for Teachers: \par The lesson this week connects Jesus, eternal life, fellowship and fullness of joy. \b0 \b Encourage class members to share how they have experienced this link in their lives.\par \b0\par \b Activity: \par \b0 You don\rquote t need to be a haiku master like Basho to write haiku. Haiku are short poems of only three lines. The firMell as a life with God (which is a life of love), is unfolded. It finally may envision the future appearance of our Lord. Thus, \cf2\ul 1Jn_1:1-4\cf1\ulnone could encompass the time from the preexistent Christ to the final consummation at Christ's second coming. \par \tab\tab\tab\tab\par \tab What has been your own experience regarding Christian fellowship? What can you do differently? How can you better enjoy, and help others enjoy, the community of fellowship that's our privilege as Christians to havN\cf2\ul Act_2:42-47\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul Rom_12:3-17\cf1\ulnone .\par \par \tab Our passage in 1 John ends with verse 4. John's goal is not only that people enjoy fellowship with God and with believers but also that they have their joy completed. \par \par \tab Verse 4 is, perhaps, looking back at the preceding verses. Our joy is complete because Jesus, "that eternal life," has appeared. The verse also may look forward to the rest of John's first Epistle, in which Jesus and salvation through Him, as wOesus and the gospel bring people into fellowship not only with the Father and the Son but also with other believers. There is not only an unseen heavenly connection but also a very real visible connection among these believers. Christians are blessed by the fact that they do not have to master their lives alone and in isolation from others, but have become part of Christ's community and family on earth.\par \par \tab How is this Christian fellowship in its ideal form portrayed in the New Testament? See Pmation of Jesus is community building. To accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, as Giver of eternal life, means to be added to the family of believers.\par \par \tab According to \cf2\ul 1Jn_1:3\cf1\ulnone , what are the dimensions of this fellowship? \par \par \tab Jesus Himself has established His community or church (\cf2\ul Mat_16:18\cf1\ulnone ), and He cares for it the way a shepherd would care for a flock (\cf2\ul Joh_10:14-16\cf1\ulnone ). Jesus and His church belong together. The proclamation of JQus. Someone else can no more do that for us than someone else can sneeze for us. We have to make the choice ourselves, and it has to be a complete surrender to Him. In this sense, being a Christian is a very personal and solitary experience. \par \par \tab At the same time, in those first few verses John adds another dimension to what it means to be a Christian. John invites us to accept his testimony about Jesus and thereby experience fellowship with him and other Christians. In other words, the proclaRme of the most beautiful haiku poetry ever written. Like Basho, John, too, has an obsession: Christ\rquote s love. How does John present that love in a way that invites us to experience the reality of it for ourselves?\par \cf1\f0\par \par \b THURSDAY July 9\par \par Fellowship of the Saints \b0\par \par \tab Someone has stated that God has no grandchildren, only children. A Christian experience is not a hereditary experience. We need to make a decision, in our own hearts, to give ourselves to JesSreaders to experience the beauty that he had seen, touched, and heard in Jesus. John\rquote s epistles also record a journey along a narrow road, one that Jesus paved for us with blood from Calvary. On this road, Jesus pointed the way to a Far Province, which, unlike Basho\rquote s, is not earthly but heavenly. John wrote his epistles as a guidebook for those who follow after Jesus.\par \par \b Consider This: \par \b0 Basho extolled the moon views he saw over and over in his travels, which inspired soTsus makes us feel as though we\rquote ve tasted a little of the beauty of heaven along the way. More than three hundred years ago, Basho, too, wanted to taste the beauty beyond his earthly home. He set out on a pilgrimage over his homeland of Japan with only a simple backpack, his writing materials, and some clothing on a five-month journey. As he traveled, he witnessed the beauty of the world around him, recording what he saw and felt so that others could experience its beauty. John likewise wanted his UFor Reflection: \par \b0\ldblquote Each day is a journey, and the journey itself home,\rdblquote wrote the poet Matsuo Basho at the beginning of his masterpiece, a travel journal, \i Oku no Hosomichi, \i0 or \i The Narrow Road to a Far Province. \i0 Basho\rquote s words remind us, as Christians, that we are sojourners or pilgrims on this earth and that the places we call home are only temporary rest stops on the way to our heavenly destination. For many, the spiritual journey that brings us closer to JeV they were able to find in this lesson and how they can practice those principles.\par \b0\par \b Thought Questions: \par \b0\ldblquote We have seen, and bear witness,\rdblquote says John \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_1:2\cf4\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 . Experiencing Jesus precedes proclaiming Him. How have you experienced Jesus personally? How do you know Him as God, as Man?\b\par \b0\par Each of us who comes to Christ has a testimony to share. If you were to share yours with someone, what would you say?\par \par \b Wstory, our own personal "eyewitness" account, can be a more powerful witness to the reality and goodness of God than can the historical events depicted in the Bible. \par \par \tab What is your own "eyewitness" account of Jesus? Write it up and bring it to class. \par \par \cf4\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \f3\fs20\par \b\i\f4\fs32 STEP 3-Apply\par \i0\f3\fs20\par Just for Teachers: \par Take a few moments to let your class members share with each other what principlesX \par \cf2\ul Act_4:20\cf1\ulnone \par \par \cf2\ul 1Co_15:4-8\cf1\ulnone \par \par \tab Today we cannot be direct eyewitnesses, at least not to the events of Jesus' life or to the historical events of biblical history. But that doesn't mean we still can't be eyewitnesses to the reality of Christ and what He has done for us. In some ways, especially in a post-modern world, our own personal Y buttresses his claims by saying that he not only saw Jesus but touched Him and heard Him, as well. John repeats those claims in the verses, trying to emphasize the reality of his personal experience with Jesus. \par \par \tab John isn't the only biblical writer to make some powerful claims about eyewitness events. What do the following verses have in common with \cf2\ul 1Jn_1:1-3\cf1\ulnone ? Who is speaking, and what was the background for their claims? \par \par \cf2\ul Deu_4:1-9\cf1\ulnone \par Ze to share what they have seen and heard with others. Others are involuntary eyewitnesses, for instance, of an accident or a crime and may be called to witness in court. \par \par \tab The apostles were eyewitnesses of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. This "Christ event" influenced them to such an extent that they could not refrain from communicating it to others. \par \par \tab This is what we have with John. In \cf2\ul 1Jn_1:1-4\cf1\ulnone , John claims to have been an eyewitness to Jesus. He[stian faith is no fairy tale.\par \par \b Discuss: \par \b0 Unlike John, we have not \ldblquote looked upon\rdblquote Jesus in the flesh. But how do we see Him, touch Him, hear His voice, and experience Him today?\par \cf1\f0\par \par \b WEDNESDAY July 8\par \par Eyewitnesses \b0\par \par \tab Many people like to go to a soccer game, a concert, a political meeting, whatever. They want to see for themselves what is going on and want to experience the event for themselves. Afterward they are abl\the eternal Word of Life who established fellowship with God \i (\cf5\ul Joh_1:3-4\cf4\ulnone )\i0 . To the act of hearing, seeing, and intensely experiencing Jesus, John adds another powerful reference: We have \ldblquote touched\rdblquote Him. The mention is no doubt to what the risen Jesus said: \ldblquote \lquote Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see\rquote \rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul Luk_24:39\cf4\ulnone , NKJV\i0 ). The Incarnate Jesus is as real as the risen Jesus. Chri]t only has John heard and seen, he also has looked upon Jesus. What is the difference between \ldblquote seen\rdblquote and \ldblquote looked\rdblquote upon? The Greek term for \ldblquote to look upon,\rdblquote from the word \i theaomai, \i0 says more than \i horan\i0 , \ldblquote to see.\rdblquote \i Theaomai \i0 is no ordinary seeing; it is an intense, involved, reflective, thoughtful experience to discover the inmost meaning of a thing or a person. After such a search John has found that Jesus is ^uote We have \ldblquote seen.\rdblquote We have \ldblquote looked upon.\rdblquote We have \ldblquote handled.\rdblquote The apostle has heard Jesus speak, and what Jesus spoke was the word of life from the Father. The apostle has seen what Jesus did. What He saw and heard was no ordinary human, but the one who was sent by God. He \ldblquote was full of grace and truth; we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father" \i (\cf5\ul Joh_1:14\cf4\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 .\b\par \b0\par No_become a spokesperson for Satan \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_4:1-3\cf4\ulnone )\i0 .\i\par \i0\par \b Discuss: \par \b0 Why would it have been impossible for God to save us if Jesus had not come in human flesh?\par \par \b III. Christ We Have Seen\par \par \b0 How can John be so sure of the deity and humanity of Christ? The apostle\rquote s authority is based on eyewitness and personal experience. John appeals to four aspects of this witness \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_1:1\cf4\ulnone )\i0 . We have \ldblquote heard.\rdblq`God\rquote s Son coming in the flesh and dying for our sins, God could not have saved humanity from sin and death \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_1:7\cf4\ulnone ,\cf5\ul Joh_2:2\cf4\ulnone , \cf5\ul Joh_3:16\cf4\ulnone , \cf5\ul Rom_6:23\cf4\ulnone , \cf5\ul Heb_2:9\cf4\ulnone )\i0 . Thus, Incarnation in its entire process from Bethlehem through Calvary and resurrection is an indispensable part of God\rquote s preordained plan of redemption \i (\cf5\ul Eph_1:3-7\cf4\ulnone )\i0 . To deny the reality of incarnation is to a \b0\i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_1:2\cf4\ulnone )\i0 The Eternal Word, the second person of the Godhead, \ldblquote was made manifest\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_1:2\cf4\ulnone , RSV) \i0 in human flesh \ldblquote and dwelt among us\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul Joh_1:14\cf4\ulnone )\i0 . Thus, Jesus is not a myth or just a great man but a manifestation of God in human flesh. Christ\rquote s humanity is as real as His divinity. This may be a divine mystery but never an illusion \i (\cf5\ul 1Ti_3:16\cf4\ulnone )\i0 . Without bp. 530. And \ldblquote He who has the Son has life\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_5:12\cf4\ulnone )\i0 .\par \par \b Discuss: \par \b0 Why is Jesus\rquote divinity so central to the plan of redemption?\par \par \b Consider This: \par \b0 The \ldblquote Word\rdblquote in the Gospel clearly refers to Jesus \i (\cf5\ul Joh_1:14\cf4\ulnone )\i0 . Why can you be sure that the phrase the \ldblquote Word of life\rdblquote in the epistle also refers to Jesus?\par \par \b II. Christ is God in Human Fleshc a beginning in terms of origin in time. There never was a time when He was not. Jesus is not only the Word, but also the Word of Life. By positioning \ldblquote Word\rdblquote and \ldblquote Life\rdblquote together, the apostle is making a significant point: The Word Jesus is also the author and restorer of life. In and through Him is eternal life \i (\cf5\ul Joh_3:16\cf4\ulnone )\i0 . \ldblquote In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Desire of Ages, \i0 d with a bold assertion: \ldblquote That which was from the beginning . . . the Word of life.\rdblquote The words echo \cf5\ul Joh_1:1-3\cf4\ulnone , \cf5\ul Joh_1:14\cf4\ulnone , which declare the divinity of the Word and His journey to human life through Jesus of Nazareth. The phrase \ldblquote the beginning\rdblquote does not mean that Jesus the Word had a beginning. The Word \ldblquote was God,\rdblquote and \ldblquote with God\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul Joh_1:1\cf4\ulnone )\i0 , and as such cannot have  theory of Y03-Turning Away From Sin-Jul 11-17{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Courier-Bold;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue64;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green0\blue0;\red33\green88\blue104;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}$A03-Turning Away From Sin-Jul 11-17{\rtf1\ansi\ans 503-Turning Away From Sin-Jul 11-17{\r%=02-Experiencing Word of Life-July 4-10{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Courier-Bold;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red33\green88\blue%02-Experiencing Word of Life-July 4-10{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fp*has stood opposed to Christ. "The determination of antichrist to carry out the rebellion he began in heaven will continue to work in the children of disobedience."-Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies for the\i0 \i Church, \i0 vol. 9, p. 230. Antichrist\rquote s primary work is deception. As a personification of evil and as an opponent of Christ, antichrist is presented in different ways in the Scripture. Paul spoke of \ldblquote the man of lawlessness\rdblquote who deceives through all manner of miracles anh4:3\cf3\ulnone ;\i0 \cf4\ul\i 2Jn_1:7\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . But as a concept it is an evil system opposed to everything Christ represents and goes back to the origin of sin, to the beginning of the great controversy. John describes antichrist as one who denies that Jesus is the Christ \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_2:22\cf3\ulnone )\i0 and that He is God incarnate \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_4:3\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 2Jn_1:7\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . The original antichrist, of course, is Satan who, since the origin of the great controversy, i\par \b0 Speaking of the last hour, Peter warns: \ldblquote The end of all things is at hand\rdblquote and so \ldblquote be serious and watchful\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul 1Pe_4:7\cf3\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 . List some areas in which we need to be watchful.\par \par \b II. The Antichrist: Its Identity and Our Defense\par \par The word \ldblquote antichrist\rdblquote \b0 appears four times in the Bible, all in John\rquote s letters \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_2:18\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul 1Jn_2:22\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 1Jn_ji_3:1\cf3\ulnone )\i0 ; to scoff at the second coming of Christ; and to unleash a war against the saints who \ldblquote keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul Rev_12:17\cf3\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 .\par \par \b The last hour is a time of anticipation \b0 when the church awaits her Lord to return again-a time to be watchful in the wake of antichrist\rquote s work, a time of hope, a time to live as though Christ will come at any time.\par \par \b Discuss: ke, every day in the life of a Christian is the last hour-to be ready for His coming and to be on the watch for the deceptive ways of the antichrist.\par \par \b During the last days, \b0 even as the gospel is preached to all the nations, Satan shall lead the antichristic forces to \ldblquote deceive the very elect\rdblquote (\cf4\ul\i Mat_24:24\cf3\ulnone , see also \cf4\ul Mar_13:6\cf3\ulnone )\i0 ; to let loose perilous times in which spiritual and moral depravity will reach its nadir \i (\cf4\ul 2TlThe phrase \ldblquote last hour\rdblquote \b0 describes not chronology but theology. It is the hour in which God\rquote s saints, having experienced the blessings of the kingdom of grace, look forward to the kingdom of glory, to be ushered in by the second coming of Christ \i (\cf4\ul Joh_14:1-3\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 1Th_4:16-17\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . Christ\rquote s first coming has already sealed the fate of Satan. Since that event, Christians have waited in anticipation of the new order of God. In that sensms? These are some\b0 \b questions that should occupy our study this week and\b0 \b guide us in our Christian walk.\b0\par \par \b\i\f1\fs32 Bible Commentary\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20 \par John alerts the church to the specific false teachings of the antichrist during the \ldblquote last hour.\rdblquote What is this last hour? How are we to identify the antichrist and his work?\par \par \b I. The \ldblquote Last Hour\rdblquote : What It Means \b0\i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_2:18\cf3\ulnone , NIV)\par \par \b\i0 naching, especially about Jesus. Here's very clear biblical evidence for the importance of correct doctrine.\par \par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\f3\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 STEP 2-Explore\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20 \par \b Just for Teachers: What does our lesson say about\b0 \b the antichrist? How does this description fit with\b0 \b the larger picture of what the Bible says? How are\b0 \b both related to the great controversy as it is\b0 \b played out in end-time eventone . Even amid the warnings about the antichrist and their false teachings, what positive assurances and hope does John give to his readers? What hope can we, for ourselves, take away from these passages, as well? \par \par \tab Notice the parallel between \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:21\cf0\ulnone and \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:6\cf0\ulnone . \par \par In both cases, a great defense against these errors is a knowledge of God, a knowledge of the truth. John is stressing the importance of having a correct understanding of the tepy was not. Another may have stressed that Christ entered the human being Jesus at baptism and left Him before crucifixion. Still others may have rejected Jesus as the Messiah.\par \par \tab Maybe these false teachers claimed to be inspired, which is why he in \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:1\cf0\ulnone warned about false prophets. \par Their erroneous views proved, however, that they were influenced by the spirit of the antichrist.\par \par \tab Compare \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:18-27\cf0\ulnone with \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:1-6\cf0\ulnoq do we as Adventists not struggle with the same thing, false teachings that divide us?\par \par \tab Read \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:19\cf0\ulnone . What relevance does that have for us, today, as Adventists? \par \par \tab Though we don't know all the details, John seems to be struggling with various heretical views about Jesus that many of these former members were promoting. One may have taught that Christ only seemingly had been a human being but actuallrn the spiritual warfare against the antichrist?\par \par \cf0\f0\par \b TUESDAY August 4\par \par Testing Spirits (\cf1\ul 1Jn_4:1-6\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab In \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:1-6\cf0\ulnone , John picks up again on the theme that he was dealing with in \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:18-27\cf0\ulnone , the erroneous teachings being promulgated among them. How interesting that so soon among the church the enemy was working, seeking to divide the believers through the introduction of false teaching. Even today,steachers operate? How can this understanding help us guard against their attacks?\par \par Most of the prey wolves that hunt have horns. Unlike moose and elk, the \ldblquote flock\rdblquote -or sheep-as Paul calls the church, has no horns, no natural defense. The only lamb with horns is found in \cf4\ul Rev_5:6\cf3\ulnone , and that lamb is Jesus. Those horns represent His church down through the ages, His light on earth against false teachings. How does that help us view the role of the church today itves travel in the opposite direction from which the wind blows to prevent the prey from catching their scent.\par \par Wolves also observe ravens to find prey. Ravens circle in the air above sick animals. Circling birds mean that food is close by. The wolf pack quietly will close in on their target, often in a single line. They seize their prey by the rump or the sides, preferring to attack from behind.\par \par \b Discuss: \par \b0 Based on the tactics of wolves, what can we learn about how false ue to your class that the more\b0 \b fully we are aware of the dangers of the enemy, the\b0 \b better prepared we will be to resist him.\par \b0 \par Paul didn\rquote t compare the enemy to wolves for nothing. But what makes wolves such cunning hunters? Wolves are nocturnal. They prefer to hunt after dusk under the cover of night. Wolves test herds for signs of weakness, taking advantage of the very sick and old. They sniff the air for wounds or the smell of infection. Once the prey is picked, the wolvt poses helps us guard against him in our Christian walk.\par \par \b Just for Teachers: \par False teachers have been a\b0 \b concern of the church from its inception. Christ\b0 \b Himself predicted the coming of false christs \i (\cf4\ul Mat_24:24\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . Paul called them \ldblquote savage wolves\rdblquote that attack\b0 \b the flock \i (\cf4\ul Act_20:29-31\cf3\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 . To understand the\b0 \b wolf is to understand something of the nature of the\b0 \b antichrist. Emphasizwhrists.\par \par \tab In a real sense, anything that takes the place of the true God in our lives can be an "antichrist." What are some of the "antichrists" that we confront in our lives today? How can we recognize them and, more important, neutralize their power against us? \par \par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \f3\fs20\par \b\i\f1\fs32 STEP 1-Motivate\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20 \par \b Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \par \b0 Understanding the threat the antichrisxnot deem as "antichrists" those members of his church who were simply wrestling with a correct understanding of Jesus or who were momentarily wavering, buffeted by the false teachings. They had to make a decision between the teaching of Christianity and the view of the antichrists with regard to Jesus as the Messiah and/or the nature of Christ.\par \par \tab However, there were people who had left the church and successfully proclaimed false doctrines (\cf1\ul 1Jn_4:5\cf0\ulnone ). These were the anticy give up the idea of one specific antichrist by calling other people antichrists? Most likely not! \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:3\cf0\ulnone is helpful. The text talks about the spirit of the antichrist: these people reveal the spirit of the antichrist, but the real antichrist was still to come.\par \par \tab Why would John call those people antichrists who have some problems with the correct understanding of the nature of Christ? \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:3\cf2\ulnone , \cf1\ul 2Jn_1:7\cf2\ulnone .\cf0\par \par \tab John may zn \cf1\ul 2Th_2:4\cf0\ulnone the antichrist, the man of lawlessness, seeks to take the place of the Lord. Although not using the very term, Scripture in various places talks about this concept, and obviously John is familiar with it. Indeed, in Revelation he himself uses this concept, if not the term itself.\par \par \tab In \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:18\cf0\ulnone John employs antichrist in the singular as well as in the plural: The antichrist is supposed to come; many antichrists have already appeared. Does John{l\b 1Jn_2:22\cf0\ulnone .\b0\par \par \tab The term antichrist is used in 1 and 2 John only. An antichrist tries to take the place of Christ and is opposed to Christ. Scholars of different denominations have, for example, called the sea beast of \cf1 Revelation 13\cf0 and the man of lawlessness of \cf1 2 Thessalonians 2\cf0 "antichrist." This is a correct designation, because the language used in \cf1\ul Rev_13:2-4\cf0\ulnone shows that this sea beast is an imitation and parody of Christ, the Lamb; i|r \b0 Although almost two thousand years have passed since John\rquote s warning, the dangers presented by antichrists are still with us. The only way we can live a victorious Christian life is by abiding in and having a right relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.\par \cf0\f0\par \par \b MONDAY August 3\par \par The Coming of Antichrists (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:18-19\cf2\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:22-23\cf2\ulnone )\cf0\b0\par \par Who is antichrist? \cf1\ul\b 1Jn_2:18-19\cf0\ulnone\b0 , \cf1\u} on Christ\rquote s strength?\par \pard \par \b III. Do: Be Vigilant Against Deception\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. Name some of the antichrist deceptions that are prevalent today.\par \pard\par \pard\fi720 B. Prevention is better than cure: What measures can we take against being deceived by false teachers and antichrists?\par \pard\par \pard\fi720 C. What steps can we take to limit the possibility of falling under the influence of false teachings and antichrists?\par \pard \par \b Summary: \pa~ understand and doubting the validity of the Bible?\par \pard\par \pard\fi720 C. John stresses the concept of abiding in Him. What does this mean to us as Christians today?\par \pard \par \b II. Feel: A Sense of Urgency\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. Nurturing a sense of alertness and urgency is important to meet the deceptions of the antichrists: How can we guard against complacency?\b\par \pard\b0\par \pard\fi720 B. Abiding in Christ is crucial for a victorious Christian life. How can we fully relyAn urgency and a need to rely on Christ\rquote s strength.\par \par \b Do: \b0 Be on his or her guard against the power of antichrist.\par \par \b\i\f1\fs32 Learning Outline:\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20\par \b I. Know: Recognizing Antichrists\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. The Bible is the authoritative objective standard for all doctrine and teaching. How can we be sure that we interpret it correctly?\par \pard\par \pard\fi720 B. What is the difference between admitting that there are things that we do notngs are we daily confronted with, both within and without the church, that if accepted would lead us astray? How can we protect ourselves from these deceptions?\par \par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\f2\fs24\par \i\f1\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20\par \b Key Text: \cf4\ul\b0\i 1Jn_4:1-6\cf3\ulnone\par \i0 \par \b The Student Will:\par \par Know: \b0 Understand what it means to abide in Christ and be aware of antichrists.\par \b\par Feel: \b0 par \tab What's important to notice, however, is that John does not set a date, nor does he describe a precise chronology of detailed events that must take place before the Lord would come. That's not his point. His point, instead, has to do most likely with the need to be diligent and careful, because false teachers are out there, just as Jesus Himself had warned about. \par \par \tab If John was impressed back then to warn about the perils of "the last hour," what about us today? What kinds of teachitext of his writing, John's "last hour" may simply be his way of meaning the same thing as "the last days," the period between the first and second coming of Jesus. \par \par \tab Jesus Himself had used the expression hour in \cf1\ul Joh_4:23\cf0\ulnone a\cf2 nd \cf1\ul Joh_16:2\cf2\ulnone (in\cf0 some versions it's translated "time"), and He's pointing to a specific period of time in the future but prior to His return. John seems to use the phrase "the last hour" in this same sense, as well. \par \ means? "The last days" in \cf1\ul Act_2:15-17\cf0\ulnone (NIV); \cf1\ul Heb_1:1-2\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Pe_1:20\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:18\cf0\ulnone . \par \par \tab The expression "the last hour" occurs only here. In contrast, in the New Testament other writers have used the phrase "the last days" to refer to the time since Jesus' first coming.\par \par \tab With Jesus a new era had arrived. The entire period between Christ's first and second comings is considered "the last days." Given the conrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour" (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:18\cf0\ulnone , NIV).\par \cf2\par \tab At the end of \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:2\cf2\ulnone , John s\cf0 tarts to speak in somewhat greater detail about the group or groups that had been causing problems to his church members. In their activity he recognizes that "the last hour" has come.\par \par \tab John talks about "the last hour" around the end of the first century A.D. How are we, almost two thousand years later, to understand what he)? What threat is John warning his readers about? Is there a difference between the antichrist and antichrists? What does John mean about us abiding in Christ? How are Christians to test the spirit?\par \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 8.\par \i0 \par \par \b SUNDAY August 2\par \par "The Last Hour" (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:18\cf0\ulnone , NIV)\b0\par \par \tab "Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antich XXlM05-Renouncing Worldliness-Ju6e03-Turning Away From Sin-Jul 11-17{\T!=04-Keeping His Commandments-Jul 18-24{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Courier-Bold;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Times-Bold;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset0 Trebuchet MS;}{\f6\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\gre8!]04-Keeping His Commandments-Jul 18-24{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\ sea beast is depicted as an imitation of Jesus. Therefore, commentators have called this beast the antichrist (anti in Greek meaning "in place of"). Interestingly enough, John in his first letter also talks about the antichrist(s). Who are these people? What do they teach? \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \tab This week we look at what John was dealing with and seek to draw lessons from it for ourselves today. \par \b\par The Week at a Glance:\b0 What is the "last hour" (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:18\cf0\ulnone , NIVfer love languages that you may not be comfortable using. Pick out several people with whom you have had difficulties in relating or have felt a need to get to know better. Note their love-language preferences and create a list of things that you could do to improve your relationships with them, even though these activities may fall a little outside your comfort zone. Put some of these activities on your daily calendar, to help you remember to implement them.\par \par Find passages in the psalms that e Courier-Bold;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset0 Trebuchet MS;}{\f6\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue64;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 6 *August 1-7\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Walking in the Light-Rejecting Antichrists\par \par SABBATH AFTERNOON\tab\tab\par \par Read for This Week's Lesson:\b0 \cf1\ul Joh_15:4-10\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Act_2:15-17\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_1:1-2\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Th_2:3-4\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:18-29\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:1-6\cf2\ulnone .\cf0\par \b\par Memory Text: \b0 "Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also" (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:23\cf0\ulnone , NKJV).\par \par \tab From the earliest day, the church had to deal with false teachings and heresy. Paul had warned the leaders of the church in Ephesus against "savage wolves" who would attack "the flock" and against false teachers from among themselves who would draw away church members (\cf1\ul Act_20:29-30\cf0\ulnone , NKJV). Jesus, too, had warned of false christs and false prophets (\cf1\ul Mat_24:5\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Mat_24:11\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Mat_24:24\cf0\ulnone ). Today, the church faces the same thing.\par \par \tab In \cf1 Revelation 13\cf0 thew Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue64;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red36\green64\blue97;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 7 *August 8-14\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Living as Children of God\par \par SABBATH AFTERNOON\par \par Read for This Week's Study:\b0 \cf1\ul Gen_3:5\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_51:4\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Isa_1:2\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_1:12\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_9:26\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Heb_9:28\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:1-10\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him" (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:1\cf0\ulnone , NIV).\par \par \tab A new convert came to see the preacher and said: "No matter how much I pray, no matter how hard I try, I simply cannot seem to be faithful to my Lord. I think I'm losing my salvation." The preacher responded, "Do you see this dog here? He is my dog. He is house-trained; he never makes a mess; he is obedient; he is a pure delight to me. Out in the kitchen I have a son, a baby son. He makes a mess, he throws his food around, he fouls his clothes, he is a total mess. But who is going to inherit my legacy? Not my dog; my son is my heir. You are Jesus Christ's heir because it is for you that He died." We are children of God and heirs of His kingdom, not through our perfection but by His grace.\par \par \tab This week we look more at what this promise entails.\tab\par \par \b The Week at a Glance: \b0 What does it mean to be a "son of God?" In what ways should we want to be "like God"? How does John define "sin"? What did Jesus do about sin at His first coming? How are we to understand John's words that the one who is born of God "does not sin" (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:9\cf0\ulnone , NKJV)?\par \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 15.\par \i0 \par \par \b SUNDAY August 9\par \par Sons of God (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:1\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab Read \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:1\cf0\ulnone . What wonderful promise is found in there? What does that promise entail? What hope should it give us? See also \cf1\ul Joh_1:12\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:29\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:9\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \tab\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:1\cf0\ulnone points to a spiritual birth; \cf1\ul Joh_1:12\cf0\ulnone stresses the faith in Christ by which we become children of God. \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:1\cf0\ulnone stresses that believers are already God's children. God has taken the initiative to do this for us. The new birth is His work, not ours. We can bring about neither our own birth nor our adoption as God's children. Also, we do not need to worry about our status as children of God as long as we maintain our relationship with Him. This relationship is described as one between a father and a child; thus, it is very close. The ideal father takes care of us, loves us, and would give his life for us. \par \par \tab Stop and dwell on the implications of the promise that we are the children of God. At last count there are more than four hundred billion visible galaxies in the universe, each one containing billions of stars. Who knows how many planets are among those stars and how many are inhabited with intelligent life? Given the size of the universe in contrast to our planet, much less to each of us individually, how can we not be astonished that the God who created all this loves us and has made us His children? What a wonderful perspective this should give us on what our lives mean! What hope, what assurance, what confidence we should have for the future, regardless of whatever difficult circumstances we now face. God, the Creator of all that is, loves us, cares for us, and calls us His children. The New International Version translates \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:1\cf0\ulnone freely but catches its meaning well, when it says that the Father lavished His great love on us.\par \par \tab Dwell on the implications of the notion that not only does God exist but He loves us, cares for us, and even died for us. How should this reality impact how we live? Why should it impact it? \par \par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Key Text: \cf3\ul\b0\i 1Jn_3:1-10\cf2\ulnone\par \i0 \par \b The Student Will:\par \par Know: \b0 Know that we are God\rquote s children and are called to be like Him.\par \b\par Feel: \b0 The joy of being enveloped in God\rquote s love.\par \par \b Do: \b0 Respond to God\rquote s love by resisting the temptation to sin.\par \par \b\i\f1\fs32 Learning Outline:\par \i0\f2\fs20\par I. Know: We Are Called to be Like Our Father\par \b0\par \tab A. How do you understand the concept of being like the Lord \ldblquote when we shall see Him\rdblquote \i (\cf3\ul 1Jn_3:2\cf2\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 ? How does the idea of children being like their earthly parents help deepen our understanding of this concept?\par \par \tab B. Satan wanted to be like God; Adam and Eve wanted to be like God: How does this ambition differ from the promise that we will be like God when we see Him?\par \par \b II. Feel: Enveloped in a Blanket of Love\par \b0\par \tab A. What synonyms does the word \i lavished \i0 bring to mind? How do you feel when you realize that this describes how God loves you?\par \par \tab B. Sometimes we get impatient waiting for our promised inheritance in heaven: How can we nurture a spirit of patience and joy?\par \par \b III. Do: Resisting and Rejoicing\par \b0\par \tab A. How does the Cross provide the antidote for our inadequacies?\par \par \tab B. Why is no cost too high that enables you to put sin out of your life?\par \par \b Summary: \par \b0 God lavishes His love on us, calling us to be His children and offering us the victory over sin.\par \b \par \cf0\b0\f0\par \b MONDAY August 10\par \par Results and Responsibilities (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:2-3\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:1\cf0\ulnone is an introduction to the thoughts developed in the remainder of the passage for this week. It deals with results of this Father/child relationship, including subsequent responsibilities. As a consequence of their relationship with God, believers live a pure life not under the dominion o\cf4 f sin (\cf1\ul Joh_3:3-10\cf4\ulnone ).\cf0 However, first it is stressed that we will see Him and will be like Him.\par \par \tab Because we know about our present state as children of God, we also know that the future will be even more fantastic, even though we may not yet fully understand it. That we will see the Lord and be like Him should fill us with joy and confidence and not a little bit of awe and wonder.\par \par \tab What is the difference between Satan's and Eve's wish to be like God (\cf1\ul Gen_3:5\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Isa_14:14\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Eze_28:2\cf0\ulnone ) and the promise of \cf1\ul 1 John_3 \cf0 :2\ulnone that we will be like Him? \par \par \tab Satan wanted to be like God in power and may have craved the adoration of all created beings. However, it seems that he was not interested in being like God in character. His desire to be like God in power did not deepen his relationship with God, but to the contrary has disrupted and ruined it. \par \par \tab Although Christians will be like God, they do not desire to take God's place. They want to be like Him in loving others, in selfless service, in exhibiting purity of thought and righteousness of action. They respect the basic difference between Creator and creature and do not want to do away with it. For them the issue is love, not power. As Jesus showed us, to be like God is to give of oneself totally and unselfishly for the good of others. Jesus came to show us what the Father is like. "Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?" (\cf1\ul Joh_14:9\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par \tab Think of the incredible contrast between the character of Jesus and the character of Satan. A created being, Satan sought a position higher than he had but for a purely personal and selfish motive, while Jesus-the Creator-chose to make Himself "of no reputation" (\cf1\ul Php_2:7\cf0\ulnone ) all for the good of others. What's your natural tendency, to be more like Christ or more like Satan? If the latter, how can you change? \par \par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \f2\fs20 \par \b\i\f1\fs32 STEP 1-Motivate\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \par \b0 To be called the children of God is a privilege that calls for responsible living.\par \b\par Just for Teachers: \par As you study this week\rquote s lesson,\b0 \b focus on the privilege and the obligation of being\b0 \b God\rquote s children.\b0\par \par God is love. All religions agree on that. Yet, if we were asked how that love is expressed, the answers most likely would point to the benefits that God gives: the sun and the moon, the rain and an abundant harvest, health and wealth. In the Bible God\rquote s love is seen not just in material blessings but in relationships: He creates humanity in His image, He sends His only Son to die to save sinners, and He makes them His children. At this generosity John is rendered almost speechless! He exclaims, \ldblquote Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us\rdblquote \i (\cf3\ul 1Jn_3:1\cf2\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 .\par \b \par Discuss:\par \b0 How is God\rquote s love involved in making us His children? \i (\cf3\ul Joh_3:16\cf2\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Rom_5:7-8\cf2\ulnone )\i0 .\par \cf0\f0\par \par \b TUESDAY August 11\par \par A Definition of Sin (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:4\cf0\ulnone ) \b0\par \par \tab The false teachings that John confronted in these letters may have stressed the present blessing of salvation but may have ignored the importance of living pure lives. The false teachers may not have worried about the problem of sin or its consequences. Therefore, John emphasizes that our future is dependent on how we live now. This has nothing to do with righteousness by works. We are saved by grace alone, but our lives must reflect that we are saved. So, John, after having called Christians to purify themselves, goes on to show what that means.\par \par \tab What do the following texts tell us about the nature of sin? \par \par \cf1\ul Exo_9:27\cf4\par \ulnone\par \cf1\ul Psa_36:3\cf4\par \ulnone\par \cf1\ul Psa_51:4\cf4\par \ulnone\par \cf1\ul Isa_1:2\cf0\par \ulnone\par \cf1\ul Jer_3:13\cf0\par \ulnone\par \cf1\ul Mat_7:23\cf0\par \ulnone\par \cf1\ul Rom_6:17\cf0\par \ulnone\par \cf1\ul Rom_6:20\cf0\par \ulnone\par \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:8\cf0\par \ulnone\par \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:4\cf0\par \ulnone\par \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:17\cf0\ulnone\par \par \tab In Scripture sin is described as missing the mark, falsehood, deliberate violation of God's standard of truth, revolt, wickedness, disobedience, transgression, trespass, lawlessness, and unrighteousness. \par \par \tab In \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:4\cf0\ulnone sin is defined as "lawlessness" (NIV). John later in \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:11-20\cf0\ulnone relates the story of Cain, who murdered his brother, a clear example of "lawlessness." Then in verses 22 and 24 of the same chapter he refers to the commandments and the necessity to keep them.\par \par \tab Besides the legal implications of the term, lawless-ness reminds us of the "man of lawlessness" in \cf1\ul 2Th_2:3\cf0\ulnone (NIV), the antichrist par excellence, and the climax of his activity just prior to the Second Coming. This lawlessness is exhibited by the antichrists in 1 John, who flagrantly rebel against God and align themselves with Satan. Church members are indirectly warned in \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:4\cf0\ulnone to renounce such an attitude and all sin. It's one of the great ironies of the Christian world today that many of the same preachers who rail against sin continue to make the claim that God's law has been abolished because we are now under grace. What a horrible distortion of what grace is all about! \par \par \tab What's your "favorite" sin? That is, what sin do you find yourself continually indulging in? What are the ways in which you justify it in your mind? How much less sinful does it seem with each passing year? When are you going to wake up and realize that sooner or later, unless you claim God's power to overcome it, it will destroy you?\par \par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \f2\fs20\par \b\i\f1\fs32 STEP 2-Explore\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Just for Teachers: \par John uses the phrase \i born \i0 of God\b0 \b numerous times \i (\cf3\ul 1Jn_2:29\cf2\ulnone ; \cf3\ul 1Jn_3:9\cf2\ulnone ; \cf3\ul 1Jn_4:7\cf2\ulnone ; \cf3\ul 1Jn_5:1\cf2\ulnone , \cf3\ul 1Jn_5:4\cf2\ulnone , \cf3\ul 1Jn_5:18\cf2\ulnone )\i0 .\b0 \b It underscores that the Christian life is not an\b0 \b accident but a result of Christ\rquote s redemptive work\b0 \b\i (\cf3\ul Joh_3:1-3\cf2\ulnone , \cf3\ul Joh_3:16\cf2\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Col_2:12-13\cf2\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Tit_3:4-7\cf2\ulnone )\i0 . As we\b0 \b accept this work in faith, we are \ldblquote born again\rdblquote and\b0 \b hence we are called God\rquote s children \i (\cf3\ul Rom_8:14\cf2\ulnone )\i0 .\b0 \b Explore with the class what being born again means\b0 \b in relation to being called God\rquote s children.\par \b0 \par \b\i\f1\fs32 Bible Commentary\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20\par He who called the worlds into existence by the word of His mouth \i (\cf3\ul Psa_33:9\cf2\ulnone ) \i0 has now through His incarnate word called us to be His children. By nature we are sinners, in enmity with God. We are at odds with our Creator. But through Christ Jesus we are reconciled \i (\cf3\ul 2Co_5:18\cf2\ulnone )\i0 , are at peace with Him \i (\cf3\ul Rom_5:1\cf2\ulnone )\i0 , and now are adopted as His children \i (\cf3\ul Eph_1:5\cf2\ulnone )\i0 . This is an unquestionable reality. But to be God\rquote s children is not only a privilege but a profound responsibility.\par \par \b I. Being God\rquote s Children: The Privilege \b0\i (\cf3\ul 1Jn_3:1-2\cf2\ulnone )\i0 \par \par With God as the Creator, all human beings are His children. But being believers, we are children in a special sense-redeemed from sin and adopted into God\rquote s eschatological family. This idea of adoption goes back to the original divine purpose inherent in the covenant. That purpose is to create a redeemed family that will inherit the kingdom of God, as opposed to our first family that failed by choosing a way that was contrary to God\rquote s will. Human design has nothing to do with this adoption: It was accomplished by Jesus \ldblquote according to the good pleasure\rdblquote of God\rquote s will \ldblquote to the praise of the glory of His grace\rdblquote \i (\cf3\ul Eph_1:5-6\cf2\ulnone )\i0 . Because we are adopted into God\rquote s family, we are no longer aliens, orphans, or strangers left to wander in sin\rquote s hopeless desert. Rather, God has drawn His circle of love around us, and we have become the privileged heirs of His covenantal promise. Hence, \ldblquote we are children of God\rdblquote \i (\cf3\ul 1Jn_3:2\cf2\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 . That\rquote s our present privilege now. The world may not understand it. The community around us that is alien to the revelation of Christ may not fathom it. But we are sure of it. What\rquote s more, there is a future attached to the present privilege. We do not know fully what that future will be like, but \ldblquote we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is\rdblquote \i (\cf3\ul 1Jn_3:2\cf2\ulnone ,\i0 \i NKJV\i0 ). To be like Jesus, to be with Him, to see Him face to face-what a wonderful privilege for the children of God. Hence, John\rquote s exclamation: \ldblquote Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us\rdblquote \i (\cf3\ul 1Jn_3:1\cf2\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 .\i\par \i0 \par \b Discuss: \par \b0\ldblquote Born of God\rdblquote can be contrasted with \ldblquote born of the devil.\rdblquote List some characteristics that well may be placed under each category, including what may appear on the surface as positive qualities.\par \par \b II. Being God\rquote s children: the responsibility \b0\i (\cf3\ul 1Jn_3:1-10\cf2\ulnone )\i0 \par \par Having shown us the lofty privilege of being God\rquote s children, the apostle quickly outlines three great obligations that are inherent in being God\rquote s children.\i\par \i0\par \b First,\b0 God\rquote s children will live in the hope of Christ\rquote s second coming. This calls for a life of purity even as Jesus is pure \i (\cf3\ul\i0 1Jn_3:3\cf2\ulnone\i )\i0 . If believers are going to be like Jesus when He comes \i (\cf3\ul\i0 1Jn_3:2\cf2\ulnone\i )\i0 , they must be like Him here. Sanctification can never be minimized in a believer waiting for the Lord\rquote s return.\par \par \b Second,\b0 God\rquote s children who abide in Him will not continue in sin \i (\cf3\ul\i0 1Jn_3:6\ulnone\i , \ul\i0 1Jn_3:9\cf2\ulnone\i )\i0 . John is not teaching sinless perfection \i (see \cf3\ul 1Jn_2:1\cf2\ulnone ) \i0 but freedom from the captivity of sin. No one can claim to be a Christian and yet continue sinning. Life\rquote s direction in a Christian must change: from sin to righteousness, from darkness to light, from this world to the world to come, from children of the devil to children of God. The Christian mandate is clear: We belong to Christ, and by His grace we shall be like Him. Moral and spiritual integrity is not an option for God\rquote s children. A sanctified life is the sign that one is a child of God. Otherwise there is no point in claiming that Jesus \ldblquote appeared to take away sins\rdblquote \i (\cf3\ul 1Jn_3:5\cf2\ulnone , RSV)\i0 . \par \par \b Third,\b0 God\rquote s children fully will be aware of the seriousness of sin. Sin is a rebellion against God\rquote s law \i (\cf3\ul\i0 1Jn_3:4\cf2\ulnone\i )\i0 . It had its origin in the devil \i (\cf3\ul\i0 1Jn_3:8\cf2\ulnone\i )\i0 . It cost the life of God\rquote s Son \i (\cf3\ul\i0 1Jn_3:5\ulnone\i , \ul\i0 1Jn_3:8\cf2\ulnone\i )\i0 . To indulge in sin is to deny Jesus \i (\cf3\ul\i0 1Jn_3:6\cf2\ulnone\i ) \i0 and to become the children of the devil \i (\cf3\ul\i0 1Jn_3:10\cf2\ulnone\i )\i0 . While Christians cannot claim perfection here on earth \i (\cf3\ul 1Jn_1:8-10\cf2\ulnone )\i0 , they must not continue to live in sin \i (\cf3\ul 1Jn_3:6\cf2\ulnone , \cf3\ul 1Jn_3:9\cf2\ulnone )\i0 .\par \par \b Discuss: \par \b0 One of your church members quotes \cf3\ul 1Jn_3:9\cf2\ulnone and says that a born-again Christian cannot sin. How would you answer?\par \par \cf0\f0\par \b WEDNESDAY\tab August 12\par \par The Appearance of Jesus (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:5\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:8\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \tab\tab\par \tab What do the following texts tell us about Jesus and what happened at His first coming? \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:2\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:5\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:8\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab\tab\par \tab Jesus, at His first coming, appeared in human flesh. He came to solve the sin problem, and He came to destroy the works of the devil. If so, then believers cannot have anything to do with sin or the originator of sin, the devil. By making common cause with sin, we are making common cause with Satan and are rejecting Jesus. \par \par \tab According to \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:5\cf0\ulnone , Jesus takes away sins. This statement seems to be an allusion to \cf1\ul Joh_1:29\cf0\ulnone . How did Jesus accomplish this task? \cf1\ul Heb_9:26\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Heb_9:28\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:2\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:10\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_1:5\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rev_1:6\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \tab\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:5\cf0\ulnone does not directly tell us how Jesus took away sins. However, the context of 1 John and of the Gospel of John makes it clear that Jesus did this by dying on the cross. Whereas Hebrews clearly states that Jesus did away with sin by His self-sacrifice, Revelation teaches that Jesus freed us from our sins by His blood.\par \par \tab While the first part of \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:5\cf0\ulnone may indirectly point to the cross, the second part stresses the absolute sinlessness of Jesus, which was needed in order for His death on the cross to save us. \par \par \tab The antichrists of 1 John may not have fully comprehended the true value of the Cross and the substitutionary death there in our stead. How foolish, for Christ's death in our behalf, in which He suffered the penalty for all our sins, forms the foundation of the plan of salvation. Christ's death was the only way possible for humans to be saved and have the promise of eternal life. To miss that is to miss the point of the entire gospel. \par \par \tab In your own struggles with sin, guilt, fear, and lack of assurance, how does the Cross answer these challenges for you? How can you better avail yourself of the hope and promises we have through Jesus, not just for forgiveness but for power to overcome? \tab\par \par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \f2\fs20\par \b\i\f1\fs32 STEP 3-Apply\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Just for Teachers: We are called not only to be\b0 \b God\rquote s children, but we \i are \i0 His children. There is a\b0 \b seriousness, a decisiveness, about this. Ask your\b0 \b class to share how they can practice this truth in\b0 \b the church and in the community.\par \par Thought Questions:\par \b0 The Bible pictures the church as a family under the headship of Christ. We all are children of the same family, and hence brothers and sisters. Think of instances in which you may not have treated another person as a family member. What is the remedy for such a failure?\par \par \b Think on This\b0 : \par The Christ of history, the Christ of experience, and the Christ of hope-any way you look at Him-is incompatible with sin. What can you do to advance Christ\rquote s cause?\par \par \b Application Questions:\par \b0 How is waiting for the Second Coming related to walking a life of purity? Reflect on \cf3\ul 2Pe_3:10-14\cf2\ulnone .\par \par What kind of defense is needed to fight Satan\rquote s deceptive war on His saints? \i (See \cf3\ul Eph_6:11\cf2\ulnone ).\i0\par \par \cf0\f0\par \b THURSDAY August 13\par \par No Sin! (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:6\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:9\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab How can \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:6\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:8-9\cf0\ulnone be reconciled with \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:6-10\cf0 ,\ulnone \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:1-2\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par \tab\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:6\cf0\ulnone and \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:9\cf4\ulnone c\cf0 ontain strong and perplexing statements, asserting that no one who lives in Jesus and no one who is born by God sins. This sounds quite absolute. Christians have wrestled with these statements and have tried to find explanations. After all, what true Christians haven't wrestled with the reality of sin in their lives?\par \par \tab What we-in any case-can safely assume is that the apostle John does not contradict himself. In chapter 1 he says that people who claim to be without sin deceive themselves. In chapter 2 he points to our goal, which is not to sin, but he adds that if we do, then we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ. Our present passage must be understood in the light of the previous discussion on the topic of sin: Christians stay away from sin, but if they sin, they confess their wrongdoing and accept divine forgiveness.\par \par \tab Expositors have come up with different attempts to solve these difficult verses. Two are briefly mentioned: \par \par \tab 1. John portrays the ideal in \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:6\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:8-9 \cf0\ulnone -which he also mentions in \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:1\cf0\ulnone . The difference is that in \cf1 John 3\cf0 no qualifiers are added. A reason may be that John wants his hearers and readers to be clear about the issue of sin. Sin cannot be taken lightly. Followers of Christ cannot play with sin. \par \par \tab 2. The verb to sin and to do (sin) are found in the present tense, which oftentimes points to continuous actions. The meaning would be that disciples of Christ cannot continuously sin. They may fall in sin here and there, but they have separated from sin and do not practice a life of sin. The are not dominated by sin. The New International Version follows this view by translating the verbs with to continue to sin.\par \par \tab No matter which interpretation is accepted, chapter 3 must be understood in the light of chapters 1 and 2. Though sin is real, Christians have no choice but to put it away from their lives, no matter the cost.\par \par \tab OK, you're a sinner. No one is going to debate that. The question is, How much blood, sweat, and tears do you expend in the battle against sin in your life? In what ways does your answer help explain your lifestyle? \par \par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \f2\fs20\par \b\i\f1\fs32 STEP 4-Create\par \i0\f2\fs20\par Just for Teachers: \par As God\rquote s children, we are called\b0 \b to walk as children of light. The lesson points out\b0 \b two important implications of walking in the light:\b0 \b (1) to live in the hope of the Second Coming and (2)\b0 \b to live in full awareness of Satan\rquote s deceptive ways\b0 \b to tempt you back to sin. Encourage the class to\b0 \b apply these implications to their lives.\par \b0\par Close the class with a hymn or special music that touches on this very important idea of living in the hope of the Second Coming.\par \par Have a class member end with prayer, asking for God\rquote s watch care throughout the week. Pray especially that not one of us will be ensnared by deception as we seek to walk in the light of God\rquote s love.\cf5\par \cf0\f0\par \par \b FRIDAY August 14\par \par Further Study:\b0 Read \cf1\ul Rom_8:12-17\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Php_2:14-16\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab\par "Let none deceive themselves with the belief that they can become holy while willfully violating one of God's requirements. The commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the soul from God. 'Sin is the transgression of the law.' And 'whosoever sinneth [transgresseth the law] hath not seen Him, neither known Him.' \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:6\cf0\ulnone . Though John in his epistles dwells so fully upon love, yet he does not hesitate to reveal the true character of that class who claim to be sanctified while living in transgression of the law of God. . . . And the claim to be without sin is, in itself, evidence that he who makes this claim is far from holy."-Ellen G. White, \i The Great Controversy\i0 , pp. 472, 473.\par \tab\tab\par \b Discussion Questions:\b0\par \par What does it mean in practical terms to be "like God"? In what ways can we be "like God" in a positive manner, and in a negative one? \par \par Some people are afraid of the idea that we are saved only by what Jesus has done for us. They say, if our salvation rests in Christ's righteousness and not in our own, what's to stop us from continuing in sin? How would you respond to that concern? \par \tab\tab\tab\tab\par Someone once explained their understanding of the Cross this way: "I don't use the Cross as an excuse or a cover for sin. What the Cross does for me is keep me from giving up altogether on God when I do sin." Discuss the reasoning in that line of thought.\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\par It's virtually impossible not to be impacted by whatever society and culture you live in. In your particular society, what sins are deemed really bad that perhaps in another culture might not be deemed that bad, or even bad at all? How much should we let society influence our understanding of what sin is? What sins does your society not frown on that the Bible is explicit about? \par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par We all know the promises we are given for victory over sin. At the same time, under what conditions, if any, should someone struggling with a sin, perhaps some kind of addiction, seek professional help and counseling? What do you say to the person who thinks that those who seek professional help are showing a lack of faith in God's power? \par \par \cf2\b\f2\par \par \par \b0\par \par \par \par \par \par \par \par \ul\f1\fs22\par \cf0\ulnone\b\f0\fs20\par \cf4\b0\f3\fs23\par \par \cf5\b\f2\fs20\par \par \cf2\par \ul\b0\f1\fs22\par } false communication is not the way to build intimate relationships. But if you express an act of love that is designed for the other person\rquote s benefit or pleasure, it is simply a choice. You are not claiming that the action grows out of a deep emotional bonding. You are simply choosing to do something for his benefit. I think that must be what Jesus meant.\rdblquote -\i The Five Love Languages\i0 (Chicago: Northfield Publishing, 1995), p. 156.\b\par \b0\par Look around the class at those who prear This section gives your class an\b0 \b opportunity to express love to God and their\b0 \b brothers and sisters in their day-to-day activities.\par \par \b0 In discussing the use of love languages, Gary Chapman recognized that sometimes expressing love that we don\rquote t feel, or in a way that is not natural for us, may be uncomfortable at first. In commenting on \cf3\ul Luk_6:27-28\cf2\ulnone , he said, \ldblquote If you claim to have feelings that you do not have, that is hypocritical and such xM05-Renouncing Worldliness-Jul 25-31{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue64;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 5 *July 25-31\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Walking in the Light-Renouncing Worldliness\par P05-Renouncing Worldliness-Jul 25-31{\rtf1\ansi\anche commandments (plural), John may have indicated that the one commandment of love expresses itself in a multiplicity of commandments.\par \tab\tab\par \tab How can we, in our walk with the Lord, experience the reality of God's commandments as something more than just a set of rules? Is that all they are? Or are they something more? If so, what? \par \par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\i\fs20\par \fs32 STEP 4-Create\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20\par J\b ust for Teachers: \ps was asked which of the commandments was the most important or the foremost of all, He responded by pointing to the commandment to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love one's neighbor as oneself (\cf1\ul Mar_12:28-31\cf0\ulnone ). Yet, He also stressed that those who love Him keep His commandments (\cf1\ul Joh_14:15\cf0\ulnone ), and in the Sermon on the Mount He referred to a number of different commandments.\par \par \tab By switching from the commandment (singular) to to believe in Jesus and to love one another. Keeping the commandments allows for mutual abiding-we in God and God in us. To love God includes keeping the commandments, and indeed, they can be kept because they are not burdensome.\par \par \tab When John talks about commandment in the singular, he mentions the commandment to believe in Jesus as the Messiah and to love one another. In chapter 4 the commandment is that we who love God should also love our brothers and sisters.\par \tab\par \tab When Jesu \par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:21\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:2\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:3\cf0\ulnone \par \par \tab John says that keeping God's commandments and doing what pleases Him (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:22\cf0\ulnone ) give Christians confidence that God hears their prayers. God's command is tut the commandments. \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:22\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:24\cf0\ulnone , an\cf4 d \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:3\cf0\ulnone (NIV) emphasize obeying, or keeping (KJV), the commandments. \par \par \tab What do the two passages teach about the commandments apart from that they should be kept?\par \tab\par \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:22\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:23\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:24\cf0\ulnone esses these feelings to you, based on our study of \cf3\ul 1Jn_3:1-24\cf2\ulnone and \cf3\ul 1Jn_4:1-21\cf2\ulnone ?\par \cf0\f0\par \par \b THURSDAY August 20\par \par Love and the Commandments (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:22-24\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:21\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:1-4\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab Both passages that we have studied this week end with a reference to the commandments. The term is used four times each in both sections. \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:2\cf0\ulnone (NIV) talks about carrying o each group to illustrate the progression of reasoning in \cf3\ul 1Jn_3:18-24\cf2\ulnone through \cf3\ul 1Jn_4:1-21\cf2\ulnone by means of a picture or diagram. For example, see below. However, don\rquote t plan to share this example until the groups have had a chance to draw and share their own ideas.\par \par \b Life-Application: \par \b0 Insecurity in our relationship with God and mistrust of His love for us is the cause of deep pain and fear for the future. How would you counsel someone who expru make that can help bring that ideal closer to reality in your home? \par \par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 STEP 3-Apply\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Just For Teachers: \par This section will help your class\b0 \b put into practical perspective the lessons about\b0 \b loving brothers and sisters just covered in their\b0 \b study of the Bible. They will need paper and pens or\b0 \b pencils.\par \b0 \par \b A Visual Aid\b0 : \par Askmetimes the hardest), the home is it. There are endless ways we can show our love to family members. Sometimes even the littlest things can send a powerful message of love and acceptance: extra help around the house, a nice dinner, a special family outing together, whatever. There are many ways we can manifest love. Love thinks first about others; more so, it will act on those thoughts.\par \par \tab Imagine what it would be like living in a home in which true love was manifested. What changes should yothat any of us will be called to die for another believer. But we most likely will be called to demonstrate love for someone in need. We may have the means to provide jobs, food, clothes, a Christian education, a place of refuge, whatever. Instead, though, we prefer to live our own comfortable lives. Early Christians shared their financial means. To love others is a challenge, especially because it demands sacrifice on our part.\par \par \tab Of all the places that love must be manifested (and though soa situation similar to the one found in \cf1\ul Jam_2:15-16\cf0\ulnone . A church member is in need. Others have the means to help him or her but do not do anything other than say some nice things to that person. That's not enough. God not only informed us that He loves us; He sent His Son to die in our place. People who love much do much, because real love is active. \par \par \tab Read \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:16-17\cf0\ulnone . Which command is the harder one to follow, and why?\par \par \tab It's not likely f4 (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:18\cf4\ulnone )\cf0 . \par \par \tab John, of course, isn't against us speaking kind and encouraging words to each other. Words are an important part of sharing love. How would spouses, children, relatives, and friends feel if they never received verbal confirmations from us? Even John himself used words to share God's love with others. \par \par \tab However, John is opposed to a superficial declaration of love with no strings attached. In \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:17\cf0\ulnone he describes a fulfillment of His holy law?\par \par \cf0\f0\par \b WEDNESDAY\tab August 19\par \par Love in Practice (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:17-18\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:19-21\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab John is not content to theorize about love. He lets us know that God wants us to put love into practice. Therefore he states that hate is incompatible with a loving attitude, and it is even a form of murder (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:15\cf0\ulnone ). He says, too, that we should not love with words alone but with actions\c.)\b\i0\par \b0 \par In the progression of reasoning from \cf3\ul 1Jn_3:18-24\cf2\ulnone through \cf3\ul 1Jn_4:1-21\cf2\ulnone , God loves us. When we respond back to God with love, we also love our brothers and sisters. In loving God and loving our brothers and sisters, we are fulfilling God\rquote s commandments. This love results in confidence in our relationship with God and no fear of judgment.\par \par \b Discuss: \par \b0 How does loving others fulfill God\rquote s commandments? Why is lover the mistakes into which we fall.\rdblquote -Page 656, vol. 7.\par \par \b Consider This: \par \b0 We can have assurance of God\rquote s mercy in judgment if we know we genuinely love our brothers and sisters. But how do we know our love is genuine? (See \i The Message \i0 paraphrase of \cf3\ul 1Jn_4:17-18\cf2\ulnone ; \cf3\ul 1Jn_3:18\cf2\ulnone ; and \cf3\ul 1Pe_1:22\cf2\ulnone .)\par \par \b III. God Commands Us to Love \b0\i (Review \cf3\ul 1Jn_3:22-24\cf2\ulnone ; \cf3\ul 1Jn_4:21\cf2\ulnone par \b0 \par \i The SDA Bible Commentary (\i0 1957) gives this paraphrase of \cf3\ul 1Jn_3:19-21 \cf2\ulnone : \ldblquote By genuinely loving our brother we may know that we are children of the truth, or of God. This knowledge will enable us to stand confidently in the presence of God, for even though our heart condemns us, since we are still sinners, we know that God is greater than our heart, His knowledge and understanding far surpass our own, and He is able to perceive our sincerity and to allow fothe attention of your class to the acts of service, words of affirmation, physical touch, gifts, and quality time that Christ and the Father offered at the crucifixion.\par \par \b Discuss: \par \b0 What other times in the world\rquote s history has God spoken in a variety of love languages? Give time for each group to share how God has used their particular love language.\par \par \b II. Love Gives Us Confidence \b0\i (Review \cf3\ul 1Jn_3:19-21\cf2\ulnone ; \cf3\ul 1Jn_4:17-18\cf2\ulnone .)\b\i0\e s arrest and crucifixion and resurrection in the context of their particular love language \i (see \cf3\ul Matthew 26-28\cf2\ulnone , and\i0 \cf3\ul\i John 18-20\cf2\ulnone )\i0 . How was Christ treated physically? What kinds of words were used toward Him? Describe the acts of service (and disservice) that were offered Him. What love language was reflected in Christ\rquote s requests in the Garden before His arrest? What gifts were given to Christ (and what gifts were taken from Him)?\par \par Turn asted with the love that Christ has for His brothers and sisters. Ask each group to use the perspective that their love language offers to describe how hate is expressed (and love withheld) in the family and between church members. For example, the opposite of loving physical touch (or other body language) could include angry, scornful, or indifferent glances; pushing, slapping, or forceful grabbing.\par \par Ask each group to examine and discuss with the rest of the groups what happened at Christ\rquot If any of the five love languages was not chosen by\b0 \b anyone, ask if there are any persons in other groups\b0 \b who identify well enough with those languages to\b0 \b represent them for the class.\b0\par \par \b\i\f1\fs32 Bible Commentary\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b I. What Is Love, and What Is It not? \b0\i (Review \cf3\ul 1Jn_3:11-24\cf2\ulnone and \cf3\ul 1Jn_4:7-12\cf2\ulnone , \cf3\ul 1Jn_4:19-21\cf2\ulnone )\b\i0\par \b0 \par The anger and hatred of Cain toward his brother is contruilty man."-Ellen G. White, \i God's Amazing Grace\i0 , p. 316.\par \par \tab What hope can you take for yourself from these inspired words? \par \par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \f2\fs20\par \b\i\f1\fs32 STEP 2-Explore\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20\par \b Just For Teachers: \par The following study on love\b0 \b utilizes the perspectives on various ways of\b0 \b expressing love gained from the introductory\b0 \b exercise, so ask everyone to stay in their groups.\b0 \bn his own strength, man cannot meet the charges of the enemy. In sin-stained garments, confessing his guilt, he stands before God. But Jesus, our Advocate, presents an effectual plea in behalf of all who by repentance and faith have committed the keeping of their souls to Him. He pleads their cause, and by the mighty arguments of Calvary, vanquishes their accuser. His perfect obedience to God's law has given Him all power in heaven and in earth, and He claims from His Father mercy and reconciliation for gs, His children. Being grounded in His love drives away all fear.\par \par \tab "Satan knows that those who ask God for pardon and grace will obtain it; therefore he presents their sins before them to discourage them. Against those who are trying to obey God, he is constantly seeking occasion for complaint. Even their best and most acceptable service he seeks to make appear corrupt. By countless devices, the most subtle and the most cruel, he endeavors to secure their condemnation. \par \par \tab "Ihat our hope of salvation must rest on Jesus and His work in our behalf. Only by leaning on Him, on His merits, and not our own, can we have confidence and assurance.\par \par \tab Confidence is emphasized several times in 1 John. John wants believers to be confident when they approach God in prayer (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:21-22\cf0\ulnone ), confident before the reality of Christ's coming (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:28\cf0\ulnone ), and confident about the divine judgment (\cf1\ul 1Jn_4:17\cf0\ulnone ). God means well for uat John is talking about here?\par \par \tab Read also \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:17-18\cf0\ulnone . What problem is he addressing here, as well? Again, who hasn't experienced this concern?\par \par \tab What Christians at some point, looking at themselves, at their weaknesses, at their lack of love, at their shortcomings, have not felt condemned, guilty, even lost? How important to remember that God is greater than we are, greater than our guilt, greater than our hearts. How crucial that we realize, day by day, tparate areas of the room. Invite your class members to seat themselves near the sign that best describes their preferences. Lead a short discussion on experiences that various members have had in expressing concern or being cared for that have special meaning.\par \par \cf0\b\f0\par TUESDAY August 18\par \par A Crisis of Assurance\tab\b0\par \tab\par \tab Read \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:19-21\cf0\ulnone . What point is John making? What is he saying to us? Who hasn't at some point experienced the feelings that or touch of care and concern\par \par My favorite way of expressing care and love for someone else usually involves:\par (1) offering words of appreciation\par (2) reaching out with a touch\par (3) doing things that help him or her\par (4) taking quality time to be with this person\par (5) giving small presents\par \par Make five signs identifying these love languages: quality time, receiving gifts, physical touch, acts of service, and words of affirmation. Place these signs in five sese languages, give your class the following quiz.\par \par When I am feeling alone I most appreciate:\par (1) a hug\par (2) something special in the mail\par (3) eating out with someone\par (4) a call expressing appreciation\par (5) assistance with something that needs to be done\par \par I long most for:\par (1) recognition for something I\rquote ve done\par (2) help with the chores\par (3) someone taking time to listen\par (4) a surprise gift every once in a while\par (5) a pch members with a focus\b0 \b on how we are to love each other in the light of\b0 \b God\rquote s love for us. This introduction will give your\b0 \b class an opportunity to examine various ways we\b0 \b express love and how individual preferences can\b0 \b guide us in our efforts to meet one another\rquote s needs.\par \b0 \par In his book \i The Five Love Languages, \i0 Gary Chapman (1995\i ) \i0 describes the importance of expressing love in ways that others recognize and need. To introduce theanifested this love, what did they do, and what did you learn from them about the true meaning of love?\par \b \par \cf2\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\i\fs20\par \fs32 Learning Cycle\par \b0\fs16\par \b\fs32 STEP 1-Motivate\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \par \b0 We show that weknow Jesus by the love we show to others.\par \par \b Just For Teachers: \par This lesson continues the study\b0 \b of John\rquote s admonitions to churs is born of God and knows God" (NKJV) in the same verse could be misunderstood. It has to be interpreted in the context of 1 John. According to \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:23\cf0\ulnone , faith (true belief) and love belong together; according to \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:2\cf0\ulnone , love and keeping the commandments do too. Anyone can say that they love God; John shows us how that love is to be revealed.\par \par \tab What are some examples of this kind of love that you have seen manifested among others? Who were they who md in lost his life in order to save someone else, that is love. \par \par \tab The best definition of love is the character and work of the Godhead as revealed in the plan of salvation, with Jesus giving Himself for us.\par \par \tab Christian love has its source in the love of God. To abide in love means to enjoy an intimate relationship with God. There is no love in the biblical sense that ultimately does not come from God (\cf1\ul 1Jn_4:7\cf0\ulnone ). However, the statement that "everyone who loveQen in the natural world, which they test by experiments. As Christians come into contact with Christ, what kinds of observations and knowledge do they develop? How do they test their knowledge of Christ and become confident that what they believe is true? Review the experience of Abraham \i (Genesis 12-23)\i0 .\par \par \b II. Praying According to His Will\b0 \i (Read \cf4\ul 1Jn_5:14-15\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul 1Jn_5:18-19\cf3\ulnone .)\par \i0 \par \ldblquote We do not desire to be saved any more ar dictate in the matter.\rdblquote She presented this man\rquote s case before God and asked if she should pray for his healing. In the night God revealed to her that this particular man had a cherished sin in his life since childhood, and God did not give her freedom to pray for his healing while he chose to live a life of self-abuse-Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies to the\i0 \i Church\i0 , vol. 2, pp. 349, 350.\par \par \b Consider This: \par \cf4\ul\b0 1Jn_5:16-17\cf3\ulnone recognizes that there a\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue0;} {\stylesheet{ Normal;}{\s1 heading 1;}{\s2 heading 2;}{\s3 heading 3;}} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 10 *August 29-September 4 \par \par Confidence\par \par SABBATH AFTERNOON\b0\par \par \b Read for This Week's Study: \cf1\ul\b0 Joh_3:36\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Act_4:29\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Co_9:27\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Heb_4:16\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:13-21\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rev_12:9\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 "And this is the confidence which we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us" (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:14\cf0\ulnone , RSV).\par \par \tab Ben Franklin once said that there are only two things certain in this life: death and taxes. There's a third certain thing, as well: life is full of uncertainty! \par \par \tab We do not know how secure our jobs are. Nothing guarantees our protection from sickness, terrorism, war, and natural disaster. We have no guarantee that when we go to bed we will wake up the next day. \par \par \tab Facing this, we do our best, trying to protect ourselves from these troubles the best we can, and yet, in the end our best efforts can guarantee us nothing.\par \par \tab But what about God? And God's promises to us? Are they not certain? How can we live without confidence and assurance when it comes to God? Our relationship with God and living with Him forever is more important than anything else. What does John have to say to us about this, the most important thing in our lives? \par \tab\par \b The Week at a Glance:\b0 What can we have confidence in? How do we not turn our confidence into presumption? What confidence can we have that our prayers will be answered? What protection are we offered against Satan? How can we come to a knowledge of God?\par \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 5.\par \i0 \par \par \b SUNDAY August 30\tab\par \par Having Confidence (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:13-21\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:14\cf0\ulnone contains the word confidence, which also has the meaning of assurance, boldness, or in other contexts frankness (\cf1\ul Act_4:29\cf0\ulnone ,\cf2 \cf1\ul Act_4:31\cf2\ulnone )\cf0 and openness (\cf1\ul Joh_16:25\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_16:29\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par \tab According to \cf1\ul Heb_4:16\cf0\ulnone and\cf2 \cf1\ul Heb_10:19\cf2\ulnone ,\cf0 Christians can draw near to the throne of God with confidence. Why? First, because Jesus shed His blood for them on the cross. And second, because Jesus has ascended to heaven to serve there as High Priest on their behalf. \par \par \tab The same term is used by John in \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:17\cf0\ulnone talking about "confidence" or "boldness" in the day of judgment. Christians are not afraid of judgment. They rely on what Jesus has done for them. Their confidence is not in themselves, or what they have done or could ever do. This confidence rests, instead, totally on Jesus. \par \par \tab Another way that John expresses this idea of confidence is by the repeated use of the phrase "we know" at the end of 1 John. While this phrase is found throughout the letter only twice (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:2\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:14\cf0\ulnone ), it occurs five times in the conclusion of the epistle and additionally stresses the topic of "confidence."\par \par \tab According to the following texts, what can we be confident about? \par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:13\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:15\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:18\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:19\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:20\cf0\ulnone \par \par \tab In \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:13\cf0\ulnone the apostle says you may know and talks about assurance of salvation. From \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:15\cf0\ulnone onward he uses we know. In \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:15\cf0\ulnone he emphasized that our prayers are heard. We can be confident. In \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:18\cf0\ulnone we know is followed by the promise of divine protection. In \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:19\cf0\ulnone the same phrase we know introduces the wonderful concept of belonging to God, and \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:20\cf0\ulnone stresses that we know Jesus and thereby, through Jesus, we know God and are in Him. Therefore, Christians have confidence with regard to their relationship to God, their prayer life, and their present state and future destiny.\par \par \tab How many times have you disappointed yourself in the last month, week, or even day? We would say, "Keep a record of those disappointments," but that might be too discouraging. How does the reality of your own foibles bring home the need to make sure that your confidence rests in Jesus and not in yourself?\par \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Key Text: \cf4\ul\b0\i 1Jn_5:13-21\cf3\ulnone\par \i0\par \b The Student Will:\b0 \par \par \b Know: \b0 That we can be sure of salvation, answered prayer, protection, belonging to God, and knowing Jesus.\par \b\par Feel: \b0 Nurture a sense of trust and belonging.\par \b\par Do: \b0 Live a positive Christian life without being presumptuous.\par \par \b\i\f1\fs32 Learning Outline:\par \i0\f2\fs20\par I. Know: Unchangeable Certainties\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. John lists five claims that begin with \ldblquote we know\rdblquote : We know that salvation is ours, that our prayers are heard, that we have protection, that we belong to God, and that we know Jesus. Divide into groups and brainstorm how we can strengthen our confidence in each of these areas. Share you findings with the group.\par \pard\b \par \b0\par \pard\fi720 B. John expresses eternal life as a present reality \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_5:13\cf3\ulnone ). \i0 What is the difference between this reality and \ldblquote once saved always saved\rdblquote ?\par \pard \par \b II. Feel: Nurturing Our Relationship With God\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. Sometimes God doesn\rquote t answer our prayers for earthly blessings. How do these occasions help us to nurture our faith?\par \pard\par \pard\fi720 B. John constantly focuses on the positive. How can we foster a similar attitude?\par \pard \par \b III. Do: Positive But Not presumptuous\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. Our choices are the only way that we can lose our assurance of salvation. List ways of being sure you are making the right choices.\par \pard\par \pard\fi720 B. Ask the class to share their personal experiences for each of John\rquote s \ldblquote we know\rdblquote areas.\par \pard \par \b Summary: \par \b0 John lists five areas in which we can have confidence in God. The only thing that can take away our salvation is our own negative choices.\par \par \cf0\f0\par \b MONDAY August 31\par \par Having Eternal Life (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:13\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab Read \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:13\cf0\ulnone . What can we be sure of, according to this text?\par \tab\tab\par \tab Verse 13 provides an important reason John wrote his letter. He wanted his audience to have assurance of salvation. His hearers and readers should know that they already have eternal life. Everlasting life is a present reality. John made a similar statement at the end of his Gospel (\cf1\ul Joh_20:30-31\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par \tab\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:13\cf0\ulnone surpasses the other texts in the New Testament that deal with everlasting life. They mention a condition and contain a promise (e.g., \cf1\ul Joh_3:36\cf0\ulnone ), but \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:13\cf0\ulnone states that children of God should know that they have eternal life. It is not an option, something that can be added to a Christian life or can be left out. God wants us to have assurance of salvation. Moses (\cf1\ul Exo_32:32\cf0\ulnone ), Peter (\cf1\ul 1Pe_5:1\cf0\ulnone ), Paul (\cf1\ul 2Ti_4:7-8\cf0\ulnone ), the Christians in Ephesus (\cf1\ul Eph_2:8\cf0\ulnone ), and the believers in Colossae (\cf1\ul Col_1:12-14\cf0\ulnone ) had this certainty.\par \par \tab How, though, can we be protected from taking assurance and turning it into presumption? See \cf1\ul Mat_10:22\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Co_9:27\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rev_3:11\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \tab Some folk have taken this "confidence" of salvation and turned it into an "unconditional guarantee," the idea of "once saved, always saved." If this were true, what would stop us from forgetting all about God and living an immoral and unethical life-one that would, according to the Bible, bar us from heaven (\cf1\ul Gal_5:21\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rev_21:8\cf0\ulnone )? After all, it's hard enough, even knowing that we can fall away from God, to keep ourselves pure. Imagine if we thought it didn't matter at all how we lived!\par \par \tab The Bible teaches that there is assurance of salvation, but this certainty can be lost through our own choices. We need to hold on to the crown of life by keeping ourselves daily surrendered to the Lord in obedience and in repentance and faith. We must, always, watch and pray, for Satan is seeking whom he may devour (\cf1\ul 1Pe_5:8\cf0\ulnone ). And if that's not us, then who? \par \par \tab Look at yourself closely (we know, it's painful!). Are you struggling with assurance of salvation? If so, isn't it because of the things that you are doing? If so, then you must first claim the forgiveness that is yours, and then claim the power to overcome that is promised you. What's holding you back but your own choices? \par \b \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \pard\keepn\s2\i\f1\fs32 Learning Cycle\par \pard\b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \pard\keepn\s2\b\i\f1\fs32 STEP 1-Motivate\par \pard\b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \par \b0 It is our privilege to believe that God will keep His promises, according to His Word.\par \par \b Just for Teachers: \par This lesson focuses on critical\b0 \b aspects of our understanding of Christ that give us\b0 \b the heartfelt security we need in order to live in a\b0 \b hostile world and the confidence to trust our future\b0 \b to an unseen God. Use this introduction to\b0 \b illustrate how untrustworthy the best of human\b0 \b knowledge can be and raise the issue of how we know\b0 \b what is dependable information. If possible, provide\b0 \b recent pictures of the moon, planets, and/or Milky\b0 \b Way.\par \b0 \par For two thousand years or more, based greatly on the influence of Aristotle, people believed that the sun moved in orbit around the earth. In the early 1600\rquote s, Galileo was the first to make practical use of the telescope by studying the moon, the Milky Way, Jupiter, and Saturn. On a trip to Rome, he used a telescope to show Pope Paul V and other high church officials some of his discoveries that supported Copernicus\rquote s theory that the earth moves around the sun. Though the pope claimed friendship with Galileo, he brought his \ldblquote friend\rdblquote before the Inquisition and forced him to recant his belief in Copernicus\rquote s theories. Galileo was put under house arrest for the rest of his life, and Copernicus\rquote s writings were placed on a list of prohibited books for another two hundred years.\par \par \b Consider This: \par \b0 What is the likelihood that things we believe to be true today will be demonstrated to be false in the future, and why is this so often the case? What knowledge circulated today as scientific fact is false according to the Bible? How do scientists determine what is dependable knowledge? How do we as Christians determine what is dependable knowledge?\par \par \pard\cf0\b\f0\par TUESDAY September 1\par \par According to His Will (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:14-17\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab Read \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:14-15\cf0\ulnone . What promise do we have there? Most important, what should it mean to us? \par \par \tab We can come to God with all our joys, burdens, and requests. We can tell Him that we need money. We can tell Him that we have problems with our kids and need His intervention. We can tell Him that we are seriously ill and need healing. Do we know that He will send us a check, straighten out our kids, or heal us from a vicious disease? Not necessarily. When Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, He added to His prayer "Your will be done" (\cf1\ul Mat_26:42\cf0\ulnone , NKJV); and God did not deliver Him from the cross.\par \par \tab However, if we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, God does not put us on a waiting list; rather we can have confidence that, as we end our prayer, forgiveness has become a reality. If I ask Him to make me His child because I accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, God will answer such a prayer right away. Whenever the will of God is revealed in Scripture-whether in a commandment or a promise-and we claim that expression of His will, we know that the prayer is answered. In cases in which we are not sure how God will lead us, we should add "Your will be done" to our prayers and in confidence trust that the Lord will do what is best. \par \par \tab\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:16-17\cf0\ulnone is not easy to understand. Scholars are divided on what it means (some say it's the sin against the Holy Spirit). We do know, however, that all sin is unrighteousness and cannot be justified or tolerated. But what is the distinction of sins that John has made in these verses? This is not easy to answer. Whatever John is saying, we can be sure that he's not downplaying the seriousness of sin.\par \par \tab We've all had prayers that have not come to pass in any way, shape, or form. A loved one dies despite prayer. A job is lost despite prayer. And so forth. In some cases, later on we can see how things really did turn out better when the prayer wasn't answered as we had wanted. In others, all we see is disappointment, heartache, and sorrow. How are we to deal with the latter? How are we to continue to live by faith and trust God when seemingly unanswered prayers leave us filled with sorrow, disappointment, and, yes, even doubt?\par \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \pard\keepn\s3\i\f1\fs32 STEP 2-Explore\par \pard\i0\f2\fs20 \par Just for Teachers: \par The Scriptures give us ample\b0 \b evidence of God\rquote s character on which to base our\b0 \b confidence and f aith. This section of the lesson\b0 \b focuses on these assurances and promises.\par \b0 \par \pard\keepn\s2\b\i\f1\fs32 Bible Commentary\par \pard\i0\f2\fs20\par I. Being Confident in Our Knowledge of God and His Promises\b0 \i (Review \cf4\ul 1Jn_5:13\cf3\ulnone .)\par \i0 \par \ldblquote We should cherish love and gratitude, we should look unto Jesus and become transformed into His image. The result of this will be increased confidence, hope, patience, and courage. We shall be drinking of the water of life of which Christ spoke to the woman of Samaria. . . . This water represents the life of Christ, and every soul must have it by coming into living connection with God. Then blessed, humble, grateful confidence will be an abiding principle in the soul. Unbelieving fear will be swept away before living faith.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies to Ministers, \i0 p. 226.\par \b \par Consider This: \b0 Scientists use observations and reasoning to propose explanations for things that happ :!a07-Living as Children of God-Aug 8-14{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times Ne\ 906-Rejecting Antichrists-Aug 1-7{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0T need to grow in appreciation of its inestimable value, for it speaks for us only as we by faith claim its virtue, keeping the conscience clean and at peace with God.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White Comments, \i The SDA\i0 \i Bible Commentary\i0 , vol. 7, p. 948.\par \par \b Consider This: \par \b0 As you discuss the aspects of salvation covered in 1 John, relate them to earlier notes on the Godhead and how God saves the church. Write these notes out on the third poster board, and tape it to the second boaand Lies \b0\i (Review \cf4\ul 1Jn_4:1-3\cf3\ulnone .)\par \b\i0\par \b0\ldblquote The prophet says, \lquote To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.\rquote From this statement it is evident that it becomes us to be diligent Bible students, that we may know what is according to the law and the testimony. We are safe in no other course of action.\rdblquote - Ellen G. White Comments, \i The SDA Bible\i0 \i Commentary, \i0 vol. 7,ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue64;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\stylesheet{ Normal;}{\s1 heading 1;}} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 11 *September 5-11\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Important Themes in 1 John\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par SABBATH AFTERNOON\b0\par \par \b Read for This Week's Study: \cf1\ul\b0 Mat_5:13\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_14:6\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Eph_4:25-32\cf0 ,\ulnone \cf1\ul Eph_5:1-21\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ti_3:15\cf0\ulnone ; 1 John.\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 "Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is" (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:2\cf0\ulnone , NASB).\par \par \tab Of all the tragedy that came out of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., there was one positive development: for many people it sounded the death knell for moral relativism. The cold-blooded slaughter of thousands, in broad daylight, right on our TV sets, brought home for many people in real time the horror involved in such mass murder. It was suddenly so obvious that evil like this could never be justified on the basis of culture. On September 11 people saw the face of a moral evil, an evil that transcended all culture, all traditions, all epochs, and suddenly for many the objective nature of morality, particularly of evil, finally hit home as never before. \par \par \tab Of course, for John, moral relativity was never an issue. He knew that there was absolute truth, and it was centered in Christ. This week we'll review some of the major themes of 1 John, including His understanding of the nature of truth, which always forms the foundation of morality.\par \par \b The Week at a Glance:\b0 What does John teach us about the work of the Godhead? What images does he use to convey the idea of what the church should be like? What is the only basis of our salvation? What does John teach about truth?\par \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 12.\par \i0 \par \par \b SUNDAY September 6\par \par The Godhead \tab\b0\tab\par \par \tab In 1 John, we are given a glimpse of the Godhead, the Father (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:16\cf0\ulnone ), the Son \cf2 (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:23\cf2\ulnone ),\cf0 and the Holy Spirit (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:6\cf0\ulnone ). The main emphasis, however, is on Jesus and the Father. The letter tells us that God is light and that darkness (evil) is not found in Him. It tells us that God is righteous and that He is love. Indeed, our ability to love is dependent on the God who is love. God's relationship to the believers is expressed with the term children, which itself reveals the love and care He has for us. In short, 1 John paints for us a very positive and hopeful picture of what our God is like.\par \par \tab But the chapter also tells us something else. It tells us what the Lord is doing for us. Here's where our real hope and encouragement should lie. \par \par \tab According to 1 John, what has God done for us and what is being done now for us? \par \tab\par \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:9\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:1-2\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:27\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:8\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:8-10\cf0\ulnone \par \tab\tab\par \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:11\cf0\ulnone \par \tab\tab\par \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:14\cf0\ulnone \par \par \tab The letter refers to Christ's coming in human flesh, as well as His death for us, which offers us the opportunity to have eternal life. At the same time, His death defeated the works of the devil, our enemy. According to 1 John, God forgives our sins, cleanses us, intercedes for us, and gives us eternal life. He offers us assurance and makes us His children. The bottom line is that it is the Cross and the blood of Jesus alone that saves us, nothing else.\par \par \tab Are there any areas of your life that you have not fully surrendered to the Lord? That is, are you doing things that you know, deep down, are wrong and yet haven't given up? If so, in the end only you can make the choice to give it up. If the Spirit is touching you, why not make the choice now? The longer you wait, the harder it gets.\par \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Key Text: \cf4\ul\b0\i 1Jn_4:7\cf3\ulnone\i0\par \par \b The Student Will:\par \par Know: \b0 Authentic Christianity believes that Jesus is the Son of God, keeps the commandments, and loves God and others.\par \b\par Feel: \b0 God\rquote s grace is sufficient.\par \b\par Do: \b0 Present an unambiguous picture of what God wants us to be.\par \par \b\i\f1\fs32 Learning Outline:\par \i0\f2\fs20\par I. Know: What It Is to be an Authentic Christian\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. John presents two families: God\rquote s and the church. Referring to 1 John, explain the characteristics of both. Reflect on how these families interrelate.\par \pard\par \pard\fi720 B. What concrete expressions of God\rquote s love does John use to help us understand that salvation is \ldblquote here and now\rdblquote ?\par \pard\par \pard\fi720 C. Why should, and how does, theology inform our ethics?\par \pard \par \b II. Feel: Surrounded by Grace\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. In what ways does experiencing God\rquote s love and grace in our own life make it easier to create an atmosphere of love for others?\par \pard\par \pard\fi720 B. How can we foster love and understandingwhen we and others fail to meet God\rquote s ideal?\par \pard\b\par III. Do: Present a Clear and Unambiguous Picture of What God Wants His Children to Be\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. How could we respond to people who say that the commandments and that the law are abolishedand all we need to focus on is Jesus\rquote love?\par \pard\par \pard\fi720 B. Develop guidelines to identify areas in which cultural and personal factors must be taken into account.\par \pard \par \b Summary: \par \b0 The recurrent themes of salvation and of being a child of God give us a firm basis for our hope for the future and encouragement here and now.\par \cf0\f0\par \par \b MONDAY September 7\par \par The Church \b0\par \tab\par \tab In the New Testament the church is presented with a number of images such as salt (\cf1\ul Mat_5:13\cf0\ulnone ), a pillar (\cf1\ul 1Ti_3:15\cf0\ulnone ), a building or house (\cf1\ul Eph_2:21-22\cf0\ulnone ), a temple (\cf1\ul 1Co_3:16-17\cf0\ulnone ), a mother (\cf1\ul Rev_12:1-2\cf0\ulnone ), a bride (\cf1\ul Rev_21:2\cf0\ulnone ), and Christ's body (\cf1\ul Eph_1:22-23\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par \tab In 1 John, though the word church itself does not appear, the concept does. What imagery is found in the book that better helps us understand what the church should be all about?\par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:9-11\cf0\ulnone \par \tab\tab\par \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:13-14\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:12\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:18\cf0\ulnone \par \tab\tab\par \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:1\cf0\ulnone \par \tab\par \tab In 1 John it seems that the church primarily is portrayed as a family. There is the heavenly Father (12 times). In addition, John himself is a father figure of sorts, calling the church members "little children" (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:18\cf0\ulnone ). The church members are children (13 times), fathers and young men (each twice), and brothers (13 times). \par \par \tab These terms imply a certain kind of intimacy, a close relationship and love for each other, and contain the notion of belonging together. Everyone is needed, and everyone has a place in God's family. In addition, this family includes the Godhead. Consequently, this community has a horizontal and a vertical dimension. As members of the church, we are literally part of the family of God.\par \tab\par \tab "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God" (\cf1\ul 1Jn_4:7\cf0\ulnone ). How does this text reflect the key to what it means to be part of God's church? \par \tab\tab\par \tab How would you describe your relationship to the church family? Are you a wayward child? Domineering father? Loving mother? Helpless babe? W hat changes do you need to make in order to be a more productive part of this special family? \par \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 Learning Cycle\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20\par \b\i\f1\fs32 STEP 1-Motivate\b0\i0\f2\fs20\par \b\par Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \par \b0 Jesus is the only basis for truth and salvation.\par \par \b Just for Teachers: \par First John is a pastoral letter\b0 \b that addresses a number of! interrelated topics\b0 \b centering on God\rquote s work for the church and our\b0 \b understanding of and relationship with God and one\b0 \b another. Use the object lesson in this introduction\b0 \b to help your class see how interdependent these\b0 \b themes are.\b0\par \par \b Object Lesson: \par \b0 Use a crystal, prism, or glass of water to break apart a beam of light into a spectrum of rainbow colors. White light is really many different colored rays blended together. Discuss with your cl"ass how light from God is a simple concept, but it is also vastly complex, dealing with many different aspects of God and truth and salvation. Indeed, though we study throughout eternity, we will never plumb the depths of the intricacies of this knowledge and what it means to us.\par \par \b Consider This: \par \b0 Read \cf4\ul Eph_1:17-19\cf3\ulnone and \cf4\ul Eph_3:16-19\cf3\ulnone and discuss the many aspects of what God wants us to know about Him and how we are to learn these things.\par \pard#\keepn\s1\ul\f1\fs22\par \pard\cf0\ulnone\f0\fs20\par \b TUESDAY September 8\par \par Salvation \par \b0\par \tab The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is all about Jesus. But not about Jesus in a vacuum. It's about Jesus and Redemption. It's about what God has done in behalf of the fallen race. It's about the amazing self-sacrifice of God Himself in order to restore us to what we were originally given, and even more.\par \par \tab In short, the Bible is about salvation, and that's a key theme$ in 1 John, as well.\par \tab\par \tab According to the following texts, how are we given salvation?\par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:9\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:2\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:9-10\cf0\ulnone \par % \par \tab The means of our salvation is Christ's blood (\cf1\ul 1Jn_1:7\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:6\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:8\cf0\ulnone ); that is, His atoning sacrifice (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:2\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:10\cf0\ulnone ). The Cross is not mentioned in 1 John directly. However, blood and atoning sacrifice point to the Cross. It is not the example of Jesus that saves us, as important as that is. It is His death. And yet, His example calls us to walk a&s He did (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:6\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par \tab For John, the salvation of the believers is a present reality. He describes it in various ways:\par \par \tab \tab They have come to know Him (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:2-3\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab \tab They are in Him (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:5\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:20\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab \tab Their sins have been forgiven (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:12\cf0\ulnone ). \par \tab \tab They have overcome the evil o\cf2 ne (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:13\cf2\ulnone ).\cf0\par \tab \tab' They have passed from death to life (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:14\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab \tab They have eternal life (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:12-13\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par \tab This is a wonderful portrayal of what salvation is all about.\par \par \tab Considering the great promises and hope that we have in Jesus, what more could you do in order to reach more people with the good news? What sacrifices are you willing to make in order to give others the opportunity to know Jesus and His salvation? \par \par \pard\keepn(\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 STEP 2-Explore\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Just For Teachers: \par Lead your class in a review of\b0 \b the themes of 1 John. Divide the class into five\b0 \b sections, one for each chapter of 1 John. (Add the\b0 \b first ten verses of chapter 2 to chapter 1\rquote s group,\b0 \b so each group has about twenty verses to examine.)\b0 \b The themes are the Godhead, the Church, Salvation,\b0 \b Christia)n Behavior, and Truth and Lies. Using a\b0 \b system to mark each theme, such as five colored\b0 \b pencils or markers, one color per theme; ask your\b0 \b class members to analyze and mark the verses\b0 \b assigned to their group in their Bibles. Prepare\b0 \b five pieces of poster board about 10 inches by 20\b0 \b inches long. Using the same colors for each theme,\b0 \b write the notes from the class on the boards, one\b0 \b theme per board. Tape the long sides of poster board\b0 \b together to* make a column similar to a five-sided\b0 \b prism.\par \b0 \par \b\i\f1\fs32 Bible Commentary\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b I. The Godhead\b0 \b\i (\b0 Review \cf4\ul 1Jn_1:2\cf3\ulnone .)\b\i0\par \b0 \par \ldblquote We are saved because God loves the purchase of the blood of Christ; and not only will He pardon the repentant sinner, not only will He permit him to enter heaven, but He, the Father of mercies, will wait at the very gates of heaven to welcome us, to give us an abundant entrance to +the mansions of the blest. Oh, what love, what wondrous love the Father has shown in the gift of His beloved Son for this fallen race!\rdblquote -\i The SDA Bible Commentary, \i0 vol. 7, p. 950. \par \b\par Consider This\b0 : \par Discuss the aspects of the Godhead covered in 1 John with the groups and write your notes on the first poster board.\par \par \b II. The Church\b0 \i (Review \cf4\ul 1Jn_2:12-14\cf3\ulnone .)\par \par \i0 \ldblquote He will not forget His church in the world of tempta,tion. He looks upon His tried and suffering people, and prays for them. . . . Yes, He beholds His people in this world, which is a persecuting world, and all seared and marred with the curse, an [He] knows that they need all the divine resource of His sympathy and His love. Our Forerunner hath for us entered within the veil, and yet by the golden chain of love and truth, He is linked with His people in closest sympathy.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White Comments, \i The SDA Bible Commentary\i0 , vol. 7, p. 948.\b \par \b0 \par \b Consider This\b0 : \par Discuss aspects of the church that First John brings up. Write these notes on the second poster board, and tape the long sides together. How do the comments John makes on the church relate to the Godhead?\par \par \b III. Salvation\b0 \i (Review \cf4\ul 1Jn_2:2\cf3\ulnone .)\b\i0\par \par \b0\ldblquote We need to keep ever before us the efficacy of the blood of Jesus. That life-cleansing, life-sustaining blood, appropriated by living faith, is our hope. We from it?\par \tab\tab\par With so much at stake, eternal life or eternal destruction, why is it F -m08-Loving Brothers and Sisters-Aug 15-21{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Trebuchet MS;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue64;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red36\green64\rking our Christian duty if we don't confront brothers or sisters in the church who are doing wrong? How do we deal with this difficult subject?\par \tab\tab\par How well does your local church do in the area of hospitality in general? How can you help the church do better in that area, if need be? \par \par \cf6\b\f2\par \cf3\par \par \pard\keepn\s1\ul\b0\f1\fs22\par \par \par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \b0\par \par \b\f0\par \b0\f3\fs23\par \par \cf0\f4\fs24\par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22\par } , and hopes into the body of Christ. Discuss whether or not it is correct to portray the early Christian church as an ideal faith community.\par \par \b III. An Independent Church?\par \b0\par Discuss whether or not a congregation can effectively go it alone-as Diotrephes obviously intended-without accountability or external direction. What are the dangers? What is Jesus\rquote vision for His followers? \i (See \cf5\ul Joh_17:11; Joh_17:21-23\cf3\ulnone ;\i0 \cf5\ul\i Eph_4:2-6\cf3\ulnone ; \cf5\ulke the right balance in dealing with the problem firmly while at the same time showing the grace and mercy of Christ? \par \tab \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Outside of Jesus Himself, which Bible character is your favorite role model, and why? In class, share your answers with each other and see what you can learn.\par \par \cf3\f2\par \par \par \par \par \pard\keepn\s1\ul\f1\fs22\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\ulnone\f2\fs20\par \pard\cf0\f3\fs24\par \cf3\b\f0\fs20\par \b0\f4\fs23\par \par } 2ed0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue64;\red0\green128\blue128;\red36\green64\blue97;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;} {\stylesheet{ Normal;}{\s1 heading 1;}} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 13 *September 19-25\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Power Struggle\tab\tab\par \par SABBATH AFTERNOON\tab\tab\par \par Read for this Week's Study:\b0 \cf2\ul Isa_14:13-14\cf1\ulnone 3; \cf2\ul Mar_9:35\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Co_12:7-31\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Co_13:1-13\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Php_2:3\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 3Jn_1:1-14\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rev_14:6\cf1\ulnone .\par \b\par Memory Text: \b0 "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God" (\cf2\ul 3Jn_1:11\cf1\ulnone , NKJV).\par \par \tab Power struggles come in various forms. Whether over the rulership of empires, over companies, or even over religi4ous position and authority, the fight for control can be ugly, even violent. In a real sense, the great controversy in heaven began with a power struggle-Satan seeking the position and authority that belonged only to Jesus, the Creator, and not to a creature. Unfortunately, even in the church that same spirit can be manifested. \par \par \tab Third John, the final letter in this series, deals with a power struggle in one of the early churches. On one side are the apostle John, Gaius, and Demetrius. On treact when it has a problem in leadership itself? How can it strike the right balance in dealing with the problem firmly while at the same time showing the grace and mercy of Christ? \par \tab \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Outside of Jesus Himself, which Bible character is your favorite role model, and why? In class, share your answers with each other and see what you can learn.\par \par \b\par \b0\f3\fs23\par \cf3\f2\fs20 \par \par \par \par \f3\fs23\par \cf0\f4\fs24\par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22\par } 4e difference? \par \par What Christians in your local church could be held up as role models? What about them is admirable? At the same time, what dangers arise when looking toward any sinner as a role model? \par \par Have you ever been greatly disappointed by someone you regarded as a role model? What lessons did you learn from this that could be of value to others? How can we learn from the good example of others and yet be protected from disappointment if they fail?\par \par How should a church 5not set any kingly power in the Seventh-day Adventist Church to control the whole body or to control any branch of the work. He has not provided that the burden of leadership shall rest upon a few men. Responsibilities are distributed among a large number of competent men."-Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies for the Church\i0 , vol. 8, p. 236.\par \tab\par \b Discussion Questions:\b0\par \par Think about power and how power is used. When is power a good thing, when is it a bad thing, and how do we know th6ent as supreme are in grave peril. It is Satan's studied effort to separate such ones from those who are channels of light, through whom God has wrought to build up and extend His work in the earth. To neglect or despise those whom God has appointed to bear the responsibilities of leadership in connection with the advancement of the truth is to reject the means that He has ordained for the help, encouragement, and strength of His people."-Ellen G. White, \i Gospel Workers\i0 , p. 444.\par \par "God has 7rself to the mission of sharing Christ with the world.\par \cf1\f0\par \par \b FRIDAY September 25\par \par Further Study:\b0 Read the following passages on church governance/leadership: \cf2\ul Joh_13:1-12\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Eph_4:11-16\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Th_5:12-13\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Ti_1:3-4\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Ti_4:13\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Ti_5:22\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2 Titus 1-3\cf1 ; \cf2\ul 1Pe_5:1-4\cf1\ulnone .\par \tab\par "Those who are inclined to regard their individual judgm8ar Action:\b0\par Determine what specific steps I can take to improve relationships within my church family and help develop a spirit of cooperation and shared purpose.\par \par \b Commitment\b0 : \par Reflect on Paul\rquote s prayer for the church at Ephesus \i (\cf4\ul Eph_3:14-21\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . As a member of the body of Christ, claim Paul\rquote s words for yourself and for your church. Ask the Holy Spirit to govern your words and actions when interacting with fellow believers and recommit you9of responsibility or influence within the church is only a \ldblquote caretaker\rdblquote on behalf of Christ. And it is only by acknowledging the headship of Christ-in our churches and in our lives-that we can hope to free ourselves from ego and ambition and become useful in mission.\par \par This week, set aside some time for:\par \par \b Self-examination:\b0\par Do my attitudes and behavior within the church reflect more the mission focus of Gaius or the self-centeredness of Diotrephes?\par \b\p:\b Just for Teachers: \par Challenge your class to\b0 \b internalize what they have learned so that the\b0 \b lessons of 3 John will help govern their\b0 \b relationships with others within the body of Christ.\b0\par \par It is sometimes easy to forget that Christ is our true leader, a role that often is assigned to the pastor, elder, youth leader, worship leader, or chair of the church board (\i see \cf4\ul Eph_1:22-23\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Col_1:18\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . Any person who holds a position ;dership is mentioned for the local level, as well as the universal church. However, Jesus Himself stressed that leadership in the church/churches must be servant leadership. Local churches were governed by a group of elders rather than by one person only. Decisions were made by involving the entire church or representatives of the church.\tab\par \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22\par T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 STEP 4-Create\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20\par ll believers are also part of the royal priesthood (\cf2\ul 1Pe_2:9\cf1\ulnone ). All have received spiritual gifts, which are necessary for the church (\cf2\ul 1Co_12:7-31\cf1\ulnone ). A distinction between laity and clergy is foreign to the New Testament. However, God has called some persons to leadership positions in the church and has gifted them. These persons should be respected. Leaders are not infallible and should not pretend to be. In some cases there even may be justified reasons for complaint? some issues and later moves on to others. So here, too, the doctrines of the church may have been affected in the long run. \par \par \tab We noticed a certain kind of power struggle and some desire for independence. This is found today in the idea of congregationalism, in which local churches try to be completely independent from any governing church body and rather strike out on their own. This is not the New Testament model.\par \par \tab Instead, all believers are the people and body of Christ. A@leaders from the pride and ambition of Diotrephes?\par \pard\keepn\s1\ul\f1\fs22\par \pard\cf1\ulnone\f0\fs20 \par \b THURSDAY\tab September 24\par \par Leadership Crisis in the Early Church\b0\par \par \tab Thus, from what we have seen, there was a leadership crisis in at least one of John's churches. According to this letter, the problem here concerned not so much theology, but rather personal ambition and a change in how churches were governed. However, often when a conflict begins, it involvesAs. Provide the second group with the following texts and ask them to compile a list of what, in Christ\rquote s view, characterizes a successful church leader: \cf4\ul Joh_13:13-15\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Mar_10:42-44\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 1Pe_5:2-3\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 2Co_1:24\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 1Th_2:7-11\cf3\ulnone . Bring both groups together. Discuss both lists. What are the key similarities and differences? Is Christ\rquote s vision of leadership realistic? What safeguards could help protect church Bter reasonable goals and objectives have been achieved.\rdblquote - Gordon MacDonald \cf5\ul <\cf0\ulnone{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/currenttrendscolumns/leadershipweekly/cln61106.html"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf5 http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/currenttrendscolumns/leadershipweekly/cln61106.html}}}\cf5\ul\f2\fs20 >\cf3\ulnone\par \par Divide the class into two groups. Ask one group to compile a list of characteristics necessary for a successful leader of a large businesC, then why should we set aside certain individuals for greater responsibility and authority within our local churches? \i (See \cf4\ul Heb_13:7\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul Heb_13:17\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Eph_4:11-13\cf3\ulnone .)\b\i0\par \b0 \par \b Activity: The Paradox of \ldblquote Christian Leadership\rdblquote\par \b0 Consider the following proposition: \ldblquote The very drive that propels some [Christian] leaders toward extraordinary levels of achievement is a drive that often keeps expanding even afD. What would that person write, and why? Dwell on the implications of your answer. \par \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 STEP 3-Apply\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Thought Question:\par \b0 The disputed leadership described in 3 John raises the question: Does a Christian community need a leader? If, as Peter says, we all share in the \ldblquote royal priesthood\rdblquote of believers \i (\cf4\ul 1Pe_2:9\cf3\ulnone )\i0 Ey it. In the end, one way or another, our life, our existence, sends a message, and that message can be a positive or a negative influence. This doesn't mean we are perfect, this doesn't mean we don't make mistakes, this doesn't mean we don't have room to improve. It means, instead, that others are watching us, others are listening to us, and others are influenced by us. The question is, What kind of witness do we bear?\par \par \tab Imagine someone giving a report about you and your Christian behaviorFe wanted him to be present when he planned to confront Diotrephes. \par \par \tab Perhaps the most important principle we can take away from this one verse about Demetrius has to do with the power of influence. Read the verse again. Who was able to testify about the "faithfulness" of Demetrius? It came from many directions. The point is that if we are living a Christian life, if we are faithful, others will know. Others can bear witness and testimony to it. And most important others can be influenced bGnow about Demetrius? \cf2\ul 3Jn_1:12\cf1\ulnone . \par \par \tab There is another Demetrius in \cf2\ul Act_19:23-29\cf1\ulnone . He was the silversmith who was responsible for the riot in Ephesus when Paul preached the gospel there. Nothing in the text indicates that this is the same person.\par \tab\par \tab Demetrius was a Gentile Christian. Demetrius supported the apostle John and may have been one of his associates and one of the traveling missionaries. John may havHho was acting contrary to the principles of Christ? \par \tab\par \tab Verse 11 is a transitional statement. It builds a bridge between what John has said about Diotrephes and what he is going to say about Demetrius. Evil has a representative, and this is Diotrephes. The arrogant and ambitious leader is clearly identified as belonging to that which is evil. On the other hand, a good example for Gaius to follow is Demetrius. \par \tab\par \tab What do we kI\par \b0 What do these quotes suggest about authority within the Adventist Church? How do church structure and established decision-making procedures help or hinder the church in its mission? Give examples.\par \par \cf1\f0 \par \b WEDNESDAY September 23\par \par Bearing Witness About Demetrius \b0\par \par \tab Read \cf2\ul 3Jn_1:11\cf1\ulnone . Why would John write this when he did? What important point is he making here, especially given the context, that of warning about a church leader wJssion, 1877.\par \par \ldblquote The church of Christ is in constant peril. Satan is seeking to destroy the people of God, and one man\rquote s\par mind, one man\rquote s judgment, is not sufficient to be trusted. Christ would have His followers brought together in church capacity, observing order, having rules and discipline, and all subject one to another, esteeming others better than themselves.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies for the Church, \i0 vol. 3, p. 445.\par \par \b Discuss: Knone ;\i0 \cf4\ul\i Eph_4:2-6\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 1Co_1:10\cf3\ulnone .)\i0\par \par \b IV.Authority Within the Church\par \pard\li45\par \pard\b0 Consider these two extracts from page 2 of the 2005 \i Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual\i0 :\par \par \ldblquote\i Resolved \i0 that the highest authority under God among Seventh-day Adventists is found in the will of the body of that people, as expressed in the decisions of the General Conference [session]. . . . \rdblquote -General Conference SeLerent personalities, experiences, hurts, and hopes into the body of Christ. Discuss whether or not it is correct to portray the early Christian church as an ideal faith community.\par \par \b III. An Independent Church?\par \b0\par Discuss whether or not a congregation can effectively go it alone-as Diotrephes obviously intended-without accountability or external direction. What are the dangers? What is Jesus\rquote vision for His followers? \i (See \cf4\ul Joh_17:11\ulnone ; \ul Joh_17:21-23\cf3\ulMar to you today? Can you think of other instances in Scripture in which conflict, power plays, or personal ambition impeded the mission of God\rquote s people? \i (See, for example, \cf4\ul Num_16:1-3\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul Luk_22:3-6\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul Act_6:1\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul 1Co_1:11-17\cf3\ulnone .) \i0 How can we foster the spirit of Gaius and Demetrius within our own lives?\par \par \b Consider This: \par \b0 Third John reminds us that the church is made up of ordinary people, who bring diffN of this short book lie in its suggestion that mission is the primary purpose of the Christian church-a task that requires a congregation to \ldblquote get its house in order\rdblquote before it truly can be effective?\par \par \b II. Dealing With Human Nature\par \b0\par Third John focuses on interplay of personalities. Ask the class to identify the main \ldblquote characters\rdblquote in this book and discuss the personality traits they seem to display. Which of these characteristics sound famili u 10-Confidence-Aug 29-Sep 4{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\lang1033A u10-Confidence-Aug 29-Sep 4{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Trebuchet MS;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue64;\red0.he principles of the Ten Commandments. How well would that work?\par \tab\tab\par In class, ask the question "What is truth?" Make sure that the members don't merely give examples of truth, but look for a working definition, one simple expression that covers the whole concept. What can you learn from this exercise?\par \par What do you do with the question of "calling sin by its right name"? How can we deal with wayward members without being judgmental or condemnatory? At the same time, are we not shiQe to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall."-Ellen G. White, \i Education\i0 , p. 57. \par \par \b Discussion Questions:\b0\par \par Discuss the idea that doctrine, or teaching, is not that important, that what matters is how kind and loving and accepting we are. What should we think of this idea? \par \par Go back over the idea of how obedience to the Ten Commandments is an expression of love. Try to imagine what it would be like expressing love while in violation of tRite with the rebellious, and call this charity. God requires His people in this age of the world to stand, as did John in his time, unflinchingly for the right, in opposition to soul-destroying errors."-Ellen G. White, \i The Sanctified Life\i0 , p. 65.\par \tab\par "The greatest want of the world is the want of men-men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needlScf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Ti_4:1-7\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 2Ti_2:14-19\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rev_2:1-3\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul Rev_2:12-16\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul Rev_2:18-25\cf1\ulnone .\par \par \par "The apostle teaches that while we should manifest Christian courtesy, we are authorized to call sin and sinners by their right names-that this is consistent with true charity. While we are to love the souls for whom Christ died, and labor for their salvation, we should not make a compromise with sin. We are not to unTth that \ldblquote we have heard from the beginning\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul 2Jn_6:1\cf3\ulnone )\i0 .\par \par Pray that in our everyday lives we will become champions of the truth, and of the One who is all truth.\par \par Pray that as we live and teach the truth we will do so with sensitivity to others, with self-control and humility, and, above all, with a spirit of love.\par \cf1\f0\par \par \b FRIDAY September 18\par \par Further Study:\b0 Read the following passages: \cf2\ul Gal_2:11-16\U \cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.episcopalian.org/efac/articles/essentials.html"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf5 www.episcopalian.org/efac/articles/essentials.html}}}\cf3\f2\fs20 .\par \par Set aside time before the close of class for an extended time of prayer. If the class is large, divide into groups of three or four people and ask those who wish to participate to:\par \par Pray for the presence of the Holy Spirit in our church, our homes, and our lives.\par \par Pray for a fresh conviction of the truV\ldblquote live the truth in love\rdblquote within their daily lives.\par \b0 \par \ldblquote Truth is hard if it isn't softened by love,\rdblquote writes theologian John Stott. \ldblquote And love is soft if it isn't strengthened by truth. We need this combination of truth and love . . . And of course there\rquote s only one way in which to grow in both, and that is through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of truth, and the first fruit of the Spirit is love.\rdblquote\parWo important for developing good relationships? What are the advantages of this kind of personal contact? What kind of example of personal contact did Jesus leave us? How can you improve your face-to-face dealings with others? \par \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22\par T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 STEP 4-Create\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Just for Teachers: \par Conclude your study by\b0 \b challenging class members to move beyond theory and\b0 \bX --The message was preserved for other churches and later generations that found themselves in similar situations. Indeed, John asked that the letter be shared with another church (vs. 13).\par \tab --A letter can be drafted very carefully and often can be more precise than an oral presentation. \par \tab --The Holy Spirit prompted him to record his message in writing.\par \par \tab Despite all this, John still wanted to meet with them face to face. \par \par \tab Why is face-to-face contact often sY are reminded of Paul's attitude when he wrote to the Galatians (\cf2\ul Gal_1:6-9\cf1\ulnone ). \par \tab John may have been able to share his message orally, but there also are advantages to a written form of communication:\par \par \tab --Letters by the apostles were regarded to have special importance and authority and were taken seriously.\par \tab --The letter may have reached the audience earlier than a personal visit would have. The urgency of the situation demanded a quick response.\par \tabZet with these believers personally.\par \par \tab Look at what John has written in \cf2\ul 2Jn_1:12-13\cf1\ulnone . What advantages are there to speaking face to face, as opposed to a written letter? What hint can you find from his expression "that our joy may be full" as to why he wanted to meet with them? See also \cf2\ul Act_2:42-47\cf1\ulnone .\par \par \tab The message that John communicates is quite strong. When it comes to the antichrists, John leaves no room for negotiation or a compromise. We[st of principles thatshould guide us in balancing \ldblquote live and let live\rdblquote with the need to correct others in love.\par \pard\keepn\s1\ul\f1\fs22\par \pard\cf1\ulnone\f0\fs20\par \b THURSDAY September 17\par \par Communicating With One Another (\cf2\ul 2Jn_1:12-13\cf1\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab With verses 12 and 13 we have reached the end of 2 John. These verses form the conclusion of the letter, and they allow us to see John's personal interest in his audience and his desire to me\/wiki/In_necessariis_unitas,_in_dubiis_libertas,_in_omnibus_caritas"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf5 www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_necessariis_unitas,_in_dubiis_libertas,_in_omnibus_caritas}}}\cf3\ul\f2\fs20 \ulnone - 19k)\i0 .\i\par \i0\par For Christians, what are the limits of tolerance? How far should we tolerate different ideas about truth within our faith community? How should we relate to the truth claims of others in society? If class size permits, divide into small groups and ask each group to develop a li]ldblquote . . . the need to exercise true tolerance towards others\rquote beliefs does not mean that one has to champion the irrational idea that all views are equally true.\rdblquote\i - \i0 Joseph Farinaccio\i , Faith With\i0 \i Reason: Why Christianity Is True \i0 (Pennsville, NJ: Bookspecs Publishing, 2002), p. 12.\par \par \ldblquote Unit in necessary things; liberty in doubtful things; charity in all things.\rdblquote -Peter Meiderlin \i (\cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.en.wikipedia.org^\b0 Consider these quotes from prominent Christians.\par \par "I want you to just let a wave of intolerance wash over you. I want you to let a wave of hatred wash over you. . . . We are called by God to conquer this country. We don't want equal time. We don\rquote t want pluralism\i\rdblquote - \i0 Randall Terry, former Evangelical leader (\cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.mediamatters.org/items/200503220001"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf5 www.mediamatters.org/items/200503220001}}}\cf3\f2\fs20 ).\par \par \_odoxy? How is it also something more relational and personal, as in living in close connection with the One who is all truth? John suggests that knowing and living the truth will make us loving \i (\cf4\ul 2Jn_1:4-6\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . How does a zeal for the truth inevitably produce loving actions? Why does John link these so closely? How is the truth John refers to closely connected with who Christ is? What is the connection between the truth and His character and ministry?\par \par \b Activity:\par `e of Christ do you present? In what ways could you do better? \par \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 STEP 3-Apply\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20\par \b Thought Questions:\par \b0 Why is the truth of the Gospel more than a set of doctrinal propositions? How is it a person-Jesus Christ? Why is it both? Give reasons for your answers. Review \cf4\ul 2Jn_1:1-2\cf3\ulnone . How does John define truth? Why is truth more than doctrinal orthacher would be perceived as encouragement of what he or she presents. Today we may have lost the sense of how problematic heresies can be. It is considered by some judgmental or arrogant even to talk about "heresy" at all, although Scripture addresses this topic frequently. John reminds us that there is a basic difference between truth and error.\par \tab\par \tab Think about how your actions impact others. Think about how easily your example can influence others for good or for evil. What kind of examplbe understood as endorsement of ideas opposed to truth. If this is the case, we must be very careful.\par \par \tab It has been suggested that in verses 10 and 11 John is concerned not so much with the behavior of an individual believer as with that of the entire church, and that the "house" mentioned in verse 10 is not a private dwelling place but the place where the church meets for worship. The church should not encourage a teacher who preaches heresy. \par \par \tab In short, to welcome a false teacropagate false doctrines, hospitality would be understood as an encouragement of his position and would actually help his work. Furthermore, church members who were wavering between the apostolic teaching and the false ideas could be puzzled or could even make a wrong decision if they saw a prominent church member letting a deceiver stay with him or her.\par \par \tab John is not proposing to hate these people, or to avoid any contact with them, but we must be aware of the fact that our behavior could bdhat John is saying in \cf2\ul 2Jn_1:10-11\cf1\ulnone ? See also \cf2\ul Mat_10:14-15\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Mat_18:15-17\cf1\ulnone .\par \par \tab Although hospitality is a Christian virtue, there are limitations. If hospitality leads to directly or indirectly supporting false doctrines, it must be abandoned. In the first century A.D., teachers were traveling around, preaching in various places, and staying with church members who would provide food and lodging. \par \par \tab If such a teacher would pety that threaten to undermine the centrality of Christ and His ministry of salvation, and why?\par \b\par \cf1\b0\f0\par \b Wednesday\tab September 16\par \par Refraining From Hospitality? (\cf2\ul 2Jn_1:10-11\cf1\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab The Bible sees great value in hospitality (\cf2\ul Heb_13:2\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul 1Pe_4:9\cf1\ulnone ). Jesus mingled with tax collectors, Pharisees, and others who may not always have had their theology or their lifestyle straight. How does such a call fit with wfman. \ldblquote Docetism\rdblquote comes from the Greek word \i dokeo\i0 , which means \ldblquote to appear or seem.\rdblquote According to this doctrine, Christ only \i appeared \i0 or \i seemed \i0 to be human.\par \par \b Consider This: \par \b0 John uses strong words to describe those teaching error. How does the specific nature of this heresy affect the strength of his warning? \i (Read \cf4\ul 1Co_15:12-19\cf3\ulnone .) \i0 What are the attitudes or teachings today within the Christian communig Read \cf4\ul Joh_14:6\cf3\ulnone and \cf4\ul Joh_6:35\cf3\ulnone . What did Jesus say about the nature of truth and how a person can approach truth? Do His words seem intolerant or exclusive?\par \par Read \cf4\ul Act_4:12\cf3\ulnone and \cf4\ul 1Co_15:12-19\cf3\ulnone . Can Christianity ever compromise its claims of exclusive truth?\par \par \b III. Protecting Truth\par \b0\par Many scholars believe that John was referring to the false doctrine of Docetism, which claimed Christ was not truly huhcceptance by society make us complacent about preserving and sharing truth?\par \par \b II. Knowing Truth\par \b0 A common view in today\rquote s postmodern society is that absolute truth is unknowable. Those who insist that they know truth are seen as intolerant, arrogant, or worse, as dangerous fanatics. Yet, the writer of 2 John assumes not only that truth can be known but that it has already been given to the church \i (see \cf4\ul 2Jn_1:1-2\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul 2Jn_1:4\cf3\ulnone )\i0 .\par \par i \ldblquote . . .condemned as rebels against the empire, as foes of religion, and pests to society.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Great Controversy\i0 , p. 40.\par \par \b Discuss the Following Propositions\i : \par \b0\i0 Was truth-correct doctrine-important to John, in part, because it was a \ldblquote glue\rdblquote that helped strengthen and unify these embattled communities? Today, is the truth valued more in areas where freedom to worship is threatened? Why, or why not? In what ways could ajr of 2 John doesn\rquote t identify the recipients of his letter, it\rquote s probable that they shared the difficulties faced by many Christians of the era. Roman governor and historian Tacitus, writing some 64 years after Christ, referred to Christians as \ldblquote a class hated for their abominations.\rdblquote - \cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.probe.org/context/view/18/77"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf5 http://www.probe.org/context/view/18/77}}}\cf3\f2\fs20 ) Ellen White writes that Christians werek\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b I. The Importance of Truth\par \b0\par Read aloud \cf4\ul 2Jn_1:1-4\cf3\ulnone . How many times does the writer mention the word \i truth\i0 ? What does he imply about the importance of truth in the life of a faith community? Ask someone to read aloud \cf4\ul Eph_4:14-16\cf3\ulnone .\par \par \b Consider This: \par \b0 In what ways does a common understanding of truth strengthen a church community and allow it to function as God intended?\par \par Although the writelpn\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 STEP 2-Explore\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Just For Teachers: First-century Christians lived\b0 \b and worshiped in conditions very different from\b0 \b those experienced by most Christians today. Explore\b0 \b with your class how learning how to \ldblquote live the truth\b0 \b in love\rdblquote is a challenge that transcends time and\b0 \b circumstances.\b0\par \par \b\i\f1\fs32 Bible Commentaryprtbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue64;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;} {\stylesheet{ Normal;}{\s1 heading 1;}} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 13 *September 19-25\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Power Struggle\tab\tab\par \par SABBATH AFTERNOON\tab\tab\par \par Read for this Week's Study:\b0 \cf2\ul Isa_14:13-14\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Mar_80   /132  !"#$%&'(123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO/    0;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;} {\stylesheet{ Normal;}{\s1 heading 1;}} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 13 *September 19-25\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Power Struggle\tab\tab\par r9:35\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Co_12:7-31\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Co_13:1-13\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Php_2:3\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 3Jn_1:1-14\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rev_14:6\cf1\ulnone .\par \b\par Memory Text: \b0 "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God" (\cf2\ul 3Jn_1:11\cf1\ulnone , NKJV).\par \par \tab Power struggles come in various forms. Whether over the rulership of empires, over companies, or even over religious position a 5 11-Important Themes in First John-Sep 4-11{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue64;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 11 *September 5-11\par \tab\ 5q11-Important Themes in First John-Sep 4-11{\rtf1\ snd authority, the fight for control can be ugly, even violent. In a real sense, the great controversy in heaven began with a power struggle-Satan seeking the position and authority that belonged only to Jesus, the Creator, and not to a creature. Unfortunately, even in the church that same spirit can be manifested. \par \par \tab Third John, the final letter in this series, deals with a power struggle in one of the early churches. On one side are the apostle John, Gaius, and Demetrius. On the other side tis Diotrephes, who is trying to establish his supremacy. A power struggle in a local church? Certainly as Christians today, we don't face anything similar, do we?\tab\par \par \b The Week at a Glance: \b0 To whom did John write this letter? What do we know about Gaius and his character that could be of value for ourselves? What kind of power struggle was going on in the church? \par \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 26.\par \par \i0 \par \b SUNDAY September 20\puar \par The Elder and Gaius (\cf2\ul\b0 3Jn_1:1-4\cf1\ulnone\b , \cf2\ul\b0 3Jn_1:13-15\cf1\ulnone\b )\b0\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \tab This is one of the few letters in the New Testament (along with \cf2\ul Phm_1:1\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul 1Ti_1:2\cf1\ulnone and \cf2\ul 2Ti_1:2\cf1\ulnone , and \cf2\ul Tit_1:4\cf1\ulnone ) that are addressed to an individual person, not to a congregation.\par \par \tab Interestingly enough, John refers to himself here as an elder (\cf2\ul 3vJn_1:1\cf1\ulnone ). But John was an apostle, not a local church elder, so why did he do that? There are a number of possible reasons, some of which do not necessarily exclude each other: (1) The title elder may refer to position, age, or both. In the case of John, the latter use seems to be probable. (2) By using the title elder, John indicates that the letter is not just a letter to a friend, but an official communication. (3) The title points to respect and authority, which were due its holder. (4) In w\cf2\ul 1 Peter_5 \cf1 :1\ulnone Peter addresses the elders and calls himself their fellow elder, although he is an apostle. John may be following this usage. (5) The use of elder by John may point to his humility and collegiality, which differs widely from the attitude of Diotrephes.\tab\par \par \tab What do we learn about Gaius in \cf2\ul 3Jn_1:1-4\cf1\ulnone ?\par \par \tab John must have had a good relationship with Gaius. He calls him beloved and tells him that he truly loves him. Three times dxerivatives of the word "to love" are used in verses 1 and 2 to describe John's relation to Gaius. \par \par \tab How do we understand what it means, as Christians, to love each other? How do we show that love? See \cf2\ul 1Co_13:1-13\cf1\ulnone .\par \par \tab John rejoices that Gaius is walking in the truth; he mentions that twice in verses 3 and 4 and says that even brothers who had met Gaius were praising his wonderful Christian attitude and lifestyle. John, on his part, longs to meet Gaius soon anyd talk to him personally. The greetings to and from Gaius show that there was a larger circle of believers who were acquainted with him and who supported him. \par \par \tab Go over \cf2\ul 1Co_13:1-13\cf1\ulnone . How well do you manifest the principles that Paul talks about there? In what areas do you do fairly well; in what areas could and should you improve? \par \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\pazr \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Key Text: \cf4\ul\b0\i 3Jn_1:11\cf3\ulnone\par \i0 \par \b The Student Will:\par \par Know: \b0 Recognize and support the leadership of the church.\par \b\par Feel: \b0 Be willing to use our resources to support the church.\par \b\par Do: \b0 Be a good example for those around us.\par \par \b\i\f1\fs32 Learning Outline:\par \fs18\par \i0\f2\fs20 I. Know: Respecting leaders\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. Make a chart listing how John refers to Gaius and Diotrephes. Wh{at does it tell you about the power struggle in the local church?\par \pard\par \pard\fi720 B. What leadership qualities does John see as important? Note that some are implied from his description of Diotrephes.\par \pard\par \pard\fi720 C. Reflect on our church organization. How does this safeguard against personality cults and power struggles?\par \pard\par \b II. Feel: Willing Sacrifice\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. contrast to 2 John, here in 3 John the church members are called to support travel|ing evangelists. How can we foster a spirit of giving and supporting the work and mission of the church?\par \pard\par \pard\fi720 B. The church requires consistent support. How is faithfulness cultivated and developed in the life of the individual and in the church?\par \pard \par \b III. Do: Be a Good Example\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. Based on John\rquote s example in 3 John, what practical principles can we draw for dealing with leaders who have gone in a wrong direction?\par \pard\par \pard\}fi720 B. Brainstorm factors that prevent us from imitating what is good. Share positive steps to ensure that we are a good example to those around us.\par \pard \par \b Summary: \par \b0 Leadership crises have been in the church since John\rquote s time. We are called to support the leadership and be a good example to those around us.\par \par \par \cf1\f0 \par \b MONDAY September 21\par \par Gaius and His Ministry to the Church (\cf2\ul\b0 3Jn_1:5-8\cf1\ulnone\b )\b0\par \par \tab Read \~cf2\ul 3Jn_1:5-8\cf1\ulnone and paraphrase what John is saying. What important lesson is there for us here? \par \par \tab In his second letter John had addressed the issue of hospitality and had warned against being hospitable to traveling missionaries who were teaching heresy. True believers cannot support antichrists. In 3 John the apostle comes back to the issue of hospitality. And here he stresses that some traveling missionaries needed help. They were preaching the gospel for free but needed a place to stay overnight and some food. Unlike the heretical missionaries John already dealt with, these missionaries were people dedicated to God in all respects.\par \par \tab Gaius had supported them and had shown hospitality toward them. The missionaries were quite impressed and had mentioned Gaius favorably in church.\par \par \tab What we see here deals not just with hospitality, not just with giving someone a place to sleep for the night, but with the whole principle of support for the work of ministry and missions. John is thankful that Gaius had treated these people as he has. It shows his openness and willingness to give of himself for the work of spreading the gospel. In this sense, Gaius should be an example to all of us. The Lord has chosen us, as believers, to spread this truth to the whole world.\par \par \tab Read \cf2\ul Rev_14:6\cf1\ulnone . Who is that angel, and how broad and wide is his mission? \par \par \tab As Christians in general and Adventists in particular, we must be aware of our calling to support the work of spreading the gospel everywhere in the world. Whatever our position, whatever our role, we all can have a part to play. \par \par \tab How involved are you in helping to spread the truths we have been given? What more could you do? How much of your own time, money, and pleasure would you be willing to give up for the sake of helping others hear the good news of Jesus Christ and the promise of His return? \par \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 Learning Cycle\par \b0 \fs18\par \b\fs32 STEP 1-Motivate\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \par \b0 Only as we acknowledge the Headship of Jesus-in our lives and in the church-can we hope to free ourselves from self and serve God as we were meant to.\par \par \b Just for Teachers: \par Third John is the shortest book\b0 \b in the Bible, but it deals with issues that touch\b0 \b every congregation within every culture: integrity\b0 \b of leadership, difficult personalities, and\b0 \b organizing the church to focus more effectively on\b0 \b mission. Introduce these themes to your class as you\b0 \b prepare for an in-depth look at this power struggle\b0 \b in the early Christian church.\par \b0 \par History is littered with the wreckage of hundreds of failed experiments in creating \ldblquote utopia\rdblquote -the ideal human community. In 1893, 238 adults and children sailed from Sydney, Australia, to establish a utopian colony in Paraguay known as \ldblquote New Australia.\rdblquote Their dreams of a simple, harmonious existence, based on shared assets and work, dissolved within a few years. The tipping point was disagreement over allowing alcohol. A small group broke away and established another colony nearby. Before long, quarrels about money and leadership ended this community too.- \cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Australia"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf5 www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Australia}}}\cf3\f2\fs20 . Throughout the centuries, the failure of ever utopian dream has had one thing in common: human nature.\par \par Ask the class to think about their own faith community; their church family. The word \i family\i0 implies more than just a strong bond of faith and purpose that connects each of us as part of the body of Christ. It also implies the disagreements, misunderstandings, and personality clashes that are an inevitable part of family life. The book of 3 John graphically illustrates that how we deal with these difficulties determines whether our church family will be damaged or healthy, mired in internal disputes or focused outward on mission.\par \cf1\f0\par \par \b TUESDAY September 22\par \par Diotrephes (\cf2\ul 3Jn_1:9-10\cf1\ulnone )\b0\par \par "Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, 'If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all' " (\cf2\ul Mar_9:35\cf1\ulnone , NIV). \par \par \tab What important Christian principle is found in this verse? More important, how can we learn to follow it ourselves?\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\par \tab After having pointed to Gaius and his ministry, John is now ready to tackle the problem with Diotrephes, the leader of the church to which Gaius belonged. This man was, obviously, a source of many problems, and John is determined to deal with him at the right time.\par \par \tab Read \cf2\ul 3Jn_1:9-10\cf1\ulnone . What was the problem with this man? From the little information we have, in what ways was he going completely against what it means to be a Christian? See also \cf2\ul Isa_14:13-14\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Mat_12:37\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Mat_18:3-6\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Php_2:3\cf1\ulnone .\par \par \tab Whoever this Diotrephes was, he was a problem. Church members were being pushed aside or even disfellowshiped for showing basic Christian courtesy to others. But this was not all. Probably Diotrephes was trying to establish himself as the only leader of the congregation or at least as the one in control. He may have confused lust of power with zeal for the gospel. Arrogantly he rejected the authority of the apostle John and others; Diotrephes even went further and slandered John. \par \par \tab This was a dangerous development, because it sounds as if Diotrephes wanted do be independent from those who were overseeing the church on a larger scale. Such an attitude had the potential to dramatically change the nature of the church and the role church members would play in the church. \par \tab\par \tab Might there not be a bit of Diotrephes in all of us? Look at yourself. Are you greedy for power? Do you speak out against those you don't like? Most important, are you making the sad mistake of automatically assuming that what is best for you personally is best for the church as a whole?\par \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 STEP 2-Explore\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Just for Teachers: \par The question of rightful\b0 \b authority within the church has caused disagreement,\b0 \b debate, and schism for more than two thousand years.\b0 \b Explore with the class how the incident recorded in\b0 \b 3 John helps us better understand issues of\b0 \b leadership and authority within today\rquote s church\i .\i0\par \b0 \par \b\i\f1\fs32 Bible Commentary\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20\par \b I. Why \ldblquote Housekeeping\rdblquote Matters\par \b0 \par Why was 3 John included in the biblical canon? On the surface it is merely a personal \ldblquote housekeeping\rdblquote letter. It deals with a specific situation in an unidentified Christian community and is not addressed to the broader church. What wider purpose could this text possibly have?\par \par \b Consider This: \par \b0 In 2004, more than 500 Christian pastors were asked about the biggest source of conflict in their congregation. Eighty-five percent listeOd power relations-\ldblquote control\rdblquote -as a leading cause of conflict, while matters of doctrine or cultural issues ranked much lower. - \cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.ctlibrary.com/le/2004/fall/6.25.html"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf5 www.ctlibrary.com/le/2004/fall/6.25.html}}}\cf3\f2\fs20 .\par What is John\rquote s great concern underlying all these \ldblquote housekeeping\rdblquote matters? Is it that this dispute is obstructing the work of evangelists he has sent out? Why does the significancemithfully remain in it have the Father and the Son. God the Father and Jesus are placed on the same level. The rejection of the teaching about Jesus leads to a loss of the relationship with the Father.\par \par \tab What has been your own experience with false teachers and false doctrines? Were you able to see, especially in the beginning, where these teachings could have led you? What have you learned from these experiences that could help others struggling with something similar? \par \par \pard\keeaying about the importance of having correct "doctrine"? See also \cf2\ul Mat_16:12\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Act_2:42\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rom_6:17\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rev_2:14-15\cf1\ulnone .\par \par \tab John is under no illusion that doctrine does not matter. For him, false teaching can lead to the loss of one's eternal life. Thus, doctrine matters! \par \par \tab In our passage it is obviously the apostles' teaching about Jesus that is being challenged. Those who accept this biblical teaching and fa JJ=Y12-Letter to Chosen Lady-Sep 12-18{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Trebuchet MS;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue64;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red36\green64\blue97;} {\stN 12-Letter to Chosen Lady-Sep 12-18{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fc g Away From Sin\par \par SABBATH AFTERNOON\par \par Read for This Week's Study\b0 : \cf1\ul Joh_3:19\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_8:12\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rom_3:10-20\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Ti_1:15\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:5\cf2 \cf0 -\cf2 \cf1 1Jn_2:2\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \b Memory Text\b0 : "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (\cf1\ul 1Jn_1:9\cf0\ulnone , NASB).\par \par \tab In 1982 an unusual work of modern art went on display. It was a shotgun affixed to a chair. The artwork could be viewed by sitting in the chair and looking directly into the gun barrel. The problem was that the gun was loaded and set on a timer to fire at an undetermined moment within the next hundred years. Amazingly enough, people waited in lines to sit and stare into the shell's path, although they knew that the gun could go off at any moment. \par \par \tab Talk about tempting fate! \par \par \tab Unfortunately, people do the same thing with sin, thinking that they can stare it in the face and still get away unharmed. Unlike the gun, however, sin-unless dealt with-definitely will kill them. \par \par \tab This week John looks at the problem of sin and its solution in Jesus Christ.\par \par \b The Week at a Glance:\b0 What does the Bible mean when it calls God "light"? What kind of errors regarding the reality of sin did John seek to deal with in these early verses? What promises does John present to us as the remedy for the sin in our lives? Why do we need those promises? \par \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 18.\par \b\i0\par \par SUNDAY July 12\par \par The Light (\cf1\ul 1Jn_1:5\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab Read \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:5\cf0\ulnone . What does John mean that "God is light"? After all, light is merely a physical phen\cf3 omenon, a form of energy made up of photons. What point is John making? See \cf1\ul Psa_27:1\cf3\ulnone , \cf1\ul Psa_36:9\cf3\ulnone , \cf1\ul Mat_4:16\cf3\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_3:19\cf3\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_8:12\cf3\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_12:46\cf3\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Ti_6:16\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \tab Light is used in reference to both Jesus and the Father. Light is God's glory, and it points to Him as the One who brings salvation. The image also emphasizes the concept of truth and revelation. And, especially in our immediate context, it stresses His moral qualities of righteousness, holiness, and perfection (see also \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:9\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par \tab Why is John not content to say that God is "light" but adds that "in him there is no darkness at all"?\par \par \tab By adding this phrase, the apostle underlines in strongest possible terms God's perfection and His separation from sin. He is not comparable to the Greek or Roman gods, in whom one supposedly would find virtues and vices combined. God is pure holiness, pure goodness, pure righteousness. He is, in a sense, as opposite to sin as darkness is to light.\par \par \tab John's mention of darkness, meanwhile, introduces a new element, one that sets the stage for what follows. As fallen beings, steeped in sin, humans belong by nature to the sphere of darkness rather than to the realm of light. If God is light and we are in darkness, the contrast between us and God, especially in terms of holiness and righteousness, couldn't be greater. \par \par \tab Think about darkness. What kind of emotions, images, and thoughts does it evoke in you? Write down what you come up with about darkness, about what it represents, and about how it makes you feel. Why is it such an appropriate image for sin and unholiness? Bring your responses to class. \par \par \cf4\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\f2\fs24\par \i\f1\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20 \par \b Key Text: \cf5\ul\b0\i 1Jn_1:8-10\cf4\ulnone\par \i0 \par \b The Student Will:\par \b0\par \b Know: \b0 Accept that Jesus is the only solution for sin.\par \par \b Feel: \b0 Thankful for forgiveness freely given.\par \par \b Do: \b0 Respond by confessing our sins and asking for forgiveness.\par \par \b\i\f1\fs32 Learning Outline:\par \i0\f3\fs20\par I. Know: Jesus Is the Only Solution to Sin\par \b0\par \tab A. According to John, what is the ultimate self-deception? \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_1:8\cf4\ulnone ).\b\i0\par \b0\par \tab B. In \cf5\ul 1Jn_1:2\cf4\ulnone \i parakletos \i0 is translated \ldblquote advocate.\rdblquote Define the role of an advocate. What impact does knowing that Jesus is our advocate have on our lives?\par \par \tab C. What happens when we confess our sins?\par \par \b II. Feel: The Key to Freedom\par \b0\par \tab A. Imagine that you are locked in a dark room, when unexpectedly the door opens and light streams in. How would you feel? Think of some other analogies that describe how you feel when you have experienced forgiveness.\par \par \tab B. How can we foster a spirit of thankfulness and not take forgiveness for granted?\par \par \b III. Do: Living in the Light\b0\par \par \tab A. How, when, and where should we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness?\par \par \tab B. What prevents us from seeing the enormity of our sin? What steps can we take to open our eyes?\par \par \tab C. What can we do to cultivate a proper attitude to our struggles with sin?\par \par \b Summary: \par \b0 There is only one solution for the sin problem, and that is Jesus. He is able and willing to forgive us if we are willing to confess our sins.\par \b \par \cf0\b0\f0\par \b MONDAY July 13\par \par The Sin Problem (\cf1\ul 1Jn_1:6\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:8\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:10\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab\cf1\ul 1Jn_1:6-10\cf0\ulnone forms a unit. After his principal statement about God's character, John deals with some beliefs apparently circulating among the believers. It is these beliefs that he criticizes.\par \par \tab All five verses begin more or less in the same way; namely, with the phrase "If we." However, we notice a marked difference among them. \par \par \tab What are some of the claims that John, in verses 6, \cf6\ul 1Jn_1:8\cf0\ulnone , and \cf6\ul 1Jn_1:10\cf0\ulnone , is dealing with? What false statements are being made, and what do they have in common? \par \par \tab The first statement discusses fellowship with God. People claim to have fellowship with God, but in reality they walk in darkness, which means that they really aren't walking with God. \par \par \tab In contrast (\cf6\ul 1Jn_1:7\cf0\ulnone ), walking in the light results in true fellowship. Those who do that are cleansed from their sins. Therefore, to walk in darkness has to do with living in sin. Living in sin and claiming to have fellowship with God is, according to John, a lie. \par \par \tab The next two claims, in \cf6\ul 1Jn_1:8\cf0\ulnone and \cf6\ul 1Jn_1:10\cf0\ulnone , also are linked with sin. Though John speaks against the practice of sin, he's very clear about the reality of it in our lives. In \cf6\ul 1Jn_1:8\cf0\ulnone he seems to be dealing with the belief that humans are not sinful, a teaching that goes against the most basic Christian doctrine. \par \par \tab Why is John's declaration in \cf6\ul 1Jn_1:10\cf0\ulnone so important? What are the implications of the idea that "we have not sinned"?\par \par \tab Notice the progression in these verses. In \cf6\ul 1Jn_1:6\cf0\ulnone , the folks are lying. In \cf6\ul 1Jn_1:8\cf0\ulnone , they deceive themselves. In verse 10, they make God a liar. Obviously, John understands the reality and seriousness of the sin problem for humanity.\par \par \tab How open and honest are you with yourself regarding the reality of sin in your own life? Do you tend to ignore it, justify it, or berate yourself over it? What should be your attitude toward your own struggles with sin, and what can you do in order to cultivate the right attitude? What is the right attitude?\par \par \cf4\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\f3\fs20\par \i\f4\fs32 Learning Cycle\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20\par \b\i\f1\fs32 STEP 1\emdash Motivate\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20 \par \b Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \par Walking in light\b0 \b demands that our lives reflect, in some small way, the life of Jesus, who is the Light.\b0\par \par \b Just for Teachers: \par One cannot rise above the god one\b0 \b worships. For example, when a person worships a god\b0 \b who is dualistic-both good and evil-can that person\b0 \b be morally upright, following good and shunning\b0 \b evil? This week\rquote s lesson deals with God as light. \b0 \b Christians who worship such a God cannot walk in\b0 \b darkness, but walk in light\i .\i0\par \b0\par \b Discover: \par \b0 Look up the following texts and see how the word \ldblquote light\rdblquote is used in the Bible:\par \par \cf5\ul Gen_1:3\cf4\ulnone \par \par \cf5\ul Psa_119:105\cf4\ulnone\par \par \cf5\ul Psa_119:130\cf4\ulnone \par \par \cf5\ul Isa_5:20\cf4\ulnone \par \par \cf5\ul Joh_1:5\cf4\ulnone\par \par \cf5\ul Joh_1:7\cf4\ulnone \par \par \cf5\ul Joh_3:19-21\cf4\ulnone \par \par \cf5\ul Eph_5:8\cf4\ulnone \par \par \cf5\ul Rev_21:23\cf4\ulnone \par \par \b Discuss: \par \b0 What did the exercise teach you about light? How do the various meanings of light, when taken together, give you a more fully developed sense of who God is?\par \par \cf0\f0\par \b TUESDAY July 14\par \par Responses to the Sin Problem (\cf1\ul 1Jn_1:7\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:9\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:2\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab It's clear that in these verses John is dealing with the seriousness of sin. How does he understand sin? In \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:4\cf0\ulnone he equates sin with lawlessness. According to \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:17\cf0\ulnone , sin is wrongdoing or unrighteousness. It is a departure from the will of God as revealed to us in Scripture. Sin also is opposed to truth. It alienates from God the person who commits sin, and this alienation leads to spiritual death. Sin, in the singular, may point to the separation of the sinner from God; in the plural, sins, it may point to sinful acts. However we view it, one thing is certain: Sin is real, and unless dealt with, it will destroy us.\par \par \tab\cf1\ul 1Jn_1:7\cf0\ulnone and \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:9\cf0\ulnone contain divine promises regarding the solution to the sin problem. What are those promises, and how can we make them real in our own lives? How can we experience for ourselves what God is promising us here?\par \par \tab Forgiveness of sins has become possible because of Christ's death on the cross, the shedding of His blood as the sacrifice. Because we have transgressed the law and therefore deserve death, He died in our place and has set us free from the eternal condemnation that our transgression otherwise will bring us. More so, His blood purifies us from every sin. \par \par \tab However, from our side, confession of sins is necessary. The term to confess in \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:9\cf0\ulnone also can mean to admit, to acknowledge. The text does not mention to whom sins have to be confessed. God is certainly implied, because in the next part of the verse we hear that if sins are confessed, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins. It may be that confession of sins includes also public confession before those who were hurt through our sins; even so, the forgiveness of sin comes only from God. \par \par \tab\cf1\ul 1Jn_1:9\cf0\ulnone also has the force of a command. We should lay our sins before God, and He will forgive us and purify us. Sinning makes us guilty; we need forgiveness. Sin makes us unclean; we need purification. Through Jesus, God has made a way for us to have both.\par \par \tab What areas of your life might you need to change in order to better avail yourself of these wonderful promises? What holds you back from choosing to surrender all your sinful ways to God?\par \par \cf4\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\f3\fs20\par \i\f4\fs32 STEP 2-Explore\par \i0\f3\fs20\par Just for Teachers: \par Jesus as God in flesh brought a\b0 \b basic message to this world. That message unveils\b0 \b God\rquote s character and what He demands of us \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_1:5-10\cf4\ulnone ; \cf5\ul 1Jn_2:1-2\cf4\ulnone )\i0 . Both are important in order to\b0 \b experience what God has done to us through Christ.Make that point come through in today\rquote s discussion.\par \b0 \par \b\i\f4\fs32 Bible Commentary\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20\par Upon what is the Christian understanding of God based? Not reason. Not logic. Not nature. Not philosophy. But \ldblquote the message which we have heard from Him\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_1:5\cf4\ulnone ,\i0 \i NKJV)\i0 -from Jesus Christ. The message is simple: God is light and He expects us to walk in the Light.\par \b\par I. God Is Light \par \b0\i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_1:5-6\cf4\ulnone )\i0 To say \ldblquote God is light\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_1:5\cf4\ulnone ) \i0 is to say that God is essentially pure, absolutely holy, uncompromisingly righteous, fully transparent, and self-revealing. Our knowledge of Him rests E reasons we do not always follow Jesus\rquote example. Share ways that we can avoid these pitfalls.\par \par \b Summary: \par \b0 A true knowledge of God results in a living relationship with God and loving relationships within the framework of God\rquote s commandments.\par \par \cf1\f0\par \b MONDAY July 20\par \par Keeping the Commandments (\cf2\ul 1Jn_2:3-5\cf1\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab Anyone can say that they know God. In fact, a lot of people have done that, even people in John's day. not upon our innate ability but on His revelation through Jesus Christ \i (\cf5\ul Joh_14:9-12\cf4\ulnone )\i0 . As light, God provides our way out of chaos and darkness, not only in the cosmos \i (\cf5\ul Gen_1:1-4\cf4\ulnone )\i0 , but also in human life: He \ldblquote has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul 2Co_4:6\cf4\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 . Hence the assurance of the believer: \ldblquote The Lord is my light and my  \cf2\ul Deu_4:1-4\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Co_15:4-8\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Jn_1:1-4\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul 1Jn_1:5\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rev_19:13\cf1\ulnone .\tab\tab\tab\par \b Memory Text: \b0 "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ" (\cf2\ul 1Jn_1:3\cf1\ulnone , NIV).\par \par \tab In court a man stands charged with murder. He swears, vociferously, that he is innocent, that he didat they are ready to give up on God completely? What promises and encouragement can you offer them? What examples from the Bible can you find of God forgiving some very heinous sin?\par \par 3. Some people believe that we have to be utterly free of all sin before we can be saved. How do you deal with this belief without, at the same time, giving the impression that sin doesn't matter?\par \par 4. Someone killed most of a family of people who were not Christians and who never professed faith in Jesus. rq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Courier-Bold;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red33\green88\blue104;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 2 *July 4-10\par \par Experiencing the Word of Life\par \par SABBATH AFTERNOON\par \b0\par \b Read for This Week's Study:\b0  yQ13-Power Struggluy13-Power Struggle-Sep 19-25{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Trebuchet MS;}} {\colon ng baco!04-Keeping His Commandments-Jul 18-o!a07-Living as Children of God-Aug 8-14{\rtf1\ansi> m09-Believing in Son of God-Aug 22-28{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Trebuchet MS;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue64;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1Mn't do it, and that he wasn't even at the scene when the crime occurred. He sounds very convincing too. From his words alone, one could be tempted to believe him. \par \par \tab Then, however, witnesses appear. One after another, the eyewitnesses say the same thing: They saw the accused at the scene of the crime, and they saw him (and even in some cases heard him) commit the crime. Though individual details differ, depending on where they were at the time of the incident, their eyewitness accounts are overwhelming, and the man's guilt becomes obvious. \par \par \tab In a similar way John introduces his letter by claiming that he belongs to the circle of eyewitnesses who, having seen and personally experienced Jesus, are able to share this life-transforming information with others. \par \b\par The Week at a Glance:\b0 Why is Jesus the "Word of life"? What does John hope to accomplish by writing this introduction? How can we, even today, be eyewitnesses to Jesus? What role does community have in the life of a Christian?\par \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 11.\par \i0\par \par \b SUNDAY July 5\par \par The Introduction to John's First Letter (\cf2\ul 1Jn_1:1-4\cf1\ulnone )\b0\par \tab\tab\tab\par \tab Read \cf2\ul 1Jn_1:1-4\cf1\ulnone . What is John saying to us with those words? What hope can you take from them for yourself? Also, why do you believe him?\par \par \tab John begins by pointing out that he, together with others, is an eyewitness of "the Word of )life." Verse 2 further explains this "life," and together with the first part of verse 3, stresses its proclamation. \par \par \tab What two things does John say will come as a result of his declaration about "the Word of life?" \par \par \tab In verses 1 and 3 John makes seven statements before he finishes the sentence: (1) What was from the beginning, (2) what we have heard, (3) what we have seen, (4) what we have looked at, (5) what we have touched,(6) what we have seen, and (7) what we have heard.dnciation of the sinful pursuits and gratifications of the world."-Ellen G. White, \i The Great Controversy\i0 , p. 475.\par \par Positively speaking, our passage tells us: Genuine Christians have an intimate relationship with the Godhead, manifest loving obedience, have received strength to conquer evil, and have God's Word dwelling in them. Their sins have been forgiven. Negatively, they do not love the world but reject it where it is hostile to God and His cause.\par \par \b Discussion Questions:\b0 life. God is robbed in tithes and offerings, while they consume upon the altar of destroying lust more than they give to relieve the poor or for the support of the gospel. . . . The world is given up to self-indulgence. 'The lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life' control the masses of the people. But Christ's followers have a holier calling. . . . In the light of God's word we are justified in declaring that sanctification cannot be genuine which does not work this utter renu in the voice of Eve, David, or Jezebel that narrates his or her experience. Have class members volunteer either to read or to perform their monologue for the class.\par \cf0\f4\fs24\par \b\f0\fs20\par FRIDAY July 31\par \par Further Study:\b0 Read Ellen G. White, "Worldliness in the Church," pp. 196, 197 in\i Testimonies for the Church\i0 , vol. 2.\par \tab\par "Professed Christians yearly expend an immense sum upon useless and pernicious indulgences, while souls are perishing for the word of Eve, David, and Jezebel similar in their choices? How were they different? Which of the three areas-lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, the pride of life mentioned by John-was each one particularly vulnerable to? What cautionary and instructive lessons about their choices and the consequences can be applied to our lives? In what kind of situations would the lessons drawn from their lives particularly be useful?\par \par \b Dramatic Monologue\b0 : \par Write a monologue, based on the character study,our lives as if they do? \par \b \par \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\i\fs32\par STEP 4-Create\par \i0\f3\fs20\par Just for Teachers: \par The Bible Commentary mentioned\b0 \b Eve, David, and Jezebel. Challenge your students to\b0 \b compare and contrast their lives, using the\b0 \b questions below to guide their exploration. Invite\b0 \b class members to present what they learned to the\b0 \b class.\b0\par \par \b Bible Study Project: \par \b0 How wereot be separated from theology. Pious words and correct doctrines are not enough. Our theology must be lived. \par \par \tab Let us not get so comfortable here that we forget our eternal goal; let us not compromise our love for God by being attracted to those things and attitudes that are hostile to Him.\par \par \tab What examples of the transient nature of things on earth do you see every day? What do they say to you? Why-when it's so obvious that things here don't last-do we find it so easy to live s, the Light. The things of this world are passing away; that should be obvious to everyone. Political solutions never can be the ultimate solution, not in a world that's passing away and we along with it. \par \par \tab If the world is passing away, how can we survive? John answers: by doing the will of God. Although correct theology is important and John tries to refute the false teachers with their misguided understanding of Jesus and sin, it also is important to live a life of obedience. Ethics cannn is eternal" (\cf1\ul 2Co_4:18\cf0\ulnone , NIV). \par \par \tab What does the Bible teach in other places about the transitory nature of the world and planet Earth? \cf1\ul Dan_2:35\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Co_7:31\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 2Pe_3:10-12\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \par \tab In \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:8\cf0\ulnone , John had already stated that the darkness was passing away. Now he uses the same verb and says that the world is passing away, including its lust. A new era has come with the incarnation of Jesue seen. Therefore, Paul joins John by saying: "keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory" (\cf1\ul Col_3:1-4\cf0\ulnone , NASB) and: "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unsee6 the apostle presents the first reason that we should not love the world: the love of the world and the love of the Father are incompatible. In verse 17 John adds a second reason: It does not make sense to love the world, because the world is impermanent. It is better and wiser to choose that which lasts. By doing so, we ourselves also will last-that is, we will live forever.\par \par \tab Humanity is tempted to live by the moment, to be captivated by the material world, and to treasure only what can b experience. It means a daily choice. How does this choice affect our daily decisions? Share specific situations.\par \par We are called to be imitators of Christ. But we see many worldly practices creeping into our lives and homes every day. What are some of these practices, and how do you face them? How do we witness to the world without imitating it?\par \cf0\f0\par \par \b THURSDAY July 30\par \par The Transient Nature of the World (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:17\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab In verse 1. Read this\b0 \b gem to the class, and have them discuss the\b0 \b following:\b0\par \par \b Thought Questions:\par \b0 What kind of new moral taste does the believer receive upon conversion? How does it differ from the world\rquote s?\par \par Make two lists: things that God loves and the things that the world loves. How is your everyday life affected by these?\par \par \b Application Questions:\par \b0 Being in the world and not of the world is a spiritual choice, essential to the salvationst come? \par \tab \par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\i\fs32\par STEP 3-Apply\b0\i0\f3\fs20\par \par \b Just for Teachers:\par \ldblquote When a man is converted to God,\b0 \b a new moral taste is supplied, a new motive power is\b0 \b given, and he loves the things that God loves; for\b0 \b his life is bound up by the golden chain of the\b0 \b immutable promises to the life of Jesus.\rdblquote -Ellen G.\b0 \b White, \i Selected Messages, \i0 book 1, p. 336cence of our God, as beings utterly incapable of saving ourselves from eternal death and destruction, we should be humble and meek regarding our lives, not full of pride about them. It was pride that brought the fall of Lucifer in a perfect world; as beings in an imperfect one, we should flee it like the plague.\par \par \tab Which is it for you? Lust of the flesh? Lust of the eyes? The pride of life? Or any combination thereof? What's your only hope? What are you waiting for to make the changes that mued our lives, and hence the glory and honor of any of our accomplishments should belong to ourselves. "Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves" (\cf1\ul Psa_100:3\cf0\ulnone ). In contrast, when we realize that every breath, every heartbeat, everything that we could ever have or be comes only from God, upon whom we're utterly dependent, pride will be the last thing in our hearts. As sinful, fallen beings whose very existence depends totally on the grace and benefi\cf0\ulnone ).\tab \par \par \tab Lust of the eyes, though certainly linked to the flesh, takes it deeper, takes it to our thoughts, our desires, to the things that we see and want for ourselves (see \cf1\ul Exo_20:17\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par \tab What does John mean about "the pride of life"? What is this, and why is it so bad? See \cf1\ul Job_12:10\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Act_17:28\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \tab The idea of "the pride of life" implies independence from God. It's as if we ourselves creats out some details. What does it mean to love the world? John mentions three things: (1) the lust of the flesh, (2) the lust of the eyes, and (3) the boastful pride of life. John says that these three things are not of the Father but of the world; yet, our flesh, our eyes, and our life all come from God. What, then, is the problem? What is John warning us against?\par \par \tab Lust of the flesh, obviously, deals with passions, though it does not have to be limited to that alone (see \cf1\ul Gal_5:19-21blquote not of the world\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul Joh_17:11;\ulnone\i0 \ul\i Joh_17:14\cf3\ulnone ). \i0 What does this mean?\par \cf0\f0\par \par \b WEDNESDAY July 29\par \par Problems With the World\b0\par \par \tab "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world" (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:16\cf0\ulnone ).\tab\tab\par \par \tab While verse 15 is quite a broad warning against loving the world, verse 16 now spell \ldblquote pleasant to the eyes\rdblquote ; David\rquote s arrogant misuse of power and his urge to satisfy the desires of the flesh which ended in adultery and murder; Jezebel\rquote s dehumanizing pride that destroyed Naboth. A Christian does not belong to such a world. They have moved on to another world, where to die is to live, to love is to serve, and to worship God is to obey Him at all costs.\i\par \i0 \par \b Discuss: \par \b0 Jesus said that we are \ldblquote in the world\rdblquote but \ld false teachers who are not mentioned in John's last epistle? It is conceivable that all three letters deal with a similar situation but from different perspectives. While 1 and 2 John warn against false teachers, 3 John may show how in one particular instance church leadership tried to control the problem.\par \par \tab In many parts of the world the idea of "doctrinal orthodoxy" sounds so medieval; it reminds people of such things as the Inquisition, when folk were tortured and killed because they weren't "orthodox" enough in their theology. Hence, many shy away from the idea of orthodoxy altogether, arguing instead that all you need is love, regardless of teaching. John, though, whatever his strong emphasis on love, didn't shy away from dealing with theological error. What should this tell us regarding how we should act in the face of theological error in our own church? \par \b\par \b0\par \cf3\ul\f2\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \cf1\b\f3\fs24\par \cf3\i\f8\fs32 Learning Cycle\par \par STEP 1-Motivate\par \b0\i0\f6\fs20\par \b Key Concept for Spiritual Growth:\b0 \par John\rquote s letters emphasize the true nature and mission of Jesus. Hewrote them to help us experience the joy and the assurance of salvation.\par \par \b Just for Teachers\b0 : \par \b John\rquote s letters are among the last of the New Testament writings. Read through them in one sitting to get a sense of the apostle\rquote s burden for the church. Focus on the theme common to the letters and lead the class to understand what the joy and the assurance of salvation means.\par \b0\par \b Discuss:\b0 \par One important feature of the three epistlesis the emphasis on the uniqueness of Christianity. The author does this through a series of contrasts: light and darkness \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_1:6\cf3\ulnone )\i0 ; Christ and antichrist \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_2:18\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul 2Jn_1:7\cf3\ulnone ) \i0 truth and falsehood \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_2:4\cf3\ulnone )\i0 ; being of God and being in the world \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_4:4-5\cf3\ulnone )\i0 ; the spirit of truth and the spirit of error \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_4:6\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . Are such contrasts absolute? Or are there gray areas in between the extremes? Give reasons for your answers.\par \par \b Discover:\b0 \par Ask members to read the following verses and discover the purpose of John\rquote s letters:\par \par \cf4\ul 1Jn_1:4\cf3\ulnone \par \par \cf4\ul 1Jn_2:1\cf3\ulnone \par \par \cf4\ul 1Jn_2:26-27\cf3\ulnone \par \par \cf4\ul 1Jn_5:13\cf3\ulnonsalvation; whom shall I fear?\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul Psa_27:1\cf4\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 . There is something absolute about God being light: \ldblquote In Him is no darkness at all\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_1:5\cf4\ulnone ,\i0 \i NKJV)\i0 . Some philosophers teach that good and evil necessarily coexist, and that both spring from the same source. The apostle denounces such false teaching. God is light, and light\rquote s innate nature is to dispel darkness. It is God\rquote s absolute holiness and moral purity that makes Him the only source of truth and salvation.\i\par \b\i0\par Think on This: \par \b0 Jesus said, \ldblquote \lquote I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life\rquote \rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul Joh_8:12\cf4\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 . How does God, as light, not only save us from darkness but empower us to walk in the light? \i (Compare \cf5\ul Eph_5:8-14\cf4\ulnone .)\i0\par \par \b II. Walking in the Light \par \b0\i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_1:7-10\cf4\ulnone to \cf5\ul 1Jn_2:1-2\cf4\ulnone )\i0 God is light. We as sinners are in darkness-moral and spiritual darkness \i (\cf5\ul Rom_3:23\cf4\ulnone ; \cf5\ul Isa_1:5-6\cf4\ulnone )\i0 . But the \ldblquote message\rdblquote we have received from Jesus is that through Him we can move from darkness to light and have fellowship with God. That fellowship makes our joy complete \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_1:3-4\cf4\ulnone ) \i0 and permits us to walk in the light. Walking in the light demands that we be aware of three dangers and three assurances. The apostle introduces each of these dangers and assurances by the phrase \ldblquote if we\rdblquote and paints a picture of contrast between error and truth.\i\par \i0\par \b First, the danger of inconsistent conduct. \ldblquote If\b0 \b we \b0 say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul\i0 1Jn_1:6\ulnone\i ,\cf4 NKJV)\i0 . The gospel demands a consistency between talk and walk, profession and conduct, worship and fellowship. We cannot say we have fellowship with God, but lead a life that is contrary to God\rquote s will \i (see also \cf5\ul 2Co_6:14\cf4\ulnone )\i0 . Such an inconsistent life makes us liars, and we are judged to be children of darkness. \b On the other\b0 \b hand, \ldblquote if we \b0 walk in the light,\rdblquote and maintain our \ldblquote fellowship with one another,\rdblquote we bear testimony that our sins have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ \i (\cf5\ul 2Co_6:7\cf4\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 , and we remain in light.\par \par \b Second, the danger of denying the fact of sin.\b0 \b\ldblquote If we \b0 say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_1:8\cf4\ulnone ,\i0 \i NKJV)\i0 . Some in the world refute the existence of sin. They see moral lapses, relational defects, or breaches of civil law, but these are all imperfections of conduct against a code devised by society. While such conduct may have its consequence (a fine or a jail sentence), it has nothing to do with sin as a rebellion against God. The denial of the fact of sin leads to a denial of a need for the Savior, and the \ldblquote truth is not\rdblquote in those who make such claims. \b On the other hand, \b0 the Christian attitude toward sin is not to deny it but to admit it and confess it. For \b\ldblquote if we \b0 confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_1:9\cf4\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 . Denial of sin perpetuates moral and spiritual darkness. But confession of sin leads to a life of light and forgiveness.\b\par \b0\par \b Third, the danger of claiming sinlessness. \ldblquote If\b0 \b we \b0 say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_1:10\cf4\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 . To say that we have not sinned or to say that we hav reached perfection so that we cannot sin is to make God a liar, for His Word plainly declares that all are sinners \i (\cf5\ul Rom_3:23\cf4\ulnone , \cf5\ul Psa_51:5\cf4\ulnone )\i0 . Perfection on this side of heaven makes the mediatorial ministry of Jesus unnecessary. Of course, John desires that those who are saved \ldblquote may not sin.\rdblquote But the apostle is pragmatic and offers the assurance: \b\ldblquote if anyone\b0 \b sins, \b0 we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_2:1\cf4\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 . \par \par \b Review \b0 the three contrasting statements given above. Recall a personal experience during which you faced one of the three dangers John warns against and God\rquote s promise came to your rescue. How did the promise help deliver you?\par \cf0\f0\par \b WEDNESDAY July 15\par \par The Christians' Goal (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:1\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab In \cf1\ul 1 John_2\cf2 \cf0 :1\ulnone John calls us not to sin. How should we understand this admonition?\par \par \tab The context of the call here not to sin comes in the context of walking in the light, which was introduced with the statement that God is light. If we want to live in fellowship with Him and His children, we must walk in the light, and to walk in the light means to renounce sin (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:1\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par \tab John addresses the believers in a caring and intimate way, calling them "little children" and telling them one reason for writing his letter: They must renounce sin completely. By doing this, he is not suggesting that a completely sinless existence is possible, but he is pleading that Christians stay away from any definite act of sin. \par \par \tab Why does John balance his admonition not to sin with the phrase "and if anyone sins" (NKJV)? See also \cf1\ul 1Ki_8:46\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rom_3:10-20\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Ti_1:15\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \tab The discussion of sin here could have been mis-understood in the sense that someone might think that sin does not matter: "Do not claim to be without sin; you are a sinner anyway. Therefore, just live your life and do not worry about sin." \par \par \tab John therefore has to balance his statements about sin, and he does this with \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:1\cf0\ulnone . The goal of a disciple of Christ is not to sin. Christians must admit that they are sinners, yet, they must seek to live without sin. \par \par \tab At the same time, John doesn't want to give the idea that we can be perfectly sinless. Therefore, along with his admonition against sinning, he says: "If anyone sins, we have an Advocate . . ." (NKJV). This is a clear acknowledgment of the reality of sin in the lives of Christians. Even consecrated and sincere Christians may commit sins. Unfortunately, sinning is always a real possibility for church members. Therefore they need help. They need someone to help them resist temptation, but they also need someone who intervenes for them after they have sinned.\par \par \tab How can we learn to live with the tension of being sinners, and yet being admonished-very strongly in the Bible-not to sin?\par \b\par \cf4\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\f3\fs20\par \i\f4\fs32 STEP 3-Apply\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20\par \b Just for Teachers: \par What is the first thing you do\b0 \b when you hear a piece of good news? Grab a phone and\b0 \b tell a friend, right? Yet, what have you done with\b0 \b the most wonderful good news that this world has\b0 \b ever known: that Jesus saves us from sin and makes\b0 \b us children of light? Consider the following:\par \b0 \par \b Thought Questions:\b0 \par Jesus said, \ldblquote \lquote Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven\rquote \rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul Mat_5:16\cf4\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 . How is being a light linked to obedience and good works?\b\par \b0 \par \cf5\ul 1Jn_1:6-7\cf4\ulnone presents an important gospel principle: Fellowship with God, fellowship with one another, and walking in the light are all inseparable parts of the Christian calling. Why must we as Christians have all three?\par \par \b Application Questions:\par \b0 How do you answer the Christian calling in (a)your community, (b) your church, and (c) your family? What are some difficulties you may face in trying to do this? How do you meet the challenges?\par \par Isaiah said, \ldblquote Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you\rdblquote \i (\cf5\ul Isa_60:1\cf4\ulnone ,\i0 \i NKJV)\i0 . One quality of light is to shine and dispel darkness. How can we shine radiantly for Christ?\par \ul\f1\fs22\par \cf0\ulnone\b\f0\fs20\par THURSDAY July 16\par \par The Christians' Comfort (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:1-2\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:1-2\cf0\ulnone contain wonderful statements that comfort repentant sinners and fill them with hope and courage. In spite of sin and guilt and horrible consequences that often arise from our sins, there is a solution. John has already mentioned forgiveness or purification of sins. Now he comes back to this topic again, saying that this forgiveness has become possible through Jesus.\par \par \tab How? First, He is our Advocate, and He intervenes in our behalf. This Advocate is identified as the Messiah ("Christ"), and it is said that He is righteous. Righteousness was attributed to God the Father in \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:9\cf0\ulnone . It is attributed to the Son in \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:1\cf0\ulnone , and it's because of His righteous character that He can intercede for us. \par \par \tab Second, our forgiveness is secured because, through His sacrificial death, Jesus brought about propitiation, or atonement; this means that He paid the penalty for our sins. The debt that we owed, which we could never pay, Jesus paid for us. \par \par \tab John therefore portrays Jesus as Sacrifice and Intercessor. In the context of the New Testament witness, this implies that Jesus lived among us a sinless life, died on the cross, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven where He intercedes in our behalf. \par \par \tab The term \i parakletos\i0 , translated advocate in \cf1 1Jn_2:1\cf0 , has been translated differently; e.g., comforter, helper, advocate, mediator, or intercessor (see \cf1\ul Joh_14:16\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_14:26\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_15:26\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_16:7\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:1\cf0\ulnone ). It is a person who is called to the side of someone else and who stands up for someone else. A \i parakletos\i0 can be a person who helps a friend. In the Gospel of John the Holy Spirit is the helper. In the first Epistle of John, Jesus is the helper and intercessor (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:1\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par \tab When we talk about Jesus as our Advocate and take great comfort in the fact that He is instrumental in providing forgiveness for our sins, we must be careful not to give the impression that the Father is mean and harsh and must be persuaded by a go-between to forgive us. Such a picture of God is unwarranted. He is the One who sent Jesus in our behalf (\cf1\ul Joh_3:16\cf0\ulnone ). Also, a few verses earlier we were told that He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us (\cf1\ul 1Jn_1:9\cf0\ulnone ). Jesus does not have to pacify the Father. On the contrary, the Father is the One who has revealed, through Jesus, His desire for our salvation. \par \par \tab Based on what we have just read, how do you understand the wonderful promises given us in \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:1-2\cf0\ulnone ? What do they mean in terms of our daily walk with the Lord? How can you make those promises more real in your own life? What changes should those promises bring to our experience?\par \par \cf4\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \f3\fs20 \par \b\i\f4\fs32 STEP 4-Create\b0\par \i0\f3\fs20 \par \b Just for Teachers: \par Encourage your class to engage in\b0 \b the following creative expressions and activities\b0 \b this coming week as a way to live and experience the\b0 \b truth of the lesson more fully: Jesus as our Light.\b0\par \par Music is a mnemonic device. Just ask anyone to recite the alphabet. Chances are one of them will start singing the letters. That\rquote s because setting something to music makes it easier to remember. Try memorizing \cf5\ul 1Jn_1:9\cf4\ulnone . Then, if you are musically inclined, try setting this, and other verses studied this week from the lesson, to music. Or try learning verses that already have been put to song as a defense against the three temptations John warns against in His first epistle.\par \par Do a word study of the ways that light is used in the three epistles of John, contrasting them against the use of darkness. What does this comparison teach you about the power of light against darkness and the danger of darkness?\par \par Lighthouses keep ships from wrecking against rocks. Become a living lighthouse. Look for someone in your family or in your community who has a specific need and fill it.\par \par \cf0\f0\par \b FRIDAY July 18\par \par Further Study: \b0 Read Ellen G. White, "Confession," pp. 37-41 in \i Steps to Christ\b .\i0\par \b0\par " 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' The conditions of obtaining mercy from God are simple and reasonable. The Lord does not require us to do some grievous thing in order to gain forgiveness. We need not make long and wearisome pilgrimages, or perform painful penances, to commend our souls to the God of heaven or to expiate our transgression. He that 'confesseth and forsaketh' his sinSecond, John mentions three specifics of the\b0 \b world that a believer must reject: \b0\ldblquote the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_2:16\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . Together they typify a lifestyle and a worldview dominated by the love of self, rejection of God, and glorifying in the things of the world. Witness, as examples, the destructiveness of those who embraced this worldview: Eve\rquote s embracing the serpent\rquote s words because the fruit wasen_1:31\cf3\ulnone ). \i0 Nor does it refer to the world of people, whom God loves. It means the world of sin: the present evil system under the control of Satan. This system stands in opposition to God\rquote s priorities, explained in \cf4\ul 1Jn_2:12-15 \cf3\ulnone : forgiveness of sin, knowing and living with God, leading a victorious life over sin, and abiding in God\rquote s Word. To be a Christian one must renounce the world of sin and the things that such a world claims as its own. \par \par \b alvation?\par \par \b II. The Christian Struggle\par \b0\i\par (Read \cf4\ul 1Jn_2:14-17\cf3\ulnone with your class.) \i0 Even though believers have victory \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_2:14\cf3\ulnone ),\i0 the apostle cautions them on two counts. \par \par \b First, \ldblquote do\b0 \b not love the world or the things in the world\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_2:15\cf3\ulnone , NKJV). \i0 Obviously \ldblquote the world\rdblquote does not refer to the physical world, which is pronounced good \i (\cf4\ul Gover sin is not simply living a moral and ethical life. It is affirming a personal victory over the devil and then going on to live the sanctified life. This privilege is not our doing but Christ\rquote s. We overcome because Christ overcame. His victory is our victory. His strength is our strength \i (see \cf4\ul Joh_16:33\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul Rom_8:31-39\cf3\ulnone ).\par \i0 \par \b Discuss: \par \b0 According to \cf4\ul 1Jn_2:12-17\cf3\ulnone , what are the factors by which we can be sure of our sa strong component of John\rquote s vocabulary. Of the 28 times the Greek word related to the idea of \ldblquote victory\rdblquote appears in the New Testament, 24 are found in John\rquote s writings. He was an eyewitness to the Cross and the Resurrection, which affected God\rquote s ultimate victory over sin and Satan. To the apostle, victory is a crucial core of Christian living: \ldblquote You have overcome the wicked one\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_2:13\cf3\ulnone , NKJV).\i0\par \i\par \i0 Victory ite, \i The Acts of the\i0 \i Apostles, \i0 p. 28.\b\par \b0\par \b Second, we know God, \ldblquote who is from the\b0 \b beginning\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_2:13-14\cf3\ulnone , NKJV). \i0 Humanity is ever in search of God. Some turn to philosophy; some to a universal principle; some to an idol. But Christians experience-as close as a child-father experience. \par \par \b Third, we have victory over sin and the world\b0 \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_2:13-14\cf3\ulnone ). \i0\ldblquote Victory\rdblquote is n the psalmist prays, \ldblquote For thy name\rquote s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul Psa_25:11\cf3\ulnone ), \i0 he refers not to just God\rquote s name, but to what God is: merciful and gracious, worthy of all trust. To call upon Jesus as the source of forgiveness is to place complete faith in what Christ has done in human flesh. Because of who Jesus is and what He has done on the cross, His name is the Christian\rquote s \ldblquote badge of distinction.\rdblquote -Ellen G. Whis name\rquote s sake\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_2:12\cf3\ulnone ). \i0 The name Jesus means He is the Savior \i (\cf4\ul Mat_1:21\cf3\ulnone ). \i0 Through Him \ldblquote\lquote is preached to you the forgiveness of sins\rquote \rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul Act_13:38\cf3\ulnone , NKJV); \i0\ldblquote \lquote for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved\rquote \rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul Act_4:12\cf3\ulnone , NKJV).\i0 A name in biblical thought is more than just a name. Wheelievers of various levels of maturity.. But the true believer need not be afraid. \ldblquote The world is passing away,\rdblquote but \ldblquote he who does the will of God abides forever\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_2:17\cf3\ulnone ,\i0 \i NKJV).\i0\par \par \b I. The Christian Privilege\par \par \b0\i (Read \cf4\ul 1Jn_2:12-14\cf3\ulnone with your class.)\i0 The apostle outlines three privileges unique to Christian fellowship. \i\par \i0\par \b First, our sins are forgiven\b0 \ldblquote for Hm up?\par \par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\i\fs32\par STEP 2-Explore\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20 \par \b Just for Teachers: \par The apostle tells the community\b0 \b of faith that they are the most blessed on earth and, at the same time, the most beset by dangers.\b0 \b Emphasize in this lesson that they will explore both\b0 \b the joys and the struggles of Christian life.\par \b0 \par \b\i\f1\fs32 Bible Commentary\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20 \par \b Overview: \b0 To b things of the world that, if cherished by us, will keep us from knowing and experiencing for ourselves the love of God. That is, we need to stay away from the things of the world that will keep us from having a saving relationship with God.\par \par \tab Be painfully honest with yourself. What are some of the things of the world that you love, that you know are wrong? Or are there things in the world that, of themselves, aren't bad but that you love more than God? What will it take to make you give the and over in Scripture, to love people, and people are certainly in the world. \par \par \tab How do you understand the tension here? How are we to love people and yet not love the world, when the world is, primarily, people? Are there some things in the world, other than people, that we can love too? If so, what? \par \par \tab The end of verse 15, and the next verse, help us to understand what John has in mind. He does not say we should hate humans or despise Planet Earth; rather, we should hate the be overcome (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:4-5\cf0\ulnone ). In the Johannine epistles the term world is predominantly a negative term, because the world is in rebellion against God.\par \par \tab An interesting tension arises in Scripture regarding our relationship to the world. On the one hand, we are told not to love the world, but then on the other hand, the Bible is clear that God loves the world (\cf1\ul Joh_3:16\cf0\ulnone ). Meanwhile we are told not to love the things in the world, yet we are admonished, over John. The world needs salvation (\cf1\ul 1Jn_4:14\cf0\ulnone ), yet it is hostile to God and His people (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:13\cf0\ulnone ). It lies in the power of the evil one (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:19\cf0\ulnone ), and false prophets, antichrists, and deceivers are in the world (\cf1\ul 1Jn_4:1\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:3\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Jn_1:7\cf2\ulnone ). \cf0 It is not wrong to possess the world's goods, but they should be shared with the needy (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:17\cf0\ulnone ). Finally, the world needs tow does Scripture define the term world? \cf1\ul Joh_12:19\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_15:19\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Act_17:24\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rom_1:20\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Col_2:8\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Ti_6:7\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Jam_4:4\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rev_11:15\cf0\ulnone .\tab\par \tab\tab\par \tab The term \i kosmos\i0 (translated "world") designates the universe, the earth, humankind, the realm of existence, and the way of life opposed to God. The term occurs more than 20 times in 1 John and 2 \b0 Nietzsche made reason a god instead of worshiping the God who made reason, and, in the end, reason abandoned him. With Nietzsche\rquote s story in mind, why must we abandon what the world calls reason, even at the risk of appearing \ldblquote unreasonable,\rdblquote in our attempt to be in the world but not of it?\par \cf0\f0\par \par \b TUESDAY July 28\par \par Renouncing Any Love of the World (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:15\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab Christians are admonished not to love the world. How. Nietzsche\rquote s actions call to mind Aaron\rquote s forging of a golden calf, which he presented before Israel with the words, \ldblquote This is your god\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul Exo_52:4\cf3\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 . In a world that seduces with its golden opportunities for wealth, passion, and self indulgence, we are every bit as vulnerable as Israel to the temptation to forget heaven. Aaron\rquote s golden calf. Nietzsche\rquote s bronze horse. What kind of a God is yours?\par \par \b Discuss: \par riedrich Nietzsche, an atheist and arguably the most influential philosopher of the nineteenth century. Nietzsche announced that God was dead. Yet, in his sunset days he was alleged to have been found in a park, hugging a statue of a horse and whispering to it, \ldblquote Be my God.\rdblquote Ironic, isn\rquote t it? Nietzsche\rquote s need for God was so strong that it overthrew his own objections, impelling him to venerate an inanimate, man-made statue. Sadly, forging a god from an animal is nothing neveryone needs to be aware of what it\b0 \b means to live a Christian life in this world. Share\b0 \b with the class the apostle\rquote s burden for living the\b0 \b Christian life \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_2:12-17\cf3\ulnone )\i0 .\par \b0 \par Every soul cries out for God. It seems this instinct to worship is so deeply encoded in our DNA that even someone who professes not to believe in a Creator feels impelled to satisfy the need for one in other-sometimes bizarre-ways. Such, apparently, was the case with Fnd be prepared (if you are willing) to share it in class on Sabbath. \par \par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \f3\fs20\par \b\i\f1\fs32 Learning Cycle\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20 \par \b\i\f1\fs32 STEP 1-Motivate\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20 \par \b Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \par \b0 Even as Christians live in the world, they need to reject the values and priorities of the world.\par \b\par Just for Teachers: \par Regardless of one\rquote s age or faith\b0 \b maturity, en us.\par \par \tab Because believers know that God and His Word lives in them, they are ready for the challenge issued in verses 15 through 17. While verses 12 through 14 contain affirmative statements, verse 15 begins with an imperative, a call or command: "Do not love the world" (NKJV)\par \par \tab Write down a paragraph in which you answer the question: What does it mean to know God? What does your answer tell you about yourself and your relationship to God? Work on your answer through the week aositors have suggested that in these verses an implicit reference to the Trinity is found: God the Father, Jesus as the One who is from the beginning, and the Holy Spirit represented through the Word of God. In the end, true believers have come to know God and continue to know Him; that is, they have an intimate relationship with Him.\par \par \tab Thus, in these verses we're given the essence of the Christian life: forgiveness of sins, knowing the Godhead, victory over sin, and the Word of God living i 'shall have mercy.' \cf1\ul Pro_28:13\cf0\ulnone . In the courts above, Christ is pleading for His church-pleading for those for whom He has paid the redemption price of His blood. Centuries, ages, can never lessen the efficacy of His atoning sacrifice. Neither life nor death, height nor depth, can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus; not because we hold Him so firmly, but because He holds us so fast. If our salvation depended on our own efforts, we could not be saved; but it depends on the One who is behind all the promises."-Ellen G. White, \i The Acts of the Apostles\i0 , pp. 552, 553.\par \par \b Discussion Questions:\b0\par \par 1. In class, read what you wrote about the thoughts and emotions and images that the idea of "darkness" brought to you. How does that help you better understand not only what it means to be unrighteous and in sin but also what it means to walk in the light of God?\par \par 2.How could you help those who are so burdened with their sins and guilt thvoiding the trap of believing that we can be saved in disobedience to the law? \tab\par \par 4. What can you, as a class, do to help your local church as a whole better understand what it means to manifest love? Is there even such a thing as corporate love? Picture what the ideal and perfectly loving local church would be like. How well does your local church match up?\par \par \cf4\b\i\f1\fs32\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20 \par \b\par \par \cf0\b0\f6\fs24\par \b\f0\fs20\par \cf1\b0\f7\fs23\par \par } f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Courier-Bold;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset0 Times-Bold;}{\f6\fnil\fcharset0 Trebuchet MS;}{\f7\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue64;\red0\green128\blue0;\red33\green88\blue104;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 4 *July 18-24\par \par Walking in the Light-Keeping His Commandments\par \par SABBATH AFTERNOON\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Read for This Week's Study:\b0 \cf2\ul Lev_19:18\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Luk_14:26\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Joh_3:20\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul Joh_3:13\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Ti_2:4\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 2Pe_3:18\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Jn_2:3-11\cf1\ulnone . \par \b\par Memory Text:\b0 "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments" (\cf2\ul 1Jn_2:3\cf1\ulnone , NKJV).\par \par \tab A pastor had been counseling a husband and wife. The problem? The husband had been having extramarital affairs. That's not an extramarital affair but, in fact, many of them. The husband tried to calm the situation by telling the wife that although he had been with other women, it didn't mean that he didn't love her. In fact, he said, he loved her more than any of the others.\par \par \tab As could be expected, his words-far from solving the problem-only made it worse. Why? Because if you love someone, you show it by your actions, by your deeds, not just by what you say. \par \par \tab This week, John talks about what it means to know and to love God. Anyone can say that they love the Lord. The question is, According to the Bible, how are we to reveal that love?\par \par \b The Week at a Glance:\b0 What does it mean to know God, as opposed to just knowing about Him? What roles does obedience to God's law have in our relationship with God? What does John say about Jesus as a role model for behavior? What is! the "new commandment" that John gives and how "new" is it really?\par \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 25.\par \b\par \par \i0 SUNDAY July 19\par \par What Do We Know? (\cf2\ul 1Jn_2:3-5\cf1\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab The phrase "by this we know" (NKJV) appears twice in the above passages. Just what is it, according to John, that Christians know? \par \par \tab First, that they have come to know God (\cf3\ul 1Jn_2:3\cf1\ulnone ) and, second, that they "are in Hime \par \par \cf4\ul 2Jn_1:4\cf3\ulnone \par \par \cf4\ul 3Jn_1:2\cf3\ulnone \par \par \cf1\f0 \par \b TUESDAY June 30\par \par Why-The Purpose of Writing These Letters\par \b0\par \tab Repeatedly, John tells us why he wrote his first letter. What is he saying?\par \par \cf2\ul 1Jn_1:4\cf1\ulnone \par \tab\tab\par \cf2\ul 1Jn_2:12-14\cf1\ulnone \par \tab\par \cf2\ul 1Jn_5:13\cf1\ulnone  \par \tab\tab\par \tab All these statements are positive and reaffirming. However, the context shows that they must be understood within the context of serious problems in the churches to which 1 John was addressed. This letter makes strong statements about false teachers. They are called antichrists. The term is found four times in 1 John and once in 2 John. Otherwise, it is not used anywhere else in the Bible. \par \par \tab These antichrists had errone ous ideas about Jesus Christ, ideas that also affected their Christian lifestyle. John, obviously, felt the need to deal with these teachings, and he did so in a powerful and uncompromising manner.\par \par \tab Nevertheless, the author portrays a positive picture of true Christianity and focuses on its positive nature. In countering the theological error and the ethical error of the false teachers, John argues in favor of the unity of Father and Son, acceptance of divine forgiveness, and a life governe d by the principle of love. \par \par \tab While he encourages church members and warns against inadequate views of Christ and Christian behavior, he may even hope to win back some of those who have left the church.\par \par \tab In 1 and 3 John, the reasons he wrote the letters are not mentioned, but those reasons are discernible. The purpose of 2 John is to warn church members against the erroneous teachings and ethics of the false teachers mentioned in 1 John.\par \par \tab According to 3 John a  power struggle was going on. Diotrephes was attempting to usurp all authority. Apparently by using the problem of heresy, he was trying to establish his own power base.\par \par \tab Though not downplaying the seriousness of these false teachings, John deals with them by emphasizing the positive. There is an important principle here for us. How easy it is to get so caught up in fighting error that we focus on it instead of truth. What's your own way of dealing with what you deem wrong: Do you focus on t he error at the expense of truth? How can you start training yourself to deal with problems in a more positive manner? \par \b\par \b0\tab\tab\par \cf3\ul\f2\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \f6\fs20 \par \b\i\f8\fs32 STEP 2-Explore\par \b0\i0\f6\fs20\par \b Just for Teachers:\b0 \par \b Imagine you are nearing the end of your life, and you want to write a last letter to your loved ones. What would your letter contain? What kind of emotions will run through your letter? Now, he lp your class experience John\rquote s feelings as you begin studying one of the last writings of the New Testament.\par \b0\par \b\i\f8\fs32 Bible Commentary\par \b0\i0\f6\fs20\par Who wrote the epistles, and why? What is the central message of the three epistles? As you explore these questions, focus on the authority, the message, and the purpose of the epistles. As you explore, keep in mind that God\rquote s revelation is timeless and stands as a guiding light in times of chaos, confusion, and hopelessness.\par \par \b I. John\rquote s Epistles: Their Author and Authority\par \par \b0 The second and third epistles are written by the one who introduces himself as \ldblquote the elder.\rdblquote Both letters contain common themes of love, truth, and obedience \i (\cf4\ul 2Jn_1:3\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul 2Jn_1:5-6\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 3Jn_1:3\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul 3Jn_1:6\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul 3Jn_1:11-12\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . Similar concerns are found throughout 1 John, showing that all three letters are written by the same elder. Who is this elder? A comparison of the elder\rquote s first epistle with the fourth Gospel of the New Testament reveals many common themes, which can help identify who the elder is. For instance, both speak of:\par \par The beginning- \tab\tab\cf4\ul 1Jn_1:1\cf3\ulnone \tab\cf4\ul Joh_1:1\par \cf3\ulnone\par The fullness of joy-\tab\tab\cf4\ul 1Jn_1:4\cf3\ulnone \tab\cf4\ul Joh_15:11\par \cf3\ulnone\par The new commandment -\tab\cf4\ul 1Jn_2:8\cf3\ulnone \tab\cf4\ul Joh_13:34\par \cf3\ulnone\par Being born again-\tab\tab\cf4\ul 1Jn_3:9\cf3\ulnone\tab\tab\cf4\ul Joh_3:1-6\par \cf3\ulnone\par Eternal life-\tab\tab\tab\cf4\ul 1Jn_2:25\cf3\ulnone \cf4\ul Joh_3:16\cf3\ulnone \par \par \pard\fi720\li2160\cf4\ul 1Jn_5:11\cf3\ulnone\tab\cf4\ul Joh_10:28\par \cf3\ulnone\par \pard\tab\tab\tab\tab\cf4\ul 1Jn_5:13\cf3\ulnone\tab\cf4\ul Joh_17:2-3\par \cf3\ulnone\par Denial of the Son as denial of the Father-\par \pard\fi720\li2160\cf4\ul 1Jn_2:23\cf3\ulnone \tab\cf4\ul Joh_15:23\par \cf3\ulnone\par \pard Loving one another-\tab\tab\cf4\ul 1Jn_3:11\cf3\ulnone \tab\cf4\ul Joh_13:34\par \cf3\ulnone\par The world hating us-\tab\tab\cf4\ul 1Jn_3:13\cf3\ulnone\tab\cf4\ul Joh_15:18\par \cf3\ulnone\par The Spirit of truth\rdblquote -\tab\tab\cf4\ul 1Jn_4:6\cf3\ulnone\tab\tab\cf4\ul Joh_14:17\par \cf3\ulnone\par God sent His Son-\tab\tab\cf4\ul 1Jn_4:9\cf3\ulnone\tab\tab\cf4\ul Joh_3:16\cf3\ulnone\par \par Such similarities lead us to conclude that the \ldblquote elder\rdblquote who wrote the three epistles is also the one who wrote the fourth Gospel. The writer of the fourth Gospel is none other than John, the disciple whom Jesus loved \i (\cf4\ul Joh_21:7\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul Joh_21:20-24\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . John\rquote s authority to condemn heresy, convey the truth, and confirm the fellowship of love and light arises from the fact that he was an eyewitness to the Savior\rquote s life and mission. John begins the first epistle with the core of the Christian manifesto: \ldblquote That which was from the beginning . . . the Word of Life\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul\i0 1Jn_1:1\cf3\ulnone\i , NKJV)\i0 . The verse echoes \cf4\ul Joh_1:1-3\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul Joh_1:14\cf3\ulnone where the eternity of Jesus, the Word, and His journey to human life are recorded. John\rquote s message finds its roots \ldblquote in the beginning\rdblquote and is meant to assure us so that our \ldblquote joy may be full.\rdblquote\par \par \b Discuss:\b0 \par John has given to us three significant writings: the Gospel, the epistles, and the book of Revelation. Each one of them speaks of Jesus in a unique way. Recall some of these ways and share them with the class. What portrait do they paint for us of Jesus?\par \par \b II. John\rquote s Epistles: The Message and Purpose \par \b0\par As John neared the end of his life, he was pained to see that false teachers had crept into the church. Their teachings were opposed to what was revealed in the beginning by and through Jesus. Instead they were rooted in Greek philosophy and Roman paganism. Such teachings included: (1) questioning the incarnation of Christ-\cf4 \ul 1Jn_4:2-3\cf3\ulnone ; (2) minimizing the nature of sin-\cf4 \ul 1Jn_1:8-10\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 1Jn_3:4-8\cf3\ulnone (3) denying the need for obedience-\cf4 \ul 1Jn_1:5-6\cf3\ulnone ; (4) neglecting the commandment of love-\cf4 \ul 1Jn_2:8-10\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 1Jn_4:20\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul 2Jn_1:6\cf3\ulnone ; (5) rebellion against the apostle \i (\cf4\ul 3Jn_1:9-11\cf3\ulnone ).\i0 To guard against these and other false doctrines, the elderly apostle wrote his letters. Pain and concern for the situation filled him, but he also felt hope that the errors could be corrected and hearts healed.\par \par What does the apostle propose as the perfect antidote for such heresies? He knows but one answer: \ldblquote That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, and our hands have handled\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_1:1\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . Jesus is the answer. The eternal Jesus, the real Jesus, the true Jesus, the saving Jesus. Know Him, and all other knowledge must come under His critique. Love Him, and joy and eternal life become your own. Accept Him, and sin has no power over you, and the antichrist has no room to enter. As in his gospel, so in his epistles: Jesus is all in all. Without Him we are nothing.\par \par \b Thought Question:\b0 \par Being an eyewitness to Christ\rquote s ministry provided the authority for the apostle\rquote s proclamation of the gospel \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_1:1-4\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . For those of us who are not eyewitnesses, what is the basis of our faith and assurance, and why? \i (See \cf4\ul 1Co_10:11\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 1Ti_3:16-17\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 2Ti_2:15\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 2Pe_1:16-21\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Joh_14:6\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Joh_16:6-13\cf3\ulnone .)\i0\par \par \cf1\f0 \par \b WEDNESDAY July 1\par \par Jesus in the Johannine Epistles\par \b0\par \tab Jesus is found throughout 1 John. He is at the center of this book. Who is He according to this Epistle?\par \par \cf2\ul 1Jn_1:1\cf1\ulnone \par \par \cf2\ul 1Jn_1:2\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Jn_5:20\cf1\ulnone \par \tab\par \cf2\ul 1Jn_1:3\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Jn_4:15\cf1\ulnone \par \tab\par \cf2\ul 1Jn_2:1\cf1\ulnone \par  \tab\tab\par \cf2\ul 1Jn_2:8\cf1\ulnone \par \tab\tab\par \cf2\ul 1Jn_2:22\cf1\ulnone \par \tab\tab\par \cf2\ul 1Jn_4:14\cf1\ulnone \par \tab\tab\par \cf2\ul 1Jn_5:20\cf1\ulnone \par \tab\tab\par \tab Although in 1 John God the Father is mentioned more frequently than Jesus, the problem of former and maybe still active church members is with the Son. Church members and false teachers may have agreed largely on the nature of the Father. They disagreed, however, when it came to Jesus, as to His humanity and His divinity. The issue was whether or not Jesus "has come in the flesh" (\cf2\ul 1Jn_4:2\cf1\ulnone , NKJV) and "is the Christ" (\cf2\ul 1Jn_2:22\cf1\ulnone , NKJV).\par \par \tab In the midst of all this, John clearly maintains that it is impossible to separate Father and Son. Even in our days some people, including some Christians, think they can have a relationship with God the Father without caring about Jesus. For them Jesus is just a wonderful human being. John, however, is clear: If you know about Jesus but do not accept Him as Messiah and Son of God, you cannot have a saving relationship with God the Father.\par \par \tab First John contains 105 verses. Jesus occurs in about 45 of them. What does that tell me about the place Jesus has in this letter? How central is Jesus in your own understanding of truth? That is, might you be too occupied with dates, charts, and doctrines, as opposed to knowing Jesus and His forgiveness and grace for yourself? If so, how can you change? Why must you change? (See \cf2\ul Joh_17:3\cf1\ulnone .)\par \b \par \par \cf3\ul\b0\f2\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\f6\fs28\par \i\f8\fs32 STEP 3-Apply\par \b0\i0\f6\fs20\par \b Just for Teachers: \par Take a few moments to let your\b0 \b class members share with one another what principles\b0 \b they are able to find in this lesson and how they\b0 \b can practice those principles.\b0\par \par \b Thought Questions: \par \par \b0\ldblquote In the beginning, God created . . .\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul Gen_1:1\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . \par \par \ldblquote In the beginning was the Word\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul Joh_1:1\cf3\ulnone ).\par \par \i0\ldblquote That\b \b0 which was from the beginning\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_1:1\cf3\ulnone ).\par \par \i0 Discuss the relationship between these three references to\ldblquote beginning.\rdblquote How do they relate to Christian faith\b \b0 and practice?\b\par \b0 \par Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going? These are questions that religions and philosophies try to answer. After you have studied this week\rquote s lesson,what is your answer?\par \par Many Christians would say, \ldblquote All we need is Jesus;we do not need doctrines.\rdblquote Why is doctrine important to Christian faith and life? And yet, why is doctrine al one not enough?\par \par \b Application Questions:\par \par \cf4\ul\b0 2Jn_1:9\cf3\ulnone speaks of the \ldblquote doctrine of Christ\rdblquote that was under attack during John\rquote s time. Is that true today? If so, how?\par \par \ldblquote That your joy may be full\rdblquote is a key burden of \cf4\ul 1Jn_1:4\cf3\ulnone . Share how you have experienced this joy.\par \par \par \cf1\b\f0 THURSDAY July 2\par \par Jesus' Ministry in John's Epistles\par \b0\par \tab The Johannine letterVs not only portray Jesus from different perspectives, telling us that He is from the beginning (\cf2\ul 1Jn_1:1\cf1\ulnone ), has come in the flesh (\cf2\ul 1Jn_4:2\cf1\ulnone ), and remained righteous, pure, and without sin (\cf2\ul 1Jn_2:1\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Jn_3:3\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul 1Jn_1:1\cf1\ulnone ); they also emphasize His ministry and work. \par \par \tab Who Jesus is, and what He has done, are deeply related. To deny His divinity or humanity means also to deny His ministry as Savior, as e"" (\cf3\ul 1Jn_2:5\cf1\ulnone , NKJV). Considering what's at stake-our eternal life or our eternal destruction (see \cf2\ul Joh_5:29\cf1\ulnone )-these are important things to know, are they not? \par \par \tab At the same time, we have to be careful that we don't turn knowledge itself into the means of salvation. In fact, that's the exact kind of heresy John was dealing with here and in others places, the idea that knowledge alone brings redemption. \tab\par \par \tab Knowledge (\i gnosis\i0 ) was a #crucial term in ancient religion, and it was an important concept in the religious world of the first centuries after Christ. Probably by the second century it had developed into a full-fledged heresy among Christians called Gnosticism. In Gnosticism, there was little concern for moral behavior. The emphasis was on mystical experience and fancy myths about God and the nature of humanity. Salvation was gained through this secret knowledge rather than through a faith relationship with the Lord.\par \par \$tab What do the following texts tell us about how the New Testament uses the idea of knowledge? \par \par \cf2\ul Mat_13:11\cf1\par \ulnone\par \cf2\ul Luk_1:34\cf1\par \ulnone\par \cf2\ul Luk_1:77\cf1\par \ulnone\par \cf2\ul Joh_17:3\cf1\par \ulnone\par \cf2\ul Rom_3:20\cf1\par \ulnone\par \cf2\ul 1Co_8:1\cf1\par \ulnone\par \cf2\ul 1Ti_2:4\cf1\par \ulnone\par \cf2\ul 2Pe_3:18\cf1\par \ulnone\par \cf2\ul 1Jn_4:8\cf1\ulnone\tab\par \tab\par \tab In the New Testament to know/knowledge h%as a theoretical and theological meaning. However, it also describes relationships. To know God means to have an intimate relationship with Him. Obedience, love, and staying away from sin all point to the existence of such a relationship. The theoretical and the experiential side of knowledge must go together. \par \par \tab Although the verb to know is used frequently by John, he stays away from the noun knowledge. He may have decided to avoid the more technical term so that confusion with Gnosticism c&ould be avoided.\par \par \tab Do you know the Lord, or do you just know about Him? What's the crucial difference between these two concepts? Most important, if it's only the latter, how can you change, and why is it important to do so? \par \par \cf4\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\f2\fs24\par \i\f1\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \b0\par \b\i0\f3\fs20 Key Text: \cf5\ul\b0\i 1Jn_2:1-6\cf4\ulnone\par \i0 \par \b The Student Will:\par \par Know: \b0 A true knowledge of' God results in obedience.\par \par \b Feel: \b0 A desire to follow Jesus\rquote example.\par \par \b Do: \b0 Respond by keeping God\rquote s commandments.\par \par \b\i\f1\fs32 Learning Outline:\par \i0\f3\fs20\par I. Know: True Knowledge\par \b0\par A. Why does John call an \ldblquote old\rdblquote commandment a \ldblquote new\rdblquote commandment? What is the difference between neighborly love in the Old Testament and the continuous revelation in the life of Jesus and His followers?\par ( \par B. Seventh-day Adventists are sometimes called legalists: Reflect on the truth or error of this claim in the light of John\rquote s statement that we should obey God\rquote s commandments.\par \par C. How do some try to turn knowledge into their means of salvation? Why isn\rquote t knowledge enough to bring about redemption?\par \par \b II. Feel: Following Jesus\rquote Example\par \b0\par A. Love and obedience are inseparable. Discuss how we can nurture both and maintain the right balance.\par \par B. Gnosticism in the early church emphasized mystical experience rather than a relationship with God. Postmodernism emphasizes experience rather than knowledge. Why are feelings and experience not enough?\par \par \b III. Do: Knowledge in Action\par \b0\par A. John calls those who profess to know God but fail to keep His commandments liars. \ldblquote Liar\rdblquote has strong negative connotations. Determine what concrete steps we need to take to avoid this label.\par \par B. Brainstormp Then he ends: "We proclaim to you so that you also may have fellowship" (\cf3\ul 1Jn_1:3\cf1\ulnone , NIV). In verse 2, which is an insertion and clarification, a fourfold enumeration ends with the phrase "and we proclaim to you the eternal life" (NIV). \par \par \tab The point in all this seems to be that John wants us to know, for ourselves, the reality of God that he himself had experienced through Jesus. He wants us to know, for ourselves, the eternal life, the fellowship, and the joy that we can h+d wonders \i (\cf4\ul 2Th_2:3\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul 2Th_2:9\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . Christ spoke of the deceitfulness of false christs in the last days \i (\cf4\ul Mat_24:4-5\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul Mat_24:23-24\cf3\ulnone )\b\i0 . \b0 Daniel predicted the little horn \i (\cf4\ul Dan_7:7-8\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul Dan_7:25-27\cf3\ulnone )\i0 , a religious system that would speak against God, persecute the saints, and attempt to change God\rquote s law, including the Sabbath commandment. John warned of the beast of \cf4H\ul Revelation13:1-10\cf3\ulnone -the antichrist power known for blasphemy, persecution, and apostasy, and whose work will go on until he is consumed by God\rquote s final judgment. Thus, antichrist is Satan working through human agencies to thwart Christ and His redemptive ministry. Such agencies may claim to be part of the church, but they are, in effect, wolves in \ldblquote sheep\rquote s clothing\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul Mat_7:15\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul Act_20:29\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . They stand opposed to Gance of evidence that Jesus Christ is\b0 \b worthy of our trust. It is by hearing the Word and\b0 \b dwelling in it that we develop the relationship that\b0 \b is the foundation of faith.\b0\par \par \b\i\f1\fs32 Bible Commentary\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b I. The Testimony Provided by the Water and the Blood\b0 \b\i (\b0 Review \cf3\ul 1Jn_5:6-8\cf2\ulnone .)\b\i0\par \b0 \par When Jesus came to this earth, He was very careful to follow all the testimonies that described who He was and what H, a liar, a serious accusation indeed. \par \par \tab What are all the reasons you have for believing in God, in Jesus, in the hope that the Adventist message presents to us? Go back over those reasons, write them down, pray over them, and bring them to class to share with others.\par \b \par \cf2\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \f2\fs20\par \b\i\f1\fs32 STEP 2-Explore\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Just For Teachers: \par Review with your class the great\b0 \b preponder-par \tab John says that if we are willing to accept the witness of humans, how much more so the witness of God Himself? Indeed, often we take at face value what people tell us, whether in print or television media, even if we have no good grounds for believing what we hear. How much more should we accept God's own witness and believe in Jesus as portrayed in the New Testament! \par \par \tab God is reliable and true (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:20\cf0\ulnone ). If we do not accept His testimony, we claim that God is.e testimony of the Holy Spirit (\cf1\ul Joh_15:26\cf0\ulnone ), and the testimony of the apostle John himself (\cf1\ul Joh_21:24\cf0\ulnone ). This is very impressive. John wants to establish that belief in Jesus rests on powerful testimonies.\par \par \tab The testimony of the Father in our text has been understood differently. It seems to make most sense if connected with the threefold testimony mentioned in the preceding verses. That is, this threefold testimony is, basically, God's testimony.\par \/he mentions several others: John the Baptist's testimony (\cf1\ul Joh_1:6-7\cf0\ulnone ), Jesus' own testimony (\cf1\ul Joh_3:32\cf0\ulnone ), the testimony of the Samaritan woman (\cf1\ul Joh_4:39\cf0\ulnone ), the testimony of Jesus' works (\cf1\ul Joh_5:36\cf0\ulnone ), the testimony of Scriptu\cf4 re (\cf1\ul Joh_5:39\cf4\ulnone ),\cf0 the testimony of God the Father (\cf1\ul Joh_8:18\cf0\ulnone ), the testimony of the people who watched the resurrection of Lazarus (\cf1\ul Joh_12:17\cf0\ulnone ), th0are these witnesses needed? Two to three witnesses were required in the Old Testament to confirm a matter (\cf1\ul Deu_19:15\cf0\ulnone ). John, apparently, wants to makes clear that the case of Jesus has a sound foundation. He wants to show that we have good reasons for believing.\par \par \tab What is John saying to us in \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:9-10\cf0\ulnone ? What does He want us to believe?\par \par \tab For John, the idea of witnesses or various testimonies about Jesus is quite important. In his Gospel 1 does it take to have faith in Christ?\par \par \cf0\f0\par \b TUESDAY August 25\par \par Jesus and the Testimony of God (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:9-10\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab The first and second witness to the divine Sonship of Jesus are water and blood. The third witness is the Holy Spirit (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:6\cf0\ulnone ,\cf4 \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:8\cf0\ulnone ). According to John's Gospel, Jesus had announced that the Holy Spirit would testify about Him (\cf1\ul Joh_15:26\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par \tab Why 2down!\rdblquote Though the ground was rough, the boy dropped instantly and rolled to a stop. That\rquote s when he saw the cliff, just feet away.\par \par \b Discuss: \par \b0 Ask your class to comment on their reactions to someone shouting at them to fall down as they are running down a mountain. What can they surmise about the relationship between the boy and his father? What does this story inform us about believing in Jesus? What is the relationship between faith and obedience in this story? What3our behalf. This introduction uses a story to\b0 \b illustrate how faith is based on our relationship to\b0 \b Jesus.\par \b0 \par Lawrence Maxwell once told a story about a young boy dawdling along a walk down a mountainside. He happened to see his dad further down the mountain. Thinking he could take a shortcut, he left the path and started running to catch up. His dad looked up to see his son bounding through the rocks and brush straight toward a cliff. He screamed up to his son, \ldblquote Fall 4 \par \par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \i\fs20\par \fs32 \b Learning Cycle\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b\i\f1\fs32 STEP 1-Motivate\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \par \b0 Our assurance of salvation is based on Jesus and what He has done for us.\par \par J\b ust for Teachers: The most critical point on which\b0 \b our salvation and eternal life lies is faith in\b0 \b Jesus Christ as the Son of God and what He has done\b0 \b on 5 people to be deceived by these false teachings.\par \par \tab Water and blood. Think on those two images and how they apply to Jesus. In what ways are we to experience the reality of water and blood in our own lives? In other words, what did your baptism mean to you? What does it say about you, and what changes have come in your life? The same with blood: What does the concept of shed blood mean, at least in terms of being a Christian? See \cf1\ul Mat_16:24-25\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_12:4\cf0\ulnone .6her the Messiah nor the Son of God, their message would be: The atoning death of the Son of God is not necessary for our salvation. The Son of God did not die on the cross in our place in order to redeem us. Such a concept would lead to a completely different understanding of salvation and of the Godhead. Redemption would be through knowledge (gnosis), not through the Cross. Hence, John wanted the people to know exactly who Jesus was and what He had done for them through His life and death. He didn't want7d blood to His death on the cross (\cf1\ul 1Jn_1:7\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par \tab Baptism and crucifixion, then, point to who Jesus was and what He was to accomplish for us. In both cases divine manifestations and human reactions showed that indeed He was the Son of God (\cf1\ul Mat_3:17\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Mat_27:50-54\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par \tab In these verses John was still dealing with the false teaching of these antichrists. These concepts were impacting the minds of believers. If Jesus was neit8tions in \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:6-8\cf0\ulnone . Rather, in the beginning of John's Gospel, water is associated with baptism (\cf1\ul Joh_1:26\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_1:31\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_1:33\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_3:5\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_3:23\cf0\ulnone ). This seems to be the setting for 1 John. Jesus came as incarnate Lord and began His public ministry by being baptized with water. He ended His earthly ministry on the cross, when He shed His blood. Apparently, water points to Jesus' baptism an9for today. However, it appears quite frequently in the Gospel of John and also in Revelation. The water that John mentions in \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:6; 1Jn_5:8\cf0\ulnone must be-according to the passage-somehow related to Jesus and His first coming, and it must be one of the three elements that testify that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God. \par \par \tab The phrase "blood and water" is used in \cf1\ul Joh_19:34\cf0\ulnone in connection with Jesus' death, but does not seem to be the water that John men:sins.\par \cf0\f0\par \par \b MONDAY August 24\par \par The Jesus in Whom We Believe (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:6-8\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab After having pointed to the importance of having faith in Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God, John goes on to show his audience who this Son of God was, and one of the things he says about Jesus is that He came "by water and blood" (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:6\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par \tab What does that mean?\par \par \tab In 1 John, water is mentioned only in these verses ;ab \par \b III. Do: Sharing With Others\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. John used the images of water and blood. What images can you think of that would help people understand Jesus\rquote sacrifice better? Try to use these images this week.\par \pard \par \pard\fi720 B. Role play ways of explaining Jesus\rquote divinity to a doubter.\par \pard \par \b Summary: \par \b0 We can live a victorious Christian life and have the hope of eternal life, because Jesus lived and died to pay the price for our <\pard\fi720\b0 B. Describe the different facets of Jesus-His humanity, His divinity, the historic Jesus, and the revolutionary Jesus. How do these pictures compare with how Jesus described Himself?\par \pard \par \b II. Feel: Victory Is Secure\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. Jesus\rquote victory assures us of victory. How does this irrefutable truth make you feel?\par \pard\par \pard\fi720 B. Share how looking at life through the filter of the Cross gives you courage in your everyday life.\par \pard\t= news of victory through Jesus with others.\par \par \b\i\f1\fs32 Learning Outline:\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20\par \b I. Know: Jesus Is Messiah\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. In \cf3\ul 1Jn_5:6\cf2\ulnone John refers to Jesus\rquote coming by \ldblquote water and blood,\rdblquote i.e., Jesus\rquote baptism and subsequent death on the cross. Reflect on the events around these two topics. How did they confirm to people at the time that Jesus was the Messiah? What do they say to us today?\par \pard\b \par >tory that is promised you? What is holding you back? \par \par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\f2\fs20 \par \i\f1\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Key Text: \cf3\ul\b0\i 1Jn_5:1-12\cf2\ulnone\par \i0 \par \b The Student Will:\par \par Know: \b0 That Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through Him we can gain the victory.\par \b\par Feel: \b0 Secure in the knowledge that we can be victorious. \par \b\par Do: \b0 Share the good?lowers are able to overcome too. To some extent, they already have the victory, His victory in their behalf. The overcomers receive wonderful promises from God that we no longer have to be slaves to sin (\cf1\ul Rom_6:1-6\cf0\ulnone ), but that in Jesus and in the new life we have in Him, we serve the Lord, not Satan, our old master. \par \par \tab In what areas of your life have you experienced the promise of victory and overcoming? In what areas have you fallen short, and why? How can you have the vic@ \par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:4\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul Rev_2:7\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul Rev_2:11\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul Rev_3:5\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul Rev_3:21\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul Rev_12:11\cf0\ulnone \tab\par \tab\tab\par \par \tab The conqueror par excellence is Jesus Christ. Because He has won the victory, His folAor expanded by violence. The battle that Christians have to fight is a spiritual battle. In the Johannine literature, the way to overcome is not by the use of violence and physical force. The way to overcome is by faith, and faith is exhibited by the kind of life one lives.\par \par \tab In the following texts, John is talking about conquering and overcoming. What can we learn about these promises from the following texts?\par \tab\par \cf1\ul Joh_16:33\cf0\ulnone Bnd keep the commandments. Believers in Jesus as the Son of God also overcome the world (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:1-5\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par \tab Throughout history some people have understood the battle that Christians have to fight in overcoming the world as some kind of literal military conflict. Yet, that is wrong. Nowhere in Scripture are Christians called to set out as crusaders and force others to convert. Nowhere in the New Testament is a nation equated with the kingdom of God and, as such, to be defended Cod: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him" (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:1\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par \tab After having studied John's teaching about brotherly love, we now turn to the subject of faith in Jesus as the Christ/Messiah, the Son of God. In fact, the two topics, belief and love, overlap in the first verses of chapter 5.\par \par \tab John wants his audience to believe in Jesus as the Christ. Those who do are, he says, born of God. They love God, love one another, aDictory are we given? What does John mean when he talks about "by water and blood"? What reasons are we given for faith? What does John say about the divinity of Christ? What does John teach about the promise of eternal life?\par *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 29.\par \b \par \par SUNDAY August 23\par \par Believing in Jesus and Victory (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:1-5\cf0\ulnone )\tab\b0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \par \tab "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of GEto overthrow the Roman Empire.\par \par \tab We may be tempted to consider these topics as mere academic and philosophical exercises. But who Jesus was and what He claimed about Himself impact every human being. The way we think about Jesus influences dramatically how we relate to God, how we understand the plan of salvation, and how we can have assurance of salvation. \par \par \tab That's why John deals with the topic in his letters.\par \tab\tab\par \b The Week at a Glance: \b0 What promises of vF" (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:5\cf0\ulnone , ESV).\par \par \tab Ideas about who Jesus was have varied not only in antiquity but also today. Some separate the biblical Jesus from the so-called historical Jesus and claim that the two may not have had much in common. The historical Jesus was, supposedly, a common man with a strong sensitivity to the divine, that's all. And He certainly was not the Son of God raised from the dead! Others believe that Jesus was a mere political revolutionary who, in a subtle way, tried Iod revealed in Christ \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_2:22\cf3\ulnone ) \i0 and His teachings. Such teachings may be directed against the Person and work of Christ, God\rquote s law, the high priestly ministry of Jesus, demands of discipleship, the reality and nearness of the Second Coming, and so forth.\par \par \b Discuss:\par \b0 The test of doctrine-in John\rquote s time the incarnation of Christ \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_2:22\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 1Jn_4:1-3\cf3\ulnone )\i0 -is one way to identify the antichrist. What partiJcular doctrines will come under attack in the last days?\par \cf0\f0\par \par \b WEDNESDAY\tab August 5\par \par The Anointing (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:20-21\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:27\cf0\ulnone )\b0\tab\tab\par \par \tab The "anointing" of \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:20\cf0\ulnone has been understood by many as the Holy Spirit. How do the following texts help validate that conclusion? \cf1\ul 1Sa_16:13\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_14:17\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_15:26\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_16:7\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1JKn_2:20-21\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:27\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \tab True believers have received the anointing, which remains in them, teaches them, and is without falsehood. What is said about the anointing and its functions may remind readers of Jesus' statements about the Holy Spirit in His farewell speeches (\cf1 John 13-16\cf0 ). Already \cf1\ul Isa_61:1\cf0\ulnone links being anointed and the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it is very likely that the anointing stands for the Holy Spirit.\par \par \tab HLowever, there is also another dimension. To some extent \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:24\cf0\ulnone is parallel to verse 27:\par "As for you, let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning" (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:24\cf0\ulnone , NASB, emphasis supplied)\par \tab\par "As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you" (\cf5\ul 1Jn_2:27\cf0\ulnone , NASB; emphasis supplied). \par \tab What the true believers have heard from the beginning is the gospel of Jesus. Furthermore, the Word of God (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:14\cf0\ulnone ) and the truth (\cf1\ul 2Jn_1:2\cf0\ulnone ) abide in the Christian. In \cf1\ul 2Co_1:21-22\cf0\ulnone , the divine anointing is linked to the sealing by the Holy Spirit, while in \cf1\ul Eph_1:13\cf0\ulnone hearing the word of truth and believing leads to the sealing by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the anointing may also point to Scripture.\par \par \tab The antidote to the messages of the antichrists is God's Word as communicated by the Holy Spirit. It is the objective standard bG\pard\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 9 *August 22-28\par \tab\tab\par Believing in the Son of God\par \par SABBATH AFTERNOON\par \par Read for This Week's Study:\b0 \cf1\ul Mat_16:24-25\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_1:1-3\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_3:36\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_5:24\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_6:1-6\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_12:4\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:1-12\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 "Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?s watching anyway?\par \tab\tab\par OK, so you have the promise of eternal life. But what does that mean? How should it impact how you live here now? What do you do differently now, knowing that you have this promise?\par \tab\par Go back over the Ellen G. White quote given above. What stands out and especially speaks to you? What hope and encouragement can you get from it?\par \tab\tab\par With so much at stake, eternal life or eternal destruction, why is it still so easy for us to get caught up inof love. Love means to do whatever is necessary to help others, even if it includes self-sacrifice. Hence, what a contrast to what Cain did to his brother. Love also means to forgive and to forget the past. In Jesus' case, it meant complete self-denial for the good of others. \par \par \tab But love is not a mere spectacle to be observed. It must have an impact on others' lives. If someone would jump in the water and drown just to prove his or her love, it would mean nothing. But if the person who jumpeO_4:7-10\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:16\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \tab Interestingly enough, John does not set out to give a lexical definition of love. Rather, he starts out using the example of Cain as showing what love is not. \par \par \tab How does that example help make John's point?\par \par \tab The negative example is followed by a positive one. Jesus laid down His life for us. The Father sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice. He sent Him to be the Savior of the world. This is the deepest meaning Rdently than Christ desires to save us. His will is bent on our redemption much more firmly than is our own (\cf4\ul Gal_1:4\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Eph_1:5\cf3\ulnone ). Therefore we may be sure that if we offer any petition regarding our salvation, the Savior will be more than ready to hear us-He will be waiting to fulfill that request. This assurance holds true for the smaller as well as the greater matters of daily life.\rdblquote -\i The SDA Bible Commentary\i0 , vol. 7, pp. 677, 678.\par \b\par ConsiSder This: \par \b0 Compare the experiences of Peter walking on water \i (\cf4\ul Mat_14:27-29\cf3\ulnone )\i0 , John the Baptist \i (\cf4\ul Mat_14:1-12\cf3\ulnone ), \i0 Jesus \i (\cf4\ul Mat_26:36-46\cf3\ulnone )\i0 , and Stephen \i (\cf4\ul Acts 6, 7\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . In each of these cases, these men were facing death. How were their prayers answered? How might you explain these answers to prayer?\par \par \b III. Intercessory Prayer\b0 \i (Review \cf4\ul 1Jn_5:16-17\cf3\ulnone .)\par \i0 \par There were some situations in which Ellen G. White could not pray for healing for others. In one of her testimonies, she wrote of the case of a man who was earnestly seeking prayers for himself and his family. She didn\rquote t know him, but others in the church were trying to help him and pray for him. Mrs. White noted that because there was so much iniquity in the lives of even professed Sabbath keepers, she \ldblquote had resolved not to engage in prayer for anyone unless the Spirit of the Lord shouldUrd.\par \par \b IV. Christian Behavior\b0 \i (Review \cf4\ul 1Jn_4:7-8\cf3\ulnone .)\b\i0\par \b0 \par \ldblquote Pure love is simple in its operations, and separate from every other principle of action. When combined with earthly motives and selfish interests, it ceases to be pure. God considers more with how much love we work, than the amount we do. Love is a heavenly attribute. The natural heart cannot originate it. This heavenly plant only flourishes where Christ reigns supreme. Where love exis ts, there is power and truth in the life. Love does good and nothing but good. Those who have love bear fruit unto holiness, and in the end everlasting life.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White Comments, \i The SDA Bible\i0 \i Commentary\i0 , vol. 7, p. 952.\par \par \b Consider This\b0 : \par As you write out notes on the discussion on Christian behavior on the fourth poster board, relate relevant aspects of this topic to the other three themes, and tape this board to the third board.\par \par \b V. Truth Wxample, and as Lord. Salvation through Jesus is dependent on Jesus' divine-human nature. Without a proper understanding of Jesus's divine-human nature, you can end up with a different understanding of the plan of salvation and the problem of sin. Sin may be taken lightly or even denied (\cf2\ul 1Jn_1:6-10\cf1\ulnone ), an attitude that will surely, one way or another, influence Christian behavior and ethics.\par \par \tab What does John tell us about Jesus' ministry and work? That is, what promises are Xmade to us because of what Jesus has done or is doing for us now?\par \par \cf2\ul 1Jn_1:7\cf1\ulnone \par \tab\tab\par \cf2\ul 1Jn_2:25\cf1\ulnone \par \par \cf2\ul 1Jn_2:28\cf1\ulnone \par \par \cf2\ul 1Jn_3:8\cf1\ulnone \par \par \cf2\ul 1Jn_3:16\cf1\ulnone \par Y \par \cf2\ul 1Jn_5:18\cf1\ulnone \par \par \cf2\ul 2Jn_1:3\cf1\ulnone \par \par \tab What Jesus has done for us as our Savior and what He is doing for us as our Advocate requires a response on our part. Forgiveness of sin, the assurance of salvation, the gift of the Holy Spirit, the hope of the Second Coming, and the promise that we will be like Him and see Him as He is cannot leave oZur hearts cold. We believe in Him, love Him, follow Him, obey Him, and abide in Him and in His teachings. \par \par \tab Look at some of the promises listed above. Which ones mean the most to you, and why? Which ones, perhaps, are you not experiencing in your life as you should? Why might that be, and what can you do in order to realize, even better, the richness of these promises? \par \b\par \b0\par \cf3\f6\fs24\par \ul\f2\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \f6\fs24\par \b\i\f8\f[s32 STEP 4-Create\par \b0\i0\f6\fs20\par \b Just for Teachers: \par While John\rquote s epistles warn\b0 \b against false doctrines and teachings, the apostle\b0 \b does not neglect to emphasize a positive picture of Christianity. Encourage your class to discuss what they can learn from knowing the negatives and affirming the positives.\par \b0 \par Compose a piece of music or sing a selection of hymns that celebrate the joy and assurance of salvation. Perform the composition in class or arrange t\ime for a special song service in which the class can join in singing the songs.\par \par Role play situations in which class members might be confronted with the kinds of deceptions John warns about in his epistles. How can class members use what they learned in the lesson this week to navigate their way through the murky and dangerous waters of false teachings and doctrines?\par \cf1\f0\par \b FRIDAY July 3\par \b0\par \b Further Study:\b0 Read 1 John in one sitting to get an overview of this i]mportant Epistle.\par \par "As the years went by and the number of believers grew, John labored with increasing fidelity and earnestness for his brethren. The times were full of peril for the church. Satanic delusions existed everywhere. . . . Some who professed Christ claimed that His love released them from obedience to the law of God. On the other hand, many taught that it was necessary to observe the Jewish customs and ceremonies; that a mere observance of the law, without faith in the blood of Chri^st, was sufficient for salvation. Some held that Christ was a good man, but denied His divinity. Some who pretended to be true to the cause of God were deceivers, and in practice they denied Christ and His gospel. Living themselves in transgression, they were bringing heresies into the church. Thus many were being led into the mazes of skepticism and delusion. \par \par "John was filled with sadness as he saw these poisonous errors creeping into the church. He saw the dangers to which the church was exp_osed, and he met the emergency with promptness and decision. The epistles of John breathe the spirit of love. It seems as if he wrote with a pen dipped in love. But when he came in contact with those who were breaking the law of God, yet claiming that they were living without sin, he did not hesitate to warn them of their fearful deception."-Ellen G. White, \i The Acts of the Apostles\i0 , pp. 553, 554.\par \par \b Discussion Questions:\par \b0\par 1. Read the Ellen G. White quote listed above. Suppose she were writing for the church today. What might she write? That is, what are the theological challenges that the church is facing today? In what ways are they similar to the ones John was dealing with? What can we learn from John that could help us as we deal with these errors?\par \par 2. As Adventists, we believe we have been given a great deal of truth, truth that many other churches do not have. (After all, if they had these truths, then what purpose would we as Adventists serve?) At the same eolitics, that's all.\par \par \tab "What political faith," his former teacher asks with sadness, "will destroy death?"\par \par \tab In other words, no matter your political ideas, no matter the utopia you hope to create, it will never defeat humanity's great scourge: death.\par \par \tab While continuing to show us what it means to "walk in the light," this week's texts point us to the temporality of our world in contrast to the eternal life found only in God.\par \par \b The Week at a Glance:\b0`33, French author Andre Malraux published Man's Fate, a story about an ill-fated Marxist uprising in Shanghai, China, in the 1920s. In the story, a Marxist terrorist, Ch'en, is walking down the street when his first teacher, a Christian minister, approaches him and starts a conversation about Ch'en's loss of faith. Little does the teacher know that Ch'en, at the moment, is carrying a bomb and is on his way to a political assassination! Ch'en replies that he hasn't lost his faith; he has simply put it in paorldliness\par \par SABBATH AFTERNOON\tab\par \tab\par Read for This Week's Study:\b0 \cf1\ul Dan_5:13\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_15:19\cf0\ulnone ;\cf1\ul Col_1:14\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Col_2:8\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Col_2:13\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Pe_3:10-12\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:12-17\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:15\cf0\ulnone , NIV).\par \par \tab In 19bsicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Courier-Bold;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Trebuchet MS;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue64;\red0\green0\blue0;\red36\green64\blue97;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 5 *July 25-31\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Walking in the Light-Renouncing W\par \par Our world is purely transitory. It won't last forever; even science-with all its weaknesses-tells us that. What hope, however, does the Bible offer us that science doesn't?\par \par \par Some people, heeding the call against loving the world, isolate themselves from the world as much as they can, moving into monasteries or communities that are radically separate from the "norm." Is this a good idea? Bad idea? Might it be good in some cases? Discuss.\par \par In class, discuss your answer f On what basis can we know that our sins are forgiven? What does it mean to know God? What does it mean not to love the things of the world? What's the ultimate fate of the world?\par \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 1.\par \i0\par \par \b SUNDAY July 26\par \par "For His Name's Sake" \b0\par \par \tab "I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake" (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:12\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par \tab In \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:12-15g\cf0\ulnone , John addresses "little children" and "fathers" and "young men." Though various suggestions have been made about what he meant by this division, we suggest that the "children" refers to all church members, because John uses the expression children in this sense in his epistle (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:1\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:12\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:28\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:7\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:4\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:21\cf0\ulnone ). The "fathers" would represent older churchh members, and the "young men" younger members. In short, he's writing to everyone.\par \par \tab In \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:12\cf0\ulnone , he tells them all that their sins are forgiven. On what basis is that forgiveness found? Why is it so important for Christians to know that their sins are forgiven? See also \cf1\ul Act_5:31\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rom_4:7\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Eph_4:32\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Col_1:14\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Col_2:13\cf0\ulnone . \par \par \tab John wants his hearers, that is, faitihful church members, to have absolute assurance of their salvation. He is referring back to his discussion of the topic of sin as found in \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:9\cf0\ulnone and \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:1-2\cf2\ulnone , stressing tha\cf0 t to be a Christian means to have this forgiveness. Christians do not deny their sinfulness but have accepted salvation through Jesus Christ and, therefore, live with the assurance of being forgiven.\par \par \tab The crucial point is for Christians to understand that the basis of their jsalvation is found only in Jesus and in what Jesus has done for them. That's why John says they have been forgiven-not on the basis of their good deeds, not on the basis of their beliefs, and not even on the basis of their knowledge of God, but rather for "his name's sake"; that is, on the basis of Jesus and what He has done for them. Thus, in the midst of all John's talk about overcoming, about obedience, he keeps the emphasis before them that salvation comes only because of Jesus. \par \par \tab How ikmportant is it to you to know that you have forgiveness of sins? Where would you be today if you were to doubt that forgiveness? Also, why must you always remember that the basis of forgiveness is found in Jesus, not in yourself? \par \par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\f2\fs24\par \i\f1\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20 \par \b Key Text: \cf4\ul\b0\i 1Jn_2:15-17\cf3\ulnone\par \i0 \par \b The Student Will:\par \par Know: \b0 What it means to live inl this world but not be part of it.\par \b\par Feel: \b0 Assured of his or her salvation.\par \b\par Do: \b0 Live a life with a heavenly focus.\par \par \b\i\f1\fs32 Learning Outline:\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20\par \b I. Know: Getting the Right Focus\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. What would you include in the expression \ldblquote loving the things of this world\rdblquote ? Why are love of the world and love of the Father incompatible? \par \pard\par \pard\fi720 B. Discuss the role of forgiveness in walkming in the light. \par \pard\par \pard\fi720 C. We often sing, \ldblquote Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine,\rdblquote but putting it into practice can be challenging. How can we be assured that our sins are forgiven? Explain how this impacts your life.\par \pard \par \b II. Feel: Appreciate the Gift of Salvation\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. In what ways can we experience the absolute assurance of salvation?\par \pard\par \pard\fi720 B. God freely forgives us, regardless of what we have done. How cnan we foster this attitude of forgiveness in our relationships with others? Must we in every case forgive? Explain.\par \pard \par \b III. Do: Renouncing Worldly Things\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. Sometimes it is difficult to focus on the unseen and eternal. Share ways that have helped you keep your focus on the eternal. \par \pard\par \pard\fi720 B. What responsibility comes with owning worldly goods? How should they be used? \par \pard\par \pard\fi720 C. Practice how you briefly could explain too someone what it means to be forgiven.\par \pard \par \b Summary: \par \b0 Part of walking in the light is abandoning the transient things of this world; this should be easy in contrast to what we\rquote re offered instead: eternal life.\par \cf0\f0\par \par \b MONDAY July 27\par \par Overcoming the Wicked One\b0\par \par \tab Read \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:13-14\cf0\ulnone . What do these verses say to you? What positive message is coming from them, and how can we apply those messages to ourselves? \par \tab\par \tab The children are reminded that they know the Father, while the fathers are reminded that they know Him who is from the beginning. Obviously this person is Jesus. "In the beginning" is attributed to Jesus in \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:1\cf0\ulnone . It seems to make more sense when, in our verses here, the Father and He who is from the beginning (Jesus) are two different persons. \tab\par \par When the young men are addressed a second time, the phrase "you have overcome the evil one"(NIV)is repeated,qave through Jesus, the same Jesus he himself had heard, seen, and touched.\par \par \tab What is your own understanding, and experience, of what it means to have "joy" in the Lord? Have you ever known any Christian who is always joyous? How do we understand the promises of joy when so often, even as Christians, our lives are filled with pain and suffering?\par \par \cf4\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\f2\fs24\par \i\f1\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \i0\f3\fs20\par Key Terxt: \cf5\ul\b0\i 1Jn_1:1-4\cf4\ulnone\par \i0\par \b The Student Will:\par \par Know: \b0 Recognize that fellowship with Jesus results in true joy.\par \par \b Feel: \b0 Experience the joy of fellowship.\par \par \b Do: \b0 Share our life-transforming joy with others.\par \par \b\i\f1\fs32 Learning Outline:\par \i0\f3\fs20\par I. Know: Fellowship With God\par \par \b0\tab A. In \cf5\ul 1Jn_1:3\cf4\ulnone John refers to Jesus\rquote humanity and divinity. What does this reveal about God? sHow does this open up opportunities for fellowship with God?\b\par \b0\par \tab B. In His humanity Jesus suffered and experienced pain, yet John says that through Him we can have fullness of joy. How would you define this joy?\par \b \b0\par \tab C. John expresses the joys of fellowship with God and fellow believers. What role does fellowship play in the individual Christian\rquote s life?\b\par \b0 \par \b II. Feel: Complete Joy\par \b0\par \tab A. What is the difference between experiencing thte happiness and joy that come from fellowship with God and the joy and happiness that come10 from other sources?\par \par \tab B. What role does fellowship with one another play in nurturing joy?\par \par \b III. Do: Being Transformed by Joy\par \par \b0 \tab A. Ask the group to share some occasions in which they experienced true joy. What can we learn from these experiences? How can we apply these lessons to help us share joy on other occasions?\b\par \b0\par \tab B. What ways can the Sabbath Suchool group nurture fellowship? Encourage everyone to determine to do one thing to nurture fellowship with God and in their community in the coming week.\par \par \b Summary: \b0 John\rquote s personal experience of joy and fellowship with Jesus is contagious. He opens our eyes to the possibilities of experiencing complete joy today.\par \b \par \cf1\b0\f0\par \b MONDAY July 6\par \par 1 John 1 and John 1\b0\par \par \tab Those who know the Gospel of John are intrigued when they begin reading tvhe first letter of John and find an introduction similar to the introduction of John's Gospel.\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \tab Read \cf2\ul 1Jn_1:1-5\cf1\ulnone and compare it to \cf2\ul Joh_1:1-5\cf1\ulnone . What are some things that they have in common? \par \par \tab Both passages begin almost identically. Both point back to a time in the past, using "the beginning," an apparent reference to \cf2\ul Gen_1:1\cf1\ulnone , the Creation. Both distinguish between God the Father and the Word, awnd both place them next to each other in close connection. Both sections also use the image of "life" and "light." No question, there's much in common between the two sections.\par \par \tab But there are also differences, as well.\par \par \tab What emphases do we find in \cf2\ul Joh_1:1-5\cf1\ulnone that are not seen in \cf2\ul 1Jn_1:1-5\cf1\ulnone ? \par \par \tab John's Gospel strongly stresses Jesus as God and Jesus as Creator. Although the full title "his Son, Jesus Christ" (NIV) in \cf2\ul 1xJn_1:3\cf1\ulnone points to both Jesus' humanity and His divinity, the term God is not directly applied to Jesus in the introduction to 1 John as it is in the introduction to John's Gospel. The Gospel of John is also very clear regarding Jesus in His role as Creator. Nothing that was made-that is, nothing created-was created apart from Him. It's hard to see how John could have been more clear, not only about Christ's divinity but His creatorship, as well. \par \par \tab Also, 1 John emphasizes the roley of eyewitnesses and their proclamation (and, hence, their authority), an emphasis not found in John's Gospel, which speaks from a more detached and less "personal" perspective. \par \par \tab Taken together, both sections reveal truths about Jesus that are central to the plan of salvation.\par \par \tab Think about all you know about the life of Jesus. What were the things He did, said, and suffered? Also, ask yourself, Why did He do these things? As you do so, dwell on the fact that this Man was alszo God, the Creator. What hope and encouragement do these truths offer you? How can they help you cope with the stresses and strains of life? \par \par \cf4\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\f3\fs20\par \i\f4\fs32 Learning Cycle\par \b0 \par \b STEP 1-Motivate\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20\par \b Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \par \b0 We cannot be direct eyewitnesses to the events of Christ\rquote s life, but that does not mean we cannot be eyewitnesses to the reality of Christ{ and what He has done for us.\par \par \b Just for Teachers: \par Remember to keep your focus\b0 \b Christ-centered as you approach the study of the\b0 \b first epistle with your class members.\par \b0 \par Martin Luther described 1 John as an \ldblquote outstanding epistle. It can buoy up afflicted hearts. . . . So beautifully and gently does it picture Christ to us.\rdblquote -\i Luther\rquote s Works: The Catholic Epistles \i0 (St. Louis: Concordia Pub. House, 1967), vol. 30, p. 219.\par \par| It no doubt would have gratified John to know that fifteen hundred years after he wrote his Epistle, its power to portray Christ to others had lost none of its potency. John wanted us to know for ourselves the eternal life, fellowship, and joy we can have through Jesus, the same Jesus that John himself had heard, seen, and touched.\par \par \b Discuss: \par \b0 How have you personally known, touched, and seen Jesus?\par \par If your life is a canvas, what portrait of Him does your life paint to o}thers? How can you let Him make you His masterpiece?\par \par \cf1\f0\par \b TUESDAY July 7\par \par The Word of Life (\cf2\ul 1Jn_1:1-2\cf1\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab What do you think the phrase "Word of life" means? Why is that such an accurate term for Jesus?\tab\par \par \tab\cf2\ul 1Jn_1:1\cf1\ulnone mentions the "Word of life." The term word is also found in \cf2\ul Joh_1:1-3\cf1\ulnone , and refers specifically to Jesus. In \cf2 Revelation 19\cf1 the rider on the white horse is called~ "The Word of God" (\cf2\ul Rev_19:13\cf1\ulnone ) and refers to Jesus too. Because in the Johannine literature the term word may in certain contexts designate Jesus, in \cf2\ul 1Jn_1:1\cf1\ulnone it most likely stands for Jesus here, as well. \par \par \tab The same is true for the term life. Jesus called Himself "the way, the truth, and the life" (\cf2\ul Joh_14:6\cf1\ulnone ). Thus the life in \cf2\ul 1Jn_1:2\cf1\ulnone surely refers to Christ, as well. No wonder, then, He is the "Word of life." \par \par \tab What other evidence from those verses show that John was referring to Jesus when He used the phrase "Word of life"? \par \par \tab Though some people have argued that the phrase "Word of life" means the proclamation of the gospel, the evidence points instead to Jesus Himself. Although it is possible to hear the gospel of Jesus with one's ears, it is more difficult to see it with the eyes. Meanwhile, it is impossible to touch with one's hands "the Word of life," if that phrase were referring to the gospel proclamation. To hear, see, and touch a person makes more sense than to hear, see, and touch the gospel. Furthermore, the phrase "the . . . life . . . was with the Father and has appeared to us" (\cf2\ul 1Jn_1:2\cf1\ulnone , NIV) also suggests that John had a person in mind when he mentioned the Word and the life. \par \par \tab If we accept that Jesus is the "word of life," what does that means for us? Look at each part of the phrase, word and life. How do the following texts help us better understand what this phrase means in and of itself, and more important, what it means to us personally? \cf2\ul Gen_1:14\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul Dan_5:23\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul Mat_8:8\cf1\ulnone , \cf2 John 1-4\cf1 , \cf2\ul Act_17:28\cf1\ulnone .\par \par \cf4\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \f3\fs20\par \b\i\f4\fs32 STEP 2-Explore\par \i0\f3\fs20\par Just for Teachers: \par Christ is fully God and fully\b0 \b man, and upon this truth hinges the entire plan of\b0 \b salvation and the Christian fellowship. Emphasize\b0 \b for your class members that the opening of the first\b0 \b epistle gives us no room for misunderstanding on\b0 \b this score.\b0\par \par \b\i\f4\fs32 Bible Commentary\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20 \par The most dangerous heresy that invaded the church during John\rquote s time is the one that denied Christ\rquote s humanity. The Gnostic heretics argued that since matter is evil, God could not have taken a material body. Such a blatant denial of the inc but the statement is expanded. The young men have overcome not just the evil but Satan himself, because they belong to Christ and claim His victory. The original language indicates that the overcoming has been achieved in the past but the consequences are an ongoing reality. The young men are also spiritually strong, and the "word of God" dwells in them. \par \par \tab The Word of God points to its author, the Holy Spirit (\cf1\ul Eph_6:17\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 2Pe_1:21\cf0\ulnone ). Therefore, some expearnation of Jesus may have sounded logical to Greek ears but raised alarm in the aging apostle. So, the apostle begins his epistle, as he did his Gospel, with an affirmation that Christ Jesus is neither an illusion of mind nor an accident of history. He is God. He is God who came in flesh. As aneyewitness to the greatest miracle in history, John chose to affirm the uniqueness of the Son of God.\par \par \b I. Christ is God \b0\i (\cf5\ul 1Jn_1:1\cf4\ulnone )\i0\par \cf5\ul 1 John 1\cf4\ulnone beginsYears later, on his deathbed, the murderer confessed his deeds and accepted Christ as His Savior. How would you respond to this comment by a surviving member of the family: "So, according to you Christians, my whole family is destined for final punishment, while the person who murdered them now has the promise of heaven? Is that what your religion teaches?" \par \par \par \cf4\b\f3\par \b0\par \par \par \ul\f1\fs22\par \cf0\ulnone\f0\fs20\par \par } to Monday's question about what it means to know God.\par \tab\par \par What are some things in the world that, in and of themselves, might not be bad, might not work against the knowledge of God, yet are often made that way because of how people use them?\par \tab\tab\tab\par \par Why is victory over sin such an important part of what it means to "walk in the light"? How can you have this victory? \par \par \par \cf3\f3\par \par \par \par \cf2\f5\fs23\par \par } y which doctrines can be evaluated. True believers rely on the Holy Spirit as He manifests Himself in Scripture. The Bible has to be the final authority on all our teachings. The moment believers start to doubt the authority of the Bible, its reliability, and its inspiration, they start opening themselves up to all sorts of delusions and errors. The world is filled with folk who, once staunch Christians, have abandoned their faith because-coming across things they didn't understand or didn't necessarily like-they started questioning the validity and inspiration of the Bible. It's one thing to admit that there are things in the Bible we don't understand, or that even seem questionable to us; it's another to doubt the authority of the Scripture because of them.\tab\par \par \tab What's your attitude toward things in the Word that you don't understand or even necessarily like? Have you, over time, found yourself doubting more and more in the Word? Are you on that path, and if so, how can you get off it? \par \par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\f3\fs20\par \i\f4\fs32 STEP 3-Apply\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20 \par \b Just for Teachers: \par John\rquote s teaching about the\b0 \b antichrist contains a warning for every Christian. The\b0 \b warning is about apostasy: \ldblquote They went out from us, but\b0 \b they were not of us\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul 1Jn_2:19\cf3\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 . Unless we\b0 \b abide in the truth and the truth abides in us, we risk\b0 \b the danger of apostasy. Thus, the Christian journey is\b0 \b not a once-and-for-all experience but a daily event whereby Jesus continues to \b0 1 \b be at the command post of\b0 \b our lives.\par \b0 \par \b Thought Questions:\par \cf4\ul\b0 1Jn_2:19\cf3\ulnone speaks of two groups of people: those who leave and those who remain. What causes some to leave the fellowship and others to remain? Consider Judas and Peter, both of whom were on the verge of apostasy. What caused one to be lost and the other to be redeemed?\par \par Abiding in Christ places one on the road of confidence to meet Him at His coming \i (\cf4\ul\i0 1Jn_2:28\cf3\ulnone\i )\i0 . To such a person \ldblquote the last hour\rdblquote is not a time of terror but a period of joyful waiting for the final reunion. What kind of a life does the last hour expect of us?\par \par \b Application Questions:\par \b0 A five-year-old boy asked his seven-year-old sister, \ldblquote Why is Grandma spending so much time reading the Bible?\rdblquote \ldblquote She is cramming for her final exams,\rdblquote the older kid said. How are you getting ready for your finals?\par \par The fourth commandment and the example of Jesus expect us to keep the seventh-day Sabbath. But someone comes along and offers a new \ldblquote truth\rdblquote : It is the principle of rest that counts, and so any day will do. How will you react?\par \ul\f1\fs22\par \cf0\ulnone\f0\fs20\par \b THURSDAY August 6\par \par Abiding in Him \b0\par \par \tab What's the one common theme found in these verses? Why is this message so important to us? \cf1\ul Joh_5:38\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_6:56\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_8:31\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_15:4-10\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:14\cf2\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:28\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Jn_1:9\cf2\ulnone .\cf0 \par \tab\tab\par \tab The word rendered to abide has also been translated as "to remain," "to live in," "to dwell in." It is an important concept in John's Gospel and in his letters. It occurs 25 times in 1 John and twice in 2 John.\par \par \tab The concept stresses that it is important to remain in the Son, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. A right relationship with the Godhead is crucial. It also is important to remain in correct doctrine and in the Word, because that will affect our relationship with God. Indeed, that seems to be a crucial aspect of John's letter, because he's afraid of what these false teachers and their false views could do to the faith of the believer. \par \tab\par \tab One of the promises made to those who remain in Him is the promise of eternal life. Why is the promise of eternal life so important to us? What would our faith offer us if we didn't have that promise? Why bother even being a Christian at all? See \cf1\ul 1Co_15:1-19\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \tab No question, for John a crucial aspect of the Christian faith was abiding in the Lord. This is simply another way of stating that we need to "walk in the light," we need to live in a close relationship with Jesus, which means a daily surrender of our will to His, as revealed through the Word and through the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As soon as we start disobeying the Lord, as soon as we start thinking we can figure things out apart from God, as soon as we start passing negative judgments on whatever parts of the Bible we don't like, we're moving in a direction that, if not stopped, will separate us from a saving relationship with Jesus. \par \par \tab How do you "abide" in Christ? What were the things you did in the past 24 hours that enabled you to "abide" in Him? Make a list of the things that we can do that are part of what it means "to abide" in Christ, and share your list with members on Sabbath. \par \par \cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \f3\fs20\par \b\i\f1\fs32 STEP 4-Create\par \b0\i0\f3\fs20 \par \b Just for Teachers: \par Having exposed the deceptive ways\b0 \b of the antichrist, John speaks of two safeguards that\b0 \b would keep believers in the straight and narrow way.\b0 \b They are: Abide in the Son and the Word \i (\ul 1Jn_2:24\ulnone )\b0\i0 \b and be anointed by the Holy Spirit \i (\ul\b0\i0 1Jn_2:27\ulnone\b\i ). \i0 With\b0 \b these safeguards in mind, invite class members to\b0 \b participate in the following projects:\par \b0 \par The commentary asks us to consider the fates of Peter and Judas. Go back over the similarities and differences between them. Now imagine you were with one of them on the night Jesus was arrested. Based on your study of his character, write out a brief monologue that imagines in his own words what Peter or Judas might have said about 1 why he made the choice he made that night.\par \par Invite one of the class members to read his or her monolog to the class. If someone has a dramatic talent, have this person memorize his or her monologue and perform it. Encourage him or her to create and dress up in biblical-era costume. Discuss the monologues with the class. What spiritual insights can be learned that help reinforce the key concept of the lesson?\par \cf0\f0\par \par \b FRIDAY August 7\b0\par \par \b Further Study:\b0 Re\cf2 ad 2 Peter 2 an\cf0 d Ellen G. White, "Worldliness in the Church," pp. 196, 197 in \i Testimonies for the Church\i0 , vol. 2.\par \par One could raise the question why \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:29\cf0\ulnone is important in this discussion about false teachers. Obviously with the false teaching about Jesus a false lifestyle went along. This is oftentimes the case even today. Attacking one doctrine of Christianity leads to calling in question others, and sooner or later it is not only a theoretical construct that is affected, but it plays itself out in practical terms. People no longer live righteous lives. A disastrous vicious cycle begins, a downward spiral that can be stopped only by returning to the Lord, His teachings, and His exemplary life.\par \tab\par "The Spirit was not given-nor can it ever be bestowed-to supersede the Bible; for the Scriptures explicitly state that the Word of God is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. Says the apostle John, 'Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world\cf2 ' 1 John 4."\cf0 -Ellen G. White, \i The Great Controversy\i0 , p. 9.\par \par \b Discussion Questions\b0 :\par \par How do we as Adventists, who have long been anticipating the return of Jesus, deal with the question of what it means to be living in "the last hour"? If "the last hour" has lasted almost two thousand years, what is it supposed to mean to us and how we live our lives today?\par \tab\tab\par What is the list that you made from Thursday's lesson showing the practical ways in which we can abide in Christ? What can you learn from each other? \par \tab\tab\tab\tab\par What are ways that we can manifest the spirit of antichrist toward others? \par \tab\tab\par What are some of the difficult things in the Bible that church members sometimes struggle with? How can we learn to trust the Bible despite these difficulties? How can we help those who are struggling with their faith because of things in the Bible they don't understand or like?\par \tab\tab\par How should we, as a church, relate to those former members who now openly attack us? What should our attitudes be toward them? \par \par \cf3\f3 \b\par \b0\par \par \par \ul\f1\fs22\par \ulnone\f5\fs24\par \cf0\par \cf2\f6\fs23\par \cf0\f0\fs20\par \cf3\par \par } e would do that had been written in the Scriptures before His birth. Though He was King of the universe, the King of glory, He didn\rquote t use majestic display and charisma to attract followers. \ldblquote Only the beauty of heavenly truth must draw those who would follow Him. The character of the Messiah had long been foretold in prophecy, and He desired men to accept Him upon the testimony of the Word of God.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Desire of Ages\i0 , p. 43. Jesus\rquote baptism, the event that was foretold by Daniel\rquote s prophecy in \cf3\ul Dan_9:24-26\cf2\ulnone as the coming of the Anointed, proclaimed the beginning of Christ\rquote s ministry on earth. This could be called \ldblquote the testimony of water.\rdblquote Daniel\rquote s prophesy also spoke of when the Anointed One would be cut off in the middle of the week, \ldblquote the testimony of blood.\rdblquote\par \par \b Consider This: \par \b0 How are baptism and the Cross related? \i (See \cf3\ul Rom_6:4\cf2\ulnone and \cf3\ul Col_2:12\cf2\ulnone .) \i0 How has your baptism made you a part of Christ\rquote s testimony of water and blood?\par \b \b0\par \i How did the earthly sanctuary services offer\i0 \i testimony to Christ\rquote s work for us through the use of\i0 \i water and blood? How does Christ\rquote s work in the\i0 \i heavenly sanctuary continue this testimony?\par \i0 \par \b II. The Testimony of God\b0 \i (Review \cf3\ul 1Jn_5:6-10\cf2\ulnone and \cf3\ul Joh_15:26\cf2\ulnone .)\i0 \par \par  The testimonies of the Father and the Holy Spirit about Jesus are weighty evidence indeed. Not only did the Father and Holy Spirit recognize Jesus at His baptism \i (\cf3\ul Mat_3:16-17\cf2\ulnone )\i0 , but the Father gave testimony in regard to His Son on the Mount of Transfiguration \i (\cf3\ul Mat_17:5\cf2\ulnone ) \i0 and in response to Jesus\rquote request at the feast in Jerusalem \i (\cf3\ul Joh_12:28-30\cf2\ulnone )\i0 . Except for these voices and the appearance of the dove at Christ\rquote s baptism, however, most other testimonies of God have been more indirect, though just as powerful.\b\par \b0 \par \b Consider This: \par \b0 What other ways has the Father provided testimony in regard to the work of the Son? \i (See \cf3\ul Joh_3:16-17\cf2\ulnone and \cf3\ul Mat_27:45-54\cf2\ulnone .) \i0 Describe the testimony of the Holy Spirit and its effect on our hearts. \i (See \cf3\ul Joh_5:26-47\cf2\ulnone through \cf3\ul Joh_16:1-16\cf2\ulnone .)\i0\par \par \b III. Why Must We Believe These Testimonies About\b0 \b Christ?\b0 (\i Review \cf3\ul 1Jn_4:1-3\cf2\ulnone ; \cf3\ul 1Jn_5:10-20\cf2\ulnone .)\b\i0\par \b0 \par As far as God is concerned, it is major heresy to deny that Jesus Christ is the Anointed One sent from heaven who, by dying on the Cross, came to save us from our sins. The consequence of not believing in Jesus is death. On the other hand, faith in the Son of God and reliance on what He has done for us on the Cross brings eternal life. It is the Cross that crosses the gulf between eternal death and eternal life, and it is the only bridge across the chasm. \ldblquote Without the cross, man could have no union with the Father. On it depends our every hope. From it shines the light of the Saviour\rquote s love, and when at the foot of the cross the sinner looks up to the One who died to save him, he may rejoice with fullness of joy, for his sins are pardoned. Kneeling in faith at the cross, he has reached the highest place to which man can attain.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The\i0 \i Acts of the Apostles, \i0 pp. 209, 210.\par \par \b Consider This: \par \b0 How does the Cross make possible our union with the Father? Why is kneeling at the cross the \ldblquote highest place\rdblquote we can attain?\par \par \cf0\b\f0\par WEDNESDAY\tab August 26\par \par The Issue of the Trinity (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:7-8\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab In some verses of the Bible the words "in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth" appear in \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:7-8\cf0\ulnone (NKJV). The only problem is they are a later addition, not found in the original manuscripts.\par \par \tab Among biblical scholars there is agreement that this statement is not genuine and has been added, probably to support the doctrine of the Trinity. Of course, biblical texts should never be tampered with, for many reasons (\cf1\ul Rev_22:18\cf0\ulnone ), one of the most important being that people may start having doubts about the reliability of Scripture as a whole and start to mistrust God's Word. \par \par \tab The fact is, even without these words the doctrine of the Trinity is firmly established in Johannine literature. Although the authors of the New Testament believe that God is one, they portray Jesus and the Holy Spirit as God. To reconcile the oneness of God with the divinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the concept of the Trinity is crucial. \par \par \tab John has powerful statements about the divinity of Jesus. What does he teach about Jesus Christ in the following texts?\par \tab\par \cf1\ul Joh_1:1-3\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul Joh_1:14\cf0\ulnone \par \tab\tab\par \cf1\ul Joh_8:58-59\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul Joh_10:30-31\cf0\ulnone \par \tab\tab\par \cf1\ul Joh_20:28\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:23\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:20\cf0\ulnone \par \par \tab Though there's no question about the divinity of Jesus as established by these texts (and many others), the passage that we are studying this week does not try to establish the doctrine of the Trinity. That wasn't the point. It is, instead, a passage about faith in Jesus as the Son of God and the witness given to the world about Him.\par \par \tab Keeping in mind the divinity of Jesus, go back over the final scenes of His life, right up through the Cross. As you do, remember that this person was also God the Creator. Dwell on the implications of these truths. Why should this reality change our lives?\par \par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \f2\fs20 \par \b\i\f1\fs32 STEP 3-Apply\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Just For Teachers: This object lesson will give your\b0 \b class a chance to see the need of moving beyond\b0 \b knowledge of Christ\rquote s work to a personal acceptance\b0 \b of what He has done. You will need a real pair of\b0 \b scales or a paper or flannel set that can be\b0 \b adjusted as you add and remove weights.\par \b0 \par \b Object Lesson:\par \b0 Mark one side of a set of scales as \ldblquote Evidence for Our Salvation\rdblquote and the other side as \ldblquote Evidence Against Our Salvation.\rdblquote Ask the class for examples of things (such as sins, unbelief, etc.) that would weigh the scales against us. Label weights with these names and add them to the scales. Ask for examples of evidence that Christ offers you salvation, such as the testimonies of the water and blood and those offered by the Father and the Holy Spirit. Label these weights, as well; they should be large and balance the scales in favor of our salvation.\par \par Tell your class that belief in God\rquote s testimony and acceptance of Christ\rquote s work for us wipes away all the evidence against us. (Take all the weights of evidence against us away.) The evidence is overwhelming that the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit offer more than sufficient means to save us. Even unbelief can be forgiven. \i (See \cf3\ul Mat_9:24\cf2\ulnone .)\i0 There is one thing, however, that can outweigh all that God has done for us. Place a weight labeled \ldblquote Rejection of the Holy Spirit.\rdblquote (This weight should be the heaviest of all, bringing the scale down on the side against us.) If we refuse the testimony of the Holy Spirit, we refuse to believe in Christ. (Add the weight marked \ldblquote Unbelief.\rdblquote ) All our sins are against us (add the rest of the weights against us), and we are unsafe to save. Faith in Christ is the difference between being able to benefit from all the advantages God offers and loss of eternal life. (Remove the weights against us so the scale comes down on the side for us.)\par \b \par Discuss: \par \b0 How does faith in Christ make the eternal difference between being saved and losing everything?\par \ul\f1\fs22\par \cf0\ulnone\b\f0\fs20\par THURSDAY August 27\par \par The Result of Believing in Jesus (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:11-12\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab God has provided a wonderful gift for humanity. This gift is eternal life (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:11-12\cf0\ulnone ). However, it is available in Jesus Christ only. How can we receive this gift? By accepting God's testimony about His Son; i.e, by believing in and accepting Jesus.\par \par \tab What does the apostle John in his Gospel teach about eternal life?\par \tab\par \cf1\ul Joh_3:16\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul Joh_3:36\cf0\ulnone \par \tab\tab\par \cf1\ul Joh_5:24\cf0\ulnone \par \tab\tab\par \cf1\ul Joh_6:54\cf0\ulnone \par \par \tab John's discussion on faith in Jesus and who Jesus is and why we can accept God's testimony is not an academic exercise. It has a clear practical goal; namely, finding eternal life in the Son of God. John's opponents-who questioned the true divinity of Christ, or who questioned the true humanity of Christ, or who wanted to separate the divine from the human-had a different view of Jesus and did not believe in Him in the biblical sense. Because they did not have the Jesus of Scripture, they did not have eternal life. Even if they would claim to have eternal life, even if they had superior knowledge and a good feeling about possessing eternal life, their claims would not be true. \par \par \tab "Eternal life is possible through Jesus Christ only." What are the implications of such a statement? \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:11-12\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \tab John clearly states that those who do not have the Son of God do not have life, while those who have Jesus have everlasting life. These are very strong words, full of incredible implications for the entire human race. No wonder the issues of salvation are so important. They are, literally, a question not just of life or death but of eternal life or eternal death. You can't get much more serious than this.\par \par \tab What about folk who have never had the opportunity to hear the gospel presented in a clear manner? Are they all automatically lost? As you think about your answer, don't forget to take into account God's universal love for all humanity. How can you learn to better trust the Lord on this difficult question?\par \par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\par \b\i\fs32 STEP 4-Create\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Just for Teachers: \par Give your class an opportunity to\b0 \b put into action the lessons on faith you have been reviewing.\par \b0\par 1. Memorize songs of faith that you can sing as you travel and work. Choose from the list in the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal (1985), page 779, or write your own.\par \par 2. Think of someone you know who may need encouragement to hold on to Christ in faith. Call, e-mail, or send a card this week.\par \par 3. Write out a short prayer expressing acceptance and put it where you can see it often.\par \cf0\f0\par \par \b FRIDAY August 28\par \par Further Study:\b0 Read \cf1\ul Mat_16:13-17\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_12:37-46\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab\par " 'In him was life; and the life was the light of men' (\cf1\ul Joh_1:4\cf0\ulnone ). It is not physical life that is here specified, but immortality, the life which is exclusively the property of God. The Word, who was with God, and who was God, had this life. Physical life is something which each individual receives. It is not eternal or immortal; for God, the Life-giver, takes it again. Man has no control over his life. But the life of Christ was unborrowed. No one can take this life from Him. 'I lay it down of myself' (\cf1\ul Joh_10:18\cf0\ulnone ), He said. In Him was life, original, unborrowed, underived. This life is not inherent in man. He can possess it only through Christ. He cannot earn it; it is given him as a free gift if he will believe in Christ as His personal Saviour. 'This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent' (\cf1\ul Joh_17:3\cf0\ulnone ). This is the open fountain of life for the world."-Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages\i0 , book 1, pp. 296, 297.\par \par \b Discussion Questions:\b0\par \par In class, go over your answer to Tuesday's final question. How can you draw strength and encNouragement from each other's answers?\par \par \par John talks about the witnesses we have been given regarding Jesus. What about the witness that we ourselves present to the world? If someone had viewed every aspect of your life during the past 24 hours, what kind of witness would you have presented? If you had known someone was going to be watching, what would you have done differently? After you give your answer, ask yourself, Why would I have done it differently? Also, don't you know that Someone iPibute to making this a reality?\b\par \pard\b0 \par \b Summary: \par \b0 The plan of salvation demonstrates God\rquote s love for sinners. We have a responsibility to show that love to others.\par \b\par \cf0\b0\f0\par \b MONDAY August 17\par \par The "Definition" of Love (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:11-16\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:7-16\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \tab\tab\par \tab Though John talks a lot about love in these verses, how does he define and explain love? \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:12-16\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jnt is not.\par \pard \par \b II. Feel: Freedom to Love\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. If we experience and are filled with God\rquote s love, how will this be demonstrated in our relationships?\par \pard\par \pard\fi720 B. Hate and negative feelings can limit our capacity to love. How can we deal with them?\par \pard \par \b III. Do: Practical Love\par \par \pard\fi720\b0 What difference would it make to our church if every member showed true love in the home and in church? What can you do to contre saying goes \ldblquote Love makes the world go round,\rdblquote but a glance at the news headlines shows a distinct lack of love. How does this stack up with the transforming love of God?\par \pard\par \pard\fi720 B. The Cross is a filter which helps put things in the right perspective. How does it help us understand the nature of God\rquote s love and help us to return that love?\par \pard\par \pard\fi720 C. Define \ldblquote love\rdblquote by using biblical examples to show what it is and what iy Text: \cf3\ul\b0\i 1Jn_3:11-24\cf2\ulnone\par \i0 \par \b The Student Will:\par \par Know: \b0 That God\rquote s love compels us to love our brothers and sisters.\par \b\par Feel: \b0 Experience freedom from doubt and guilt, which can damage our relationships.\par \b\par Do: \b0 Put God\rquote s love into practice in relationships within our spiritual family.\par \par \b\i\f3\fs32 Learning Outline:\par \i0\f2\fs20\par I. Know: A Loveless Life Is Not an Option\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. The should. \par \par \tab Read again the passages for today's lesson. What specific point, or points, jump out at you, talk to you, convict you the most? How well are you doing in regard to what John says here? How well do you reflect toward others the love that God has toward you? What changes do you need to make in order to better show that love?\tab\par \par \cf2\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Kethe context of the antichrists, who were wrong in their ideas about Jesus. The passage says that Jesus is the Son of God (\cf1\ul 1Jn_4:15\cf0\ulnone ) and the Christ (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:1\cf0\ulnone ) and became the atoning sacrifice for our sins and the Savior of the world. Only through Him and what He did for us can the love of God be understood in a deeper sense. That is, only as we understand what happened at the cross and how Christ bore in Himself the punishment for our sins can we come to love God as we God's love for us.\par \par \tab\cf1\ul 1Jn_4:7-21\cf0 ,\ulnone \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:1-4\cf0\ulnone focuses on love to one another and uses the variants of the phrase \i "to love"\i0 eight times; the second passage employs it more than thirty times and enlarges the topic: We are called to love not only the children of God but also God Himself. On the other hand, God loved us first and still loves us. \par \par \tab\cf1\ul 1Jn_4:7-21\cf0 ,\ulnone \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:1-4\cf0\ulnone must also be understood in  and \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:7-21\cf0 ,\ulnone \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:1-4\cf0\ulnone ?\par \par \tab The two passages are remarkably similar. Both contain the phrase \i "love one another"\i0 repeatedly (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:11\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:23\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:7\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:11-12\cf0\ulnone ). Both stress that the objects of love are primarily other believers, and both warn us against hating our brothers and sisters. Both passages also emphasizve (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:11-24\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:7-21\cf0 ,\ulnone \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:1-4\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab The passage we investigated last week ended with saying that children of God are recognizable by doing what is right and by loving their brothers and sisters in the Lord (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:10\cf0\ulnone ). That verse builds a bridge to the discussion of love that appears in the rest of the epistle. \par \tab\par \tab What are some of the similarities between \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:11-24\cf0\ulnone  love is to be manifested by those who claim to be followers of Jesus.\tab\par \par \b The Week at a Glance:\b0 What does John teach about the importance of love? How is Christian love manifested? How does the plan of salvation reveal the true meaning of love? How can we, as sinners, have the assurance of salvation? How are Christians to manifest love? \par \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 22.\i0\par \par \par \b SUNDAY August 16\par \par The Two Passages on Lonting a divorce. That would all but guarantee hurting him as much as possible. \par \par \tab With revenge in her eyes, she did just that, lavishing love on him for a few months as she never did before. Then the pastor called her and asked about her divorce. \par \par "No way!" she replied, "I discovered I really do love him."\par \par \tab Love is able to change our world, our churches, our families, and our marriages. This week we'll see a little of what John says about this crucial topic and howblue97;\red0\green128\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 8 *August 15-21\par \par Loving Brothers and Sisters\par \par SABBATH AFTERNOON\tab\tab\par \par Read for This Week's Study:\b0 \cf1\ul Mar_12:28-31\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_14:15\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:11-24\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:7 \cf0 -\cf1 1Jn_5:4\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Jam_2:15\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Jam_2:16\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \b Memory Text: \b0 "And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also" (\cf1\ul 1Jn_4:21\cf0\ulnone , NKJV).\par \par \tab A pastor was visited by a woman full of hatred toward her husband. Not only did she want to divorce him; she wanted to cause him as much pain as possible. The pastor suggested that she go home and act as if she really loved him. She was to tell him how much he meant to her and to be as kind as she could. After having convinced him of her undying love, she would then inform him about waxpress God\rquote s words of affirmation to you through nature. As you take a walk, offer words of praise to God about your favorite parts of His creation. Try the same technique with other love languages.\par \par Take time during family worship to question members of your family about the love languages that meet their needs best. Plan how to express your love in these ways.\par \par Sing number 406, \ldblquote Love Consecrates the Humblest Act,\rdblquote in the \i Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal \i0 (1985) as a consecration prayer for your plans for the week.\par \cf5\ul\f1\fs22\par \cf0\ulnone\f0\fs20\par \b FRIDAY August 21\par \par Further Study: \b0 Rea\cf4 d \cf6\ul 1Co_13:1-13\cf4\ulnone ; E\cf0 llen G. White, "A Faithful Witness," p. 548, in \i The Acts of the Apostles\i0 .\par \tab\par "Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God. All this is but a fulfillment of the principle of the law-the principle that is illustrated in the story of the good Samaritan, and made manifest in the life of Jesus. His character reveals the true significance of the law, and shows what is meant by loving our neighbor as ourselves. And when the children of God manifest mercy, kindness, and love toward all men, they also are witnessing to the character of the statutes of heaven. . . . The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor."-Ellen G. White, \i The Desire of Ages,\i0 p. 505.\par \par "You should get rid of your cold, frozen formality as soon as possible. You need to cultivate feelings of tenderness and friendliness in your everyday life. You should exhibit true courtesy and Christian politeness. The heart that really loves Jesus loves those for whom He died. Just as truly as the needle points to the pole, so will the true follower of Christ, with a spirit of earnest labor, seek to save souls for whom Christ has given His life. Working for the salvation of sinners will keep the love of Christ warm in the heart and will give that love a proper growth and development."-Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies for the Church,\i0 vol. 3, p. 466.\par \par \b Discussion Questions:\b0\par \par We tend to think of all the admonitions to love as a personal issue, one between God and ourselves. And though that is true, it certainly isn't limited to just us as individuals, is it? That is, what can your local church do, as a church body, to show love in ways that you as an individual can't? How well is your local church revealing the love of God to the community? What can you do to help it along in this important area? \par \par In class, talk about various individuals who have displayed the kind of love talked about this week. What did they do? What kind of self-sacrifice was involved? What did their actions have in common that can help us better understand what true love is? \par \tab\tab\par The Bible says that love is from God. Why must that be so? Think about it-where else could love come from? It's hard to imagine how pure matter and energy alone, the stuff of physics and atoms, could ever of itself create something like love. How does the reality of love help us better understand the reality of God? How does our expression of love reveal to others the existence of God? In what ways might the manifestation of love be the best evidence yet for God's existence?\par \par \b\par \cf2\f2\par \b0\par \ul\f1\fs22\par \par \ulnone\f2\fs20\par \par \par \f4\fs24\par \f5\fs23\par \par } the things of the world, things that we know cannot satisfy us and that cannot last or give us eternal life? What is the secret of being able to break the hold of the world on us? How can you help someone who truly wants to be a Christian, who wants these promises for himself or herself, and yet can't seem to break away from the world? \par \par \cf2\b\f2\par \par \par \b0\par \par \par \par \ul\f1\fs22\par \cf0\ulnone\b\f0\fs20\par \cf4\b0\f3\fs23\par \cf0\f4\fs24\par \cf4\f3\fs23\par } re some things we should not pray for, though it is not clear just what are the sins that lead to death. This story about Mrs. White\rquote s situation should not discourage us from intercessory prayer, but it does present the need for caution. What should be the guiding principle in regard to prayer for others when we are not sure of their life history? What prayer can be prayed under all circumstances, with the assurance that God will hear?\par \par \pard\cf0\f0\par \b WEDNESDAY\tab September 2\par \par Confident of Being Protected (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:18-19\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab In \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:18-19\cf0\ulnone , John twice states that "we know." Both verses begin with this statement. However, John is not concerned with knowledge only. \par \par \tab What indirect challenges do verses 18 and 19 contain?\par \par \tab In verse 18 (NKJV), the phrase \i "born of God"\i0 is used twice. However, the first phrase refers to every true believer, while the second phrase refers to Jesus. In Greek there is a difference of tenses that may be quite important. Anyone born of God (the first phrase) occurs in the perfect tense and may describe the lasting effect of regeneration. The second phrase occurs in a tense that refers to one specific event in the past only. The second phrase describes Jesus' incarnation. Jesus was born of Mary in Bethlehem. The first phrase refers to the experience of humans who are born again (\cf1\ul Joh_3:3\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_3:5\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:9\cf0\ulnone ). The usage of the same term for Jesus may point to the fact that Jesus has come close to us, even became one of us. On the other hand, Jesus is different from us. He is the Son of God in a sense that we never will be.\par \par \tab What comfort do these verses contain? \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:18-19\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \tab Both verses mention the evil one. The term is also used in \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:13-14\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:12\cf0\ulnone . It describes Satan. Additionally John calls him devil (\cf1\ul 1Jn_3:8\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:10\cf0\ulnone ). According to \cf1\ul Rev_12:9\cf0\ulnone he is the old serpent, the devil. \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:18-19\cf0\ulnone provides a short glimpse of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. This controversy is revealed in the book of Revelation, especially chapter 12. However, the different parties are already pointed to in 1 John.\par \par \tab In verses 18 and 19 John refers to the world as the arena of the evil one. On the other side of the conflict, the disciples of Jesus are found together with God the Father and Jesus. These believers are protected by Him. Jesus keeps them and does not allow Satan to touch them. Therefore, they are able to say no to sin and to withstand temptations. \par \par \tab Verse 19 states that we are of God. We can be confident because we have a direct and intimate relationship with God and are separate from the world. As children of God we can claim His promises.\par \par \tab How are you experiencing the reality of the great controversy in your own life? How can you make these promises of victory and protection your own? That is, what are you doing that might make it impossible for those promises to be realized for you now? At the same time, what hope can you draw from the fact that Jesus has already won the war against Satan for us and offers us His victory? \par \b \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \pard\keepn\s2\i\f1\fs32 STEP 3-Apply\par \pard\b0\i0\f2\fs20\par \b Just for Teachers: \par Give some time for your class\b0 \b members to practice the principles of prayer and the\b0 \b development of a trusting confidence in God.\par \b0 \par \b Life Applications:\par \b0 Consider the life of Elijah, especially his prayer on Mount Carmel, his prayers for rain, how the Holy Spirit gave him power to run before Ahab\rquote s chariot in the rain down the mountain, and Elijah\rquote s response to Jezebel\rquote s threat on his life \i (see \cf4\ul 1 Kings 18, 19\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . Have you had similar ups and downs in your confidence in God? Why?\par \par Compare Esther\rquote s prayer before she went before King Xerxes \i (\cf4\ul Est_4:10-16\cf3\ulnone ) \i0 and the response of the three Hebrews when King Nebuchadnezzar confronted them about bowing down to the image \i (\cf4\ul Dan_3:16-17\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . Was there a crisis of confidence in these situations? Why, or why not? Has there been a time you had to face a person in authority in your life under difficult circumstances? How has your relationship with God informed your dealings with others in authority?\par \par When tempting Jesus, Satan quoted from \cf4\ul Psa_91:1-16\cf3\ulnone , a favorite psalm of protection. Compare \cf4\ul Psa_91:11\cf3\ulnone and \cf4\ul Psa_91:12\cf3\ulnone with what Satan quoted in \cf4\ul Mat_4:6\cf3\ulnone . What is missing? What are your favorite promises of protection? What important principles of prayer for protection does \cf4\ul 1Jn_5:1-16\cf3\ulnone teach us?\par \b \par \pard\cf0\f0\par THURSDAY September 3\par \par Having True Knowledge of the Godhead (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:20-21\cf0\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab Again John states that "we know." We know Him who is true. The Son of God, Jesus, has come into this world and has revealed to us God the Father. This knowledge is not merely head knowledge, but knowledge that leads us to a close connection with God. \par \par \tab According to \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:20\cf0\ulnone , who is the one who is true?\par \par \tab Throughout his first letter we have seen that John switches easily from the Father to Jesus. In some cases the personal pronouns He and Him may even refer to both Father and Son. This is no surprise, because he "who confesses the Son has the Father also" (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:23\cf0\ulnone , RSV). \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:20\cf0\ulnone includes the word true three times. The first reference clearly points to God the Father: Jesus has come and has given us insight so that we understand the Father, at least to some extent.\par \par \tab The second reference may refer to Jesus: "We are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ" (NKJV). The last part of this clause seems to explain the first: The Son of God is the one who is true. The word true is found in \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:8\cf0\ulnone , describing Jesus (see also \cf1\ul Rev_3:7\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rev_3:14\cf0\ulnone ), but it also is an attribute of the Father (\cf1\ul Joh_7:28\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par \tab The last reference mentioning the word true occurs in the sentence: "This is the true God, and eternal life" (NKJV). This sentence may refer to God the Father, to Jesus, or to both. Expositors are divided on this issue. In any case, it makes perfect sense if it relates to Jesus.\par \par \tab What does \cf5\ul 1Jn_5:21\cf0\ulnone say, and how could we apply the principle to ourselves?\par \par \tab So far in the entire Epistle, John has not mentioned idolatry. Instead, he has wrestled with false conceptions of Jesus and their influence on those church members who had not left the church. Why would he at the end of his letter, as a final admonition, introduce a topic not found before? Perhaps John considers the false views of Christ as idolatry, and so idolatry is associated with the teachings of the antichrists about God and Jesus. Their understanding of the Godhead could be seen as worshiping false gods instead of the Father, who in Jesus gives eternal life and confidence to all true believers.\par \par \tab Write down a paragraph expressing what you "know" about the nature and character of God, and bring it to class on Sabbath. What are some things about God that you do not know? What are the things that you don't know but would like to know? \par \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \pard\keepn\s2\i\f1\fs32 STEP 4-Create\par \pard\b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Just for Teachers: \par The activities below are\b0 \b suggestions of how to apply the lessons on\b0 \b confidence and prayer in this lesson to our daily\b0 \b lives. They can be done together as a class to\b0 \b summarize and close the lesson, or you may create\b0 \b memory aids for your class members to take home as\b0 \b reminders and encouragement to do the activities\b0 \b later.\par \b0 \par Make a list of the five most important aspects of your life that you keep before the Lord. Which of these items do you know are the will of the Lord? Of which of these items is it important to ask \ldblquote that God\rquote s will be done\rdblquote ? Are any of these items things that you should ask whether it is God\rquote s will that you pray for them?\par \par Create an acrostic using the word \ldblquote CONFIDENCE.\rdblquote Write the word vertically, and ask your class to write sentences or phrases about confidence in God that begin with each letter of the word.\par \par Write out and illustrate a promise of protection and care from the Bible. To do this, use your favorite craft technique or practice a new skill, such as calligraphy, photography, fabric appliqu\'e9, or collage.\par \par Write out seven cards using your favorite texts that remind you of what makes you confident in God\rquote s gift of eternal life. Place them beside your bed and read a different card each morning. Then some time during the day, find a way to share the card with a family member or friend.\par \pard\cf0\f3\fs24\par \f0\fs20\par \b FRIDAY September 4\par \par Further Study:\b0 Read Ellen G. White, "Asking to Give," pp. 147, 148, in\i Christ's Object Lessons\i0 ; "From Jezreel to Horeb," p. 157 in \i Prophets and Kings.\i0\par \tab\par "When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ 'gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.' \cf1\ul Gal_1:4\cf0\ulnone . 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.' \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:14-15\cf0\ulnone . 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:9\cf0\ulnone ."-Ellen G. White, \i The Desire of Ages\i0 , p. 266.\tab\par \par \tab "If the life of the sick can glorify Him, we pray that they may live; nevertheless, not as we will but as He will. Our faith can be just as firm, and more reliable, by committing the desire to the all-wise God, and, without feverish anxiety, in perfect confidence, trusting all to Him. We have the promise. We know that He hears us if we ask according to His will. Our petitions must not take the form of a command, but of intercession for Him to do the things we desire of Him."-Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies for the Church\i0 , vol. 2, p. 149.\par \par \b Discussion Questions:\b0\par \par As a class, discuss what you wrote at the end of Thursday's lesson. What can you learn from each other?\par \par Many have struggled with the question of "assurance of salvation." What usually is the reason for this problem? How can you help those who are struggling here?\par \tab\tab\tab\par Considering all the wonderful promises in the Bible for victory over sin, why do so many of us still fall into the same sins again and again? \par \tab\tab\par How are we seeing the reality of the great controversy being manifested in our world today? How is it being played out in your own community, or even your own home? What are you doing, in the controversy, for the cause of Christ? What can you as an individual, or together with your church, do for the cause of Christ in His battle with Satan? \par \par \b\par \cf3\f2 \par \pard\b0\par \par \par \par \par \pard\cf2\f4\fs23\par \par }  pp. 951, 952.\par \par \b Consider This\b0 : \par How does truth relate to the other four themes? Tape the fifth poster board to the first to create the column. Discuss how all the themes (and others in the Bible) work together to illuminate what we need to know of God, His ways, His plans for us, and what we need to do.\par \pard\keepn\s1\ul\f1\fs22\par \pard\cf0\ulnone\f0\fs20\par \b WEDNESDAY\tab September 9\par \par Christian Behavior \par \b0\par \tab Although John in his first letter deals with erroneous theology, he again and again deals with ethics. John clearly sees that theology informs ethics and that a wrong theology can lead to wrong actions. Hence, it's important to be as correct in our theology as possible. A wrong understanding, for instance, of the law and grace has caused untold millions to trample on God's Sabbath day. Thus, we must make sure that our theological understanding of God and Scripture is mature, growing, and correct. \par \par \tab We also must make sure that our theology correctly translates into practice. It is sad to see someone, a great defender of orthodox theology, run away with his neighbor's spouse. It is tragic for theology majors and seminarians to cheat on their exams. It is lamentable when Sabbath keepers who know the truth about salvation, the heavenly sanctuary, and the state of the dead nevertheless lie to each other.\par \par \tab Review the following texts and summarize beside each one what they teach us about ethical behavior.\par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_1:7\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:1\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:15-16\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:4\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:7\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:15\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:17-18\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:7\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:2-3\cf0\ulnone\par \par \tab John stresses ethical behavior with direct and indirect appeals. He calls for Christians not to lie, not to sin, not to hate brother or sister, not to love the world with its lusts and boastful pride, and not to practice lawlessness. Instead, he says that we must be obedient, do what is right, and love each other in a tangible way. Although Paul is more detailed than John (see, for example, \cf1\ul Eph_4:25-32\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Eph_5:1-21\cf0\ulnone ), John has summarized all of this when he points to keeping God's commandments and walking as Jesus walked and lived (\cf1\ul 1Jn_2:6\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par \tab John makes it clear that to be born of God, to know God, to love God, is something that will change our lives. For John, truth isn't just something believed; it is something lived out. Perhaps no verse says it clearer than \par \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:7 \cf0\ulnone : "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous."\par \par \tab How are we to walk and live as Jesus lived? What does that mean on a practical and daily basis? Are you facing something right now, perhaps, that will require a lot of grace and strength to act as Christ would act?\par \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 STEP 3-Apply\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Just for Teachers: \par Offer ways to think about the\b0 \b themes of First John in practical terms.\par \b0 \par \b Life Applications:\par \b0 Ask the class to compose a short pastoral letter such as John might have written to your church. Suggest that it might consider writing one to someone in their family.\par \par Discuss Bible stories that illustrate the themes of 1 John. For example, the story of Joseph illustrates God\rquote s long-term plan to save the world. What stories illustrate the character of the Godhead? The importance of truth? Aspects of Christian behavior? The church family relationships? How do these stories help us relate to the more abstract terms of the themes?\par \par Examples of ethical codes for such fields as nursing, teaching, and law can be found online. Bring some examples to class and discuss the principles behind these codes. Relate them to such texts as \cf4\ul 1Jn_1:7\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 1Jn_2:1\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul 1Jn_2:15-16\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 1Jn_3:4\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul 1Jn_3:7\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul 1Jn_3:15\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul 1Jn_3:17-18\cf3\ulnone .\par \par \par \cf0\f0\par \b THURSDAY September 10\par \par Truth and Lies\par \b0\par \tab From the time of the ancient Greeks through even today, there has been the notion that truth is relative, that there are no absolutes, and that human beings, far from having some transcendent absolute standard to guide them and their actions, pretty much have to decide for themselves what is truth and what is error, what is good and what is bad, what is moral and what is immoral. It's known basically as relativism, and though it comes in various guises, the basic point is the same: There is no absolute standard of truth, goodness, or morality. In this view, we have to come up with these things ourselves-doing the best we can according to our own culture, community, and traditions.\par \par \tab Read \cf1\ul Joh_14:6\cf0\ulnone . What is Jesus saying here about the nature of absolute truth?\par \par \tab Jesus, apparently, doesn't accept the idea that truth is relative. In words about as clear and unambiguous as possible, Jesus shows us the reality of absolute truth and in Him we see it manifested in the form of a person!\par \par \tab What does John teach about truth? \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:4\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Jn_2:21\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_3:19\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_4:6\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jn_5:20\cf0\ulnone . \par \par \tab John knows that there are absolutes; more so, he makes it very clear that there is a sharp distinction between truth and lies, a contrast that tends to be blurred in relativistic worldviews. There is absolute truth. God is true. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are truth. On the other hand, a liar is a person who makes unsubstantiated claims, who confesses to love and does not keep the commandments, and who denies that Jesus is the Christ. In contrast, sincere Christians know the truth, love the truth, and belong to the truth. Thus, truth is both what we intellectually grasp and what we practice. \par \par \tab No question: according to the Bible, absolute truth exists. But is everything absolute? Are there not things that are not so firm, but rather contingent, personal, cultural, and changing? How can we learn to differentiate between what must be absolute and unchanging and what can change and be relative, depending on circumstances?\par \par \cf3\f2\par \pard\keepn\s1\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 STEP 4-Create\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Just for Teachers: \par These activities offer creative\b0 \b ways to illustrate and express how important truths\b0 \b are interrelated.\par \b0 \par Imagine 1 John as a rope or weaving of multiple strands of themes about God, truth, salvation, the church, and love that interrelate and repeat themselves throughout the book. Create a weaving that illustrates the multiple aspects of God and how they relate and depend on one another to create a whole picture of what God is like.\par \par Music is a system whereby a few notes, often repeated in a carefully organized and timed fashion, create an expression that tells a story, relays an emotion, or engages the mind. Write a piece of music that illustrates how different notes, reflecting the different themes of 1 John, come together in a way that creates an expression of God\rquote s complexity, beauty, and harmony. Share your music in a future Sabbath School class or other event.\par \par Create a mobile with different shapes, reflections of light, or colors that illustrate the themes of 1 John.\par \par \cf0\f0\par \b FRIDAY September 11\par \par Further Study:\b0 Read Ellen G. White, "A Faithful Witness," pp. 546-554 in \i The Acts of the Apostles.\i0\par \par Today, 1 John is very much needed, because all sorts of false ideas are being promoted. John calls his audience, and us, not to believe everyone and not to accept uncritically new doctrines, but to test whether or not a teaching is truly biblical. Discernment to distinguish truth from error is needed. \par \par According to John, authentic Christianity has these marks: (1) belief in Jesus as the Son of God, who has come in the flesh; (2) observance of the commandments of God; and (3) love toward God and others. John wants to lay a solid foundation and help his audience have assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ as proclaimed in Scripture.\par \par \b Discussion Questions:\b0\par \par However hard for those who believe in moral absolutes to understand, the idea of moral relativism makes a certain amount of logical sense. If there is no God or Creator and we are purely the results of random forces, then where else should morality come from other than from ourselves? And if we change our minds about what is moral . . . well, so what? \par \par From a purely practical level, what is wrong with that kind of thinking? \par \par Years ago, when asked what the British government could do to help citizens be more moral, Prime Minister Harold McMillan responded, "I'm only the prime minister. Go talk to the Archbishop." How could what we have studied this week help church members be more moral? Or is it even the purpose of the gospel to make us more moral? \par \tab\tab\par Fiorello Enrico La Guardia was a judge during the hard years of the depression in America. One day, a father was brought into his courtroom, having stolen bread. When asked by Judge La Guardia why he did it, the man, sobbing, said that it was to feed his hungry children. La Guardia told the man, "You have committed a crime, you know that?" The man, penitent, barely raising his eyes, nodded and said, "Yes, sir." La Guardia then said, sternly, that "the law makes no exceptions." The man nodded. Judge La Guardia then put his hand into his pocket, took out $10.00, and said, "Here's the payment for your fine. I pay it myself. Though guilty, you will not face the penalty." How does this story help us understand not only the gospel but also what it means to live like Jesus? \par \par \b\par \cf2\b0\f3\fs23\par \cf3\f2\fs20\par \par \par \par \pard\keepn\s1\ul\f1\fs22\par \par \par \par \par \pard\ulnone\f2\fs20\par \par \par \par \par \f3\fs23\par \ul\f1\fs22\par \par }  1Co_1:10\cf3\ulnone .)\i0\par \par \pard\fi-720\li765\b IV. Authority Within the Church\par \pard\li45\par \pard\b0 Consider these two extracts from page 2 of the 2005 \i Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual\i0 :\par \par \ldblquote\i Resolved \i0 that the highest authority under God among Seventh-day Adventists is found in the will of the body of that people, as expressed in the decisions of the General Conference [session]. . . . \rdblquote -General Conference Session, 1877.\par \par \ldblquote The church of Christ is in constant peril. Satan is seeking to destroy the people of God, and one man\rquote s mind, one man\rquote s judgment, is not sufficient to be trusted. Christ would have His followers brought together in church capacity, observing order, having rules and discipline, and all subject one to another, esteeming others better than themselves.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies for the Church, \i0 vol. 3, p. 445.\par \par \b Discuss: \par \b0 What do these quotes suggest about authority within the Adventist Church? How do church structure and established decision-making procedures help or hinder the church in its mission? Give examples.\par \par \cf1\f0 \par \b WEDNESDAY September 23\par \par Bearing Witness About Demetrius \b0\par \par \tab Read \cf2\ul 3Jn_1:11\cf1\ulnone . Why would John write this when he did? What important point is he making here, especially given the context, that of warning about a church leader who was acting contrary to the principles of Christ? \par \tab\par \tab Verse 11 is a transitional statement. It builds a bridge between what John has said about Diotrephes and what he is going to say about Demetrius. Evil has a representative, and this is Diotrephes. The arrogant and ambitious leader is clearly identified as belonging to that which is evil. On the other hand, a good example for Gaius to follow is Demetrius. \par \tab\par \tab What do we know about Demetrius? \cf2\ul 3Jn_1:12\cf1\ulnone . \par \par \tab There is another Demetrius in \cf2\ul Act_19:23-29\cf1\ulnone . He was the silversmith who was responsible for the riot in Ephesus when Paul preached the gospel there. Nothing in the text indicates that this is the same person.\par \tab\par \tab Demetrius was a Gentile Christian. Demetrius supported the apostle John and may have been one of his associates and one of the traveling missionaries. John may have wanted him to be present when he planned to confront Diotrephes. \par \par \tab Perhaps the most important principle we can take away from this one verse about Demetrius has to do with the power of influence. Read the verse again. Who was able to testify about the "faithfulness" of Demetrius? It came from many directions. The point is that if we are living a Christian life, if we are faithful, others will know. Others can bear witness and testimony to it. And most important others can be influenced by it. In the end, one way or another, our life, our existence, sends a message, and that message can be a positive or a negative influence. This doesn't mean we are perfect, this doesn't mean we don't make mistakes, this doesn't mean we don't have room to improve. It means, instead, that others are watching us, others are listening to us, and others are influenced by us. The question is, What kind of witness do we bear?\par \par \tab Imagine someone giving a report about you and your Christian behavior. What would that person write, and why? Dwell on the implications of your answer. \par \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 STEP 3-Apply\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Thought Question:\par \b0 The disputed leadership described in 3 John raises the question: Does a Christian community need a leader? If, as Peter says, we all share in the \ldblquote royal priesthood\rdblquote of believers \i (\cf5\ul 1Pe_2:9\cf3\ulnone )\i0 , then why should we set aside certain individuals for greater responsibility and authority within our local churches? \i (See \cf5\ul Heb_13:7\cf3\ulnone , \cf5\ul Heb_13:17\cf3\ulnone ; \cf5\ul Eph_4:11-13\cf3\ulnone .)\b\i0\par \b0 \par \b Activity: The Paradox of \ldblquote Christian Leadership\rdblquote\par \b0 Consider the following proposition: \ldblquote The very drive that propels some [Christian] leaders toward extraordinary levels of achievement is a drive that often keeps expanding even after reasonable goals and objectives have been achieved.\rdblquote - Gordon MacDonald \cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/currenttrendscolumns/leadershipweekly/cln61106.html"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf6 http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/currenttrendscolumns/leadershipweekly/cln61106.html}}}\cf4\f2\fs20\par \cf3\par Divide the class into two groups. Ask one group to compile a list of characteristics necessary for a successful leader of a large business. Provide the second group with the following texts and ask them to compile a list of what, in Christ\rquote s view, characterizes a successful church leader: \cf5\ul Joh_13:13-15\cf3\ulnone ; \cf5\ul Mar_10:42-44\cf3\ulnone ; \cf5\ul 1Pe_5:2-3\cf3\ulnone ; \cf5\ul 2Co_1:24\cf3\ulnone ; \cf5\ul 1Th_2:7-11\cf3\ulnone . Bring both groups together. Discuss both lists. What are the key similarities and differences? Is Christ\rquote s vision of leadership realistic? What safeguards could help protect church leaders from the pride and ambition of Diotrephes?\par \pard\keepn\s1\ul\f1\fs22\par \pard\cf1\ulnone\f0\fs20 \par \b THURSDAY\tab September 24\par \par Leadership Crisis in the Early Church\b0\par \par \tab Thus, from what we have seen, there was a leadership crisis in at least one of John's churches. According to this letter, the problem here concerned not so much theology, but rather personal ambition and a change in how churches were governed. However, often when a conflict begins, it involves some issues and later moves on to others. So here, too, the doctrines of the church may have been affected in the long run. \par \par \tab We noticed a certain kind of power struggle and some desire for independence. This is found today in the idea of congregationalism, in which local churches try to be completely independent from any governing church body and rather strike out on their own. This is not the New Testament model.\par \par \tab Instead, all believers are the people and body of Christ. All believers are also part of the royal priesthood (\cf2\ul 1Pe_2:9\cf1\ulnone ). All have received spiritual gifts, which are necessary for the church (\cf2\ul 1Co_12:7-31\cf1\ulnone ). A distinction between laity and clergy is foreign to the New Testament. However, God has called some persons to leadership positions in the church and has gifted them. These persons should be respected. Leaders are not infallible and should not pretend to be. In some cases there even may be justified reasons for complaints (\cf2\ul 1Ti_5:19\cf1\ulnone ). If the leader must be confronted, it should be done carefully and lovingly. \par \par \tab Leaders must indeed lead, but they also need to be shepherds, and, most of all, they need to be examples for the rest of the body of Christ. Qualifications for leaders are listed in both the Old and New Testaments. The terms bishops and elders are still used interchangeably in the New Testament (\cf2\ul Act_20:17\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul Act_20:28\cf1\ulnone ), although this changed dramatically in church history when a strict hierarchy was created and the church became more or less identical with the so-called clergy.\par \par \tab What can we learn from the following texts about how the church is to be governed? \cf2\ul Mar_10:42-44\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Act_6:1-7\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Act_15:6\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul Act_15:22-25\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Ti_4:14\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Jam_5:14\cf1\ulnone .\par \par \tab The New Testament is opposed to chaos and anarchy in the church. Leadership is mentioned for the local level, as well as the universal church. However, Jesus Himself stressed that leadership in the church/churches must be servant leadership. Local churches were governed by a group of elders rather than by one person only. Decisions were made by involving the entire church or representatives of the church.\tab\par \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22\par T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 STEP 4-Create\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20\par \b Just for Teachers: \par Challenge your class to\b0 \b internalize what they have learned so that the\b0 \b lessons of 3 John will help govern their\b0 \b relationships with others within the body of Christ.\b0\par \par It is sometimes easy to forget that Christ is our true leader, a role that often is assigned to the pastor, elder, youth leader, worship leader, or chair of the church board (\i see \cf5\ul Eph_1:22-23\cf3\ulnone ; \cf5\ul Col_1:18\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . Any person who holds a position of responsibility or influence within the church is only a \ldblquote caretaker\rdblquote on behalf of Christ. And it is only by acknowledging the headship of Christ-in our churches and in our lives-that we can hope to free ourselves from ego and ambition and become useful in mission.\par \par This week, set aside some time for:\par \par \b Self-examination:\b0\par Do my attitudes and behavior within the church reflect more the mission focus of Gaius or the self-centeredness of Diotrephes?\par \b\par Action:\b0\par Determine what specific steps I can take to im prove relationships within my church family and help develop a spirit of cooperation and shared purpose.\par \par \b Commitment\b0 : \par Reflect on Paul\rquote s prayer for the church at Ephesus \i (\cf5\ul Eph_3:14-21\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . As a member of the body of Christ, claim Paul\rquote s words for yourself and for your church. Ask the Holy Spirit to govern your words and actions when interacting with fellow believers and recommit yourself to the mission of sharing Christ with the world.\par \par  \cf1\f0\par \b FRIDAY September 25\par \par Further Study:\b0 Read the following passages on church governance/leadership: \cf2\ul Joh_13:1-12\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Eph_4:11-16\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Th_5:12-13\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Ti_1:3-4\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Ti_4:13\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Ti_5:22\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2 Titus 1-3\cf1 ; \cf2\ul 1Pe_5:1-4\cf1\ulnone .\par \tab\par "Those who are inclined to regard their individual judgment as supreme are in grave peril. It is Satan's studied effort t o separate such ones from those who are channels of light, through whom God has wrought to build up and extend His work in the earth. To neglect or despise those whom God has appointed to bear the responsibilities of leadership in connection with the advancement of the truth is to reject the means that He has ordained for the help, encouragement, and strength of His people."-Ellen G. White, \i Gospel Workers\i0 , p. 444.\par \par "God has not set any kingly power in the Seventh-day Adventist Church to c ontrol the whole body or to control any branch of the work. He has not provided that the burden of leadership shall rest upon a few men. Responsibilities are distributed among a large number of competent men."-Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies for the Church\i0 , vol. 8, p. 236.\par \tab\par \b Discussion Questions:\b0\par \par Think about power and how power is used. When is power a good thing, when is it a bad thing, and how do we know the difference? \par \par What Christians in your local church co0uld be held up as role models? What about them is admirable? At the same time, what dangers arise when looking toward any sinner as a role model? \par \par Have you ever been greatly disappointed by someone you regarded as a role model? What lessons did you learn from this that could be of value to others? How can we learn from the good example of others and yet be protected from disappointment if they fail?\par \par How should a church react when it has a problem in leadership itself? How can it stri)harset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Trebuchet MS;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue64;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red36\green64\blue97;} {\stylesheet{ Normal;}{\s1 heading 1;}} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 12 *September 12-18\par \par John's Letter to the Chosen Lady\par \par ? Can you think of other instances in Scripture in which conflict, power plays, or personal ambition impeded the mission of God\rquote s people? \i (See, for example, \cf5\ul Num_16:1-3\cf3\ulnone , \cf5\ul Luk_22:3-6\cf3\ulnone , \cf5\ul Act_6:1\cf3\ulnone , \cf5\ul 1Co_1:11-17\cf3\ulnone .) \i0 How can we foster the spirit of Gaius and Demetrius within our own lives?\par \par \b Consider This: \par \b0 Third John reminds us that the church is made up of ordinary people, who bring different personalities, experiences, hurts, and hopes into the body of Christ. Discuss whether or not it is correct to portray the early Christian church as an ideal faith community.\par \par \b III. An Independent Church?\par \b0\par Discuss whether or not a congregation can effectively go it alone-as Diotrephes obviously intended-without accountability or external direction. What are the dangers? What is Jesus\rquote vision for His followers? \i (See \cf5\ul Joh_17:11; Joh_17:21-23\cf3\ulnone ;\i0 \cf5\ul\i Eph_4:2-6\cf3\ulnone ; \cf5\ul 1Co_1:10\cf3\ulnone .)\i0\par \par \pard\fi-720\li765\b IV. Authority Within the Church\par \pard\li45\par \pard\b0 Consider these two extracts from page 2 of the 2005 \i Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual\i0 :\par \par \ldblquote\i Resolved \i0 that the highest authority under God among Seventh-day Adventists is found in the will of the body of that people, as expressed in the decisions of the General Conference [session]. . . . \rdblquote -General Conference Session, 1877.\par \par \ldblquote The church of Christ is in constant peril. Satan is seeking to destroy the people of God, and one man\rquote s\par mind, one man\rquote s judgment, is not sufficient to be trusted. Christ would have His followers brought together in church capacity, observing order, having rules and discipline, and all subject one to another, esteeming others better than themselves.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies for the Church, \i0 vol. 3, p. 445.\par \par \b Discuss: \par \b0 What do these quotes suggest about authority within the Adventist Church? How do church structure and established decision-making procedures help or hinder the church in its mission? Give examples.\par \par \cf1\f0 \par \b WEDNESDAY September 23\par \par Bearing Witness About Demetrius \b0\par \par \tab Read \cf2\ul 3Jn_1:11\cf1\ulnone . Why would John write this when he did? What important point is he making here, especially given the context, that of warning about a church leader who was acting contrary to the principles of Christ? \par \tab\par \tab Verse 11 is a transitional statement. It builds a bridge between what John has said about Diotrephes and what he is going to say about Demetrius. Evil has a representative, and this is Diotrephes. The arrogant and ambitious leader is clearly identified as belonging to that which is evil. On the other hand, a good example for Gaius to follow is Demetrius. \par \tab\par \tab What do we know about Demetrius? \cf2\ul 3Jn_1:12\cf1\ulnone . \par \par \tab There is another Demetrius in \cf2\ul Act_19:23-29\cf1\ulnone . He was the silversmith who was responsible for the riot in Ephesus when Paul preached the gospel there. Nothing in the text indicates that this is the same person.\par \tab\par \tab Demetrius was a Gentile Christian. Demetrius supported the apostle John and may have been one of his associates and one of the traveling missionaries. John may have wanted him to be present when he planned to confront Diotrephes. \par \par \tab Perhaps the most important principle we can take away from this one verse about Demetrius has to do with the power of influence. Read the verse again. Who was able to testify about the "faithfulness" of Demetrius? It came from many directions. The point is that if we are living a Christian life, if we are faithful, others will know. Others can bear witness and testimony to it. And most important others can be influenced by it. In the end, one way or another, our life, our existence, sends a message, and that message can be a positive or a negative influence. This doesn't mean we are perfect, this doesn't mean we don't make mistakes, this doesn't mean we don't have room to improve. It means, instead, that others are watching us, others are listening to us, and others are influenced by us. The question is, What kind of witness do we bear?\par \par \tab Imagine someone giving a report about you and your Christian behavior. What would that person write, and why? Dwell on the implications of your answer. \par \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 STEP 3-Apply\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Thought Question:\par \b0 The disputed leadership described in 3 John raises the question: Does a Christian community need a leader? If, as Peter says, we all share in the \ldblquote royal priesthood\rdblquote of believers \i (\cf5\ul 1Pe_2:9\cf3\ulnone )\i0 , then why should we set aside certain individuals for greater responsibility and authority within our local churches? \i (See \cf5\ul Heb_13:7\cf3\ulnone , \cf5\ul Heb_13:17\cf3\ulnone ; \cf5\ul Eph_4:11-13\cf3\ulnone .)\b\i0\par \b0 \par \b Activity: The Paradox of \ldblquote Christian Leadership\rdblquote\par \b0 Consider the following proposition: \ldblquote The very drive that propels some [Christian] leaders toward extraordinary levels of achievement is a drive that often keeps expanding even after reasonable goals and objectives have been achieved.\rdblquote - Gordon MacDonald (\cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.christianitytoday.com/leaders/newsletters/2006/cln61106.html"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf6 www.christianitytoday.com/leaders/newsletters/2006/cln61106.html}}}\cf6\ul\f2\fs20 \cf3\ulnone ).\par \par Divide the class into two groups. Ask one group to compile a list of characteristics necessary for a successful leader of a large business. Provide the second group with the following texts and ask them to compile a list of what, in Christ\rquote s view, characterizes a successful church leader: \cf5\ul Joh_13:13-15\cf3\ulnone ; \cf5\ul Mar_10:42-44\cf3\ulnone ; \cf5\ul 1Pe_5:2-3\cf3\ulnone ; \cf5\ul 2Co_1:24\cf3\ulnone ; \cf5\ul 1Th_2:7-11\cf3\ulnone . Bring both groups together. Discuss both lists. What are the key similarities and differences? Is Christ\rquote s vision of leadership realistic? What safeguards could help protect church leaders from the pride and ambition of Diotrephes?\par \pard\keepn\s1\ul\f1\fs22\par \pard\cf1\ulnone\f0\fs20 \par \b THURSDAY\tab September 24\par \par Leadership Crisis in the Early Church\b0\par \par \tab Thus, from what we have seen, there was a leadership crisis in at least one of John's churches. According to this letter, the problem here concerned not so much theology, but rather personal ambition and a change in how churches were governed. However, often when a conflict begins, it involves some issues and later moves on to others. So here, too, the doctrines of the church may have been affected in the long run. \par \par \tab We noticed a certain kind of power struggle and some desire for independence. This is found today in the idea of congregationalism, in which local churches try to be completely independent from any governing church body and rather strike out on their own. This is not the New Testament model.\par \par \tab Instead, all believers are the people and body of Christ. All believers are also part of the royal priesthood (\cf2\ul 1Pe_2:9\cf1\ulnone ). All have received spiritual gifts, which are necessary for the church (\cf2\ul 1Co_12:7-31\cf1\ulnone ). A distinction between laity and clergy is foreign to the New Testament. However, God has called some persons to leadership positions in the church and has gifted them. These persons should be respected. Leaders are not infallible and should not pretend to be. In some cases there even may be justified reasons for complaints (\cf2\ul 1Ti_5:19\cf1\ulnone ). If the leader must be confronted, it should be done carefully and lovingly. \par \par \tab Leaders must indeed lead, but they also need to be shepherds, and, most of all, they need to be examples for the rest of the body of Christ. Qualifications for leaders are listed in both the Old and New Testaments. The terms bishops and elders are still used interchangeably in the New Testament (\cf2\ul Act_20:17\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul Act_20:28\cf1\ulnone ), although this changed dramatically in church history when a strict hierarchy was created  and the church became more or less identical with the so-called clergy.\par \par \tab What can we learn from the following texts about how the church is to be governed? \cf2\ul Mar_10:42-44\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Act_6:1-7\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Act_15:6\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul Act_15:22-25\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Ti_4:14\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Jam_5:14\cf1\ulnone .\par \par \tab The New Testament is opposed to chaos and anarchy in the church. Leadership is mentioned for the local level, as well as the universal! church. However, Jesus Himself stressed that leadership in the church/churches must be servant leadership. Local churches were governed by a group of elders rather than by one person only. Decisions were made by involving the entire church or representatives of the church.\tab\par \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22\par T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 STEP 4-Create\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20\par \b Just for Teachers: \par Challenge your class to\b0 \b interna"lize what they have learned so that the\b0 \b lessons of 3 John will help govern their\b0 \b relationships with others within the body of Christ.\b0\par \par It is sometimes easy to forget that Christ is our true leader, a role that often is assigned to the pastor, elder, youth leader, worship leader, or chair of the church board (\i see \cf5\ul Eph_1:22-23\cf3\ulnone ; \cf5\ul Col_1:18\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . Any person who holds a position of responsibility or influence within the church is only a \ldblqu#ote caretaker\rdblquote on behalf of Christ. And it is only by acknowledging the headship of Christ-in our churches and in our lives-that we can hope to free ourselves from ego and ambition and become useful in mission.\par \par This week, set aside some time for:\par \par \b Self-examination:\b0\par Do my attitudes and behavior within the church reflect more the mission focus of Gaius or the self-centeredness of Diotrephes?\par \b\par Action:\b0\par Determine what specific steps I can take to im$prove relationships within my church family and help develop a spirit of cooperation and shared purpose.\par \par \b Commitment\b0 : \par Reflect on Paul\rquote s prayer for the church at Ephesus \i (\cf5\ul Eph_3:14-21\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . As a member of the body of Christ, claim Paul\rquote s words for yourself and for your church. Ask the Holy Spirit to govern your words and actions when interacting with fellow believers and recommit yourself to the mission of sharing Christ with the world.\par \par % \cf1\f0\par \b FRIDAY September 25\par \par Further Study:\b0 Read the following passages on church governance/leadership: \cf2\ul Joh_13:1-12\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Eph_4:11-16\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Th_5:12-13\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Ti_1:3-4\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Ti_4:13\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Ti_5:22\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2 Titus 1-3\cf1 ; \cf2\ul 1Pe_5:1-4\cf1\ulnone .\par \tab\par "Those who are inclined to regard their individual judgment as supreme are in grave peril. It is Satan's studied effort t&o separate such ones from those who are channels of light, through whom God has wrought to build up and extend His work in the earth. To neglect or despise those whom God has appointed to bear the responsibilities of leadership in connection with the advancement of the truth is to reject the means that He has ordained for the help, encouragement, and strength of His people."-Ellen G. White, \i Gospel Workers\i0 , p. 444.\par \par "God has not set any kingly power in the Seventh-day Adventist Church to c'ontrol the whole body or to control any branch of the work. He has not provided that the burden of leadership shall rest upon a few men. Responsibilities are distributed among a large number of competent men."-Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies for the Church\i0 , vol. 8, p. 236.\par \tab\par \b Discussion Questions:\b0\par \par Think about power and how power is used. When is power a good thing, when is it a bad thing, and how do we know the difference? \par \par What Christians in your local church co(uld be held up as role models? What about them is admirable? At the same time, what dangers arise when looking toward any sinner as a role model? \par \par Have you ever been greatly disappointed by someone you regarded as a role model? What lessons did you learn from this that could be of value to others? How can we learn from the good example of others and yet be protected from disappointment if they fail?\par \par How should a church react when it has a problem in leadership itself? How can it strike the right balance in dealing with the problem firmly while at the same time showing the grace and mercy of Christ? \par \tab \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Outside of Jesus Himself, which Bible character is your favorite role model, and why? In class, share your answers with each other and see what you can learn.\par \par \cf3\f2\par \par \par \par \par \pard\keepn\s1\ul\f1\fs22\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\ulnone\f2\fs20\par \pard\cf0\f3\fs24\par \cf3\b\f0\fs20\par \b0\f4\fs23\par \par } * SABBATH AFTERNOON\b0\par \par \b Read for This Week's Study:\b0 \cf2\ul Exo_20:1-17\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rom_6:17\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 2Th_2:10\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Heb_13:2\cf1\ulnone ; John; \cf2\ul Rev_2:14-15\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rev_14:12\cf1\ulnone .\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 "Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son" (\cf2\ul 2Jn_1:9\cf1\ulnone , NASB).\par \tab\tab\tab\p+ar \tab John's second letter resembles the first one in many respects. Although shorter, the same vocabulary is used, the same themes occur, and the same concern for believers prevail. A personal touch is also found in both. \par \par \tab However, in contrast to the first letter, the second is clearly cast in a letter form, with both a formal introduction and conclusion. The main body contains praise, an exhortation to love and to walk according to the commandments, and a section dealing with the anti,christs. The shortness of 2 John, as well as 3 John, may have been dictated by the size of a papyrus sheet. If this is true, the apostle must have weighed his words carefully as the Holy Spirit moved upon Him to write. \par \par \b The Week at a Glance:\b0 What is John's basic message, and how is it like his first one? How does he relate the concept of "love" to the concept of "truth"? What is the link between love and keeping the commandments? Why does John take the issue of false teachings so seriou-sly? Why does John tell members not to be hospitable to false teachers?\par \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 19.\par \i0 \par \par \b SUNDAY September 13\par \par In Love and Truth \b0\par \par \tab Read 2 John. What similarities to 1 John do you find in it? What's the essential message?\par \par \tab A cursory reading of 2 John suggests that the letter is addressed to a group of believers (as opposed to a single woman). This makes good sense, because in ot.her places in the New Testament the church is portrayed as a woman (\cf2\ul Eph_5:22-32\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul Rev_12:1-6\cf1\ulnone ). These believers, then, are mature Christians, not literal children.\par \par \tab Read \cf2 2Jn_1:1-4\cf1 . What word appears again and again, and how is John using it? See also \cf2\ul 2Th_2:10\cf1\ulnone .\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \tab Notice, too, that John's use of the word truth is combined with love in verses 1 and 4. To understand the natu/re of true love among Christians, a qualifier is needed, namely truth. Love can be interpreted in a purely emotional, even sensual and superficial way. Christian love is "true" love, love expressed in the context of truth.\par \par \tab If we talk about truth we are reminded of God; of Jesus, who is the truth (\cf2\ul Joh_14:6\cf1\ulnone ); and of the Holy Spirit. As the Holy Spirit is with the believers forever (\cf2\ul Joh_14:16\cf1\ulnone ), so truth is with them forever (\cf2\ul 2Jn_1:2\cf1\ulnone )0. Both truth and love ultimately point back to God and belong together in Christian faith and experience. \par \par \tab At the same time, truth and love seem to form the main theme of 2 John. Love is further discussed in verses 5 and 6. Truth is necessary to discern deceptions and their results (\cf2\ul 2Jn_1:7-8\cf1\ulnone ) and to abide in the teaching of Christ (\cf2\ul 2Jn_1:9-10\cf1\ulnone ).\par \tab\par \tab We often look at the concept of "love" as something good in and of itself, regardless 1of the context. When, however, can love be very destructive? Have you ever experienced the reality of how love, outside of truth, can be so terrible? How does that experience help you better understand the importance of love in the context of truth, as opposed to outside it?\par \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \pard\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Key Text: \cf4\ul\b0\i 2Jn_6:1\cf3\ulnone\par \i0 \par \b Th2e Student Will:\par \par Know: \b0 God commands us to walk in both truth and love.\par \b\par Feel: \b0 Experience the joy that comes from walking in love and truth.\par \b\par Do: \b0 Distance ourselves from falsehood and heresy.\par \par \b\i\f1\fs32 Learning Outline:\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20\par \b I. Know: Love and Truth\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. Truth and love form the themes in 2 John. How do these two interrelate? Discuss how this ties in with the themes in 1 John.\par \pard\par \pard\f3i720 B. What happens when truth is expressed without love, or vice versa?\par \pard\par \pard\fi720 C. Returning to the problem of heresy, John deals with how we should relate to those who promote false teachings. Make a list of the principles and how they relate to today\rquote s challenges.\par \pard \par I\b I. Feel: Joy Rooted in Love and Truth\par \b0\par \pard\fi720 A. Cultivating obedience is not easy. What is love\rquote s role as a motivator?\par \pard\par \pard\fi720 B. Turn to your nei4ghbor and describe the joy that is rooted in love and truth.\par \pard \par \b III. Do: Keeping a Healthy Distance\b0 \par \par Hospitality is a Christian virtue, but there are times when we need to place a healthy distance between us and people who do not follow the truth. Brainstorm ways of:\b\par \b0 *separating yourself from heresy.\par *showing Christlike love for the person cherishing false beliefs without misleading others through your actions.\par \par \b Summary: \par \b0 John reminds5 the believers that love finds its expression in keeping the commandments. When confronted with error, we should distance ourselves from it so as not to mislead others.\par \b\par \cf1\b0\f0\par \b MONDAY September 14\par \par Walking According to the Commandments (\cf2\ul 2Jn_1:4-6\cf1\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab Verse 4 is an encouragement for both the church and John. It is stimulating and encouraging for church members to hear that the elder rejoices greatly that they are "walking in the tru6th" (NIV). It motivates them to continue their Christian life "in truth just as the Father has commanded" (NIV) them. The commandment to walk in the truth may be found in \cf2\ul 1Jn_3:23\cf1\ulnone , where he is calling us to believe in Jesus and to love one another.\par \par \tab How are love and the commandments related to each other? See \cf2\ul 2Jn_1:5-6\cf1\ulnone . Why is this especially important to us as Seventh-day Adventists? See also \cf2\ul Rev_14:12\cf1\ulnone .\par 7 \par \tab After the rejoicing (vs. 4) comes a request that at the same time is an exhortation (vss. 5, 6). John again talks about a commandment (vs. 5). It is the commandment (singular) to love one another. So, he moves from the concept of "commandment" to the concept of "love," and indeed this commandment has love as its content. \par \tab In verse 6 he continues the other way around; namely, with love and moves on to commandments (plural). Love is shown by keeping God's commandments. In other words,8 we have this commandment, and this commandment is to love one another, and we reveal this love by keeping the commandments.\par \par \tab How does keeping the commandments (\cf2\ul Exo_20:1-17\cf1\ulnone ) reveal love for one another? \par \par \tab How interesting that something such as keeping the law, the rules, and the dos and the don'ts would be so closely linked with love. And yet, it makes perfect sense. Love isn't just what we feel; love is what we do, it's how we act; it's how we relate to o9thers. Though it is more than just obeying the Ten Commandments, true love cannot be separated from the principles found in them.\par \par \tab Think about someone you love. How do you treat that person? What things do you say and do that reveal your love? In what ways could you even better show your love to that person? How does your own selfishness sometimes get in the way of showing this love as you know you should?\par \par \pard\keepn\s1\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par:d\ulnone\b\f2\fs20\par \i\f1\fs32 Learning Cycle\par \b0\par \b STEP 1-Motivate\par \b0\i0\f2\fs20 \par \b Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \par \b0 As Christians we have a duty to preserve and protect the truth.\par \par J\b ust For Teachers: \par In this short letter, the apostle\b0 \b John shows deep concern about false teachers\b0 \b compromising the truth of the gospel. Help class\b0 \b members ask themselves the question \ldblquote Why is the idea\b0 \b of \lquote truth\rquote so i;mportant to my spiritual walk?\rdblquote\par \b0 \par Nineteenth-century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche famously declared, \ldblquote There are no facts, only interpretations.\rdblquote In his influential philosophical work \i Thus Spoke Zarathustra\i0\rdblquote he ridicules traditional Judeo-Christian ideas of absolute moral values. His fictional prophet Zarathustra proclaims, \ldblquote God is dead.\rdblquote -\cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thus_Spoke_Zarath}\cf6\f2\fs20 . \cf3 Yet in 2 John, the apostle fiercely exhorts Christian believers to protect the truth-to preserve the integrity of the gospel.\par \par \b Consider This: \par \b0 Take a few moments to ask yourself these questions: How can we really know truth? Why is truth so important to both individual believers and Christian communities? What is our role in preserving truth?\par \pard\keepn\s1\ul\f1\fs22\par \pard\cf1\ulnone\f0\fs20 \par \b TUESDAY September 15\par \par Going Beyond t?he Teaching of Christ (\cf2\ul 2Jn_1:7-9\cf1\ulnone )\b0\par \par \tab Read \cf2\ul 2Jn_1:7-9\cf1\ulnone . What is John warning about here? What can be the results of falling for the deceptions he's warning about?\par \par \tab With verses 7 through 9 we are back to the deceivers and their false understanding of Jesus. It seems to be the same situation that we have already encountered in 1 John. It is so bad that many people have left the church and even have become "deceivers" themselves. Sure, there are those who are still walking in the truth (\cf2\ul 2Jn_1:4\cf1\ulnone ), but a shepherd mourns for everyone who has left God and His church.\par \par \tab The antichrists' views of Jesus differ from the apostles' teaching. Church members have to watch out in order not to be affected by them and their false views. John is very clear here, too, that believers can lose their way, and that there's no such thing as "once saved, always saved."\par \par \tab Read \cf2\ul 2Jn_1:9\cf1\ulnone . What is he s