SQLite format 3@  ii!%%atableTopicsTopicsCREATE TABLE Topics (Title NVARCHAR(100), Notes TEXT)uI00-Contents & Introduction{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\from V  rNMmond-Italic;}{\f1\fswiss\fcharset0 AGaramondAlt-Italic;}{\f2\froman\fcharset0 AGaramond-Regular;}{\f3\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS;}{\f4\fswiss\fcharset0 Helvetica-Black;}{\f5\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS-Italic;}{\f6\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\i\f0\fs80 The\f1\fs150 P\f0 rophetic\par Gift\i0\f2\fs102\par F\fs24 or I say unto you, Among\cf1 those that are born of women there is\par not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least\par in the kingdom of God is greater than he\rdblquote \i\f0 (\ul\i0 Luk_7:28\ulnone\i ).\par \i0\f2 No greater prophet than John? That would include, apparently,\par Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, even Moses. Yet, according to Jesus, \i\f0 John was\par the greatest of them all? \i0\f2 How fascinating, especially because, unlike\par Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, and Moses\emdash John the Baptist had no writings\par in the Bible, and yet John was a greater prophet than all those who, at\par least before him, did!\par \par The point? The prophetic gift wasn\rquote t limited only to the prophets whose writing\par became Scripture. No, the prophetic gift included those whose work for the Lord\par involved something other than writing books of the Bible.\par \par The whole question of the prophetic gift, and of inspiration in general,\par has been a source of discussion and debate throughout church\par history. How were the prophets inspired? How do inspiration and revelation\par work? How much, if any, of culture and personal views appear\par in the writings of the prophets? If these questions still generate discussion\par within Christendom after centuries of debate, we\rquote re hardly\par going to solve them all in the \i\f0 Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide\par \i0\f2 this quarter. But we sure will do our best to try.\par \par Issues regarding the nature of the prophetic gift and inspiration have\par been especially important to Seventh-day Adventists. In the book of\par Revelation, God promised that there will be a special manifestation of\par the prophetic gift at the time of the end \i\f0 (\ul\i0 Rev_12:17\ulnone\i ; \ul\i0 Rev_19:10\ulnone\i ; \ul\i0 Rev_22:8-9\ulnone\i )\i0\f2 .\par Seventh-day Adventists believe that the gift of prophecy has been\par manifested in the ministry of Mrs. Ellen G. White (1827\endash 1915). For\cf0\par seven decades she gave messages of counsel and warning to our\par church; and though she died in 1915, her books, full of spiritual\par insights and counsel, have been a source of tremendous blessing to\par countless millions whose lives have been, and continue to be, spiritually\par and theologically enriched through them. We truly have been\par given a gift.\par \par Yet, questions remain. What is the role of the prophetic gift? If we\par claim the Bible as our final authority, what authority (if any) should\par the Spirit of Prophecy have? How should these writings be interpre ted?\par Though this gift has been a blessing, in what ways has it been\par misused?\par \par More than three decades have gone by since we last studied in\par Sabbath School the topic of the gift of prophecy. Since then the\par church has grown from 2.5 million members to more than 15 million\par (as of this writing). And though questions about the Spirit of\par Prophecy (along with the prophetic gift in general) remain unanswered,\par we believe we\rquote ve been given more than enough reasons to\par believe in this special manifestation of prophecy among us.\par \par However, the real focus of this lesson isn\rquote t just on the gift but on the\par Gift-Giver. As we study the question of inspiration and revelation,\par we\rquote ll learn about the Lord who loves this world so much He gave of\par Himself, in the person of Jesus, as the sacrifice for our sins. Though\par God, though sinless, though the Creator Himself, He became a\par human being, and in that humanity took upon Himself the punishment\par for our evil as the only way that we, as sinners, could stand pardoned\par and justified before Him.\par \par That\rquote s the God we serve, and that\rquote s the God we seek to reveal in this\par quarter\rquote s lessons.\par \par \i\f0 Gerhard Pfandl, a native of Austria, has been associate director of the\par Biblical Research Institute of the General Conference since 1999.\par \par \par \par \i0\f3\fs48 How to Use This Teachers Edition\par \b\f4\fs20\par Get Motivated to Explore, Practice, and Apply\par \par \b0\f3 We hope that this format of the teachers edition will encourage adult Sabbath School class\par members to do just that\emdash explore, practice, and apply. Each weekly teachers lesson takes your\par class through the following learning process, based on the Natural Learning Cycle:\par \par 1. Why is this lesson important to me? (Motivate);\par \par 2. What do I need to know from God\rquote s Word? (Explore);\par \par 3. How can I practice what I\rquote ve learned from God\rquote s Word? (Practice); and\par \par 4. What can I do with what I\rquote ve learned from God\rquote s Word? (Apply).\par \par And for teachers who haven\rquote t had time to prepare during the week for class, there is a onepage\par outline of easy-to-digest material in \ldblquote The Lesson in Brief \rdblquote section.\par \par Here\rquote s a closer look at the four steps of the Natural Learning Cycle and suggestions for\par how you, the teacher, can approach each one:\par \par \b\f4 Step 1\emdash Motivate: \b0\f3 Link the learners\rquote experiences to the central concept of the\par lesson to show why the lesson is relevant to their lives. Help them answer the question,\par Why is this week\rquote s lesson important to me?\par \par \b\f4 Step 2\emdash Explore: \b0\f3 Present learners with the biblical information they need to\par understand the central concept of the lesson. (Such information could include facts\par about the people; the setting; cultural, historical, and/or geographical details; the plot\par or what\rquote s happening; and conflicts or tension of the texts you are studying.) Help learners\par answer the question, What do I need to know from God\rquote s Word?\par \par \b\f4 Step 3\emdash Practice: \b0\f3 Provide learners with opportunities to practice the information\par given in Step 2. This is a crucial step; information alone is not enough to help a person\par grow in Christ. Assist the learners in answering the question, How can I apply to my life\par what I\rquote ve learned?\par \par \b\f4 Step 4\emdash Apply: \b0\f3 Finally, encourage learners to be \ldblquote doers of the word, and not hearers\par only\rdblquote \i\f5 ({\cf2\ul Jam_1:22}). \i0\f3 Invite them to make a life response to the lesson. This step provides\par individuals and groups with opportunities for creative self-expression and exploration.\par All such activities should help learners answer the question, With God\rquote s help,\par what can I do with what I\rquote ve learned from this week\rquote s lesson?\par \par When teachers use material from each of these four steps, they will appeal to most every\par student in their class: those who enjoy talking about what\rquote s happening in their lives, those\par who want more information about the texts being studied, those who want to know how it\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 all fits in with real life, and those who want to get out and apply what they\rquote ve learned.\par \pard\b\f6\fs22\par } et0 AGaramond-Italic;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green0\blue255;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf1\b\f0\fs36 LESSON 1 *December 27 - January 2 \par Heaven's Means of Communication \par SABBATH AFTERNOON \par \fs22 Read for This Week's Study: \b0 \ul Gen_18:1-15\ulnone , \ul Gen_32:30\ulnone , \ul Exo_4:10-17\ulnone , \ul Psa_19:1-6\ulnone , \ul Joh_1:14\ulnone , \ul Joh_3:16\ulnone , \ul Col_2:9\ulnone . \par \b Memory Text: \b0 "God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds" (\ul Heb_1:1-2\ulnone , NKJV).\par There are two basic ways in which God has revealed Himself to humanity: general and special revelation. General revelation is God\rquote s revelation of Himself to all people through nature and conscience (see \ul Psa_19:1\ulnone , \ul Rom_1:20\ulnone ). God\rquote s revelations through the prophets as recorded in Scripture, especially His revelation through Jesus Christ, is special revelation. Through this means, God appeared to the Old Testament patriarchs and prophets in order to make His will known. He revealed His power and purpose through Israel\rquote s history. Then, later, He sent His Son, Who, in the garb of humanity, revealed the Father in a unique and powerful way. \par This week we\rquote ll look at both types of revelation.\par \b The Week at a Glance: \b0 \par What is general and special revelation? \par What can nature teach us about God? \par What can it not teach us? \par How does the revelation through Jesus Christ differ from God\rquote s other revelations? \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, January 3. \par \b\i0\fs36 SUNDAY December 28 \par In the Beginning \par \b0\fs22 In the Garden of Eden God spoke with Adam and Eve face to face. \ldblquote And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day\rdblquote (\ul Gen_3:8\ulnone ). However, after that fateful day, when they blatantly disobeyed their Lord, they no longer were allowed to enjoy His presence (\ul Gen_3:23-24\ulnone ), and their face-to-face communion with Him ended. \par What do the following texts tell us about face-to-face encounters with God? \par \ul Gen_18:1-15\ulnone\par \ul Gen_32:30\ulnone\par \ul Exo_33:11\ulnone\par \ul Jdg_6:22\ulnone\par \ul Jdg_13:2-3\ulnone\par Frequently the Old Testament identifies the Angel of God or the Angel of the Lord with God Himself. Jacob refers to God and the Angel in the same way (\ul Gen_48:15-16\ulnone ); the Angel of the Lord appears to Moses in the burning bush, yet, it is God who speaks to him (\ul Exo_3:2-6\ulnone ); the Angel who appeared to Gideon is identified with God (\ul Jdg_6:11-14\ulnone ); and the same is true of the Angel of the Lord who appeared to Manoah and his wife (\ul Jdg_13:11-22\ulnone ). Whenever God manifested Himself to human beings in a bodily form, it was always in a humanlike manifestation. \par In \ul Joh_1:18\ulnone John says, \ldblquote No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.\rdblquote The Divine being, therefore, Who appeared to the people in the Old Testament must have been Jesus, not the Father. Ellen G. White tells us that \ldblquote after the transgression of Adam, the Lord spoke no longer directly with man; the human race was given into the hands of Christ, and all communication came through Him to the world. It was Christ who spoke the law on Mount Sinai.\rdblquote\emdash\i Fundamentals of Christian Education\i0 , pp. 237, 238. \par What has been your own experience regarding what sin and rebellion does between you and God? \par That is, when you do something that you know is wrong, that you know is sinful, how does that impact your relationship with God? \par In what ways do you feel a separation from Him? \par How does guilt drive you away from Him, away from the desire to pray and commune with the Lord? \par How does this experience help you better understand what happened in Eden? \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\par \i\f2\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \b\i0\f3\fs20\par Key Text: \ul\b0\f2 Psa_19:1-6\ulnone\i\par \b\i0\f3\par The Student Will:\par \fs16\par Know: \b0\f4\fs20 That God reveals Himself through general revelation (creation, our\par conscience) and special revelation (prophets, the Bible, the Incarnation).\par \b\f3\fs16 Feel: \b0\f4\fs20 A sense of gratitude and responsibility for God\rquote s self disclosure.\par \b\f3\fs16 Do: \b0\f4\fs20 Seek to know God and His will by studying His various means of revelation.\par \par \b\f3 Learning Outline:\par \par \f5 I. The Need for Revelation \b0\i\f2 (\ul\i0 Psa_19:1-6\ulnone\i )\par \par \i0\f4 In what ways has God revealed Himself in creation? What would it\par have been like to commune with God in Eden?\par \par How has sin limited God\rquote s revelation to us through creation? Our conscience?\par The Bible and other prophets? His son Jesus?\par \par \b\f5 II. Revelation and the Prophets \b0\i\f2 (\ul\i0 Exo_4:10-17\ulnone\i , \ul\i0 Isa_6:5-8\ulnone\i )\par \par \i0\f4 Why did Moses and Isaiah feel inadequate to the task of speaking for\par God? Why does God choose imperfect people to speak for Him?\par \par How do you feel about the possibility that God may have something\par to say to or through you? Or that like Aaron, you may be called to reiterate\par the truth about God?\par \par \b\f5 III. Revelation and Jesus \b0\i\f2 (\ul\i0 Col_1:15\ulnone\i , \ul\i0 Col_2:9\ulnone\i )\par \par \i0\f4 What is the significance of Jesus\rquote role in revealing God? How can\par knowing more about Jesus lead to a deeper understanding of God?\par \par What can you do this week to focus more on Jesus as God\rquote s supreme\par revelation to you?\par \par \b\f3 Summary: \b0\f4 Scripture records God\rquote s unceasing effort to reveal Himself to a race\par separated from Him by sin. Through Jesus, God not only saves us from\par that sin but reveals Himself, thus enabling us to have a relationship with\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 Him.\cf0\par \cf1\b\f0\fs36\par MONDAY December 29 \par In Nature \par \b0\fs22 What can nature reveal about God? \ul Psa_19:1-6\ulnone , \ul Psa_33:6-9\ulnone , \ul Rom_1:19-23\ulnone . \par The Bible tells us that the world that God cre ated was perfect in every way (\ul Gen_1:31\ulnone ). But Scripture also reveals that sin has altered the natural world (\ul Gen_3:17-18\ulnone ). Prior to the Fall, only beautiful or useful plants were found upon the earth. God \ldblquote never made a thorn, a thistle, or a tare. These are Satan\rquote s work, the result of degeneration.\rdblquote \emdash Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies for the Church\i0 , vol. 6, p. 186. Nevertheless, there is still great beauty in the changing of the leaves in autumn, !in a vivid sunset, and in the opening of a rosebud on a sunny morning. \par Bible writers often refer to the phenomena of nature as a revelation of God\rquote s majesty and greatness (\ul Psa_8:1-9\ulnone and \ul Psa_104:1-35\ulnone ). Consider the universe! On a clear night one can see with the naked eye thousands of stars. However, our Milky Way galaxy has about two hundred billion stars\endash and that\rquote s only one galaxy among several hundred billion galaxies that we now can see. Who knows how "many more are beyond our telescopes! \par Distances in the universe boggle the mind: Apart from the sun, the nearest star to our earth, Alpha Centauri, is 4.28 light-years away (one light year is the distance light travels in one year\emdash 5.9 trillion miles). A spaceship traveling 100,000 miles per hour would require about 29,000 years to get there. In contrast, our Milky Way has a diameter of 100,000 light-years! The largest galaxy known thus far is Markarian, with a diameter of 1.3 million light-yea#rs. \par Similar awe-inspiring facts would come to light if we used an electron microscope to study the tens of thousands of genes each individual possesses. Our finite minds are simply unable to comprehend all the wonders of the created world. \par Yet, nature alone isn\rquote t enough to reveal the fullness of God\rquote s character (\ul Rom_1:25\ulnone ). Many of the fundamental questions about God cannot be answered through a study of nature. We will find it hard to see God\rquote s love reflected i$n how cats and killer whales play with their prey before killing them. And while we can see God\rquote s power and majesty in creation, nature does not tell us always that God is \ldblquote merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abounding in goodness and truth\rdblquote (\ul Exo_34:6\ulnone , NKJV). \par What aspects of nature truly talk to you about the love and power of God? \par At the same time, what things do you find disturbing, and why? \par What do your answers tell you about how limited n%ature is in revealing the fullness of God\rquote s love and character? \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\i\f2\fs20\par \fs32 Learning Cycle\par \b\i0\f3\fs20\par STEP 1\f5\fs30\emdash Motivate\par \f3\fs16\par Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \b0\f5\fs20 Nature, the Bible, and Jesus\par are God\rquote s chosen means for revealing Himself to us.\par \par \f4 How would the sun sound if you could hear it sing?\par The psalmist describes the sun as \ldblquot&e rejoicing,\rdblquote with each day \ldblquote uttering\par speech,\rdblquote and the heavens \ldblquote declaring\rdblquote the glory of God \i\f2 (\ul\i0 Psa_19:1-3\ulnone\i ).\par \par \i0\f4 Obviously the sun does not have vocal cords. But scientists who study the\par sun may have reason to believe that the psalmist\rquote s description of the sun\par may be a bit more literal than previously expected.\par \par The sun is filled with sound. By measuring the vibrations on the sun\rquote s\pa'r surface, astronomers at Stanford University have recorded the pressure of\par acoustical waves in the sun. Because the solar sound waves are too low for\par the human ear to hear, scientists speed up the waves and compress the\par vibrations into solar music that sounds like humming. But that\rquote s not all.\par Not only does the sun sing, it can do so in a vast range of notes. A piano\par has 88 keys; the sun has 10 million. That\rquote s one colossal keyboard.\par \emdash\cf0{\field{\*\fldins(t{HYPERLINK "www.noao.edu/education/ighelio"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf3 www.noao.edu/education/ighelio}}}\cf2\f4\fs20 .\par \par Now, the words \ldblquote the heavens declare the glory of God\rdblquote and \ldblquote the sun . . .\par rejoiceth\rdblquote take on a whole new meaning, quite literally singing to us of the\par warmth and vast range of His sustaining love.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 How else does the sun teach us about the majesty of\par God? What does the sun suggest abou)t God\rquote s ability to reach us, though\par He, too, is \i\f2 physically \i0\f4 distant? What are the limits of the analogy?\cf1\f0\fs22\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\par \b\fs36 TUESDAY December 30 \par Through Prophets \par \b0\fs22 After the Fall, when God no longer spoke to humanity directly, He communicated with them through men and women whom the Bible calls seers or prophets (\ul 1Sa_9:9\ulnone ). What do the following texts tells us about these prophets? \ul 2Sa_23:2\ulnone ; \ul Jer_1:5\u*lnone ; \ul Hos_4:1\ulnone ; \ul Amo_7:14-15\ulnone ; \ul Jon_1:1-3\ulnone . \par The word prophet (in Hebrew nabi\rquote ) means \ldblquote one called (by God)\rdblquote or \ldblquote one who has a vocation (from God).\rdblquote The prophet is a person who proclaims Divine messages. These may relate to the past, the present, or the future, and may consist of exhortation, instruction, consolation, or prediction. \par The English word prophet comes from the Greek prophetes, a combination of the prepo+sition pro, \ldblquote for,\rdblquote or \ldblquote on behalf of,\rdblquote with the verb phemi, \ldblquote to speak.\rdblquote Thus the idea being \ldblquote to speak for.\rdblquote \par Read \ul Exo_4:10-17\ulnone . How does this help us better understand the role of a prophet? \par Here Moses objects to God\rquote s call for him to go to Egypt and confront Pharaoh, claiming that he is \ldblquote slow of speech and of a slow tongue.\rdblquote (\ul Exo_4:10\ulnone ). Even after God reminded Mose,s that He had made man\rquote s mouth and would enable him to speak before Pharaoh, Moses still objected. Then God told Moses that He would send Aaron to go with him. \ldblquote He shall be your spokesman to the people. And he himself shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to him as God\rdblquote (\ul Exo_4:16\ulnone , NKJV). As Moses was to be the spokesperson for God, so Aaron would be the spokesperson for Moses. Thus, a prophet speaks for someone. The prophet may speak to humankind on behalf of- God, or vice versa. The primary task of a biblical prophet was not to predict the future but to declare the Divine will. Throughout the history of Israel, the prophets\rquote main task was to guide God\rquote s people. Particularly during the time of the monarchy, when the kings often \ldblquote did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord\rdblquote (\ul 2Ki_13:2\ulnone ), the prophetic institution was the guardian of the theocracy. The prophets upheld the law of God and taught it to the people. No.tice the humility of Moses and the sense of his own weakness. \par Why is that a good attitude for anyone, not just a prophet, to have? \par What dangers do we face if we get a sense of our own self-sufficiency? \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\b\f3\fs20\par STEP 2\f5\fs30\emdash Explore\par \fs20\par \fs30 Bible Commentary\par \fs20\par I. God Communicates Through Nature \b0\i\f2 (Read \ul\i0 Psa_19:1-6\ulnone\i and \ul\i0 Rom_1:19-23\ulnone\i\par with yo/ur class.)\par \i0\f4 Nature\rquote s arrangement and beauty powerfully argue for God\rquote s existence. Paul\par says that God uses the visible things of nature to reveal the invisible things,\par \pard\sl276\slmult1 such as His Godhead and His eternal power. The mind may comprehend\par these invisible truths through the help of the created works. Despite being\par \pard warped by sin, the natural world still witnesses to us God\rquote s power and His\par love. God\rquote s revelation of Himself t0hrough His created works is enough to\par reveal to us what He requires of us, leaving us without any excuse for\par neglecting duty.\par \par Paul also says in \ul Rom_1:20-23\ulnone that humanity is not content with God\rquote s\par revelation of Himself in nature. Such minds take what God appoints to reveal\par Himself and see these things as representing God Himself. So, instead of the\par ibis and the stars declaring God\rquote s love, they became gods to the darkened\par mind of the ancient1 Egyptian. Science is guilty of this today. Strip God completely\par from the act of Creation, and you are left with evolution.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 Even though nature is exquisitely beautiful and\par ordered and declares God\rquote s glory, why is it unable to communicate a\par complete image of God, or the purpose He has for humankind?\par \par \b\f5 II. God Communicates Through the Prophets \b0\i\f2 (Read \ul\i0 Exo_19:7\ulnone\i with your\par class.) \par \i0\f4 A 2prophet\rquote s main job was to reveal God\rquote s will to the people. One doesn\rquote t\i\f2\par \i0\f4 wake up one day and decide to become a prophet. It\rquote s a calling from the\par Lord, as in the case of Moses. Ironically, Moses\rquote reluctance to speak\par before Pharaoh reveals a very telling detail about the work of a prophet.\par The specific work that Moses feared to do is at the heart of a prophet\rquote s\par work: serving as a divine spokesperson, a voice that articulates\par H3eaven\rquote s will on earth.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 What do the following texts teach us about the work\par and the tasks of a prophet? \ul\f2 Exo_19:7\ulnone\i , \ul\i0 Num_12:6\ulnone\i , \ul\i0 1Sa_3:10\ulnone\i , \ul\i0 Dan_4:23\ulnone\i ,\par \ul\i0 Amo_7:15\ulnone\i , \ul\i0 Act_18:9\ulnone\i , \ul\i0 Act_22:18\ulnone\i , \ul\i0 Rev_10:4\ulnone\i .\par \par \b\i0\f5 III. God Communicates Through the Spoken and Written Word \b0\i\f2 (Read \par \ul\i0 Joh_20:30-31\ulnon4e\i ; \ul\i0 2Ti_3:16\ulnone\i ; \ul\i0 2Pe_1:21\ulnone\i .)\par \i0\f4 Paul reminds us that \ldblquote all scripture\rdblquote is inspired by God. This does not allow\i\f2\par \i0\f4 for us to decide which part of Scripture is inspired by God and which is\par human invention.\par \par But what does it mean to be inspired or \ldblquote God-breathed\rdblquote ? The word\par \i\f2 inspired \i0\f4 is translated from the Greek \i\f2 theopneustos. \i0\f4 We can look back to\par Adam for a clue. Adam, t5he first man, was \ldblquote God-breathed,\rdblquote meaning that\par God literally breathed life into him. Thus, Adam\rquote s life was God-inspired;\par it is the reason he became a living soul. The Bible is called the Living\par Word of God because it has power to teach, convict, correct, and instruct\par us how to grow into the fullness of God. The Bible is the thought of God\par communicated to humanity.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 What can we learn from the following texts6 about\par how the Bible was composed? \ul\f2 Exo_34:27\ulnone\i , \ul\i0 Psa_119:105\ulnone\i , \ul\i0 Heb_4:12\ulnone\i .\par \par \b\i0\f5 IV. Communication\emdash Examples and Teachings\emdash Through Jesus \b0\i\f2 (Read aloud\par \ul\i0 Joh_1:1\ulnone\i , \ul\i0 Joh_1:14\ulnone\i ; \ul\i0 Col_2:9\ulnone\i ; \ul\i0 Heb_1:1-3\ulnone\i .)\par \i0\f4 God\rquote s greatest act of mercy was sending Jesus to die for us. Yet all the\par aspects of Jesus\rquote life, not just His death, reveal the pla7n of salvation at\par work and communicate God\rquote s truth and grace to us: His perfect life is\par an example of obedience; His vicarious death allows Him to justify us;\par our faith in His death frees us from the guilt of sin; His resurrection\par promises us immortality; His ascension into heaven confirms His\par promise to return to earth and take us to meet the Father.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 What do the following texts reveal to us about Jesus\par as the most perfe8ct revelation of God to man? \ul\f2 Mat_4:17\ulnone\i , \ul\i0 Mat_4:23\ulnone\i ; \ul\i0 Mat_10:24\ulnone\i ;\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\ul\i0 Mat_28:18\ulnone\i ; \ul\i0 Luk_1:77\ulnone\i ; \ul\i0 Joh_13:15\ulnone\i ; \ul\i0 1Co_11:1\ulnone\i ; \ul\i0 1Th_1:10\ulnone\i ; \ul\i0 1Th_5:9\ulnone\i .\cf0\par \cf1\i0\f0\fs22\par \b\fs36 WEDNESDAY December 31 \par Through the Word \par \b0\fs22 Basic to the claims of Christianity is that it is a revealed religion, the record of which we find in Script9ure. During the first few millennia of humankind\rquote s existence, God revealed Himself to individuals through dreams, visions, or epiphanies (appearances). From the time of Moses (fifteenth century B.C.) and onward, many of these revelations were written down. As a result, we have today 66 books in the Bible, containing all the knowledge necessary for salvation. \par What do the following texts tell us about the Bible itself? \par \ul Mat_1:22\par Mat_2:15\par Mat_2:17\par Mat_4:14\par Joh_20:3:0-31\par 2Ti_3:16\par \ulnone There are a number of important characteristics of the Bible that should hold our attention. 1) Its unity: The Bible at first sight appears to be merely a collection of ancient literature. However, considering that it was written by approximately 40 authors over a period of nearly 1,600 years, its unity is amazing. The plan of salvation is revealed progressively from Genesis to Revelation. There is unity in its theme: The Messiah is promised throughout the Old Testament, an;d declared in every New Testament book to have come in the person of Jesus Christ. And there is complete harmony of teaching: The doctrines of the Old and New Testament are the same. 2) The history it portrays: The Old Testament embodies the oldest history of any people in the world. William F. Albright, the greatest archaeologist of the twentieth century, wrote, \ldblquote Hebrew national tradition excels all other in its clear picture of tribal and family origins. In Egypt and Babylonia, in Assyria and ctice\par \fs20\par Thought Questions:\par \par \b0\f4 Why should we not accept the teaching of everyone who eloquently\par preaches and calls upon the name of God? \i\f2 See \ul\i0 Jer_14:14\ulnone\i , \ul\i0 Mar_13:22\ulnone\i ,\par \ul\i0 2Pe_2:1\ulnone\i , \ul\i0 1Jn_4:1\ulnone\i .\par \par \i0\f4 God communicated directly with humans in the Garden of Eden. He\par communicated directly with humans when Jesus was on earth. Why, do\par you think, does God not still communicate with humans face?-to-face?\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\i\f2 Read \ul\i0 Joe_2:28-29\ulnone\i ; \ul\i0 Amo_3:7\ulnone\i .\par \pard\b\i0\f5 Application Question:\par \par \b0\f4 God is not static; He communicates with us as needed, in ways that will\par meet our needs. With this dynamic paradigm in mind, what methods of\par communication could help meet the needs of your congregation?\par \par \b\f5 Witnessing\par \par \b0\f4 Almost thirty years ago, Swedish nature photographer Kjell B. Sandved\par found a per@fect letter F on the wing of an orange sphinx moth. What if, he\par wondered, the letters of the entire alphabet could be found in the wing patterns\par of butterflies and moths? For the next twenty years, he waded\par through chest-high waters, peered down into exotic flowers, or looked\par under leaves, hunting for letters all over the world. Using self-designed\par microscopic lenses, he photographed the letters A\endash Z and numbers zero to\par nine\emdash often finding more than one\emdash witAhout capturing or killing a single\par insect. Thus, \i\f2 The Butterfly Alphabet \i0\f4 was born.\par \cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.butterflyalphabet.com/main/index.php"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf3 http://www.butterflyalphabet.com/main/index.php}}}\cf2\f4\fs20\par \par Don\rquote t expect butterflies, though, to start lining up any time soon to\par spell out words, much like the spider did in the fanciful children\rquote s story\par \i\f2 Charlotte\rquote s Web. \i0\f4 Butterflies may not be Bable to spell, but they are part of\par God\rquote s alphabet that spells out His love for us. Nature is one of God\rquote s\par appointed means for revealing Himself to us, and its messages of God\rquote s\par love are written everywhere. It is a universal language that needs no translation\par into human words, because it speaks to us in the language of the\par heart. So, what does one of Sandved\rquote s butterflies, and not just the letter on\par its wing, say to us about our Creator?\par \par C \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 What has nature taught you about God?\cf0\par \cf1\f0\fs22\par \b\fs36 THURSDAY January 1 \par Through Christ \par \b0\fs22 The center and substance of God\rquote s revelation is the person of Christ, God in human flesh. When in God\rquote s plan the time was right, Jesus was \ldblquote born of a woman, born under the law\rdblquote (\ul Gal_4:4\ulnone , NKJV). He lived for about thirty-three years in Palestine, died on the cross, rose frDom the tomb, and ascended to His Father. \par What do the following texts tell us about how God\rquote s revelation through Christ differed from the other revelations discussed this week? \par \ul Joh_1:14\par Joh_3:16\par Joh_14:8-9\par Col_2:9\par Heb_1:1-2\par \ulnone The Bible far surpasses the revelation of God in nature, yet, no written record can equal the personal presence of the Son of God. The Bible is God\rquote s tool to accomplish His purpose in our lives. However, it has no lasting vaElue if we regard it only as an interesting history book. Unless it leads us to the One it reveals, our study of the Bible will be of little benefit. The Bible was written, above all, to give to us the revelation of God presented to the world through the life and death of His Son, Jesus. \par \ldblquote That was the true Light which gives light to every man who comes into the world\rdblquote (\ul Joh_1:9\ulnone , NKJV ). What contribution does this text make to our understanding of the revelation of God Fin Christ? \par The NIV English translation catches the idea best: \ldblquote The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.\rdblquote This does not mean that every person receives this light, only that if a person is illuminated at all, it must be from Jesus (\ul Act_4:12\ulnone ). The true light shines on all humankind in the same sense that Jesus died for everyone, but not everyone will be saved. As John goes on to say, many will not accept this light (\ul Joh_1:10-12\ulnonGe ). How well do you know Jesus yourself? If someone were to say to you, \ldblquote Tell me about Jesus, what He is like and what He can do for me,\rdblquote what would you say, and why? Be prepared to share your answer in class on Sabbath. \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\b\f3\fs20\par STEP 4\f5\fs30\emdash Apply\par \b0\f4\fs20\par Arrange a Sabbath outing to go into nature. Find a natural object and\par contemplate how it reveals something about God to you. HShare this insight\par with your class.\par \par Paint a picture or write a poem about the object you collected. Show\par your painting to the class. Share what spiritual truth it teaches you about\par God. Or describe the object in your poem. End the poem with what the\par physical description of the object reveals to you about God.\par \par \i\f2 Close the lesson with prayer, asking God to help each one to be both an\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 active and silent communicator for Him.\cf0\i0\fI6\fs72\par \cf1\f0\fs22\par \b\fs36 FRIDAY January 2 \par \fs22 Further Study:\b0 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote A True Knowledge of God,\rdblquote pp. 409-426 in \i The Ministry of Healing\i0 ; \ldblquote God in Nature,\rdblquote pp. 99-101 in\i Education.\i0 \par \ldblquote Christ came to teach human beings what God desires them to know. In the heavens above, in the earth, in the broad waters of the ocean, we see the handiwork of God. All created things testify to His power, His wisdom, HiJs love. But not from the stars or the ocean or the cataract can we learn of the personality of God as it is revealed in Christ. God saw that a clearer revelation than nature was needed to portray both His personality and His character. He sent His Son into the world to reveal, so far as could be endured by human sight, the nature and the attributes of the invisible God.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies for the Church\i0 , vol. 8, p. 265. \par \ldblquote Christ revealed all of God that sinfKul human beings could bear without being destroyed. He is the divine Teacher, the Enlightener. Had God thought us in need of revelations other than those made through Christ and in His written word, He would have given them.\rdblquote\emdash Page 266. \par \ldblquote The Bible is a wonderful book. It is a history that opens up to us the past centuries. Without the Bible we should have been left to conjectures and fables in regard to the occurrences of past ages. It is a prophecy that unvails the future. LIt is the Word of God, unfolding to us the plan of salvation, pointing out the way by which we may escape eternal death and gain eternal life.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, in \i Bible Echo\i0 , October 1, 1892, par. 5. \par \b Discussion Questions:\b0 In class, compare your answers to Thursday\rquote s final question. What can you learn from each other? \par If God does reveal Himself to us through nature, at least partially, what does this tell us about our need to protect the environment? \par What are some other ways God communicates with us? How can we be sure it really is God talking to us? What safeguards are there to protect us from deceptions? \par As a class, plan an outing in nature in which you can look at the revelation of God found there. What things clearly testify to His creative power and love? What things leave large questions still unanswered? Why is nature, however beautiful, still not sufficient to tell us all that we need to know? \cf0\i\f7\fs80\par } &&uI00-Contents & Introduction{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0 AGara 6%U01-Heaven's Communication-Dec 27-Jan 2{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f1\froman\fcharset0 Times-Semibold;}{\f2\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS-Italic;}{\f3\fswiss\fcharset0 HelveticaNeue-Black;}{\f4\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS;}{\f5\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS-Bold;}{\f6\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f7\froman\fcharsPeue-Black;}{\f4\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS;}{\f5\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS-Bold;}{\f6\fnil\fprq2\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f7\froman\fcharset0 AGaramond-Italic;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green0\blue255;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\f0\fs36 LESSON 2 *January 3 - 9 \par \cf1 The Prophetic Gift \par SABBATH AFTERNOON \par \b\fs22 Read for This Week's Study:\b0 \ul Gen_20:7\ulnone , \ul Exo_15:20\ulnone , \Qul Deu_18:15\ulnone , \ul Mat_11:11\ulnone , \ul Joh_6:14\ulnone , \ul\b Heb_11:24\ulnone\endash 26.\par Memory Text: \b0 \ldblquote Then He said, \lquote Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision, and I speak to him in a dream\rquote \rdblquote (\ul Num_12:6\ulnone , NKJV).\par All through history, and even up to the present, we can find examples of people uttering predictions about the future. In most cases, these things never come Rtrue. When they do come true, a number of factors could be involved. Could it be sheer luck? Maybe the Lord was in it? Or, perhaps the enemy of souls was working to deceive as many as he could? \par Sure Satan uses false prophecies and prophets to mislead people. But we can take comfort in knowing God has His true prophets to make known His will. In Scripture, individuals whom God endowed with the gift of prophecy were people who walked with God. Not that they were sinless, but they strove to live in harSmony with God\rquote s revealed will. They had a personal relationship with God, and in that context the Lord was able to use them in a special way. \par This week we\rquote ll take a look at how He used them.\par \b The Week at a Glance:\b0 Were the Old and New Testament prophets saints or just ordinary men and women? What role did women prophets play in Israel? What were the differences between apostles and prophets in the New Testament? \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath,T January 10. \par \i0\fs36 SUNDAY January 4 \par Patriarch and Prophet \par \fs22 In \ul Gen_20:7\ulnone we find the first mention of the word prophet (Heb. \i nabi\rquote\i0 ) in the Bible. What was the context in which it was used? What can we learn from the context about what a prophet was and how he or she functioned? \par In the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible), the word prophet describes the recipient of Divine revelation. During the time of the Judges the word seer (in Hebrew \Ui ro\rquote eh\i0 ) appears to have come into use (\ul 1Sa_9:9\ulnone , \ul 1Sa_9:11\ulnone , \ul 1Sa_9:18-19\ulnone ); then, later, the usage reverted to the older term again. \par Prophets were not only spokespersons for God but on occasion were also intermediaries between God and the people. Abraham in Genesis 20 was the intermediary between God and Abimelech\emdash he was to pray to God on behalf of Abimelech. \par Abraham is a towering figure in the Old Testament. Three times in Scripture he is calVled God\rquote s friend (\ul 2Ch_20:7\ulnone , \ul Isa_41:8\ulnone , \ul Jam_2:23\ulnone ). When he was 99 years old, God told him, \ldblquote I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you\rdblquote (\ul Gen_17:6\ulnone , NKJV), a promise that, humanly speaking, seemed impossible. Because Abraham believed God in spite of what human reason told him, he became \ldblquote the father of all those who believe\rdblquote (\ul Rom_4:11\ulnone , NKJV). \par WConsidering that Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son in response to God\rquote s command (Gen. 22), it seems incredible that Abraham should have lied to Abimelech concerning Sarah (\ul Gen_20:2\ulnone ). However, the situation is only too true to life. \ldblquote As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man\rdblquote (\ul Pro_27:19\ulnone , NIV). The occasional manifestation of the remaining old nature in the believer, the backsliding of God\rquote s children in all ages, and our own Xsad departures from the path of righteousness are sufficient to explain the deplorable conduct of the \ldblquote father of all those who believe.\rdblquote How human Abraham was: moments of great faith, moments of deep lapses. What follower of Abraham\rquote s God can\rquote t relate? What encouragement can you take for yourself from the fact that, despite Abraham\rquote s mistakes and lack of faith, God used him anyway, even mightily? How can we learn not to let our lapses turn us away from continuing tYo press on ahead in faith? \cf0\par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\i\f2\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \b\i0\f3\fs20\par Key Text: \ul\b0\f2 Num_12:6\ulnone\i\par \b\i0\f3\par The Student Will:\par \fs16\par Know: \b0\f4\fs20 That God speaks to us through other people whom we call\par prophets.\par \b\f3\fs16\par Feel: \b0\f4\fs20 Respect and openness toward prophets and identify with them as\par fellow human beings.\par \b\f3\fs16\par Do: \b0\f4\fs20 ZCarefully consider the way in which prophets may speak to us and the\par church.\par \b\f3\par Learning Outline:\par \f5\par I. The Role of Prophets \b0\i\f2 (\ul\i0 Deu_18:14-22\ulnone\i , \ul\i0 Deu_34:10\ulnone\i )\par \par \i0\f4 Why did God raise up prophets? What was their function?\par \par What is the significance of the face-to-face experience for the prophet,\par for God, and for us?\par \par \b\f5 II. Prophets Are Human \b0\i\f2 (\ul\i0 Jdg_5:1-31\ulnone\i )\par \par \i0\f4 What d[oes Deborah\rquote s story reveal about the way prophets functioned\par within their community? Why was it sometimes difficult to be a prophet?\par \par What does the human diversity of biblical prophets tell us about God?\par \par What mistakes and weaknesses are evident in biblical prophets? What\par does this tell us about God\rquote s attitude toward us? How do the mistakes and\par failings of the prophets form our expectations of them and of their writings?\par \par \b\f5 III. Prophecy in th\e Church \b0\i\f2 (\ul\i0 Act_2:16-21\ulnone\i , \ul\i0 Act_21:8-14\ulnone\i )\par \par \i0\f4 What does the prevalence of prophets in the New Testament suggest\par about the way God speaks to the church?\par \par How do you respond to the possibility that God might use someone to\par speak to us on His behalf? Why?\par \par \b\f3 Summary: \b0\f4 Throughout history God has used ordinary people of diverse circumstances\par to speak on His behalf. These prophets have strengthened, corrected,\par g]uided, and encouraged God\rquote s people on their journey toward the\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 Promised Land, where one day we will talk face-to-face with God again.\par \cf0\f0\fs22\par \fs36 MONDAY January 5 \par The First Named Prophet of Israel \par \cf1\fs22 The first person of the nation of Israel called a prophet was Moses. Concerning his death, the statement is made, \ldblquote since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face\rdblquote (\ul^ Deu_34:10\ulnone , NKJV). Abraham was the father of the nation of Israel, but Moses was the first prophet in Israel\rquote s history\emdash an example for all the prophets who followed him. \par What do the following texts tell us about Moses\rquote personality and character? \ul Exo_4:10\ulnone ; \ul Exo_32:11-13\ulnone , \ul Exo_32:32\ulnone ; \ul Num_12:3\ulnone ; \ul Num_20:10-12\ulnone ; \ul Heb_11:24-26\ulnone . How do some of these traits help us understand how he fit into his role as a prophet?_ \par Through his upbringing in Egypt, his strong faith in God, and his personal experience with the Almighty at the burning bush (Exod. 3), Moses was well equipped to lead the people of Israel. From Scripture, we know that because of Israel\rquote s repeated failure to have faith in God, Moses constantly was interceding with God for the nation (\ul Exo_32:11-13\ulnone , \ul Num_14:13-19\ulnone , \ul Num_16:46-50\ulnone ), while at the same time admonishing the Israelites to be faithful. \par Followin`g the golden-calf episode at Mount Sinai (Exod. 32), Moses spent 40 days with God on the mountain. When he returned from the mountain, his face shone (\ul Exo_34:28-35\ulnone ). The radiant face of Moses was but a reflection of Divine glory (\ul 2Co_3:7\ulnone ). Considering the fact that Moses had the unique privilege of seeing the glory of the Creator, it is small wonder that his face shone after such an experience, but this was not the only reason. The golden-calf rebellion not only was directed againsat God, but also against Moses. The evidence of his communion with God was instrumental in restoring him to his rightful place of leadership. When the people realized where he had been, his role of leader and mediator that had been questioned was restored. \par Anyone filled with the Spirit of God will in some way reflect the glorious character of God. Those who live close to God will have a telling effect on the lives of others, though they may not know it themselves. Who is someone who seems to have a cblose relationship with the Lord? How is that closeness revealed in their lives? What character traits do they manifest? How can you learn to walk closer to the Lord? What things in your life are holding you back from that closer walk? \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\i\f2\fs32 Learning Cycle\par \b\i0\f3\fs20\par STEP 1\f5\fs30\emdash Motivate\par \f3\fs16\par Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \b0\f5\fs20 Just as prophets served as\par mediators between cGod and His people, we, too, may serve God no\par matter how flawed we are.\par \par \f4 Pearls are an accident of nature. Shells stunted in growth and shaped irregularly\par are most likely to produce pearls. For a pearl to form, an irritant must first\par enter the mollusk when the valves of the shell are open for breathing and eating.\par This irritant is less likely to be a grain of sand than to be a shell-boring\par parasite, decaying plant debris, molluskan egg, small crab, stray piece of foodd,\par or even small fish. The mollusk protects itself by depositing nacreous matter\par that coats the irritant in layers. Over time this imperfection becomes a pearl.\par \emdash\cf3{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.fao.org/docrep/field/003/AB726E/AB726E11.htm" }}{\fldrslt{\ul www.fao.org/docrep/field/003/AB726E/AB726E11.htm}}}\ulnone\f4\fs20 .\cf2\par \par It is hard to imagine how something so flawed can yield something so\par beautiful. This should give hope to us when our weaknesses, imeperfections,\par and failures threaten to overwhelm us. If God can take something\par stunted and oddly shaped like a mollusk and use it to create the perfection\par of a pearl, is He any less capable of bringing beauty and strength out of\par our flaws? \ldblquote My grace is sufficient for thee . . . my strength is made perfect\par in weakness\rdblquote \i\f2 (\ul\i0 2Co_12:9\ulnone\i ). \i0\f4 So, the next time you are beset by difficulty\par or hardship or are overwhelmed by your spiritual defifciencies,\par remember: without the irritant, there would be no pearl.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 We already have learned that Moses feared to speak\par in front of Pharaoh because he felt his ability to speak was flawed. What\par aid did God promise him? What are some of the other weaknesses that\par other Bible leaders experienced that God helped them to overcome?\par How does this inspire your class members with hope that God can use\par them despite their flaws and weaknessges? How has God turned spiritual\par deformities into \ldblquote pearls\rdblquote ? How has He used \ldblquote irritants\rdblquote to make us\par stronger?\par \cf0\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs36 TUESDAY January 6 \par Prophets in Israel \par \fs22 Prior to his death Moses told the Israelites: \ldblquote \lquote The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear\rquote \rdblquote (\ul Deu_18:15\ulnone , NKJV). Thhe context indicates that this prophecy had an immediate application to the prophetic leadership of Israel in the years following the death of Moses (\ul Deu_18:1-22;\ulnone \ul Deu_34:9-10\ulnone ; \ul Hos_12:10\ulnone ). The prophets from Joshua to Malachi were partial fulfillment of Moses\rquote prophecy. \par Christ, however, only fully could meet the conditions set forth in Moses\rquote prediction (see \ul Joh_1:21\ulnone , \ul Joh_6:14\ulnone , \ul Joh_7:40\ulnone ). He came as the second Moses,i not to free His people from the power of earthly rulers but, to free them from the power of sin. \par The writings of the prophets of the Old Testament from Isaiah to Malachi are well-known. In addition, there were many other prophets in the history of Israel. Samuel lived during the period of the judges (\ul 1Sa_3:20\ulnone ). Gad and Nathan continued his work (\ul 2Sa_12:1\ulnone , \ul 2Sa_24:13\ulnone ). After the division of the kingdom in 931 B.C. we find the prophets Ahijah (\ul 1Ki_11:29\ulnone )j, Elijah (\ul 1Ki_18:1\ulnone ), and Elisha (\ul 2Ki_2:9-14\ulnone ) ministering to the people of God. \par Prophets came from all walks of life: Jeremiah and Ezekiel were priests; Isaiah and Zephaniah were of royal blood; Daniel was prime minister of Babylon; Samuel was a judge; Elisha was a farmer, and Amos a shepherd. Whatever their backgrounds, all of them were God\rquote s messengers through whom God tried to keep Israel from falling into sin. Some prophets wrote books (\ul 1Ch_29:29\ulnone , \ul 2Ckh_9:29\ulnone ), others did not (\ul 1Ki_17:1\ulnone , \ul 2Ki_2:15\ulnone ); some were counselors to kings (\ul Jer_38:14\ulnone ), others preached to the people (\ul Eze_3:17\ulnone ). After four centuries of prophetic silence, John the Baptist appeared as the last of the prophets of the old- covenant period (\ul Mat_3:1\ulnone ). \par All through the sacred Scriptures we see the Lord speaking to His people through His servants, the prophets. The whole Bible itself is the work of these prophets, delivelring the messages that God gave them. No matter how diverse their backgrounds, education, temperaments; no matter some of the flaws in their characters (with the radical exception of Jesus, of course), these human beings, flesh and blood like us, were used by the Lord to proclaim His messages, messages that still are being proclaimed today in almost every country in the world and will continue until the close of time. Which prophet can you relate to the most? Which prophet speaks the clearest to you, anmd why? What have you taken from that prophet\rquote s life and message? How are you able to apply what you\rquote ve learned from them to your life in a way that changes you for the better? \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\f4\fs20\par \b\f3 STEP 2\f5\fs30\emdash Explore\par \f3\fs16\par Just for Teachers: \b0\f5\fs20 We will consider the lives of the prophets from\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 the Old and New Testaments to define the work of a prophet.\par \panrd\b\fs30 Bible Commentary\par \fs20\par I. Abraham: Fervent Yet Flawed \b0\i\f2 (Read \ul Gen_20:7\ulnone with your class.)\par \i0\f4 The first recorded instance in which the word \i\f2 prophet \i0\f4 is used in the Bible\par occurs in Genesis 20. If we look at the story, we see that Abimelech\rquote s\par entire family suffered from a curse because of one man\rquote s coveting of\par Abraham\rquote s wife. Sarah and Abraham had lied about being married, mentioning\par that Sarah was Abraham\rquoote s half sister but neglecting to mention she\par was his wife. This was only half the truth\emdash and from the lips of a prophet\par no less! It was enough to convince Abimelech that Sarah was free to join\par his harem. And when he took her, God shut up all the wombs of\par Abimelech\rquote s wives. What is so interesting about the narrative is that,\par despite Abraham\rquote s lie, God refers to Abraham as a prophet and makes\par Abimelech\rquote s restoration contingent upon Abraham\rquote sp intercessory prayer\par on his behalf. Though many of us are fallen and flawed, God still calls us\par in our imperfections to serve Him.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 God still called Abraham, despite his faults. What\par hope should this give us that God can use us, despite our faults? At the\par same time, why do the prophets\rquote flaws not give us the license to sin\par willfully against God while claiming to serve Him?\par \par \b\f5 II. Moses\rquote Intercession:The Woqrk of a Prophet \b0\i\f2 (Read \ul Exo_32:11-13\ulnone , \par \ul\i0 Num_14:13-19\ulnone\i , \ul\i0 Num_16:46-50\ulnone\i .)\par \i0\f4 After Israel\rquote s rebellion against God with the golden calf, God told Moses\par He would destroy them and create a new chosen people from Moses. The\par prayer of Moses prevented Israel\rquote s complete extermination as a nation. In\par his role as intercessor, Moses stood as a forerunner of Christ. Moses does\par not excuse his people\rquote s sin; he, insteard, intercedes for them, seeking for\par God to forgive them. This intercessory role demonstrates some of the\par work of a prophet.\par \par We also learn that during the time that Moses related God\rquote s words to the\par people, his face was veiled. The veiling of Moses\rquote face makes him a type\par of Christ. Jesus veiled His divinity with humanity in order to dwell with\par us. Veiled, Moses represented how God must reveal Himself to us;\par unveiled, God could not fellowship with us witshout destroying us. But\par veiled in humanity, He could fellowship freely with sinners in order to\par \pard\sl276\slmult1 reunite humanity to heaven. The glory reflected in Moses\rquote face equals the\par blessings to be received by God\rquote s commandment-keeping people through\par \pard the mediation of Christ.\par \par Numbers 16 further demonstrates that the work of a prophet is based on\par the mediating actions of Moses and Aaron in holding back the deadly\par plague. (1) Moses acts as tGod\rquote s mouthpiece \i\f2 (vs. 46). \i0\f4 (2) Aaron carried the\par censer from the Holy Place\emdash a censer used only inside the temple\emdash and\par brought it among the people. The incense symbolized Jesus\rquote work of intercession\par and atonement, coming from heaven and down to us. Aaron\par served as a type of Christ, who came down among sinful humans and\par offered Himself for their sins.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 How do the actions of Moses and Aaron in Numbuers\par 16 shed further light on the work of an intercessor? What does this, in\par turn, teach of Christ\rquote s atoning work for us?\par \par \b\f5 III. Women Prophets: Miriam and Deborah \b0\i\f2 (Read \ul Num_12:1-2\ulnone ; \par \ul\i0 Jdg_4:1-18\ulnone\i with your class.)\par \i0\f4 Miriam is the first woman in the Old Testament named as a prophet. She\par stood second only to Moses and Aaron in power. Miriam claims to possess\par the prophetic gift, since God has spoken through her. Micahv asserts that\par God delivered Israel out of Egypt through Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.\par After the deliverance, Miriam led the women in the Song of Moses at the\par Red Sea. Quite possibly, she could be viewed as organizing the first\par women\rquote s ministry department of God\rquote s church. In addition to communicating\par to the people the messages God gave her, she may have taught and\par reproved the people during a ministry that spanned 90 years.\par \par Later, during the time of the juwdges, God called another woman,\par Deborah, to be a prophetess. Deborah listened to cases under a tree\par between Ramah and Bethel. This arboreal courtroom allowed the people\par the freest access to her as they came to her for judgment. As a prophetess\par she corrected abuses and redressed grievances. Verse 8 of Judges 4 tells us\par just how highly Deborah was held in esteem. So great was her influence\par that the great warrior Barak, whom God called to deliver Israel from their\par enemies, xrefused to go into battle without Deborah marching with him.\par Her presence would make it clear that the undertaking was God\rquote s will.\par Barak, a strong and brave warrior, submitted himself to her prophetic\par guidance. Deborah, though female and no warrior, did not refuse to lead\par Israel into battle. God shows us through her story that He does not limit\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 Himself to the male gender in calling prophets.\par \pard\b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 What do tyhe ministries of Miriam and Deborah teach\par us about the work of prophets? What does the fact that God chooses\par women, as well as men, to serve as prophets, reveal about God?\cf0\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\f0\fs22\par \fs36 WEDNESDAY January 7 \par Prophetesses in Israel \par \cf1\fs22 Scripture mentions a number of prophetesses. Who were they, and what do the following texts tell us about the role they played in the history of Israel? \ul Exo_15:20\ulnone , 21; \ul Jdg_4:4-10\ulnone ; \ul 2zKi_22:11-20\ulnone . \par Miriam, the sister of Moses, is called a prophetess. She is described as leading the women in the Song of Moses (compare \ul Exo_15:1\ulnone and \ul Exo_15:21\ulnone ). Moses was the appointed leader of the people of Israel, but his dealings would have been primarily with the men, who were considered the heads of their families. Miriam\rquote s task was, perhaps, with the Israelite women. She must have been several years older than Moses (\ul Exo_2:1-8\ulnone ), and according{ to Josephus she married Hur, who together with Aaron had held up the arms of Moses in the battle with the Amalekites\emdash\i Antiquities\i0 , III, p. 98. \par That she was an important person in Israel is seen in the fact that all Israel had to wait seven days until God took away her leprosy after the unfortunate incident with her brother Moses and his wife (\ul Num_12:1-15\ulnone ). \par Deborah (Judg. 5) must have been an extraordinary person. In a society dominated by men, she became a political an|d spiritual leader, something few women achieved in those days. Deeply spiritual, she ascribed all praise for the victory over the Canaanites to God (\ul Jdg_5:3-5\ulnone , \ul Jdg_5:13\ulnone ); she did not take any glory for herself or Barak. \par As a \ldblquote mother in Israel\rdblquote (vs. 7) she watched over the people with maternal care, counseling and aiding them in procuring justice. \par Read \ul Jdg_4:1-8\ulnone . What does this tell us about how highly respected this woman was in Israel a}t that time? \par Another prophetess in Israel was Huldah (\ul 2Ki_22:14-20\ulnone , \ul 2Ch_34:20-28\ulnone ). When King Josiah asked her concerning God\rquote s will, she prophesied judgment and disaster upon Jerusalem and its people but not in Josiah\rquote s day; his eyes were not to see the evil because he humbled himself before the Lord. It is interesting that Huldah was consulted although both Jeremiah and Zephaniah were living at the same time. \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M~ M E N T S\par \ulnone\f4\fs20\par \b\f3 STEP 3\f5\fs30\emdash Practice\par \fs20\par Thought Questions:\par \b0\f6\par \f4 What danger is there in focusing on the faults of a prophet as a means\par of justifying your own sins?\par \par Which of the prophets inspire you to live a godly life? Why?\par \par \b\f5 Application Questions:\par \par \b0\f4 The Bible says, \ldblquote all have sinned\rdblquote \i\f2 (\ul Rom_3:23\ulnone ), \i0\f4 but it provides a solution\par that allows us to escape the \ldblquote wages of sin\rdblquote \i\f2 (\ul\i0 Rom_6:23\ulnone\i ), \i0\f4 which is death.\par What is your understanding of how this solution works? What is it based\par on? How can you avail yourself of this wonderful provision?\par \par Because of his sins, Moses did not get to the Promised Land. Do the\par consequences of your sins discourage you or drive you closer to the Source\par of salvation? Explain.\par \par Discuss the impact a forgiving spirit could have on the life of your\par church.\par \cf0\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs36 THURSDAY January 8 \par New Testament Prophets \par \fs22 The Old Testament prophetic period came to an end about four hundred years prior to the birth of Christ. During the period between that end and the birth of Christ, many Jewish books were written, but none were accepted as inspired. \par The life of Christ ushered in a new era, in which God again called individuals to function as His spokespersons. Who were some of these New Testament prophets, and what was the difference between them and the apostles? \ul Luk_1:67\ulnone ; \ul Joh_1:6-7\ulnone ; \ul Act_11:27-28\ulnone ; \ul Act_13:1\ulnone ; \ul Rev_1:1-3\ulnone . \par In New Testament Greek, the word apostle was used of persons in the sense of ambassador, envoy, or delegate. Josephus, for example, used this word when speaking of the ambassadors whom the Jews sent as their representatives to Rome\emdash Antiquities, xvii., p. 11. \par In the New Testament, apostle carries the concepts of mission and representation. The term appears in the context of Jesus\rquote ordaining and sending forth His disciples on an evangelistic mission (\ul Mat_10:2-6\ulnone ). The apostles were those with special authority from the risen Lord; they had seen for themselves His death and resurrection, something that all the previous prophets hadn\rquote t. Some of the apostles, such as John and Paul, were also prophets, but not all apostles were prophets. According to \ul Eph_2:20\ulnone , apostles and prophets together provided the foundational interpretation of what God had done in Christ for humanity. \par Read \ul Mat_11:11\ulnone . Why was John the Baptist greater than all the Old Testament prophets? What does Jesus mean when He says, \ldblquote But he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he\rdblquote (NKJV)? \par John the Baptist was the greatest prophet in the sense that it was his privilege to announce the coming of Christ, to whom all the prophets had borne witness (see \ul Luk_24:27\ulnone ; \ul Joh_5:39\ulnone , \ul Joh_5:46\ulnone ). Like Abraham, all the Old Testament prophets looked forward to the day the Messiah would come (\ul 1Pe_1:10-11\ulnone ), but John saw Him in the flesh. Hence, in some sense, the prophetic office in the Old Testament reached its climax in John. At the same time, John the Baptist was only at the door of the kingdom of grace, looking in, while the least follower of Jesus can look back and rejoice in the fulfillment of all the Messianic prophecies through Christ. Dwell on some of the Old Testament prophecies that pointed to Jesus as Messiah. How can they help strengthen your faith? \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\f4\fs20\par \b\f3 STEP 4\f5\fs30\emdash Apply\par \fs20\par \b0\f4 How does your church make a positive difference in people\rquote s lives?\par How could it do better?\par \f6\par \f4 It was clear for all to see that Moses had been in the presence of\par God after he descended from Mount Sinai. What about yourself? What\par about your life reveals your relationship with God?\par \f6\par \f4 What kind of role model do you represent? If not a good one, why\par not? Why do you not have to be perfect to be a role model?\par \par \i\f2 Read \ul Act_4:12\ulnone , and ask the class to pray silently for someone in need.\cf0\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\i0\f0\fs22\par \fs36 FRIDAY January 9 \par \b\fs22 Further Study: \b0 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote The Test of Faith,\rdblquote pp. 145-155; \ldblquote Moses,\rdblquote pp. 241\endash 256 in \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 . \par \ldblquote During his stay in Egypt, Abraham gave evidence that he was not free from human weakness and imperfection. In concealing the fact that Sarah was his wife, he betrayed a distrust of the divine care, a lack of that lofty faith and courage so often and nobly exemplified in his life.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White\i , Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , p. 130. \par \ldblquote Moses had been instructed in regard to the final reward to be given to the humble and obedient servants of God, and worldly gain sank to its proper insignificance in comparison. The magnificent palace of Pharaoh and the monarch\rquote s throne were held out as an inducement to Moses; but he knew that the sinful pleasures that make men forget God were in its lordly courts. He looked beyond the gorgeous palace, beyond a monarch\rquote s crown, to the high honors that will be bestowed on the saints of the Most High in a kingdom untainted by sin. He saw by faith an imperishable crown that the King of heaven would place on the brow of the overcomer.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White,\i Conflict and Courage\i0 , p. 81. \par \ldblquote The glory reflected in the countenance of Moses illustrates the blessings to be received by God\rquote s commandment-keeping people through the mediation of Christ. It testifies that the closer our communion with God, and the clearer our knowledge of His requirements, the more fully shall we be conformed to the divine image, and the more readily do we become partakers of the divine nature.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , p. 330. \par \b Discussion Questions: \b0 Discuss some of the character flaws found in various prophets and apostles in the Bible. What hope can you take from these for yourself? At the same time, what are the good characteristics seen in many of these people? What hope and promise can you find there as well? \par What about some of the so-called \ldblquote prophets\rdblquote today, those making all sorts of predictions, many of which are reported in the local newspaper? How should we relate to them? What kind of people are they; what kind of predictions do they make? What can we learn from the contrast between them and the prophets seen in the Bible? \par In what ways can we, as a church, act in the role of the prophets? In what ways are we called to do just that? How can we better fulfill that role? \i\f7\fs80\par } +h%903-Spiritual Gifts & Prohecy-Jan 10-16{\rtf1\ansi]qY02-Prophetic Gift-Jan 3-9{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f1\froman\fcharset0 Times-Semibold;}{\f2\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS-Italic;}{\f3\fswiss\fcharset0 HelveticaNO\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f1\froman\fcharset0 Times-Semibold;}{\f2\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS-Italic;}{\f3\fswiss\fcharset0 HelveticaNeue-Black;}{\f4\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS;}{\f5\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS-Bold;}{\f6\fnil\fprq2\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f7\fswiss\fcharset0 HelveticaNeue-MediumExt;}{\f8\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f9\froman\fcharset0 AGaramond-Italic;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green0\blue255;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf1\f0\fs36 LESSON 3 *January 10 - 16 \par Spiritual Gifts and Prophecy \par SABBATH AFTERNOON \par \b\fs22 Read for This Week's Study: \b0 \ul Act_2:1-11\ulnone ; \ul Rom_12:6-8\ulnone ; \ul 1Co_1:6-7\ulnone ; \ul 1Co_13:9\ulnone ; \ul Eph_4:11\ulnone ; \ul 2Th_2:9-10\ulnone .\par \b Memory Text: \b0 \ldblquote There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all\rdblquote (\ul 1Co_12:4-6\ulnone , NKJV).\par Seventh-day Adventists believe in the existence of spiritual gifts. We\rquote re not alone, either. Many charismatic and Pentecostal churches have claimed to see the manifestation of spiritual gifts among themselves. Some of these have included people in church making noises like animals (lions, donkeys, dogs, even chickens!), as well as the utterances of prognostications and prophecies, such as the time it was prophesied that God blew up the space shuttle Challenger in order to teach America a lesson because there was a public school teacher on board (Apparently, someone believed that God doesn\rquote t like public school teachers). \par As Seventh-day Adventists, we believe in the gift of the Spirit, including prophecy, but we also believe that everything should be tested by the Word of God. This week, using the Word, we\rquote ll take a closer look at some of these gifts.\par \b The Week at a Glance: \b0 \par What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? \par How are they manifested? \par What about the gift of tongues? \par What does the Bible teach about counterfeit gifts? \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, January 17. \par \i0\fs36 SUNDAY January 11 \par Spiritual Gifts \par \fs22\ldblquote And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers\rdblquote (\ul Eph_4:11\ulnone ). \par Spiritual gifts (in Greek charismata) are known as spiritual because they originate with the Holy Spirit, Who apportions them to each according to His will (\ul 1Co_12:11\ulnone ). In addition, the Holy Spirit is given to Christians so that they may understand and appreciate these gifts (\ul 1Co_2:10-13\ulnone ). \par Paul provides four lists of spiritual gifts (\ul Rom_12:6-8\ulnone ; \ul 1Co_12:8-10\ulnone , \ul 1Co_12:28-30\ulnone ; \ul Eph_4:11-12\ulnone ). What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? Why were they given? \par According to the New Testament, spiritual gifts are given for the completion of the mission entrusted to the church. This includes the nurture and edification of the church, as well as the proclamation of the gospel to the world. The existence of these gifts should serve as a constant reminder of our utter dependence upon the Lord in order for us to do the work He has called us to do. \par From the Gospels we know that the apostles possessed spiritual gifts even prior to Pentecost. In \ul Luk_9:1\ulnone Jesus \ldblquote gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases\rdblquote (NKJV), and in \ul Mat_10:8\ulnone he charged them to \ldblquote heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons\rdblquote (NKJV). Then at Pentecost they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues (\ul Act_2:1-4\ulnone ). This seems to indicate that it is possible to receive more than one baptism of the Holy Spirit. \par How have spiritual gifts been manifested in your own church? What has been the fruits of these gifts? What can you do to help nurture these gifts in your local congregation? Bring your answers to class on Sabbath for discussion. \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\i\f2\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \b\i0\f3\fs20\par Key Text: \ul\b0\i\f2 1Co_12:4-6\ulnone\par \b\i0\f3\par The Student Will:\par \fs16\par Know: \b0\f4\fs20 That prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit given to some individuals\par in the church.\par \b\f3\fs16\par Feel: \b0\f4\fs20 Gratitude for God manifesting His power in the church.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Do: \b0\f4\fs20 Identify and use spiritual gifts.\par \par \b\f3 Learning Outline:\par \par \f5 I. Some to Be Prophets \b0\i\f2 (\ul Eph_4:11-13\ulnone )\par \i0\f6\par \f4 How would you define a spiritual gift?\par \par In what ways does prophecy contribute to the outcomes mentioned in\par verses 12 and 13?\par \par \b\f5 II. Not All Prophets Speak for God \b0\i\f2 (\ul Act_8:9-25\ulnone ; \ul Acts 16:16-18\ulnone ; \ul 2Th_2:9-10\ulnone )\par \par \i0\f4 Certain gifts more obviously reveal the presence of the supernatural.\par What dangers exist in overemphasizing those gifts, undervaluing them, or\par blindly following them?\par \par How do you feel about manifestations of the supernatural? What role\par do our feelings play in discerning genuine versus counterfeit manifestations?\par \par \b\f5 III.Apply Spiritual Gift\i s \b0\f2 (\ul 1Co_12:1-21\ulnone )\par \par \i0\f4 This passage affirms the equality of the gifts while chapter 14 suggests\par that some may be more useful than others. How should prophecy function\par in relation to the other gifts? Does one gift override the others? What role\par does love (chapter 13) play?\par \par How can we discover what our gifts are? How do we recognize and\par affirm if there is a prophet among us?\par \par \b\f3 Summary: \b0\f4 The Holy Spirit empowers the church for health and growth by dispensing\par spiritual gifts. One of these gifts is prophecy.We need to identify\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 and use our gifts in the body of Christ so that the Head is glorified.\par \cf0\f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs36 MONDAY January 12 \par Spiritual Gifts in the Church Today \par \fs22 These days we find two views among Christians in regard to the permanency of spiritual gifts. Some believe that edifying gifts, such as knowledge, wisdom, teaching, exhortation, faith, and mercy, are permanent gifts but that the sign gifts, such as prophecy, healing, tongues, and miracles, ceased with the death of the apostles. Defenders of this view claim: \ldblquote The sign gifts had a unique purpose: to give the apostles credentials, that is, to let the people know that these men all spoke the truth of God. Once the Word of God was inscripturated, the sign gifts were no longer needed and they ceased.\rdblquote\emdash John F. MacArthur, Jr., Charismatic Chaos, p. 199. Other Christians believe that all the spiritual gifts will be present in the church until the Lord comes. \par What do the following texts say about the permanence of spiritual gifts? \ul 1Co_1:6-7\ulnone ; \ul 1Co_13:9-10\ulnone ; \ul Eph_1:1-13\ulnone . \par According to Paul, the charismata, the spiritual gifts, will be in the church until Jesus comes, but does this mean that all the gifts will be present all the time? \par The Church Father Irenaeus (A.D. 120-195) wrote about the presence and operation of spiritual gifts even in his day. Thus, according to Irenaeus, spiritual gifts were still in evidence at the end of the second century A.D. \par During the next two centuries, however, the church suffered a serious spiritual and theological deterioration, and the spiritual gifts by and large disappeared. During the time of the Reformation, beginning with John Wycliffe in England, God used the Reformers to restore neglected truth, and they certainly had the gifts of knowledge, wisdom, and teaching. None of the main Reformers, though, claimed to have the prophetic gift. This particular gift, according to \ul Rev_12:17\ulnone , was to be manifested again in the end-time remnant church. Paul says in \ul Eph_4:12\ulnone that spiritual gifts are given \ldblquote for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry\rdblquote (NKJV). To what kind of equipping is Paul referring, and in what way do you see this happening in the church today? \par \cf0\par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\i\f2\fs32 Learning Cycle\par \b\i0\f3\fs20\par STEP 1\f5\fs30\emdash Motivate\par \f3\fs16\par Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \b0\f5\fs20 Just as God endows the\par church with spiritual gifts, including prophecy and tongues, each one\par of us is endowed with spiritual gifts to help finish God\rquote s work on earth.\par \par \f4 South Korean soprano Sumi Jo was born with a heart full of music. No\par surprise when you consider that her mother listened to soprano arias during\par her pregnancy, for she dreamed of having a daughter who would one\par day grow up to be a great singer.\par \par In 1988 that dream came true. The great conductor Herbert von Karajan\par heard Sumi Jo debut, calling her, \ldblquote a voice from heaven.\rdblquote\emdash\par {\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.scena.org/lsm/sm9-8/sumi-jo.htm" }}{\fldrslt{\ul www.scena.org/lsm/sm9-8/sumi-jo.htm}}}\ulnone\f4\fs20 .\par \par The last time heaven gave a concert on earth, it took place at night before\par an audience of shepherds more than two thousand years ago. Unfortunately\par no one today, not even a music expert like the late Mr. von Karajan, has heard\par heaven sing since then. But one need only listen to Sumi Jo\rquote s \i\f2 Prayers \i0\f4 to get\par an idea of just what it must have been like to be in that field of shepherds.\par Listening to the vocal purity and the ease with which she hits those high\par notes, you may find it surprising to know that Sumi Jo started singing as\par a mezzo soprano, with a much smaller range of notes. She most likely\par would have remained one if not for the intervention of a very special\par teacher, who told Sumi that she was a coloratura soprano, capable of\par singing impossibly high notes and complicated trills. Sumi could sing only\par a high C at the time. But after three years of hard study, Sumi Jo taught\par herself to sing 12 more notes beyond that, increasing her range by an\par octave and a half.\emdash\cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.scena.org/lsm/sm9-8/sumi-jo.htm" }}{\fldrslt{\cf3\ul www.scena.org/lsm/sm9-8/sumi-jo.htm}}}\cf0\ulnone\f4\fs20 .\par \cf2\par Gifted people take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. Sumi Jo\rquote s\par voice is one in a million. But in a church of fifteen million members, each\par one of us is like the only one to God. Each is special and gifted in His eyes.\par It is up to us to use for Him what He has given us.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 Just as God has given the gift of prophecy to the\par church, He gives us talents and spiritual gifts to consecrate to Him for\par use to spread His truth. What are your spiritual gifts? How are you\par being called to use those gifts for Him? Like Sumi Jo, we may not be\par aware of the true range of our gifts. How has God used teachers or mentors\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 to help you reach your true potential in Him?\par \cf0\f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs36 TUESDAY January 13 \par Counterfeit Gifts \par \fs22 What does the Bible teach about counterfeit gifts and their origin? \ul Mat_7:22-23\ulnone ; \ul 2Th_2:9-10\ulnone ; \ul Rev_16:13-14\ulnone . \par By the power of God, Moses and Aaron, standing before Pharaoh, turned a staff into a snake (\ul Exo_7:10\ulnone ), the river Nile into blood (\ul Exo_7:20\ulnone ), and made frogs come out of the Nile to cover the land (\ul Exo_8:6\ulnone ); but by the power of Satan the Egyptian magicians could do the same. However, from the third plague onward the Egyptian magicians were unable to counterfeit God\rquote s miracles. \par This teaches us two things: (1) Satan can produce miracles that look like the genuine article; (2) Satan can work only within the limits set by God. \par Counterfeit gifts are not just a perversion of the true gifts of God, but can be similar manifestations from a different source\endash Satan. \par A study of the texts listed above should reveal to us a few other important points about the existence of counterfeit spiritual gifts. First, as we can see, these false manifestations can be done by those professing the name of Jesus; indeed, as Jesus said, many will claim to do some miracles in His name. And yet, according to Jesus, they are not of Him. \par Second, there will be miracles, miraculous signs and wonders, powerful enough to deceive many. In other words, we need to be very careful not to be swept away by the existence of the supernatural. Even though something is done in the name of Jesus, and appears to be supernatural, doesn\rquote t mean it\rquote s a genuine gift of the Spirit. \par \pard Finally, in the end, Satan is working to do what he can to deceive as many people as possible. Thus, whatever manifestations that do appear, we always must test them by the Bible. If they are not in harmony with the Word of God, we have our answer, regardless of how impressive the manifestations appear to be. The Bible must be our ultimate standard. With these few thoughts in mind, what are we to make of these ministries that claim to manifest all sorts of prophecies, healing, and wonders week after week? Without wanting to judge anyone, why should we be leery? What kind of questions should we ask, and why? \par \par \cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\b\f7\fs9\par \f3\fs20 STEP 2\f5\fs30\emdash Explore\par Bible Commentary\par \fs20 I. Spiritual Gifts and the Gift of Prophecy \b0\i\f2 (Read \ul 1Co_1:10\ulnone and\par \ul Eph_4:11-13 \ulnone with your class.)\par \i0\f4 The spiritual gifts are given to build up God\rquote s people \i\f2 (\ul 1Co_12:7\ulnone , \ul 1Co_14:4\ulnone ,\par \ul Eph_4:12\ulnone ), \i0\f4 to prepare them to face the future with confidence, and for\par eternal life \i\f2 (\ul Joh_12:50\ulnone , \ul Rom_6:23\ulnone ). \ul\i0\f4 Eph_4:12\ulnone says the gifts are\par used for \ldblquote equipping\rdblquote the saints \i\f2 (NKJV). \i0\f4 Interestingly, the word used for\par \ldblquote equipping,\rdblquote \i\f2 katartizo, \i0\f4 is also used in \ul Mat_4:21\ulnone to mean the mending\par of nets. In \ul Gal_6:1\ulnone the word is used to mean restoring those who have\par been overtaken in a fault. So, in a sense, the gifts were given for the purpose\par of \ldblquote mending\rdblquote or \ldblquote restoring\rdblquote God\rquote s people and \i\f2 knotting \i0\f4 or uniting\par them together. The prophetic gift was especially indispensable to the\par founding of the church in New Testament times, uniting God\rquote s people\par together. And today it is the appointed guide of the remnant church.\par \ul 2Pe_1:19-21\ulnone defines the gift of prophecy. It is the act of speaking\par authoritatively for God, either by foretelling future events or declaring\par God\rquote s will. Foretelling is not essential to the nature of a prophet; neither\par are all prophetic utterances considered predictions. Some utterances may\par be warnings or counsel given to the prophets, inspired by the Holy Spirit.\par A prophet may speak of the past, present, or future.\par \par Just as the Holy Spirit inspires the prophets, He also specifically equips\par the church with spiritual gifts, whether it is the gift of prophecy or the gift\par of tongues. All who surrender to Jesus and join His church have the assurance\par that the Holy Spirit will equip them with the ability to perform their\par duties as Christians to the highest degree. Spiritual gifts are meant to prepare\par us to successfully do God\rquote s work no matter what the circumstances.\par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? Why is the gift\par of prophecy so important to the church? While each of us has different\par gifts, what is implied by the fact that each and every member, surrendered\par to Jesus, is promised spiritual gift(s)?\par \par \b\f5 II. Counterfeit Gifts \b0\i\f2 (Read \ul Act_16:16\ulnone with your class.)\par \i0\f4 In Acts 16 we read of a young female slave with a spirit of divination, or\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 a \ldblquote Python spirit,\rdblquote as Luke calls it, who was following Paul. In Greek\b\f7\fs9\par \pard\b0\f4\fs20 mythology Python was a serpent or dragon who was believed to have\par guarded the oracle at Delphi, the place where ancient Greeks sought the\par counsel of their gods. The sun god Apollo was believed to have killed\par Python and was hence called Pythian Apollo. Interestingly, Python was\par worshiped at Delphi as the symbol of wisdom. And the ancient writer\par Plutarch, who was a priest of Pythian Apollo, tells us that the name\par Python was given to those practicing ventriloquism, the act of talking\par through a medium. (See \i\f2 The SDA Bible Commentary, \i0\f4 vol. 6, p. 330.)\par When one thinks back to the very first medium, the serpent in Eden\par that tempted Eve with its spurious brand of wisdom, this association of\par serpents as mouthpieces for divine wisdom really should come as no surprise.\par Satan was the first ventriloquist, and four thousand years later,\par Luke tells us that he\rquote s using his same tricks again, speaking through the\par body of this girl. Luke implies that her wild cries and contortions were\par similar to the priestesses at Delphi. No doubt the local people believed\par the slave girl\rquote s utterances were oracles or divine messages from the gods.\par What makes the story even more tragic is that there were men who\par exploited the girl\rquote s powers for monetary gain. But what the men who\par exploited her didn\rquote t see was that the darkened mind of this girl longed for\par salvation. The evil spirit inside her used her at every opportunity to harass\par and block the progress of God\rquote s work. But when Paul gave the command\par to depart from the girl, the spirit was powerless to resist.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 More often than not, it is easy to be like the townspeople,\par who mistake the profane for the sacred. What guidelines do the\par texts in Acts 16 give us for separating the counterfeit gift of prophecy\par from the spurious utterance of the \ldblquote Python\rdblquote ?\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf0\f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs36 WEDNESDAY January 14 \par The Gift of Prophecy \par \fs22 The French physician Michel de Notredame (1503-1566), known as Nostradamus, supposedly predicted the great fire of London of 1666 with the words: \ldblquote The blood of the just will be demanded of London, burnt by the fire in the year 66.\rdblquote The Irish seer Cheiro warned journalist W. T. Stead in 1894 and again in 1911 that he would drown in April 1912. Stead died when the Titanic sank in April 1912. In 1956 Jean Dixon published a vision in which she said she saw that a Democrat would be elected President of the United States in 1960, only to be assassinated in office. John Kennedy, a Democrat elected in 1960, was assassinated in 1963 while in office. \par How can we account for these exact predictions by people who had little in common with the biblical prophets? \ul Isa_8:19\ulnone , \ul Act_16:16\ulnone , \ul 2Co_11:14\ulnone . \par Ever since Satan used the snake in the Garden of Eden to deceive Eve, he has used a variety of human mediums to deceive men and women, including the giving of predictions that have come true. Which means, then, that the fulfillment of a prediction is not a guarantee that it is a true prophecy from God. \par Nevertheless, prophets and prophecies play an important part in the plan of salvation. This point is made clear in the Bible. \par Prophecy, or the prophetic office, is listed in \ul 1Co_12:8-10\ulnone as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It appears first on the list in \ul Rom_12:6\ulnone and second, after apostleship, in both \ul 1Co_12:28-30 \ulnone and \ul Eph_4:11\ulnone . What makes the prophetic gift so important that it is the only gift that is mentioned in all four lists of spiritual gifts or ministries? \par The purpose of the prophetic gift is to provide a means of communication between the Creator and His creatures. Prophetic messages in Scripture have unveiled the future (Dan. 2), counseled and reproved kings (\ul Isa_7:3-4\ulnone ), warned of coming judgments (\ul Jer_1:14-16\ulnone ), called for revival (\ul Joe_2:12-13\ulnone ), and encouraged and comforted God\rquote s people (\ul Isa_40:1-2\ulnone ). \par Prophets were men and women who spoke the word of God to their generations. The emphasis in the prophetic gift was not on predicting the future (although this was one of the marks of a true prophet), but on setting forth what God wanted His people to hear. \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\b\f3\fs20 STEP 3\f5\fs30\emdash Practice\par \fs20\par Witnessing\par \par \b0\f4 It was dark and late when the fuel light flickered on. For Marie and her two\par colleagues traveling from Russia to Romania to hold health and Bible\par seminars for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, it was a bad sign: they\par were almost on empty, and the town they approached had shut down for\par the evening. They prayed and kept driving.\par \par They saw a man on a bicycle weaving down a side street. Marie called\par out to him. \ldblquote We need fuel. Can you help us?\rdblquote She spoke to him mostly in\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 English, using the few Romanian words she knew.\par \pard He answered in a mixture of Romanian and Russian. \ldblquote Follow me to my\par house,\rdblquote he said. \ldblquote It\rquote s about ten minutes away, and I\rquote ll help you find fuel.\rdblquote\par To her surprise, Marie had no trouble understanding him. Her two companions,\par however, understood nothing he said. Marie urged them to follow\par him. One of her colleagues objected. It didn\rquote t take a linguist to interpret\par that the man had been drinking. But Marie and her other colleague trusted\par that this man, though reeking of alcohol, might be an answer to prayer.\par They followed the man on the bike to his house. But once they arrived\par safely, it suddenly became a struggle to communicate. Marie no longer\par understood him when he spoke, and he no longer understood her.\par The next morning, the language barrier that had momentarily broken down\par the night before was still lodged firmly in place. Even so, the Romanian man\par took one of Marie\rquote s colleagues and an empty gasoline can door to door until\par they collected enough fuel to make it to the Romanian border.\par \par Though staying the night with the Romanian man\rquote s family was only a\par small side trip in a much larger journey, the experience made a deep impression\par on Marie. It was a far cry from her first experience with tongues.\par Raised a Catholic who found her way into a charismatic church, she then\par experienced the false gift of tongues, never doubting it was the real thing.\par Not long before joining the Adventist Church, however, Marie heard\par about an experience that made her question this belief: A visitor to the\par Episcopal charismatic church service recognized one of the tongues being\par spoken during the service. But instead of words of praise to God, the person\par speaking in tongues uttered blasphemy. \ldblquote The false gift of tongues is\par powerful when you hear it in others or hear it in yourself. But this visitor\par planted a seed,\rdblquote Marie recalls, making her doubt the charismatic church\rquote s\par use of the gift. \ldblquote Later when I studied the Bible with a Seventh-day\par Adventist Bible worker, I learned the truth and let go of the false tongues.\rdblquote\par \par For Marie, traveling from Russia to Romania to hold seminars was\par more than just getting from point A to point B. What she learned about the\par true gift of tongues was in many ways the true destination of her journey.\par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 How would you help someone understand the Bible\rquote s\par teaching of the gift of tongues? What\rquote s the difference between the true\par gift and the false? How can you tell? How does Marie\rquote s experience\par illustrate one of the true purposes of the gift of tongues?\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf0\f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs36 THURSDAY January 15 \par Spiritual Gifts and 1 Corinthians 14 \par \fs22 The church in Corinth had many problems: division, immorality, court cases among believers, marriage problems, and the abuse of the Lord\rquote s Supper. Another problem concerned spiritual gifts, particularly the use of the gift of tongues (\ul 1Co_14:1-5\ulnone ). \par What was the gift of tongues in the book of Acts? Going solely by what these texts say, what kind of languages were being spoken? \ul Act_2:1-11\ulnone . \par What were the tongues spoken in the church in Corinth? \ul 1Co_14:1-25\ulnone . \par When we apply the principle Scripture interprets Scripture, which means obscure passages are explained by plain ones, we have to conclude that the tongues in 1 Corinthians 14 are of the same nature as the tongues in the book of Acts, especially because the same Greek word glossa is used for tongues in both books. In other words, the evidence is that tongues in both places were the supernatural ability to speak in foreign languages. Some understand the gift to apply also to instances in which a person speaking in one language is understood in another language or languages by those listening. In either case, this undoubtedly rules out the common and popular notion of tongues today, in which people babble in unknown languages.\par Also, God works through man's intelligence. Would the Lord, Who warned us against babbling on as the heathen do (\ul Mat_6:7\ulnone , NEB), inspire unknown noises? In \ul 1Co_14:22\ulnone , tongues are for a sign to unbelievers as at Pentecost, and how could someone uttering noises that no one under-stands be a sign to unbelievers? Tongues, as Acts 2 shows, are real languages, given for the purpose of building up the church. Furthermore, spiritual gifts were given for the common good (\ul 1Co_12:7\ulnone ), ruling out using a gift purely for personal gratification, as the so-called modern gifts of tongues is used today. \par In spite of all the manifestations of ecstatic speech today, nowhere does the Bible teach that the gift of tongues is anything other than human languages. Modern tongues-speaking, called glossolalia, is not the same as the biblical gift of languages. Think about the word you speak on a daily basis. How much is meaningful, purposeful talk, and how much is nonsensical banter? \par \pard\cf2\b\f3\fs20 STEP 4\f5\fs30\emdash Apply\par \f3\fs16\par Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 In what ways do you feel the Lord prompting you to\par use your God-given talents? In what ways can you use them to better\par serve your church and community?\par \par \i\f2 Ask a volunteer to pray that God will help us to make good use of our\par spiritual gifts.\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf0\i0\f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs36 FRIDAY January 16 \par \b\fs22 Further Study: \b0 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote Pentecost,\rdblquote pp. 35-46 in \i The Acts of the Apostles\i0 . \par \ldblquote The special gifts of the Spirit are not the only talents represented in the parable. It includes all gifts and endowments, whether original or acquired, natural or spiritual. All are to be employed in Christ\rquote s service. In becoming His disciples, we surrender ourselves to Him with all that we are and have. These gifts He returns to us purified and ennobled, to be used for His glory in blessing our fellow men.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Christ\rquote s Object Lessons\i0 , p. 328. \par \ldblquote The man who makes the working of miracles the test of his faith will find that Satan can, through a species of deceptions, perform wonders that will appear to be genuine miracles.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages\i0 , book 2, p. 52. \par \ldblquote Some of these persons have exercises which they call gifts and say that the Lord has placed them in the church. They have an unmeaning gibberish which they call the unknown tongue, which is unknown not only by man but by the Lord and all heaven. Such gifts are manufactured by men and women, aided by the great deceiver. Fanaticism, false excitement, false talking in tongues, and noisy exercises have been considered gifts which God has placed in the church. Some have been deceived here.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies for the Church\i0 , vol. 1, p. 412. \par \b Discussion Questions: \b0 As a class, go over your answers to Sunday\rquote s study. What kind of gifts are manifested in your local church? How can you take better advantage of what you have? Most important, how are these gifts being used? \par Pentecostal Christians believe that speaking in tongues is the evidence that a person is filled with the Holy Spirit. According to Scripture, what is the true evidence of a Spirit-filled life? See \ul Gal_5:22-23\ulnone . \par What are some of the supernatural manifestations common in your culture and your part of the world? What seems to be the fruit of these manifestations? What are ways that you, as a church, can not only protect other church members from being deceived but also help others outside the church be aware of the potential dangers inherent in these manifestations? \par Discuss what Ellen G. White says in the first quote listed above. What does she mean about the gifts being \ldblquote purified and ennobled\rdblquote ? What is she talking about? Can people have gifts that are used for wrong purposes? Explain. \par \pard\f8\fs23\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf0\i\f9\fs80\par } f3\fswiss\fcharset0 HelveticaNeue-Black;}{\f4\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS;}{\f5\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS-Bold;}{\f6\fswiss\fcharset0 HelveticaNeue-MediumExt;}{\f7\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f8\froman\fcharset0 AGaramond-Italic;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green0\blue255;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf1\f0\fs36 LESSON 4 *January 17 - 23 \par The Gift of Prophecy and God's Remnant Church \par SABBATH AFTERNOON \par \b\fs22 Read for This Week's Study: \b0 \ul Rev_12:1-17;\ulnone \ul Rev_14:1-12\ulnone .\par \b Memory Text:\b0 \ldblquote And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ\rdblquote (\ul Rev_12:17\ulnone , NKJV).\par The remnant theme first appears with Noah and his family (\ul Gen_7:23\ulnone ), and resurfaces in the history of Israel. The apostle Paul refers to a remnant (\ul Rom_11:5\ulnone ) that was then constituted of Jews who had accepted Jesus and who later became the nucleus of the Christian church. In the book of Revelation a remnant appears in the churches of Thyatira (\ul Rev_2:24\ulnone ) and Sardis (\ul Rev_3:4\ulnone ), and also in chapter 12\emdash the subject of our study this week. \par God\rquote s faithful remnant was not always a visible remnant; that is, from the early days up to the last days, God has His faithful ones in different faiths, which is why the call is made: \ldblquote \lquote Come out of her [Babylon], my people\rquote \rdblquote (\ul Rev_18:4\ulnone ). Nevertheless, there is a specific depiction of God\rquote s remnant in the last days.\par \b The Week at a Glance:\b0 \par What do the symbols in Revelation 12 represent? \par What events in history can be seen as a fulfillment of this chapter? \par What is the meaning of the phrases \ldblquote the testimony of Jesus" and "the spirit of prophecy"? \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, January 24. \par \i0\fs36 SUNDAY January 18 \par Good Versus Evil: Act 1 \par \fs22 Read \ul Rev_12:1-6\ulnone . What\rquote s happening here? \par Revelation 12 introduces the great controversy between Christ and Satan in symbolic form, and describes its progress from the time of Christ to the time of the end. In verse 1 John sees a dazzling sight\emdash a pregnant woman, \ldblquote clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet\rdblquote (NKJV), and wearing a crown of 12 stars. He calls the appearance a \ldblquote great sign\rdblquote (NKJV), indicating that the woman is more than a mere woman. She is a symbol for the church, or for God\rquote s faithful people (see \ul Isa_54:5-6\ulnone ; \ul 2Co_11:2\ulnone ). The woman's dazzling appearance links her to Jesus, the Sun of righteousness (\ul Mal_4:2\ulnone , \ul Rev_1:16\ulnone ). \par According to \ul Rev_12:6\ulnone , the woman flees from the dragon into the wilderness, where she is taken care of by God for 1,260 days. What is this talking about, and what do the 1,260 days symbolize? \ul Dan_7:25\ulnone , \ul Rev_12:14\ulnone , \ul Rev_13:5\ulnone . \par Until the nineteenth century, most students of prophecy used the year-day principle here, and so they understood the 1,260 days to refer to the time of persecution of the church during the Middle Ages, a period of 1,260 years. \par \pard And with good reason, too. First, the whole section is filled with symbols that aren\rquote t taken literally, so why should the time element be taken literally, as well? Second, the various time phrases used in Daniel and Revelation\emdash\ldblquote time and times and half a time\rdblquote (\ul Dan_7:25\ulnone , \ul Dan_12:7\ulnone , \ul Rev_12:14\ulnone , NKJV), \ldblquote forty-two months\rdblquote (\ul Rev_11:2\ulnone , \ul Rev_13:5\ulnone , NKJV), and \ldblquote one thousand two hundred and sixty days\rdblquote (\ul Rev_11:3\ulnone , \ul Rev_12:6\ulnone , NKJV)\emdash are not the natural way of expressing a literal three and a half years (see \ul Luk_4:25\ulnone and \ul Jam_5:17\ulnone ). For these reasons and others, Seventh-day Adventists (in contrast to most other Christians today) interpret the 1,260 days as 1,260 years, and see it as a reference to the period of papal supremacy from the sixth to the end of the eighteenth century. What are some of the common symbols prevalent in your own society and culture? What purpose do they serve? What\rquote s the advantage (and disadvantage) of them? How do you use symbols in your everyday life? How does the way symbols are used around you help you better understand the way the Bible uses symbols? \par \par \cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\i\f2\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \b\i0\f3\fs20\par Key Text: \ul\b0\i\f2 Rev_12:17\par \ulnone\par \b\i0\f3 The Student Will:\par \par \fs16 Know: \b0\f4\fs20 That God\rquote s people have the gift of prophecy.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Feel: \b0\f4\fs20 Gratitude for Jesus\rquote testimony about Himself and a desire to witness\par for Him.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Do: \b0\f4\fs20 Share with others what Jesus has revealed to us.\par \par \b\f3 Learning Outline:\par \par \f5 I. The Testimony of Jesus \b0\i\f2 (\ul Rev_1:1\ulnone -3, \ul\i0 Rev_19:10\ulnone\i )\par \par \i0\f4 What does this passage say about the process of revelation?\par \par In what sense did John have the testimony of Jesus? In what sense do\par we have it?\par \par \b\f5 II. Speaking Up for Jesus \b0\i\f2 (\ul Rev_12:8-17)\par \ulnone\par \i0\f4 How are prophets a blessing to the persecuted church?\par \par Read \ul Rev_1:9\ulnone , \ul Rev_2:13\ulnone , \ul Rev_6:9\ulnone , \ul Rev_20:4\ulnone . The Greek word for \i\f2 testimony\par \i0\f4 or \i\f2 witness \i0\f4 is also the origin of the word \i\f2 martyr. \i0\f4 What does that tell us\par about what witness can entail?\par \par \b\f5 III. Apply Spiritual Gifts \b0\i\f2 (\ul Joh_1:6-9\ulnone , \ul Rev_22:20\ulnone )\par \par \i0\f4 As a prophetic people, how can we bear witness concerning the second\par coming of Jesus?\par \par How does your own witness complement the Word of God and Jesus\rquote\par testimony about Himself?\par \par \b\f3 Summary: \b0\f4 The testimony of Jesus and the Spirit of Prophecy are a continuation\par of God\rquote s self-revelation through the Old Testament prophets, climaxing in\par Jesus and transmitted through the apostles, prophets, and martyrs of the\par early church. God\rquote s end-time people are characterized as preserving and\par restoring this prophetic message. By the power of the Holy Spirit and\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 through their words and deeds, they speak up for Jesus in the last days.\par \cf0\f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs36 MONDAY January 19 \par Good Versus Evil: Act 2 \par \ul\fs22 Rev_12:7-12\ulnone is an interlude in the story; it focuses on the fall of Satan in heaven and his being cast down to the earth. Hence, we are given a glimpse into the origins of the great controversy as it began in another part of the universe. The back-and-forth between heaven and earth should tell us how closely tied events in one impact events in the other. Truly, we are in the midst of a cosmic battle! \par \ul Rev_12:13-17\ulnone picks up the story from verse 6 and describes in symbolic terms the persecution of the Christian Church, first by the Roman Empire and later by the apostate Roman Church. What do the symbols here represent? \par In these verses, a flood of water is sent against God\rquote s people, a symbol of persecuting armies (\ul Jer_46:7-8\ulnone ; \ul Jer_47:2\ulnone ; \ul Dan_9:26\ulnone ). In contrast, in \ul Rev_12:1\ulnone 6 the earth is described as helping the persecuted church. In 1620, the first pilgrims, fleeing the religious persecution in Europe, arrived on the American continent. On this newly discovered continent they found a safe haven where the persecuting armies of the European powers could not reach them. Thus, symbolically, the new continent America swallowed up the persecuting armies. \par In \ul Rev_12:17\ulnone , we are now in the time after the 1,260-day period (which ended at the close of the eighteenth century). Satan, seeing that he was unable to wipe out God's faithful people, is angry with a particular group called \ldblquote the rest of her offspring\rdblquote (NKJV) or \ldblquote the remnant of her seed\rdblquote (KJV). \par Read carefully \ul Rev_12:17\ulnone . What is the first identifying mark of this special remnant? How do these following texts help us understand what \ldblquote the commandments of God\rdblquote mean? \ul Mat_24:20\ulnone , \ul Rom_3:31\ulnone , \ul Eph_6:1\ulnone , \ul Jam_2:9-11\ulnone , \ul 1Jo_3:4\ulnone . \par How much simpler could God have made it? This end-time remnant will be distinguished, first of all, by the fact that it keeps the commandments of God, all of them, which of course includes the seventh-day Sabbath. How firm are you in your own mind regarding God\rquote s call that we keep His commandments? How can you be sure that the Lord commands us to keep them? How do you respond to arguments against keeping the commandments, especially the Sabbath? \cf0\par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\b\f3\fs20\par \b0\i\f2\fs32 Learning Cycle\par \b\i0\f3\fs20\par STEP 1\f5\fs30\emdash Motivate\par \f3\fs16\par Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \b0\f5\fs20 Few may be called to serve\par as prophets, but it is our responsibility as members of God\rquote s remnant\par church to share God\rquote s revelation of truth with a dying world.\par \b\par \b0\f4 It was suicide, not war. And the 300 Spartan soldiers knew they were\par going to their deaths. But a glorious death was what a Spartan was bred\par for from the age of seven. And so the elite hoplite warriors calmly followed\par their king to the narrow pass of Thermopylae to die.\par \par Herodotus tells us that the Persians sent a spy to observe the Spartans on\par the eve before battle. The hoplite warriors combed out their long hair and\par rubbed oil into their skin, anointing themselves for death. King Xerxes\par laughed when he heard this, ridiculing them for being feminine and for\par their vastly inferior numbers. He expected a quick and easy victory.\par But three days later Xerxes was no longer laughing. Ten thousand\par Immortals, the elite corps of the Persian army, were cut into pieces against\par the Spartan phalanx, with only two or three Spartan deaths in the first day\par of battle. The next day met with similar results. A wall of Persian corpses\par began to pile so high that the morale of his army began to suffer, despite\par his superior numbers.\par \par After three days of battle, Xerxes learned of a goat path that led around\par the Greek lines. Herodotus says that when Leonidas, the Spartan leader,\par heard Xerxes was coming around to attack him from behind, he ordered\par the bulk of the force to retreat to Athens, allowing them valuable time to\par prepare for a naval battle against Persia. With only a remnant of the original\par force, the small army shrank even smaller, comprised of the Spartans,\par seven hundred Thespians, and the Spartan slaves.\par \par The Persian army came at the remnant from both sides, raining arrows\par down on them until all died. But the sacrifice made by the 300 and their\par allies kept the deadly Persian calvary from sweeping down on the retreating\par Greek force. Though the Greeks lost the battle, it signified the beginning of\par the end of the Persian Empire.\emdash\par \cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Thermopylae"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf3 www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Thermopylae}}}\cf2\f4\fs20 .\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 A remnant is defined as a small group that remains\par or is left over. In the last days, God will have a remnant of believers.\par Based on the account above, how would you define the characteristics\par of a remnant? What qualities did the Spartans show in battle that the\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 remnant must have in spiritual warfare?\par \cf0\f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs36 TUESDAY January 20 \par The Testimony of Jesus \par \fs22 The second identifying mark of the remnant church is \ldblquote the testimony of Jesus\rdblquote (marturia Iesou). This expression occurs six times in the book of Revelation (\ul Rev_1:2\ulnone , \ul Rev_1:9\ulnone ; \ul Rev_12:17\ulnone ; \ul Rev_19:10\ulnone ; \ul Rev_20:4\ulnone , NIV). \par What is the meaning of the phrase \ldblquote the testimony of Jesus\rdblquote in the following texts? \ul Rev_1:2\ulnone , \ul Rev_1:9\ulnone ; \ul Rev_19:10\ulnone ; \ul Rev_20:4\ulnone , NIV. \par Two grammatically possible explanations concerning its meaning have been put forward. The first view interprets \ldblquote the testimony of Jesus\rdblquote as man\rquote s witness for Christ (NEB, RSV). The second view understands \ldblquote the testimony of Jesus\rdblquote as the self-revelation of Jesus\emdash His own testimony (NIV, NKJV). \par A study of the word testimony in John\rquote s writings indicates that each time it appears in the same grammatical construction as in Revelation, it always refers to Jesus\rquote own testimony (\ul Joh_1:19\ulnone ; \ul Joh_3:11\ulnone , \ul Joh_3:32-33\ulnone ; \ul Joh_5:31\ulnone ). In contrast, the idea of witnessing about somebody in John's writings consistently is expressed by a different grammatical construction. \par In the book of Revelation, therefore, the expression \ldblquote testimony of Jesus\rdblquote also should be understood as Jesus\rquote testimony about Himself, and not the remnant\rquote s testimony about Him. This is borne out by a study of the texts in Revelation themselves. \ul Rev_1:2\ulnone says that John bore witness to \ldblquote the word of God\rdblquote and to \ldblquote the testimony of Jesus.\rdblquote Thus, \ldblquote the word of God\rdblquote refers to what God says and is parallel to \ldblquote the testimony of Jesus.\rdblquote Thus, \ldblquote the word of God\rdblquote is simply what Jesus says; it is the testimony that Jesus gives about Himself. \par The same is true in \ul Rev_1:9\ulnone . John introduces himself and states his credentials and says that he is on the island of Patmos because of \ldblquote the word of God\rdblquote and \ldblquote the testimony of Jesus.\rdblquote The parallelism between the \ldblquote word of God\rdblquote and \ldblquote the testimony of Jesus\rdblquote is again clearly discernible. Thus, according to the principle of \ldblquote interpreting scripture with scripture,\rdblquote every text in the book of Revelation where the phrase \ldblquote testimony of Jesus\rdblquote appears always refers to Jesus\rquote own testimony. How has Jesus revealed Himself to you? Would you like to know Him better? What\rquote s the only way you can? \cf0\par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\b\f3\fs20 STEP 2\f5\fs30\emdash Explore\par \par Bible Commentary\par \fs20\par I. The Remnant: Past and Present \b0\i\f2 (Read \ul Rev_12:17\ulnone , \ul Rev_14:12\ulnone , and \par \ul Rev_19:1-21\ulnone with your class.)\par \i0\f4 The word \i\f2 remnant \i0\f4 comes from the Greek word \i\f2 loipoi \i0\f4 that means \ldblquote remaining\par ones\rdblquote and from \i\f2 leipo, \i0\f4\ldblquote to leave behind.\rdblquote God always had a remnant of\par Israelites, preserved from captivity, famine, and pestilence to continue as\par His chosen people. Again and again, the majority of God\rquote s people apostatized,\par and a remnant was \ldblquote left,\rdblquote implying a few from many \i\f2 (see \ul Isa_10:22\ulnone\par and \ul Jer_42:2\ulnone ). \i0\f4 Interestingly, the Hebrew counterpart to the Greek word\par translated \ldblquote remnant\rdblquote does not imply the \i\f2 last \i0\f4 of anything, except that those\par who \i\f2 remain \i0\f4 faithful are the last link in their generation of the chosen line.\par Ever since the days of Abraham, God has preserved a last link or remnant\par of His people. Jesus divinely commissioned the Christian church as\par the successor to Judah, appointing it as the custodian of His purposes on\par earth and making it His chosen instrument for the salvation of humanity.\par As part of this divine commission, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has\par recognized the importance of the three angels\rquote messages, believing that\par they contain special truth for these last days. Seventh-day Adventists have\par proclaimed these messages and believe their movement to be the remnant\par depicted in Bible prophecy.\par \par The defining characteristics of the remnant in \ul Rev_12:17\ulnone and \ul Rev_19:10\ulnone\par are obeying the commandments of God and having the spirit of\par prophecy\emdash the testimony of Jesus Christ. The testimony of Jesus is\par defined as the Spirit of prophecy. Seventh-day Adventists take this to\par mean that the remnant will be distinguished by the gift of prophecy in their\par midst. We believe that the ministry of Ellen G. White fulfills the requirements\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 of \ul Rev_12:17\ulnone in a unique way.\par \pard\b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 What is the mission of the remnant church? Define\par the role that the three angels\rquote messages play in that mission.\par \i\f2 \par \b\i0\f5 II. Counterfeits and Cautions \b0\i\f2 (Review Matthew 24 and \ul Rev_19:1-21\ulnone with your\par class.)\par \i0\f4 Jesus warns His disciples in Matthew 24 that there will be counterfeit\par manifestations of the gift of prophecy in the last days. John counsels the\par church to test those who claim to have the prophetic gift \i\f2 (\ul 1Jo_4:1\ulnone ). \i0\f4 The\par following are some standards for those who profess to speak on behalf of\par God: (1) their personal lives should be in harmony with Scripture; (2)\par their messages should be in harmony with Scripture; (3) their ministry\par should exalt Jesus as Savior and the Son of God; and (4) their ministry\par should be confirmed by predictions that come true.\par \par F. M. Wilcox, in a morning devotional study at the General Conference\par Session on Friday, June 7, 1946, wrote, \ldblquote The unity of the faith has not yet\par been fully attained by the church of Christ [the Seventh-day Adventist\par Church]; she has not yet arrived unto the perfect knowledge of the Son of\par God, or unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. There is\par still need that she be saved from false winds of doctrine, from the sleight\par of [men and women] and their cunning craftiness. Therefore the gifts of\par the Spirit of God are as greatly needed in the church today as ever before\par in her history.\rdblquote\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 If Elder Wilcox was right about Adventists 61 years\par ago, would you say he is even more right now? What protection or safeguards\par does God offer us against counterfeit spiritual manifestations?\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 What kind of assurance does this give us?\par \cf0\f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs36 WEDNESDAY January 21 \par The Spirit of Prophecy \par \ul\fs22 Rev_19:10\ulnone says, \ldblquote \lquote For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.\rquote \rdblquote In all of Scripture the phrase \ldblquote spirit of prophecy\rdblquote appears only in this text. What does it mean? \ul 1Co_12:8-10\ulnone , \ul 1Co_12:28\ulnone ; \ul Eph_4:11\ulnone . \par The closest parallel to the phrase \ldblquote spirit of prophecy\rdblquote in the Bible is found in \ul 1Co_12:8-10\ulnone . There Paul refers to the Holy Spirit, Who gives the gift of prophecy among other gifts (charismata); and the person who receives this gift is called a prophet. \par Now, just as in \ul 1Co_12:28\ulnone , those who have the gift of prophecy (verse 10 of the same chapter) are called prophets\emdash in \ul Rev_22:8-9\ulnone , those who have the spirit of prophecy (\ul Rev_19:10\ulnone ) are also called \ldblquote prophets.\rdblquote \par \ldblquote And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, \lquote See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy\rquote\rdblquote (\ul Rev_19:10\ulnone , NKJV). \par \ldblquote I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, \lquote See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God\rquote \rdblquote (\ul Rev_22:8-9\ulnone , NKJV). \par The situation in both passages is the same. John falls at the feet of the angel to worship. The words of the angel\rquote s response are almost identical, yet the difference is significant. In \ul Rev_19:10\ulnone , the brethren are identified by the phrase \ldblquote who hold to [have] the testimony of Jesus\rdblquote (NIV). In \ul Rev_22:9\ulnone , the brethren are called simply \ldblquote prophets.\rdblquote \par If the Protestant principle of interpreting scripture by scripture means anything, this comparison must lead to the conclusion that \ldblquote the spirit of prophecy\rdblquote in \ul Rev_19:10\ulnone is the prophetic gift, which is given not to church members in general, but only to those who have been called by God to be prophets. \par This is not purely an Adventist interpretation. Lutheran scholar Hermann Strathmann says about \ldblquote brothers who have the testimony of Jesus\rdblquote (NJKV) in 19:10: \ldblquote According to the parallel \ul Rev_22:9\ulnone the brothers referred to are not believers in general, but the prophets. . . . If they have the marturia Iesou [the testimony of Jesus], they have the spirit of prophecy, i.e., they are prophets.\rdblquote\emdash Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, vol. 4, p. 501. \cf0\par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\b\f6\fs9\par \f3\fs20 STEP 3\f5\fs30\emdash Practice\par \par \fs20 Thought Question:\par \par \b0\f4 Jesus was clear: what he said was what the Father asked Him to say \i\f2\par (\ul Joh_12:48-49\ulnone ), \i0\f4 and God gave him the Spirit without limits \i\f2 (\ul Joh_3:34\ulnone ).\par \i0\f4 Therefore, \ul Rev_19:10\ulnone declares that \ldblquote the testimony of Jesus,\rdblquote which\par inspired the prophets, has divine origins through \ldblquote the spirit of prophecy\rdblquote\par or the Holy Spirit. It further confirms that the messages of the remnant\par people, who declare the testimony of Jesus, have divine origins. With this\par in mind, how would you explain to a young Christian that the messages of\par the remnant church are definitely from God?\par \i\f2 \par \b\i0\f5 Application Question:\par \par \b0\f4 God has called the Seventh-day Adventist Church into existence for a specific\par purpose \i\f2 (\ul Rev_14:6-12\ulnone ) \i0\f4 and has given us enlightening information\par through the pen of Ellen G. White. What is the importance of Ellen G.\par White\rquote s writings to us as a church?\par \par \par \par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf1\f0\fs36 THURSDAY January 22 \par The Remnant Church \par \fs22 From our study thus far, we understand that in \ul Rev_12:17\ulnone \ldblquote the rest of her offspring\rdblquote (NKJV) refers to God\rquote s visible remnant church that can be recognized by two specific characteristics: (1) they \ldblquote keep the commandments of God\rdblquote as God has given them on Mount Sinai, including the Sabbath commandment; and (2) they \ldblquote have the testimony of Jesus Christ,\rdblquote which is the Spirit of prophecy, or the prophetic gift. \par The Sabbath-keeping Adventist movement, from even before its organization in 1863, always has claimed these identifying signs for itself. As Adventists we proclaim the Ten Commandments, including the seventh-day Sabbath; and we believe that as a church we have the testimony of Jesus; that is, that God manifested Himself in the life and work of Ellen G. White. \par Thus, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is not just one church among many. It is a church prophetically foreseen. God has called this church into existence for a very specific purpose\emdash to proclaim the three angels\rquote messages to a dying world. \par Read \ul Rev_14:6-12\ulnone . What is happening there that helps us understand some of the characteristics of God\rquote s end-time people? What elements come into play, and in what ways are we justified in seeing ourselves and our calling there? \par As Seventh-day Adventists, we believe that we are members of God's remnant church. However, this identification with the remnant church does not accord us an exclusive status with God. You can be part of this corporate remnant and still be lost. Salvation is not guaranteed through membership in any church. We are saved as individuals, not as a church. It\rquote s a great privilege and responsibility, being part of this church, because we have a sacred calling; but being a member of this church no more guarantees salvation than being a Hebrew in ancient Israel did (\ul Jer_8:20\ulnone ). What is your only guarantee of salvation, and how can you have it as your own? \cf0\par \pard\cf2\b\f3\fs20 STEP 4\f5\fs30\emdash Apply\par \par \b0\i\f2\fs20 (Read the following to the class and discuss its significance.)\par \par \i0\f4 In responding to the question \ldblquote Shall we regard the Testimonies as an\par addition to the Scriptures?\rdblquote in a study lesson on the gift of prophecy, E.\par L. Cardey said, \ldblquote No, we are rather to regard the writings of the Spirit of\par Prophecy as we would a telescope, which does not add stars to the universe,\par but brings them into clearer view.\rdblquote\par \par \i\f2 Ask a volunteer to pray that God will help us to understand His true\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 love for us.\cf0\par \cf1\i0\f0\fs22\par \fs36 FRIDAY January 23 \par \b\fs22 Further Study: \b0 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote Introductory\emdash The Spirit of Prophecy,\rdblquote pp. 7-16 in \i The Spirit of Prophecy\i0 , vol. 1; \ldblquote Historical Prologue,\rdblquote pp. vii-xxxii in \i Early Writings. \par \i0\ldblquote One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was manifested in the ministry of Ellen G. White\emdash the Lord's messenger. Her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth which provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction. They also make clear that the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested.\rdblquote\emdash\i Seventh-day Adventists Believe\i0 . . . (2nd ed.) (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press\'ae Publishing Association, 2005), p. 247. \par A study of the idea of the remnant in the Old Testament reveals a few interesting characteristics. Perhaps the most important one is that all through the Bible, the remnant were those who were living with more light than others. Noah had the light about the coming flood. Abraham had the light about the true God. The nation of Israel was worshiping the Lord in the sanctuary, while their pagan neighbors were sacrificing children on their altars or bowing down to statues of cats and bulls and other animals. In short, the idea of the remnant had more to do with a revelation of truth and of God\rquote s character than with the holiness of those who had that knowledge. The point? As expressed in Thursday\rquote s lesson, being part of the remnant means only that you have great light, and with that light comes important responsibilities. It does not mean you automatically have salvation; nor does it mean that those who aren\rquote t part of the remnant are lost. It\rquote s an unfortunate fact of sacred history that many of those who were part of God\rquote s remnant not only failed to live up to the light they were given but oftentimes rebelled against it. \par \b Discussion Questions:\b0 What important message is found in \ul Luk_12:48\ulnone for those who believe that they are part of the remnant church? \par The claim that we are the \ldblquote remnant church\rdblquote can sound very arrogant and exclusive. And yet, why does it make sense that God would have a special people with a special message in the last days? Or does it? Discuss. \par If being in the remnant does not guarantee salvation, then what\rquote s the advantage of being part of it? \par \pard\f7\fs23\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf0\i\f8\fs80\par } 8ze05-Inspiration of Prophets-Jan 24-30{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f1\froman\fcharset0 Times-Semibold;}{\f2\from\My04-Gift of Prophecy and Remnant Church-Jan 17-23{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f1\froman\fcharset0 Times-Semibold;}{\f2\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS-Italic;}{\an\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS-Italic;}{\f3\fswiss\fcharset0 HelveticaNeue-Black;}{\f4\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS;}{\f5\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS-Bold;}{\f6\fswiss\fcharset0 HelveticaNeue-MediumExt;}{\f7\fnil\fprq2\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f8\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f9\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f10\froman\fcharset0 AGaramond-Italic;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf1\f0\fs36 LESSON 5 *January 24 - 30 \par The Inspiration of the Prophets \par SABBATH AFTERNOON \par \b\fs22 Read for This Week's Study:\b0 \ul Jer_36:1-4\ulnone ; \ul 1Th_2:13\ulnone ; \ul 2Ti_3:16\ulnone ; \ul Tit_1:12\ulnone ; \ul 2Pe_1:1-4\ulnone , \ul 2Pe_1:20-21\ulnone .\par \b Memory Text: \b0 \ldblquote All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness\rdblquote (\ul 2Ti_3:16\ulnone , NKJV).\par Christians have long debated the question, What does it mean when we say that the Bible is inspired? For Seventh-day Adventists there is, in addition, the question of the inspiration of Ellen G. White. In 1906, she wrote to an Adventist physician in which she refuted the idea that every word she wrote was as inspired as the Ten Commandments: \ldblquote My brother, you have studied my writings diligently, and you have never found that I have made any such claims, neither will you find that the pioneers in our cause ever made such claims.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages\i0 , book 1, p. 24. This week we will study some of the issues surrounding the question of inspiration. \par \b The Week at a Glance:\b0 \par What is the difference between inspiration and revelation? \par What is the difference between verbal and thought inspiration? \par Can prophets get help from others when they write? \par What are some examples of prophets quoting sources outside the Bible? \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, January 31. \par \i0\fs36 SUNDAY January 25 \par Revelation\emdash Inspiration \par \fs22 Study \ul 2Ti_3:16\ulnone and \ul 2Pe_1:20-21\ulnone . What do these texts tell us about the Divine activity in the production of the books of the Bible? \par In \ul 2Ti_3:16\ulnone Paul says that the Bible is \i theopneustos \i0 (God-breathed). In the Latin translation of the Bible the text reads, \i scriptura divinitus inspirata\i0 , from which we get the English word inspired. Paul is saying that the Bible had its origin in an activity of the Holy Spirit. Through visions and dreams, the Holy Spirit revealed truth to the prophets (revelation); and then He ensured, through His guidance in the writing process (inspiration), that what the prophet wrote was in harmony with what God had revealed. \par \ul 2Pe_1:21\ulnone tells us that \ldblquote men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit\rdblquote (NIV). As a ship is carried along by the wind, the biblic al writers were moved by the Holy Spirit. Thus, revelation-inspiration refers to that process whereby the Holy Spirit revealed to the prophets what God wanted them to know and then guided them in the proclamation of that message. Some spoke the word; others wrote it down. The written form became the inspired (God-breathed) Scripture. \par Although in the New Testament the apostles did not claim inspiration as frequently as did the Old Testament writers, it is obvious that they regarded their messages as  given by Divine authority. Paul, for example, wrote, \ldblquote These things we also speak, not in words which man\rquote s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches\rdblquote (\ul 1Co_2:13\ulnone , NKJV), and \ldblquote When you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God\rdblquote (\ul 1Th_2:13\ulnone , NKJV). \par Yet, the Bible is also a human book. At face value it bears all the hallmarks of human authorshi p. Authors in recording their own experiences refer to themselves with personal pronouns (\ul Neh_1:1-11\ulnone , \ul Dan_10:1-9\ulnone , \ul Gal_1:12-20\ulnone ); the customs and traditions of the authors\rquote times are seen in the writings; and some of the psalms and proverbs reflect the literature and culture of the surrounding nations. In short, though inspired by the Lord, the Bible also reflects the humanness of its penmen. Of all the Bible authors, which one\rquote s humanity comes through most  clearly to you? In what ways can you sympathize and relate to that author purely on a human level? Bring your answer to class on Sabbath. \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\i\f2\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \par \b\i0\f3\fs20 Key Text: \ul\b0\i\f2 2Ti_3:16\par \ulnone\par \b\i0\f3 The Student Will:\par \par \fs16 Know: \b0\f4\fs20 God reveals Himself to His prophets, inspiring them to\par speak, write, and act.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Feel: \b0\f4\fs20 Res pect for the prophets and the sacredness of their writings.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Do: \b0\f4\fs20 Read the Bible to hear God\rquote s voice.\par \par \b\f3 Learning Outline:\par \par \f5 I. From God \b0\i\f2 (\ul 2Ti_3:16\ulnone ; \ul 2Pe_1:20-21\ulnone )\par \par \i0\f4 What is God\rquote s role in the writings of Scripture?\par \par What does \ul 1Th_2:13\ulnone call the message of the apostles?\par \par \b\f5 II. By Human Beings \b0\i\f2 (\ul Jer_36:1-8\ulnone )\par \par \i0\f4 What does this passage reveal about the human phenomenon of inspiration?\par How might these men have felt speaking and writing these words?\par \par Read \ul 2Sa_23:2\ulnone . What do you think it was like for prophets to\par receive a revelation and be inspired to speak and write?\par \par Read \ul 2Ti_4:13\ulnone . Is this text verbally inspired, thought inspired,\par or not inspired at all? What does this suggest about the nature of the Bible?\par \par \b\f5 III. Inspiration and Ellen G. White \b0\i\f2 (\ul Luk_1:1-4\ulnone )\par \par \i0\f4 How does the biblical model of inspiration help us understand the\par inspiration of Ellen G. White? What insights does Ellen G. White\rquote s ministry\par give us into the inspiration of biblical prophets?\par \par How do you feel about the fact that Ellen White borrowed from other\par sources, used literary assistants, had an editorial process, and compiled\par books from her earlier writings?\par \par \b\f3 Summary: \b0\f4 God\rquote s revelation and the inspiration of His prophets is a dynamic\par process. Rather than overpowering the prophet\rquote s humanity, God embraces\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 it with His Spirit.\cf0\par \f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs36 MONDAY January 26 \par Verbal or Thought Inspiration \par \fs22 What do the following texts tell us about inspiration in Scripture? \ul Isa_2:1-2\ulnone ; \ul Eze_36:16\ulnone ; \ul 1Co_7:10-12\ulnone , \ul 1Co_7:39-40\ulnone ; \ul 1Th_2:13\ulnone . \par Two important theories of inspiration are: \par Verbal Inspiration. The focus in verbal inspiration is on the words of the Bible rather than on the author. All the words are said to be inspired by God, Who chooses from the vocabulary and educational background of the writer. According to this view, only the original writings of the biblical writers are inspired, not the copies, which might have errors. This view must be distinguished from the dictation theory of inspiration, in which every word in Scripture is dictated by the Holy Spirit without reference to the vocabulary and educational background of the writer. \par Thought Inspiration. The focus here is on the writers, not on the words. Primarily the thoughts, not so much the words of the Bible, are inspired (\ul 1Co_7:10-12\ulnone , \ul 1Co_7:39-40\ulnone ; \ul 1Th_2:13\ulnone ), except when the words of God or an angel are quoted (\ul Jer_29:30-31\ulnone ; \ul Rev_19:9\ulnone ) or when God speaks directly through a prophet (\ul Num_22:35\ulnone ; \ul Num_23:1-12\ulnone , \ul Num 23:26\ulnone ). The writer receives the vision, dream, or thought and puts it down in writing in his own words (\ul Isa_2:1-2\ulnone ; \ul Rev_4:1\ulnone ); the Holy Spirit ensures that the words used convey God\rquote s truth correctly. The Bible, therefore, is declared to be the infallible revelation of God\rquote s will. \par On the basis of Scripture and the writings of Ellen White, Adventists hold to thought inspiration. \ldblquote It is not the words of the Bible that are inspired, but the men that were inspired. Inspiration acts not on the man's words or his expressions but on the man himself, who, under the influence of the Holy Ghost, is imbued with thoughts. But the words receive the impress of the individual mind. The divine mind is diffused. The divine mind and will is combined with the human mind and will; thus the utterances of the man are the Word of God.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages\i0 , book 1, p. 21. As the last sentence indicates, the words of the prophet become the Word of God. In the same vein David wrote, \ldblquote The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue\rdblquote (\ul 2Sa_23:2\ulnone , NKJV). This indicates that inspiration not only imparted thoughts but ensured that the Written Word accurately conveyed God\rquote s thoughts. Why is it important to have a correct understanding of how inspiration works? What are the dangers of holding wrong views? \cf0\par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\i\f2\fs32 Learning Cycle\par \par \b\i0\f3\fs20 STEP 1\f5\fs30\emdash Motivate\par \par \f3\fs16 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \b0\f5\fs20 God inspired the prophets\par to write in their own style and from the perspective of their own culture.\b\par \par \b0\f4 A class member comes to your Sabbath school class and says one of the\par following statements: \ldblquote You\rquote ll never guess what the Lord showed me this\par week\rdblquote or \ldblquote The Lord spoke to me this week and told me. . . .\rdblquote What is your\par immediate reaction to this person?\par \par 1. How wonderful! Share it with us!\par \par 2. It couldn\rquote t have been the Lord, because He doesn\rquote t speak to us personally\par anymore.\par \par 3. Half believing and half skeptical.\par \par How would you then relate to this person? How could this expression be\par misconstrued?\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 We are told that prophets are inspired by the Holy\par Spirit. How does the Holy Spirit speak to people today? What methods\par does He use?\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf0\f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs36 TUESDAY January 27 \par Visions and Physical Phenomena \par \fs22 What do the following texts tell us about how heavenly visions affected some biblical prophets? \ul Dan_10:7-9\ulnone , \ul Dan_10:17-18\ulnone ; \ul Act_9:1-5\ulnone ; \ul Rev_1:17\ulnone . \par To stand in the presence of a heavenly being can be a powerful experience. Daniel, Saul (Paul), and John all fell to the ground when they received a heavenly vision. Daniel wrote, \ldblquote no strength remained in me\rdblquote (NKJV), and John said, \ldblquote I fell at his feet as dead.\rdblquote \par Ellen White describes her experience with these words: \ldblquote As inquiries are frequently made as to my state in vision, and after I come out, I would say that when the Lord sees fit to give a vision, I am taken into the presence of Jesus and angels, and am entirely lost to earthly things. I can see no farther than the angel directs me.\rdblquote\emdash Selected Messages, book 1, p. 36. \par In 1868 her husband, James White, gave the following description of her physical appearance while in vision: \ldblquote 1. She is utterly unconscious of everything transpiring around her; 2. She does not breathe. . . . [This] has been repeatedly proved by pressing upon the chest, and by closing the mouth and nostrils; 3. Immediately on entering vision, her muscles become rigid, and joints fixed, so far as any external force can influence them; . . . 4. On coming out of vision, whether in the daytime or a well-lighted room at night, all is total darkness. Her power to distinguish even the most brilliant objects, held within a few inches of the eyes, returns but gradually.\rdblquote\emdash\i Life Incidents \i0 (Battle Creek, Mich.: Steam Press, 1868), p. 272. \par Many observed her during her visions. Joseph Bates, for example, wrote, \ldblquote I have seen her in vision a number of times, and also in Topsham, Maine; and those who were present during some of those exciting scenes know well with what interest and intensity I listened to every word, and watched every move to detect deception or mesmeric influence. And I thank God for the opportunity I have had with others to witness these things. I can now confidently speak for myself. I believe the work is of God.\rdblquote\emdash\i Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White\i0 , p. 89. However impressive these physical manifestations might be, why must we not base our belief in her gift on them? What ultimately must be the final test of Ellen White\rquote s prophetic calling? \cf0\par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\b\f3\fs20\par STEP 2\f5\fs30\emdash Explore\par \par Bible Commentary\par \par \fs20 I. Revelation\emdash Inspiration\par \par \b0\f4 As Seventh-day Adventists, we believe in thought inspiration\emdash that the\par thoughts of the Bible writers were inspired but not their actual words.\par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 Ask someone in the class to read 1 Thessalonians\par 2:13. How would this text confirm or deny this belief?\par \par \ldblquote The writing of the Bible took place over a period of more than 1,000 years.\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 Although most, if not all, the writers of Scripture were Israelite or Jewish,\b\f6\fs9\par \pard\b0\f4\fs20 these authors lived in a wide variety of circumstances.\rdblquote\emdash\i\f2 The New\par International Version Archaeological Study Bible \i0\f4 (Grand Rapids, Mich.:\par Zondervan, 2005), p. xii.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 Because so many different individuals wrote the\par Bible and it has been copied down through the centuries, is it not possible\par that errors could have been made in the process? Why or why not?\par What implications does your answer have for your faith in God?\par \par \ldblquote Some look to us gravely and say, \lquote Don\rquote t you think there might have been\par some mistake in the copyist or in the translators?\rquote This is all probable, and\par the mind that is so narrow that it will hesitate and stumble over this possibility\par or probability would be just as ready to stumble over the mysteries\par of the Inspired Word, because their feeble minds cannot see through the\par purposes of God.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i\f2 Selected Messages, \i0\f4 book 1, p. 16.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 How do the above quotes affect your belief in the\par accuracy of! the Bible? Is there anything to take into consideration? If\par so, what?\par \par \b\f5 II.Visions and Physical Phenomena\par \par \f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 Wherever possible, divide your class into three\par groups. Ask each group to read and discuss one of the following texts,\par then to identify for the class who was having the vision and how it\par affected him.\par \par \i\f2 Group 1\emdash\ul Dan_10:7-9\ulnone\par \par Group 2\emdash\ul Act_9:1-5\ulnone\par \par Group 3\em"dash\ul Rev_1:17\par \ulnone\par \i0\f4 Not all visions or instructions from the Lord recorded in the Bible indicate\par that they were accompanied by physical manifestations. The Lord\par spoke to Joseph and revealed Pharaoh\rquote s dream. He spoke to Abraham,\par Isaac, Moses, and Daniel, as well as many others in the same way.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 Which of the following conditions would help you\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 believe that someone had a vision from the #Lord:\b\f6\fs9\par \pard\b0\f4\fs20 1. The vision was accompanied by some physical evidence.\par \par 2. The tenor of the person\rquote s life showed evidence that he or she\par was led by God.\par \par 3. The message of the vision coincided with what the Bible says.\par \par \b\f5 III. Inspiration and Literary Assistants \b0\i\f2 (Read \ul Rom_16:22\ulnone and \par \ul 1Co_16:21\ulnone .)\par \par \i0\f4 Despite all the technology of today, people still need to use literary assistants\par fo$r a variety of reasons. How much more this would have been true during\par the time that the Bible was written by hand. Imagine how long it would have\par taken a prophet to write out everything in his or her own handwriting.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This:\par \par \b0\f4\fs20 1. Is Romans any less inspired than 1 Corinthians?\par \par 2. Why do you think Paul would have someone else write his letter to\par the Romans?\par \par Surely God is big enough and great enough to protect His words %and\par preserve them for our education and guidance today.\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf0\f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs36 WEDNESDAY January 28 \par Inspiration and Literary Assistants \par \fs22 Prophets were not God\rquote s pens but His penmen. What they saw or heard in visions and dreams they wrote down according to the best of their ability. From Scripture we know that some of the biblical authors had secretaries to help them write down the messages of God. \par Read \ul Jer_36:1-4\ulnone , \ul Rom_16&:22\ulnone , \ul 1Co_16:21\ulnone , \ul Col_4:15-18\ulnone , and \ul 2Th_3:17\ulnone . What do they tell us about the use of literary assistants? \par Thus, both Old Testament and New Testament writers used literary assistants or scribes to write down the messages God had given them. \par From New Testament times we know that at times scribes used a wax tablet to take down the gist of what the author wanted to say before they wrote a good copy of the letter. Prior to sending it, the author would go ov'er the letter to make sure it conveyed to the reader what he wanted to say. \par Ellen White also used literary helpers. Here\rquote s why: \par 1. With formal schooling ending at age 9, she recognized her own limitations as a writer. \ldblquote I am not a grammarian. I will try, if the Lord will help me, at forty-five years old to become a scholar in the science. God will help me. I believe He will.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages\i0 , book 3, p. 90. Thus, some of her assistants f(unctioned as her copy editors. \par 2. The great demand for her writings made it necessary for her to have literary help. \ldblquote After my husband's death, faithful helpers joined me, who labored untiringly in the work of copying the testimonies and preparing articles for publication.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages\i0 , book 1, p. 50. \par 3. Because most of her books were not written as books, but were put together from previously written material, she needed special assistanc)e in their production. Marian Davis was Ellen White\rquote s bookmaker. \ldblquote She takes my articles which are published in the papers, and pastes them in blank books. She also has a copy of all the letters I write. In preparing a chapter for a book, Marian remembers that I have written something on that special point, which may make the matter more forcible. She begins to search for this, and if when she finds it, she sees that it will make the chapter more clear, she adds it. The books are not Maria*n's productions, but my own, gathered from all my writings.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages\i0 , book 3, p. 91. How does this understanding help us better grasp how inspiration works? What wrong views might you have held on the topic of inspiration? \cf0\par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\b\f3\fs20\par STEP 3\f5\fs30\emdash Practice\par \par \f3\fs16 Class Activity: \b0\f4\fs20 When you were a child, at some time or other you\par probably pla+yed the game \i\f2 gossip\i0\f4 . The teacher or leader would say a sentence\par in someone\rquote s ear and that person would whisper it to the next person\par and so on. By the time the sentence got back to the teacher, it rarely\par resembled what the teacher originally had said. \i\f2 (Try this in your class, if you have time.)\par \par \b\i0\f5 Thought Questions:\par \par \b0\f4 In the eighth century \fs15 B\fs20 .\fs15 C\fs20 . the prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, wrote the\par book of Isaiah. ,Read \ul Isa_53:3-5.\ulnone What is he describing? If God had not\par been the one who was inspiring the writers of the Bible, such as Isaiah,\par Daniel, or Jeremiah, how do you think it would have all fit together as it\par does?\b\f6\fs12\par \fs9\par \b0\f7\fs36\par \f4\fs20 There are people today who believe that God spoke to the prophets of\par the past but that there are no modern prophets or that God does not speak\par to us today. Is it our responsibility to convince them, or does the Ho-ly\par Spirit alone have to do the convincing? Give reasons for your answer.\par \par \b\f5 Application Questions:\par \par \b0\f4 What New Testament texts can you cite that show Isaiah\rquote s prophecy to\par have been true? What does that reveal to you about the reliability of God\rquote s\par Word?\par \par What other prophecies from the Old Testament can you cite whose fulfillment\par is shown in the New Testament? How might this be used as an\par effective way of witnessing?\par \par \b.\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 If time permits, list the Old Testament and New\par Testament texts on a flip chart for everyone to see. Ask: How can knowing\par this strengthen your belief in prophecy?\par \par \f7 n \i\f2 How can the comparison of Old Testament prophecies and their New\par Testament fulfillment strengthen someone else\rquote s faith in the whole Bible?\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf0\i0\f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs36 THURSDAY January 29 \par Inspiration and the Book of Luke \par \/fs22 What does Luke say about how his Gospel came into existence, and what does this tell us about inspiration? \ul Luk_1:1-4\ulnone . \par In writing his Gospel, Luke doesn\rquote t seem to have relied on dreams or visions. Neither was he an eyewitness to the events he describes. Instead, he worked from what he had learned from others, all, no doubt, under the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit, which ensured that what he wrote down was in harmony with the historical events and God\rquote s w0ill. \par In the New Testament, the apostle Paul not only received information orally from others (\ul 1Co_1:10-11\ulnone ) but in a few places quoted from the writings of pagan authors. For example, in \ul Act_17:28\ulnone he quotes from the Cilician poet Aratus (c. 315-240 b.c.) who wrote, "It is with Zeus that every one of us in every way has to do, for we are also his offspring" (Phaenonlena 5; emphasis supplied). See also \ul 1Co_15:33\ulnone and \ul Tit_1:12\ulnone , where Paul quoted other sourc1es, all in order to teach inspired truth. \par Ellen White from time to time used other books as sources for her own works. In the introduction to \i The Great Controversy \i0 she wrote: \ldblquote The great events which have marked the progress of reform in past ages are matters of history, well known and universally acknowledged by the Protestant world; they are facts which none can gainsay. . . . In some cases where a historian has so grouped together events as to afford, in brief, a comprehensive vie2w of the subject, or has summarized details in a convenient manner, his words have been quoted; but in some instances no specific credit has been given, since the quotations are not given for the purpose of citing that writer as authority, but because his statement affords a ready and forcible presentation of the subject. In narrating the experience and views of those carrying forward the work of reform in our own time, similar use has been made of their published works.\rdblquote\emdash Pages xi and xii.3 Prophets using other sources? Many people find that disturbing. What does this tell us, though, about how inspiration can work? If you think about it, what\rquote s wrong with prophets under the guidance of the Holy Spirit going to other sources as a way of helping express truth? \cf0\par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\b\f3\fs20 STEP 4\f5\fs30\emdash Apply\par \par \b0\f4\fs20 Because God loves us so very much, He wants to give us all the help we\par need to 4live in a close relationship with Him. This includes the Bible and\par all its prophecies and the Spirit of Prophecy written by Ellen G. White. He\par also will speak directly to us through His Holy Spirit, if we only will listen.\par \par However, there will be times we may wrestle in our understanding of the\par Bible or the Spirit of Prophecy. When this happens, what should we do? What\par guidelines can we follow to resolve conflicts? Consider the following ideas:\par \par 1. Pray for God\rquo5te s enlightenment.\par \par 2. Consider the principle involved.\par \par 3. Consider the time and place of the writing and the writer\rquote s culture.\par \par 4. Discuss your findings with other Christians whom you respect\par spiritually.\par \par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 5. Wait on the Lord to reveal the answer.\f8\fs72\par \cf1\f0\fs22\par \fs36 FRIDAY January 30 \par \b\fs22 Further Study: \b0 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote The Inspiration of the Prophetic Writers,\rdblquote pp. 615-23 in \i Selected Messages\i0 , book 1. \par \ldblquote Yet now when I send you a testimony of warning and reproof, many of you declare it to be merely the opinion of Sister White. You have thereby insulted the Spirit of God. You know how the Lord has manifested Himself through the Spirit of prophecy. Past, present, and future have passed before me. I have been shown faces that I had never seen, and years afterward I knew them when I saw them. I have been aroused from my sleep with a vivid sense of su7bjects previously presented to my mind and I have written, at midnight, letters that have gone across the continent, and arriving at a crisis, have saved great disaster to the cause of God. This has been my work for many years. A power has impelled me to reprove and rebuke wrongs that I had not thought of. Is this work of the last thirty-six years from above or from beneath? In these letters which I write, in the testimonies I bear, I am presenting to you that which the Lord has presented to me. I do not 8write one article in the paper, expressing merely my own ideas. They are what God has opened before me in vision\emdash the precious rays of light shining from the throne.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages\i0 , book 1, p. 27. \par \b Discussion Questions: \b0 As a class, read your answers to Sunday\rquote s study and compare notes on which prophets members were able to relate to. Which prophets were picked, and why? \par Some people have worked on the assumption that some 9parts of the Bible are more inspired than others. Though it\rquote s true that some parts might be more relevant to us today than others, that\rquote s radically different from the idea that some parts are more inspired than others. What\rquote s the great danger of taking such a position? As you think about it, ask yourself the following questions: Who decides which parts are more inspired than others? What criteria does one use to make that determination? Where does the authority to make these decisions come from? What happens when people disagree about which parts are more inspired than others? \par Think about the life and teachings of Ellen White during her long years of ministry. Despite the large amount of misinformation out there about her and her ministry, and despite the frequency with which her writings have been abused, what great evidence and reasons do we have for believing in the reality of her prophetic gift? \par \pard\f9\fs23\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf0\i\f10\fs80\par } ;0 HelveticaNeue-Black;}{\f4\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS;}{\f5\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS-Bold;}{\f6\fswiss\fcharset0 HelveticaNeue-MediumExt;}{\f7\froman\fcharset0 AGaramond-Italic;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf1\f0\fs36 LESSON 6 *January 24 - 30 \par Testing the Prophets \par SABBATH AFTERNOON \par \b\fs22 Read for This Week's Study:\b0 \ul Isa_8:20\ulnone ; \ul Jer_18:6-10\ulnohers have called me a prophetess, but I have never assumed that title. I have not felt that it was my duty thus to designate myself.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages\i0 , book 1, p. 36. This week we\rquote ll look a little closer at her prophetic gift.\par \b The Week at a Glance: \b0 \par How did God communicate to His prophets? \par What are the biblical tests of a true prophet? \par What is conditional prophecy? \par Are prophets infallible? \par Why do we believe that Elle?n G. White\rquote s visions and prophetic dreams were from God? \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, February 7. \par \i0\fs36 SUNDAY February 1 \par Dreams and Visions \par \fs22\ldblquote And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions\rdblquote (\ul Joe_2:28\ulnone ). \par How did God communicate with individuals whom He calle@d to the prophetic office? \ul Gen_15:1\ulnone , \ul Num_12:6-8\ulnone , \ul Dan_7:1\ulnone . \par In Scripture we learn that God used primarily dreams and visions to communicate with His messengers. Prophetic dreams played an important role in the time of the patriarchs (Gen. 20\endash 41), in the ministry of Daniel (Dan. 1\endash 7), and in the Nativity narratives (\ul Mat_1:20\ulnone ; \ul Mat_2:12\ulnone , \ul Mat_2:19\ulnone , \ul Mat_2:22\ulnone ). Visions frequently are mentioned in the writingsA of the prophets (\ul Isa_1:1\ulnone , \ul Eze_1:1\ulnone , \ul Dan_8:1\ulnone , \ul Oba_1:1\ulnone , \ul Nah_1:1\ulnone ) and in the book of Acts (\ul Act_9:10\ulnone , \ul Act_10:3\ulnone , \ul Act_11:5\ulnone , \ul Act_16:9\ulnone , \ul Act_18:9\ulnone ). \par During her seventy-year ministry (1844-1915) Ellen White received an estimated two thousand visions and prophetic dreams. \ldblquote At times I am carried far ahead into the future and shown what is to take place. Then again I am shown things asB they have occurred in the past. After I come out of vision I do not at once remember all that I have seen, and the matter is not so clear before me until I write, then the scene rises before me as was presented in vision, and I can write with freedom.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages\i0 , book 1, p. 36. \par Often her visions were given while she was in the presence of others, who observed certain physical phenomena\emdash she did not breathe, she had supernatural strength (no one cCould move her limbs), and she was unconscious of her surroundings. Adventists and non-Adventists have testified to the supernatural character of her visions. At the General Conference session in 1893 J. N. Loughborough said: \ldblquote I have seen Sister White in vision about fifty times. She has been examined while in vision by skillful physicians, and we have testimonials from them which declare that the phenomena of her visions are beyond their comprehension.\rdblquote\emdash\i General Conference DailyD Bulletin\i0 , January 29, 1893. What\rquote s been your experience with Ellen White\rquote s writings? In what ways have they impacted your spiritual life? Put aside any preconceived notions that you might have about her published works, and just read some of them. What can they tell you about the author? \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\i\f2\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \par \b\i0\f3\fs20 Key Text: \ul\b0\i\f2 Gal_2:11-14\ulnone\par \par \b\i0\f3 The StEudent Will:\par \par \fs16 Know: \b0\f4\fs20 How to test a prophet.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Feel: \b0\f4\fs20 Gratitude that God reveals Himself to us even though we are\par flawed.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Do: \b0\f4\fs20 Read the writings of Ellen White, always submitting them to the test\par of Scripture.\par \par \b\f3 Learning Outline:\par \par \f5 I. Prophets Under Scrutiny \b0\i\f2 (\ul Isa_6:1-10\ulnone )\par \par \i0\f4 How do the visions of a prophet inform his or her message?\par \par AcFcording to \ul Isa_8:20\ulnone , what is one important test of revealed truth?\par \par What is another important test identified in \ul Jer_28:9\ulnone ?\par \par What important qualifier does \ul Jer_18:6-10\ulnone offer to this test?\par \par What fourth test is found in \ul 1Jo_4:1-2\ulnone ?\par \par What final test does Jesus offer in \ul Mat_7:15-23\ulnone ?\par \par \b\f5 II. Prophets Are Not Perfect \b0\i\f2 (\ul Gal_2:11-14\ulnone )\par \par \i0\f4 What do incidents such as the one Gin \ul Gal_2:11-14\ulnone tell you about\par the people God uses to reveal His purpose?\par \par How does it feel to know that God can use you despite your imperfections?\par \par \b\f5 III. Put to the Test \b0\i\f2 (\ul Jer_28:5-11\ulnone )\par \par \i0\f4 Think about how a prophet must feel under public scrutiny. How can\par we test anyone claiming to have a message from God in a way that is not\par dismissive or hurtful but strengthens a community\rquote s faith in Jesus and\par God\rquote sH Word?\par \par How must we put the writings of Ellen White to the test?\par \par \b\f3 Summary: \b0\f4 God often reveals Himself to prophets through dreams and visions.\par But not all dreams and visions come from God. We need to test prophets\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 and their message and accept what is from God.\par \cf0\f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs36 MONDAY February 2 \par Agreement With the Bible \par \fs22 What is one of the most important tests of a true prophet (\ul Isa_8:20\ulnone )? Why shIould this be so important? \par Law (Heb. \i torah\i0 ) is the common biblical term for the inspired writings of Moses (\ul Deu_4:44\ulnone , \ul Deu_31:9\ulnone ); the testimony refers to the witness of the prophets (\ul 2Ch_23:11\ulnone , \ul Joh_3:32\ulnone ). In other words, what a prophet says must harmonize with what God has revealed already. Though later prophets may reveal additional insights regarding the plan of salvation, they will not contradict what God has said before. God\rquote s unchanJgeableness (\ul Mal_3:6\ulnone ) is at stake in His revelations to humanity. \par An example of this test of a true prophet is given in Jeremiah 28. Jeremiah prophesied that Israel would serve the king of Babylon 70 years (\ul Jer_25:11\ulnone ). A few years into the 70 years, Hananiah the son of Azur claimed otherwise: \ldblquote In the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying, \lquote Thus speaks the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, saying: \ldblquote I have broken the yoke of the king ofK Babylon. Within two full years I will bring back to this place all the vessels of the Lord's house . . . with all the captives of Judah who went to Babylon,\rdblquote says the Lord\rquote \rdblquote (\ul Jer_28:1-4\ulnone , NKJV). Because this was not in harmony with what God had told Jeremiah previously, God gave another message to Jeremiah: \ldblquote Hear now, Hananiah, the Lord has not sent you, but you make this people trust in a lie. Therefore thus says the Lord: \lquote . . . This year you shalLl die, because you have taught rebellion against the Lord.\rquote So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month\rdblquote (\ul Jer_28:15-17\ulnone , NKJV). \par Every true prophet has made the writings of previous prophets the benchmark for his or her own ministry. The same is true for Ellen White. Anyone familiar with her books can testify that she used Scripture profusely. She immersed herself in the Bible and constantly referred to the biblical text, and what she wrote is in agreemMent with the Bible. Although she was not a theologian and did not write an exegetical commentary on the Bible, her message is in harmony with the message of Scripture. Why must harmony with the Bible be our final test of everything moral, spiritual, and theological? Why must we have a final authority, especially in spiritual and theological matters? \cf0\par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\i\f2\fs32 Learning Cycle\par \par \b\i0\f3\fs20 STEP 1\f5\fs30\emdash MoNtivate\par \par \f3\fs16 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \b0\f5\fs20 Biblically based tests are\par given to determine whether a prophet is a true spokesperson for God\par or is speaking on his or her own. These tests strengthen our assurance\par in God\rquote s Word.\par \par \i\f2 (Bring a sample tabloid featuring a prominent modern \ldblquote seer\rdblquote to show the\par class. Or browse the Internet for an article. A third option in lieu of this\par would be to ask for a volunteer to shaOre a story of someone he or she may\par have heard about who claimed to be able to see into the future.)\par \par \i0\f4 In the day and age in which we live, many people set themselves up as\par being able to predict the future. Depending on where you live, you need\par only to glance at the tabloids in the racks as you stand in a grocery line (or\par wait to pay for your purchases in almost any store) to see many of their\par names and their predictions. This is especially true as an old year endsP and\par a new one begins.\par \par Jeane Dixon and Nostradamus are two of the more famous prognosticators.\par What names have you observed today that are popular or becoming\par popular?\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 What makes these people so popular? Why do otherwise\par logical people read these predictions and tend more and more to\par believe them?\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf0\f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs36 TUESDAY February 3 \par Fulfilled Prophecy \par \fs22 Read \ul JerQ_18:6-10\ulnone . What important principle regarding the fulfillment of predictions is found here? \par The proof of a true prophet lies, in part, in the fulfillment of his or her predictions (see \ul 1Sa_9:6\ulnone , \ul Jer_28:9\ulnone , \ul Lam_3:37\ulnone ). At the same time, though, not all predictions come to pass if the people involved have a change of heart. It\rquote s what is known as conditional prophecy, and it\rquote s important for us to understand. \par Study Jonah 3 and 4. What must beR taken into consideration in applying the test of fulfilled prophecy? \par The fulfillment of most prophecies (exceptions are the end-time prophecies of Daniel and Revelation) is dependent on the actions and attitudes of the people concerned. Jonah made the clear-cut statement, given him from God, that in 40 days Nineveh would be \ldblquote overturned\rdblquote (\ul Jon_3:4\ulnone , NIV). Yet, it never happened. Was Jonah a false prophet? Of course not. Instead, the prophecy was conditional; its fulfiSllment depended upon how the people responded to the message God had given them. \par This principle may explain why a particular prophecy made by Ellen White in 1856 did not come to pass. In 1856, Mrs. White declared: \ldblquote I was shown the company present at the Conference. Said the angel: \lquote Some food for worms, some subjects of the seven last plagues, some will be alive and remain upon the earth to be translated at the coming of Jesus.\rquote \rdblquote\emdash\i Testimonies for the Church\iT0 , vol. 1, p. 131, 132. \par All who were alive way back then are now, of course, dead. How do we explain this? The answer is conditional prophecy. We must remember that she was told God\rquote s kingdom could have come in her lifetime. In 1896 she wrote: \ldblquote If those who claimed to have a living experience in the things of God had done their appointed work as the Lord ordained, the whole world would have been warned ere this, and the Lord Jesus would have come in power and great glory.\rdblquoteU\emdash\i Review and Herald\i0 , Oct. 6, 1896. \par \pard In the last volume of the \i Testimonies for the Church,\i0 published in 1909, she wrote, \ldblquote If every soldier of Christ had done his duty, if every watchman on the walls of Zion had given the trumpet a certain sound, the world might ere this have heard the message of warning. But the work is years behind. While men have slept, Satan has stolen a march upon us.\rdblquote\emdash\i Testimonies for the Church\i0 , vol. 9, p. 29. If we apply tVhe principle of conditionality to her 1856 vision, the problem disappears. See also Friday\rquote s lesson. \par \par \cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\b\f3\fs20 STEP 2\f5\fs30\emdash Explore\par \par Bible Commentary\par \par \fs20 I. Dreams,Visions, Angels\emdash Communicators From God\par \par \b0\f4 In the beginning God spoke to Adam and Eve face-to-face. Because of sin\par this became impossible. He then chose to communicate with humans via\par dreams and viWsions. Angels also were chosen communicators of what God\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 wanted them to say.\par \pard\b\f6\fs9\par \f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 Ask someone to read \ul Num_12:5-6\ulnone . What did God\par say He would use in His efforts to communicate to His people? Why\par would He use those ways instead of other ways? What other ways could\par the Lord communicate to His prophets?\par \par 1. Ask someone to read \ul Zec_1:9\ulnone , \ul Zec_1:13-14\ulnone . What did God sayX about the\par way in which He spoke to Moses?\par \par 2. Ask someone to read \ul Num_12:7-8\ulnone . What did Moses see when God\par spoke to him face-to-face?\par \par 3. Why do you think it was only the back of God\rquote s form that Moses saw?\par \par \b\f5 II. Tests of a True Prophet\par \par \f3\fs16 Just for Teachers: \b0\f4\fs20 Prepare the following texts in advance either on\par individual pieces of paper or on a flip chart: \ul Isa_8:20\ulnone ; \ul Joh_3:27\ulnone ;\par \ul Joh_3Y:34\ulnone ; \ul Joh_5:39\ulnone ; \ul 1Th_5:20-21\ulnone .\par \par As we discussed earlier, not everyone who calls himself or herself a\par prophet really is. However, God does not leave us in doubt as to whether\par or not we should believe a person who claims to be speaking for God.\par He has given us specific instructions on how to test any person who\par claims to have a message from Him. He also has told us how to test the\par truthfulness of what is said.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider ThiZs:\par \par \b0\f4\fs20 1. Have someone read \ul Joh_3:34\ulnone . Ask: Even though John is speaking\par directly about Jesus, how can what he says help us in testing a prophet or\par their predictions?\par \par 2. Have someone read \ul Joh_3:27\ulnone . Ask: Where does John say true\par prophecy comes from?\par \par 3. Have someone read \ul Joh_5:39\ulnone . Ask: About whom will a true prophet\par preach? What will he preach about Jesus?\par \par 4. Have someone read \ul Isa_8:20\ulnone . Ask[: What acid test must be given to\par all prophecy to prove that it is true?\par \par 5. Have someone read \ul 1Th_5:20-22\ulnone . Ask: Once we have\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 tested the prophet and his or her words, what should we do?\b\f6\fs9\par \pard\f5\fs20 III. Ellen G. White\emdash Prophet and Prophecy\par \par \b0\f4\ldblquote I said that I did not claim to be a prophetess. Some were surprised at this\par statement, and as much is being said in regard to it, I will make an explanation.\\par Others have called me a prophetess, but I have never assumed that\par title. I have not felt that it was my duty thus to designate myself. . . .\par \ldblquote My work includes much more than this name signifies. I regard myself\par as a messenger, entrusted by the Lord with messages for His people.\rdblquote\par \emdash Ellen G. White, Letter 55, 1905, \i\f2 Selected Messages, \i0\f4 book 1, pp. 35, 36.\par \par The Seventh-day Adventist Church designates Ellen White as a\par prophetess and ]includes the acceptance of her in this role as a part of our\par fundamental beliefs.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 Based on the information given above, answer the\par following questions:\par \par 1. How well do Ellen G. White\rquote s writings harmonize with Bible doctrines?\par \par 2. Has Ellen G. White ever held her teachings to be above the Bible?\par \par 3. What emphasis does she put on the Bible?\par \par 4. Do her writings include information that generally was not ^known or\par understood during her time? (In other words, did she prophesy on various\par matters before the world had discovered their significance?)\par \par 5. Has the church tested Ellen G. White\rquote s writings thoroughly by the\par Bible standards of testing a prophet?\par \par 6. Whom does she uphold as our example and our salvation?\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf0\f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs36 WEDNESDAY February 4 \par Confessing Jesus, the God-man \par \fs22 What was one of the issues John_ faced in his time; and what does he say is another mark of a true prophet? \ul 1Jo_4:1-2\ulnone . \par One of the problems in John\rquote s day was the question over the human nature of Christ. Was He really flesh and blood, or did He, as some taught, only appear to have a body? To understand and confess that Jesus was truly human became so important to John that he declared it to be a test of a true prophet. \par This test is broader than simply to believe that Jesus became a human being. It include`s everything the Bible teaches about Jesus. He took on humanity for a purpose. He became man in order to live a sinless life, and then die for sinful humanity. But more than that, He became man so that after His resurrection and ascension He could minister for us in the heavenly sanctuary. Our High Priest is one Who is able to understand us and can sympathize with our weaknesses, because He was tempted in every way human beings are tempted (\ul Heb_4:14-15\ulnone ). \par Every true prophet will point peoaple to Jesus, the God-man, who is the Savior and example of all humanity. Ellen G. White\rquote s life was devoted to doing just that. She wrote, \ldblquote Jesus Christ is everything to us,\emdash the first, the last, the best in everything. Jesus Christ, His Spirit, His character, colors everything; it is the warp and woof, the very texture of our entire being. . . . Christ is a living Saviour. Continuing to look unto Jesus, we reflect His image to all around us.\rdblquote\emdash\i Messages to Young Peobple\i0 , p. 161. \par Why is it so important that true prophets exalt Jesus Christ? \ul Act_4:12\ulnone . \par The ecumenical spirit and postmodern thinking have permeated almost all Christian churches today, in the process eroding the uniqueness of Christianity and especially the importance of Jesus Christ as Savior of the world. In contrast, Ellen White wrote: \ldblquote The only hope for fallen man is to look to Jesus and receive Him as the only Saviour.\rdblquote\emdash Testimonies to Ministers, pc. 367. \ldblquote Only Bible truth and Bible religion will stand the test of the judgment.\rdblquote\emdash\i Fundamentals of Christian Education\i0 , p. 127. \ldblquote Let us lift up Jesus, the Saviour of men. Talk of his love, tell of his power.\rdblquote\emdash\i Signs of the Times\i0 , March 18, 1889. See also Friday\rquote s lesson. \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\b\f3\fs20 STEP 3\f5\fs30\emdash Practice\par \par \b0\f4\fs20 Too often in the past (andd sometimes even today) Ellen G. White\rquote s writings\par have been used to browbeat one another and to prove points in a way\par she did not mean nor ever would have sanctioned. It is safe to say that if\par she were still alive, she would be writing additional testimonies on that\par subject. Sadly, as a result of the misuse of her writings, many people have\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 left the church, and many still in the church reject her writings.\b\f6\fs9\par \pard\f5\fs20 Application Queestion:\par \par \b0\f4 How much do you know about Ellen G. White and what she has written?\par \par What has been your life\rquote s experience in relation to her and her writings?\par \par What can you do to evaluate her and what she has written with an honest\par and open mind?\par \par \b\f5 Witnessing\par \par \b0\f4 Our church spends much time and money to teach people about the Bible.\par Most of its teaching is targeted on the prophecies. Many books and study\par guides have been writften, classes taught, and evangelistic meetings centered\par on prophecy. Daniel and Revelation seminars are held regularly in\par churches.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 Is this much focus on prophecy important? Why, or\par why not? What relation does the teaching of prophecy have to the teaching\par of Jesus and grace?\par \par \i\f2 How can you personally help a person who has doubts about Bible\par prophecy? What do you need to know before you can help someone else?\par \par g Other churches believe they have been led by modern-day prophets. If\par you had a friend who believed this, how could you communicate, without\par being offensive, the importance of testing prophets by the Bible tests?\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\i0\f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs36 THURSDAY February 5 \par The Orchard Test \par \fs22 What did Jesus say in the Sermon on the Mount about how true prophets can be identified? \ul Mat_7:20\ulnone . \par The context of this statement is Jesus\rquote warning tho the disciples to beware of false prophets (\ul Mat_7:15\ulnone ). Jesus applied the principle\emdash that a good tree bears good fruit\emdash to the life of the prophets. What kind of fruit do they bring forth? What influence do their teachings have on others? \par The orchard test takes time. Ellen White lived and worked for seventy years under the critical eyes of millions of people, largely skeptical, doubtful, suspicious, and in some cases openly hostile. Errors, faults, and inconsistencies were anid still are exposed with great satisfaction by her opponents. God alone is flawless; His messengers never are. \par What do these texts tell us about the character flaws of some of those who had the prophetic gift? \ul Gen_12:12-13\ulnone ; \ul Jon_1:1-3\ulnone ; \ul Act_15:36-39\ulnone ; \ul Gal_2:11-14\ulnone . \par Being a prophet, of course, does not make a person infallible or sinless. Mrs. White made mistakes and had character weaknesses, as did other people, but the trend of her life was such tjhat at her death a local non-Adventist newspaper reported, \ldblquote The life of Mrs. White is an example worthy of emulation by all. . . . She was a humble, devout disciple of Christ and ever went about doing good. . . . Her death marks the calling of another noted leader of religious thought and one whose almost ninety years were full to overflowing with good deeds, kind words and earnest prayers for all mankind.\rdblquote\emdash\ldblquote Called to Her reward,\i\rdblquote St. Helena Star\i0 (Calif.)k, July 23, 1915. \par Some people have difficulties accepting her prophetic ministry because they stumble over certain details of her writings but fail to see the bigger picture: the way God used her to raise up this church; the many wonderful insights she received from God; and the contributions she has made to this church. What are the great advantages of having the prophetic gift manifested among us? What are potential challenges it brings? \cf0\par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N Tl S\par \par \ulnone\b\f3\fs20 STEP 4\f5\fs30\emdash Apply\par \par \b0\f4\fs20 As adults, we have been influenced by our experiences, our teachers, our\par parents, and our friends. Sometimes the opinions and beliefs we have collected\par over the years need to be re-examined for their validity. As our\par knowledge has grown and as we have gathered new experiences in life, the\par opinions and beliefs we once held may look different from the way they\par looked in the past.\par \par Because chmange is difficult, we may refuse to examine new ideas or new\par evidence that will cause us to think or act in a different way. You may be\par unsure yourself about the value of understanding Bible prophecy or its\par importance in the mission of the church.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 What steps can you take to help clarify your knowledge\par and understanding today? How willing are you to change your\par views as you gain new understanding? How much would a re-study\par (withn an open mind) of Bible prophecy and Ellen White\rquote s writings help\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 you in your walk with Jesus?\cf0\par \cf1\f0\fs22\par \fs36 FRIDAY February 6 \par \b\fs22 Further Study: \b0 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote The Bible Prophets Wrote for Our Time,\rdblquote pp. 338, 339, in \i Selected Messages\i0 , book 3; Arthur L. White, \ldblquote Make It Known to Others,\rdblquote pp. 60-72 in \i The Early Years: 1827-1862\i0 . \par \ldblquote As the subject was presentedo before me, the period of Christ\rquote s ministration seemed almost accomplished. Am I accused of falsehood because time has continued longer than my testimony seemed to indicate? How is it with the testimonies of Christ and His disciples? Were they deceived? Paul writes to the Corinthians: \lquote But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; and they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoicedp not\rquote (\ul 1Co_7:29-30\ulnone ). \par \ldblquote Again, in his epistle to the Romans, he says: \lquote The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light\rquote (\ul Rom_13:12\ulnone ). . . . \par \ldblquote The angels of God in their messages to men represent time as very short. Thus it has always been presented to me. It is true that time has continued longer than we expected in the early days of this message. Our qSaviour did not appear as soon as we hoped. But has the word of the Lord failed? Never! It should be remembered that the promises and threatenings of God are alike conditional.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages\i0 , book 1, p. 67. \par \b Discussion Questions: \b0 Why have some Seventh-day Adventists lost confidence in Ellen White\rquote s prophetic ministry? Could part of the problem be with how her work has been presented? Discuss. \par Take some of your favorite excerpts from her writings and read them again. What was it about them that you liked so much? What is the message she is giving in these sections? Bring your selections to class and share them. \par Some people use the writings of Ellen White as the final authority on every point. Why is that wrong? What great dangers does such an attitude present to our church? What are some ways this wonderful gift has been, and still is, abused in the church? What have been some of the results? \cf0\i\f7\fs80\par } ,c}Y07-Work of Prophets-Feb 7-13{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f1\froman\fcharset0 Times-Semibold;}{\slI06-Testing the Prophets-Jan 31-Feb 6{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f1\froman\fcharset0 Times-Semibold;}{\f2\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS-Italic;}{\f3\fswiss\fcharset:tf2\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS-Italic;}{\f3\fswiss\fcharset0 HelveticaNeue-Black;}{\f4\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS;}{\f5\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS-Bold;}{\f6\fswiss\fcharset0 HelveticaNeue-MediumExt;}{\f7\fnil\fprq2\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f8\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf1\f0\fs36 LESSON 7 *February 7 - 13 \par The Work of the Prophets \par SABBATH AFTEuRNOON \par \b\fs22 Read for This Week's Study:\b0 \ul Gen_22:1-14\ulnone ; Isa. 53; \ul Mat_3:7-10\ulnone ; \ul 1Co_5:1-5\ulnone .\par \b Memory Text: \b0 \ldblquote By a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved\rdblquote (\ul Hos_12:13\ulnone , NKJV).\par As the Bible amply shows, the life of a prophet was never easy. Ellen White\rquote s was no exception, and though she didn\rquote t face the same kind of trials that many of the Bible prophets did (jvail, stoning, etc.), she had plenty of trials just the same. In the early years, besides struggling with illness and various assaults of Satan, she and James were very poor and had to depend on others for living quarters and furniture. Two of their four children died young, and James wore himself out with travel, preaching, writing, and guiding the fledgling church until 1881, when he died at 60. For the last 34 years Ellen White continued to labor in an environment that was at times hardly friendly. Thisw week we\rquote ll look at some of her work and how it paralleled the biblical prophets. \par \b The Week at a Glance: \b0\par Does the preaching of the gospel in the New Testament differ from the proclamation of salvation in the Old Testament? \par Why were the early Seventh-day Adventists, who came out of the Millerite movement, opposed to church organization? \par What were some ways prophets delivered God\rquote s messages to His people? \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbathx, February 14. \par \i0\fs36 SUNDAY February 8 \par Preaching the Gospel \par \fs22 Where do we find the gospel of salvation in the Old Testament? \par \ul Gen_22:1-14\ulnone , \ul Lev_4:27-31\ulnone , \ul Isa_53:1-12\ulnone . \par The plan of salvation was explained to Adam and Eve as soon as they had sinned; it graphically was illustrated in Abraham\rquote s test on Mount Moriah and in the sanctuary service instituted by Moses. The sanctuary rituals were designed for an agricultural people who liyved intimately with their animals. The sacrificed animals symbolized Christ\rquote s death on the cross, and the priest\rquote s services illustrated His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. \par Does the preaching of the gospel in the New Testament differ from the proclamation of salvation in the Old Testament? \par \ul Joh_1:29\ulnone , \ul Rom_3:21-26\ulnone . \par While the Old Testament people looked forward by faith to the Messiah, the New Testament looks back to the accomplished salvation throuzgh Jesus Christ. In both testaments the focus is on what God has done to remedy humanity\rquote s fall into sin. \par It\rquote s the same with the writings of Ellen White, where we find more than eight thousand references to the gospel and about six thousand references specifically to Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross. The Christ of the cross and the cross of Christ were the focus of her message. She admonished Seventh-day Adventists to uplift Jesus Christ before the world. \ldblquote Of all p{rofessing Christians, Seventh-day Adventists should be foremost in uplifting Christ before the world.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Gospel Workers\i0 , p. 156. \ldblquote Christ as manifested to the patriarchs, as symbolized in the sacrificial service, as portrayed in the law, and as revealed by the prophets, is the riches of the Old Testament. Christ in His life, His death, and His resurrection, Christ as He is manifested by the Holy Spirit, is the treasure of the New Testament.\rdblquote\emdash El|len G. White, \i Christ\rquote s Object Lessons\i0 , p. 126. \ldblquote The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster. . . . This is to be the foundation of every discourse given by our ministers.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White,\i Gospel Workers\i0 , p. 315. \par How much time do you spend thinking about Jesus, focusing on His life and what He\rquote s done for you? \par How much stronger would your faith be if you were to dwell more on Christ} and His sacrifice in your behalf? \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\i\f2\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \par \b\i0\f3\fs20 Key Text: \ul\b0\i\f2 Hos_12:13\par \ulnone\par \b\i0\f3 The Student Will:\par \par \fs16 Know: \b0\f4\fs20 The role and purpose of the prophetic office.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Feel: \b0\f4\fs20 Convicted to change our lives in response to the correction God\par gives us through His Word.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Do: \b0\f4\fs20 Share th~e assurance that God gives us about the future.\par \par \b\f3 Learning Outline:\par \par \f5 I. Prophet\rquote s Job Description \b0\i\f2 (Isaiah 53)\par \par \i0\f4 Why is the preaching of the gospel important to God\rquote s purpose in\par ancient as well as modern times?\par \par What are some examples of the way in which God used prophets to\par guide His people?\par \par \b\f5 II. Reproving Sin \b0\i\f2 (\ul Isa_1:15-17\ulnone )\par \par \i0\f4 How else has God used prophets to correct and reprove sin?\par \par How would you feel if you were confronted with a message from God\par that something you are doing is wrong?\par \par How can we be more responsive to the correction provided by God\rquote s\par Word?\par \par \b\f5 III. Predicting the Future \b0\i\f2 (\ul Dan_9:24\ulnone -\ul 27\ulnone )\par \par \i0\f4 How does it make you feel to know that God has revealed important\par truths about the future through His prophets?\par \par How can prophecy be used appropriately to lead people to believe in\par God and accept Jesus as their Savior? What are the benefits of using\par prophecy in evangelism? What are the risks?\par \par How can you let others know that God has the answers to your future\par and theirs?\par \par \b\f3 Summary: \b0\f4 Prophets carried out various functions, including proclaiming the\par gospel, giving divine guidance, correcting sin, and predicting the future,\par so that God\rquote s people might understand and accept His plan of redemption\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 for the human race.\cf0\par \cf1\f0\fs22\par \fs36 MONDAY February 9 \par Guiding God's People \par \fs22 Jesus appointed Paul and the 12 apostles, some of whom also had the prophetic gift, to lead and guide the early Christian church. \par What are some of the specific areas in which Paul and the apostles provided counsel and guidance for the church? \par \ul Act_6:1-7\ulnone , \ul 1Co_5:1-5\ulnone , \ul 1Co_7:10-16\ulnone , \ul Tit_1:5\ulnone , \ul 1Jn_4:1-3\ulnone . \par The leaders of the early church faced many problems. Questions of immorality, apostasy, church organization, and a host of other matters occupied the time and attention of the early church. Prophets and apostles guided and directed the people of God in accordance with the Lord\rquote s revealed will. \par The early days of our church had specific struggles, as well. During the first 20 years of our church, there was no church organization, so there also was no paid ministry; preachers worked at other jobs to make a living. Anyone could preach if he felt called, and as a result heresies prospered. Furthermore, church buildings and the Review and Herald press were in the names of individuals, which created the potential for many problems. For years James White urged organization, but with little success. \par Then in 1854, Mrs. White published an article concerning church order. \ldblquote The Lord has shown that gospel order has been too much feared and neglected. Formality should be shunned; but, in so doing, order should not be neglected. There is order in heaven. There was order in the church when Christ was upon the earth, and after His departure order was strictly observed among His apostles. . . . The danger of those traveling whom God has not called was shown me. . . . I saw that this door at which the enemy comes in to perplex and trouble the flock can be shut. I inquired of the angel how it could be closed. He said, \lquote The church must flee to God\rquote s Word and become established upon gospel order, which has been overlooked and neglected.\rquote \rdblquote \emdash Ellen G. White, \i Early Writings\i0 , pp. 97, 100. \par It took another six years until a church name was adopted in 1860 in Michigan. In 1861 the Michigan Conference was established, and in 1863 the General Conference was established. People sometimes talk about not wanting to be part of an organized church. \par What are the advantages of being part of an organized structure? \par How can you better serve the organized church and help remedy aspects of it that you believe could use improvement? \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\i\f2\fs32 Learning Cycle\par \par \b\i0\f3\fs20 STEP 1\f5\fs30\emdash Motivate\par \par \f3\fs16 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \b0\f5\fs20 The work of a prophet is to\par deliver to the people messages from God concerning the gospel, the\par church, and the future.\par \par \f4 If you were asked to give a definition of a prophet, what would you say?\par \par A. Someone called by God\par \par B. Someone appointed or elected by the church\par \par C. Someone who chooses to make his or her living by prophesying\par \par What would you say was the work of a prophet?\par \par A. Predicting the future\par \par B. Giving messages from God to the people\par \par C. Interpreting God\rquote s will to the people\par \par D. Giving religious instruction to the people\par \par E. All of the above\par \par \ldblquote The prophet was chiefly a teacher of righteousness, spirituality, and ethical\par conduct, a moral reformer bearing messages of instruction, counsel,\par admonition, warning, whose work often included the prediction of future\par events.\rdblquote\emdash\i\f2 Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary, \i0\f4 p. 903.\par \par A prophet\rquote s work never has been easy or simple. Many prophets have\par been martyred because they prophesied what the people did not want to\par hear. Sometimes prophets have been deprived of food, housing, friends,\par and even loved ones.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 If a prophet is someone called by God who is doing\par what God had asked them to do, why do you think he or she still would\par experience difficulty, hardship, disbelief, and rejection?\cf0\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf1\f0\fs22\par \fs36 TUESDAY February 10 \par Reproving Sin \par \fs22 What were some of the evils the prophets spoke against, and what parallels can you see to our own days? \par \ul 1Ki_18:21\ulnone , \ul Isa_1:10-14\ulnone , \ul Amo_5:12\ulnone , \ul Mal_3:8-10\ulnone , \ul Mat_3:7-10\ulnone . \par Prophets were commissioned by God to resist social injustice, root out idolatry, protest against immorality, and condemn formalistic worship and hypocrisy. At times it seemed to them that their voices were the only dissenting voices (\ul 1Ki_19:14\ulnone ); yet, their protests were God\rquote s protests and were delivered regardless of the consequences. \par How did Ellen White deal with messages of reproof for individuals? \par Like the prophets of old, Ellen White had to reprove sins known only to the individual and God. It was a work she did not enjoy. \ldblquote I bore my testimony and related things which had been shown me in the past history of some present, warning them of their dangers and reproving their wrong course of action. I stated that I had been placed in most disagreeable positions. When families and individuals were brought before me in vision, it was frequently the case that what was shown me in relation to them was of a private nature, reproving secret sins. I have labored with some for months in regard to wrongs of which others knew nothing. As my brethren see these persons sad, and hear them express doubts in regard to their acceptance with God, also feelings of despondency, they have cast censure upon me, as though I were to blame for their being in trial. . . . It has been the disagreeable work assigned me to reprove private sins. Were I, in order to prevent suspicions and jealousy, to give a full explanation of my course, and make public that which should be kept private, I should sin against God and wrong the individuals. I have to keep private reproofs of private wrongs to myself, locked in my own breast. Let others judge as they may, I will never betray the confidence reposed in me by the erring and repentant, or reveal to others that which should only be brought before the ones that are guilty.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies for the Church\i0 , vol. 1, p. 584, 585. \par If the Lord gave Ellen White a message to you, what do you think it would say, and why? \par Most important, how would you respond? \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\b\f3\fs20 STEP 2\f5\fs30\emdash Explore\par \par Bible Commentary\par \par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\fs20 I.The Prophet and Preaching the Gospel\f6\fs9\par \pard\b0\f4\fs20 Isaiah and John the Baptist had more than a few things in common. Isaiah\par is a major prophet from Old Testament times. John is one of the greatest\par prophets of the New Testament. Both proclaimed the coming of Jesus.\par John was called the new Elijah, and in a similar sense, one could say that\par Isaiah was the Old Testament\rquote s version of John, given that they both had a\par special work and a specific message from God to preach.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 Ask someone to read \ul Isa_53:1-5\ulnone and \ul Joh_1:29\ulnone .\par What message did they give? To whom was it given? How did Isaiah\rquote s\par message differ from John\rquote s? Why was it different?\par \par \b\f5 II. The Prophet and the Church\par \par \b0\f4 Early on, God chose a number of people to be His prophets. Each one had\par a different work to do, but each preached repentance and salvation.\par While Jesus lived here on earth, He lived and died that same message. By\par His death and resurrection, Jesus finished His work of redemption on earth.\par \par When Jesus returned to heaven, the early Christian church was in its\par formation stage. It needed much special guidance, counsel, and encouragement.\par God saw what His people needed. Again, God sent a special\par messenger to carry His word to a fledgling church.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This:\par \par \b0\f4\fs20 1. Why did the early Christians need this extra help? Why did His people\par need correction and direction?\par \par 2. Whom did God use to give them help? Have someone read \ul Act_6:1-4\ulnone\par to find the answer.\par \par \b\f5 III. The Prophet and Guiding God\rquote s People\par \par \f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 Prepare the following texts by writing them out in\par advance. Divide the class into groups. Give one text to each group of\par two or three. Ask the groups to read the texts and be prepared to tell\par how each relates to life today: \ul 1Ki_18:21\ulnone ; \ul Jer_23:36\ulnone ; \ul Mal_3:8-10\ulnone ;\par \ul Mat_6:24\ulnone ; \ul Mat_7:1\ulnone .\par \par The prophets wrote advice in the Bible regarding the everyday lives\par of people. Jesus spoke on everyday living. Read and discuss the text\par given to you and be ready to share with the class how the guidance of\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 the past is still relevant today.\b\f6\fs9\par \pard\f5\fs20 IV. The Prophet and Future Predictions\par \par \b0\f4 When we think about prophets and what they do, future predictions are\par generally the first work that comes to mind. As we have been discovering,\par there is much more to being a prophet than prophesying the future.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This:\par \par \b0\f4\fs20 1. Which prophets and their prophecies can you share with the group?\par List a few.\par \par 2. What prophecies can you cite that were conditional prophecies\emdash\par those that would happen only if the people did not repent of their sins?\par \par 3. Which of Ellen G. White\rquote s prophecies do you know of that has been\par fulfilled or appears to be happening?\cf0\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf1\f0\fs22\par \fs36 WEDNESDAY February 11 \par Communicating God's Will \par \fs22 What were some of the ways the prophets delivered God\rquote s messages to His people? \ul Num_9:1-5\ulnone ; \ul Jer_37:16-17\ulnone ; \ul Eze_4:1-6\ulnone ; \ul Col_4:16\ulnone . \par Prophets were charged by God to deliver to the people the messages that they received from Him. At times they proclaimed God\rquote s words in a discourse before a company of people. At other times they delivered their testimonies in private interviews. Frequently, prophets were told to write out the messages received so that not only the people living at that time but also all future generations would hear what God had to say. \par When Ellen Harmon (Ellen G. White\rquote s maiden name) received her second vision in December 1844, she was told that she must go and relate to others what had been revealed to her. For several days, she prayed that this burden might be taken from her, but the words of the angel sounded continually in her ears, \ldblquote \lquote Make known to others what I have revealed to you.\rquote \rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Life Sketches of Ellen G. White\i0 , p. 69. \par During 1845, therefore, Ellen Harmon, accompanied by her sister Sarah or other friends, visited former Millerites in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts who had experienced the Great Disappointment on October 22, 1844, and shared her early visions with them. James White, a former Millerite preacher, became convinced that her visions were genuine and began to travel with her and her companions, and in 1846 James and Ellen were married. \par Early in her ministry, Ellen White also was told to write out the things revealed to her. Messages to individuals frequently were communicated to their recipients through letters (often called testimonies). Thousands of such communications were mailed from her home over the years. Of these she wrote, \ldblquote In these letters which I write, in the testimonies I bear, I am presenting to you that which the Lord has presented to me.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies for the Church\i0 , vol. 5, p. 67. When Ellen White died, she left behind about one hundred thousand pages of published and unpublished material. \par What do the writings of Ellen White mean to you personally? Discuss your answer in class. \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\b\f3\fs20 STEP 3\f5\fs30\emdash Practice\par \par \b0\f4\fs20 Through the years questions, problems, and controversies have arisen\par within the church over the gift of prophecy. Additionally, there have\par been disagreements among both members and leaders on Bible interpretation,\par the Spirit of Prophecy, and even traditional biblical issues.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 Should the church be open to discussion on whatever\par issues arise? Why, or why not? Are there limitations on what should be\par discussed? Why, or why not?\par \par \b\f5 Thought Questions:\par \par \b0\f7\fs36 l\f4\fs20 Who is responsible for church unity\emdash individuals or leadership?\par \pard\tx2020 Why?\par \tab\par \pard\f7\fs36 l\f4\fs20 If we disagree with some of the decisions of the church, what do you\par think is the most beneficial course to follow?\par \par \f7\fs36 l\f4\fs20 When a problem arises in the church, what is our usual reaction?\par \par A. keep quiet and stew in our mind over our disagreement until it\par affects our relationship with the Lord and the church,\par \par B. leave the organized church and start one of our own,\par \par C. discuss it with our leaders, pray about it, and trust that the Lord will\par lead in the situation,\par \par D. write, publish, and distribute our personal views or grievances?\par \par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 Which is the most effective way to enhance God\rquote s work? Why?\b\f6\fs9\par \pard\f5\fs20 Witnessing\par \par \b0\f4 If someone you know is disgruntled about something that is happening or\par being taught in your own church or in the church at large, what should you\par do? What can you say or do to help the individual?\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs36 THURSDAY February 12 \par Predicting the Future \par \fs22 What were some of the Bible prophecies that have been fulfilled? \par \ul Isa_44:28\ulnone , \ul Jer_25:11\ulnone , \ul Dan_9:24-27\ulnone . \par About one hundred fifty years prior to the time of Cyrus, Isaiah prophesied that a king by the name of Cyrus would bring back the Jews from Babylon and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. The fulfillment of this prophecy is found in \ul Ezr_1:1-4\ulnone . \par Jeremiah predicted the length of the Babylonian captivity; and Daniel predicted the time of the appearance of the Messiah almost six hundred years before Jesus was born. Both prophecies provide evidence for the inspiration of the Scriptures. \par And with Ellen White, too, we can find many of her predictions fulfilled. For instance, on January 12, 1861, three months before the outbreak of the American Civil War, Mrs. White received a vision in the Parkville, Michigan, church in which she was shown battlefields covered with the dead and dying. As she related what she had seen, she told her listeners, \ldblquote There are men in this house who will lose sons in that war.\rdblquote\emdash\i Pacific Union Recorder,\i0 March 7, 1912 (Arthur L. White, \i Ellen G. White: The Early Years\i0 , vol. 1, p. 463). No less than five families in the room that day lost sons in the Civil War. \par In 1885, Ellen White predicted: \ldblquote When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism . . . then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White,\i Testimonies for the Church\i0 , vol. 5, p. 451. \par At the time she wrote those words, Protestants and Catholics were all but at war with each other. In 1885 the ecumenical movement was still a long way in the future, but times have change greatly. Just one example: On March 29, 1994, 39 leading evangelical Protestants and Roman Catholics signed a document entitled \ldblquote Evangelicals and Catholics Together: The Christian Mission in the Third Millennium\rdblquote\emdash a stunning fulfillment of prophetic trends. \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\b\f3\fs20 STEP 4\f5\fs30\emdash Apply\par \par \b0\f4\fs20 For many people, change is difficult. Some believe that any change is\par wrong. Others may want change simply from boredom. In some cases tradition\par has become accepted as biblical truth.\par \par Times do change. Different ages and cultures often see things in different\par ways. Methods of teaching and preaching will change as we learn new\par and better ways. The old saying \ldblquote What was good enough for me is good\par enough for my kids\rdblquote is not only false but could be dangerous to their spiritual\par and physical well-being. The one thing that never changes is God\rquote s\par Word. It is important that we do not confuse what is changeable with what\par is not. Understanding the principle involved is imperative.\par \par \b\f5 Thought Questions:\par \par \b0\f4 Suppose God called you to be one of His prophets. How would you\par respond? What would be the most difficult or hardest part of your call?\par \i\f2 \par \i0\f4 How do you respond to a correction or a suggested change of direction\par made to you by (a) an individual you highly respect, (b) the local\par church, or (c) the church at large?\par \i\f2 \par \i0\f4 When you read your Bible, do you ever feel rebuked by God\rquote s Word?\par How do or did you respond?\par \i\f2 \par \i0\f4 How should we relate to change in the church?\par \i\f2 \par \i0\f4 How do you or should you respond to changes the church at large or\par your local church makes in regard to the order of service? Evangelism\par methods? Music? Methods of teaching?\cf0\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf1\f0\fs22\par \fs36 FRIDAY February 13 \par \b\fs22 Further Study: \b0 Read Arthur L. White, \ldblquote The Messenger of the Lord at Work,\rdblquote pp. 73-89 in \i The Early Years: 1827-1862\i0 ; Ellen G. White, \ldblquote God\rquote s Law Immutable,\rdblquote pp. 433-450 in \i The Great Controversy\i0 . \par \ldblquote When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i The Great Controversy\i0 , p. 445. \par For more than one hundred fifty years, Adventists have been warning the world about the coming reconciliation between Catholics and Protestants\emdash even when all political and religious indications made such a reconciliation seem impossible. Today, of course, the impossible has become all but inevitable, as time and again Catholics and various Protestants are coming together on a whole host of issues. Most interesting, and again in line with what Ellen White wrote more than a century ago, the Protestants are the ones who are making the most incredible compromises, all in order to bring about this unity with Rome. Though there\rquote s much still to unfold, these events are leading to an amazing fulfillment of prophecy and are another powerful vindication of Ellen White\rquote s prophetic gift. \par \b Discussion Questions:\b0 To whatever degree possible, do a little research about the religious climate in America in the 1800s, particularly regarding Catholic-Protestant relations. Bring what you learn to class on Sabbath, and then discuss the predictions she made during that time regarding Protestants and Rome. \par Talk about the hostility that some people have toward organized religion. \par What are their complaints? \par Are those complaints often valid? \par If so, what can we do, as an organized church, to solve as much as possible some of those things that cause this hostility? \par What are ways that Ellen White\rquote s writing can be abused? \par What kind of principles can we follow in order to protect ourselves from misusing this wonderful gift?\par \pard\f8\fs23\par \f0\fs36\par }  TimesNewRomanPS-Italic;}{\f3\fswiss\fcharset0 HelveticaNeue-Black;}{\f4\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS;}{\f5\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS-Bold;}{\f6\fnil\fprq2\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f7\fswiss\fcharset0 HelveticaNeue-MediumExt;}{\f8\froman\fcharset0 AGaramond-Italic;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf1\f0\fs36 LESSON 8 *February 14 - 20 \par The Authority of the Prophets \par SABBATH AFTERNOON \par \fs22 Read for This Week's Study: \ul Exo_4:10-16\ulnone , \ul 1Sa_12:1-14\ulnone , \ul 2Ki_22:10-13\ulnone , \ul Jer_36:22-31\ulnone , \ul Mar_1:21-27\ulnone , \ul Act_16:25-34\par \ulnone Memory Text: \ldblquote Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good\rdblquote (\ul 1Th_5:20-21\ulnone , NKJV).\par All through the Bible, a theme recurs: God talks to people through His prophets, and the people either accept or reject what\rquote s being said. Of course, by rejecting the words of the prophets, they\rquote re not rejecting the prophets; they\rquote re rejecting the One who sent them. \par It\rquote s a very serious thing, then, to claim to speak in the name of God. If you claim it, and are, then you are a mouthpiece for the Creator of the universe, no small responsibility. People have been delegated authority to speak for the boss of the company, or the president or prime minister\emdash but to speak for the Lord? That\rquote s heavy. Unfortunately, much of biblical history is a story of God speaking through His prophets and of people rejecting what was said. How careful we need be not to make the same mistake today.\par The Week at a Glance: \par Why was Moses so reluctant to become God\rquote s prophet? \par What authority did the prophets have in Israel, even those who never wrote a book of the Bible? \par Is there a difference between the authority of the canonical and extracanonical prophet? \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, February 21. \par \i0\fs40 SUNDAY February 15 \par The Prophet as God's Mouthpiece \par \fs22 Read \ul Exo_4:10-16\ulnone , the dialogue between God and Moses. What happened here, and what can we learn from this exchange about how prophets are called and how they operate? \par According to the arrangement God put in place, Moses was literally \ldblquote to become God\rdblquote to Aaron (see \ul Exo_4:16\ulnone ) and Aaron was to become Moses' mouthpiece or \ldblquote prophet\rdblquote (\ul Exo_7:1\ulnone ). This defines accurately the intimate relationship between God and all His prophets; they were His mouthpieces, His spokespersons. Furthermore, as in the case of Moses and Aaron\emdash God \ldblquote taught\rdblquote all His prophets what they were to do in regard to being a mouthpiece. Moses was, however, somewhat of a reluctant prophet. \par According to her own testimony, Ellen White was reluctant when first called by the Lord, as well. \ldblquote In my second vision, about a week after the first, the Lord gave me a view of the trials through which I must pass, and told me that I must go and relate to others what He had revealed to me. It was shown me that my labors would meet with great opposition, and that my heart would be rent with anguish; but that the grace of God would be sufficient to sustain me through all. After I came out of this vision I was exceedingly troubled, for it pointed out my duty to go out among the people and present the truth. My health was so poor that I was in constant bodily suffering, and to all appearance had but a short time to live. I was only seventeen years of age, small and frail, unused to society, and naturally so timid and retiring that it was painful for me to meet strangers. \par \ldblquote For several days, and far into the night, I prayed that this burden might be removed from me, and laid upon some one more capable of bearing it. But the light of duty did not change, and the words of the angel sounded continually in my ears, \lquote Make known to others what I have revealed to you.\rquote \rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Life Sketches of Ellen G. White\i0 , p. 69. \par In what way are we called, regardless of our position in the church, to \ldblquote make known to others what I have revealed to you?\rdblquote \par What has God revealed to you? \par How can you better share that with others? \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \par \ulnone\i\f2\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \b\i0\f3\fs20\par Key Text: \ul\b0\i\f2 1Th_5:20-21\ulnone\par \b\i0\f3 The Student Will:\par \fs16 Know: \b0\f4\fs20 The authority of a prophet comes from God.\par \b\f3\fs16 Feel: \b0\f4\fs20 Willing to accept the message God communicates through His\par prophets.\par \b\f3\fs16 Do: \b0\f4\fs20 Regard the Bible as the supreme authority for Christian life and doctrine.\par \b\f3 Learning Outline:\par \f5 I. Speaking for God \b0\i\f2 (\ul Exo_4:10-16\ulnone )\par \i0\f6\fs36 l\f4\fs20 What was the basis of Moses\rquote  authority? What is the respective importance\par of being called, being sent, and encountering God?\par \f6\fs36 l \f4\fs20 What was the basis and evidence of Jesus\rquote authority \i\f2 (\ul Mat_21:23\ulnone ,\par \ul Joh_17:2\ulnone )\i0\f4 ? How does this apply to prophets?\par \b\f5 II. Responding to Authority \b0\i\f2 (\ul 2Ki_22:10-13\ulnone )\par \i0\f6\fs36 l\f4\fs20 What feelings are involved in relinquishing autonomy to an external\par authority?\par \f6\fs36 l \f4\fs20 Read \ul Jer_36:22-31\ulnone . Do prophets have authority if no one listens?\par How does it make you feel when people reject the Bible or the writings\par of Ellen G. White?\par \f6\fs36 l\f4\fs20 Read \ul Heb_4:12\ulnone . God\rquote s Word always calls for a response or choice.\par What role do emotions play in our response?\par \b\f5 III. Relative Authority \b0\i\f2 (\ul 1Ch_29:29-30\ulnone )\par \i0\f6\fs36 l\f4\fs20 In what way is the preacher of a sermon inspired? With what authority\par should we regard his or her message?\par \f6\fs36 l\f4\fs20 How much authority should we give to inspired writings outside of the\par biblical cannon? How can we ensure that we don\rquote t ascribe more authority\par to Ellen G. White\rquote s writings, to contemporary authors, or to church leaders\par than we give to Scripture?\par \b\f3 Summary: \b0\f4 Prophetic authority derives from the Source, content, and scope of the\par message. Personal power, influence, or charisma should not be confused\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 with prophetic authority. Scripture is the ultimate authority.\par \cf1\f0\fs22\par \fs40 MONDAY February 16 \par The Authority of the Incarnate Word \par \fs22\ldblquote And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth\rdblquote (\ul Mat_28:18\ulnone ). \par In \ul Mat_21:23\ulnone , while Jesus was teaching, the chief priests and the elders asked Him, \ldblquote \lquote By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?\rquote \rdblquote (NKJV). Jesus responded to the question in good rabbinic fashion, and that was\emdash with a counter question: \ldblquote The baptism of John\emdash where was it from? From heaven or from men?\rdblquote (\ul Mat_21:25\ulnone , NKJV; \ul Mat_21:24-27\ulnone ). In rabbinic debates the counter question was meant to point the way to the answer of the original question. When they refused to answer, He refused to give a clear answer in return, because if they refused to acknowledge God\rquote s power in John\rquote s ministry, there was little point in discussing His own\emdash which was also from God. \par What do the following texts tell us about Jesus\rquote authority? \par \ul Mat_7:28-29\ulnone ; \ul Mar_1:21-27\ulnone ; \ul Luk_8:22-25\ulnone ; \ul Luk_9:1\ulnone ; \ul Joh_5:25-27\ulnone . \par Ultimate authority belongs to Christ as our Creator (\ul Joh_1:3\ulnone ) and Redeemer (\ul Rom_3:24\ulnone ). He is at once the final court of appeal and the absolute norm by which each life is to be judged. Divine authority finds its focus and finality in Him. The Gospels, therefore, declare that His teaching caused astonishment because He taught as One having authority (\ul Mat_7:29\ulnone ). \par Throughout the Gospels we find Christ\rquote s more-than-human authority. He forgave sins (\ul Mar_2:10\ulnone ), drove out devils (\ul Mar_3:15\ulnone ), and claimed the right to judge men\rquote s hearts (\ul Joh_2:24-25\ulnone ) and give eternal life (\ul Joh_10:28\ulnone ). Yet, the authority that Christ exercised within His earthly commission was granted to Him by the Father (\ul Joh_17:2\ulnone ). Whatever He did, including all the miracles He performed, always was done in dependence on and in cooperation with His Father (\ul Joh_5:19\ulnone ). At the same time, He had absolute authority (\ul Mat_28:18\ulnone ). Therefore, He could delegate authority to His disciples (\ul Mar_6:7\ulnone ) and will in the end judge all people (\ul Joh_5:27\ulnone ). \par We live in a day and age when it\rquote s fashionable to question authority. \par How are we to relate to authority? \par What factors should determine our answer? \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\i\f2\fs32 Learning Cycle\par \b\i0\f3\fs20\par STEP 1\f5\fs30\emdash Motivate\par \f3\fs16 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \b0\f5\fs20 A prophet is God\rquote s human\par instrument to proclaim His Word. The authority of the 66 books of the\par Bible supersedes any other prophetic utterances.\b\par \par \b0\f4 A woman once told the following story:\par \par One night in a dream she found herself in a room with lots of people.\par Suddenly there was a bright light in the room. The light focused on her and\par said, \ldblquote You are doing well, but go tell it to others.\rdblquote\par \par The woman woke up. She had the strongest feeling that she had been in\par the presence of God, and that He had told her what He wanted her to do.\par \ldblquote Go tell what? To whom?\rdblquote she wondered. Perplexed, she shared her\par dream with her pastor.\par \par \ldblquote I think maybe the Lord has someone He wants you to share Him with\rdblquote\par was his answer. \ldblquote I recently received a call from a woman who would like\par to study the Bible. Would you be willing to go and study it with her?\rdblquote\par The woman was petrified. She had tried giving Bible studies before.\par The whole time she had felt completely inadequate. She really didn\rquote t want\par to try it again. However, she was unwilling to offer a flat No. After much\par hesitation she said, \ldblquote I guess I\rquote ll try.\rdblquote\par \par Each week for several weeks thereafter, she drove to the woman\rquote s\par house, Bible in hand. Every time she prayed that the woman wouldn\rquote t be\par home! But every time she was there and waiting.\par \par A month later the woman with the dream moved to a new area across\par the country. She felt very relieved to give up the Bible studies.\par \par About a year later the woman received a letter in the mail from the person\par to whom she had started giving Bible studies.\par \par The letter read, \ldblquote I just have been baptized! I wanted you to know immediately.\par I had been praying for someone to help me study the Bible when\par you originally called me. I know the Lord sent you! I shall never forget\par you. Thank you, thank you!\rdblquote\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 What if the woman with the dream had refused to\par begin the Bible studies? Do you believe God directs happenings like\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 this? Why, or why not?\par \cf1\f0\fs22\par \fs40 TUESDAY February 17 \par The Authority of the Written Word \par \fs22 Compare these two responses to God\rquote s written Word: \ul 2Ki_22:10-13\ulnone ; \ul Jer_36:22-31\ulnone . Though we might not act quite as dramatically as the folk did here, how do these incidents represent the basic responses to God\rquote s written Word?  \par One can reject God\rquote s Word today without openly burning it, as did this one king. Instead, it can be ridiculed, ignored, denounced as out-of-date, or interpreted in such a way that it is deprived of any historical value or authority. \par Yet, no one can disregard the authority of Scripture with impunity. Sooner or later he or she will suffer the consequences of that rejection. In the written Word, the character and will of God, the meaning of human existence, and the purposes of God for humanity in all ages are stated in propositional form that all can understand. To reject it may not have immediate consequences, but it will certainly result in eternal loss. \par \ldblquote He [Christ] pointed to the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority, and we should do the same. The Bible is to be presented as the word of the infinite God, as the end of all controversy and the foundation of all faith.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Christ\rquote s Object Lessons\i0 , pp. 39, 40. \par All through her life Mrs. White exalted the Word of God. In regard to the controversy between science and Scripture she wrote: \ldblquote There should be a settled belief in the divine authority of God's Holy Word. The Bible is not to be tested by men's ideas of science. Human knowledge is an unreliable guide.\rdblquote\emdash Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , p. 114. \par In 1909 she attended her last General Conference session. At the close of her last sermon she picked up the Bible, opened it, and held it out on extended hands. \ldblquote \lquote Brethren and Sisters,\rquote \rdblquote she said, \ldblquote \lquote I commend unto you this Book.\rquote \rdblquote\emdash Arthur L. White,\i Ellen G. White: The Later Elmshaven Years\i0 , p. 197. Examine your own attitude toward the Scriptures. \par Ask yourself the following questions: \par How much time do I spend in them? \par How seriously do I try to follow the teachings? \par When I read, am I trying to find fault with it? \par What\rquote s my attitude toward passages that I find disturbing, or that express ideas that I don\rquote t like? \par What can I learn from my answers? \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \ulnone\i\f2\fs24 \b\i0\f7\fs9\par \f3\fs20 STEP 2\f5\fs30\emdash Explore\par \par Bible Commentary\par \fs20\par I. The Prophet\rquote s Relationship to God\rquote s Authority\par \par \b0\f4 If you were giving permission to someone to speak for you, you would\par want to be very sure that he or she understood your position and what you\par stood for. You would choose someone you highly trusted to represent you.\par That describes the kind of relationship God had with Moses. The first\par 40 years of Moses\rquote life were lived learning the ways of his world. The second\par 40 years were lived learning the ways of God\rquote s world and building a\par close relationship with Him.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 Which education was more valuable and why? Have\par  someone read \ul Exo_3:10-12\ulnone . How is Moses\rquote attitude at this stage of\par his life different from what it had been when he tried to deliver the\par Israelites 40 years before? Which education prepared him better to be a\par \i\f2 mouthpiece \i0\f4 for God? What made the difference in his success?\par \par The Seventh-day Adventist Church considers Ellen G. White to be a\par spokesperson or prophet from God. It does not consider her writings to\par be above or even equal to the Bible.\par \par \i\f2 What is Ellen G. White\rquote s authority in relationship to God? What position\par should her writings have in the church?\par \par \b\i0\f5 II. Jesus\rquote Relationship to God and His Authority\par \par \b0\f4 Jesus was God\rquote s authority on earth. He spoke for God. He healed in God\rquote s\par name. He did miracles in the name of God. His authority is and was\par absolute. No doctrine, no religious authority, no prophet, no preacher, is\par equal to or above Jesus.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 Read in class \ul Joh_1:1-4\ulnone and \ul Rom_3:21-24\ulnone . Ask\par the following questions:\par \par Where did Jesus\rquote authority come from? What gives Him absolute authority?\par Is there any authority now or ever equal to His? Why, or why not?\par Why is Jesus\rquote authority important to us? What can we experience\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 because of it?\b\f7\fs9\par \pard\f5\fs20 III. The Authority of the Written and Spoken Word\par \f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 Put the following texts on slips of paper and give\par them out to members of the class in advance: \ul 2Sa_12:1\ulnone , \ul 1Ki_11:29\ulnone ,\par \ul Luk_7:24-27\ulnone .\par \par 1. Ask the class to name some of the prophets who wrote the books\par of the Bible. What was their basic message? How does it apply to\par us today?\par \par 2. Now turn to the texts that were given out earlier, reading one at a\par time. Ask the class the following questions about each one:\par \par a. Who was the prophet?\par \par b. What was his message?\par \par c. To whom was it given?\par \par d. What application can be made from it to today?\par \par The prophets in the texts we read did not write any of the 66 books in\par our Bible. Yet we believe that what they said were messages from God,\par and as such there is something for us to learn from them today.\par God\rquote s Word\emdash the 66 books in our Bible\emdash supersedes any other\par prophetic words. While we understand that God uses additional prophets\par to speak His words, they never will speak for the Bible, change the\par Bible, or add to the Bible. They may help us better understand the Bible\par and how to apply it to our lives today. That is the role of Ellen G.\par White\rquote s writings in the church.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 What is a noncanonical prophet? How do we or\par should we relate to the authority of noncanonical prophets?\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs40 WEDNESDAY February 18 \par The Authority of the Spoken Word \par \fs22 In ancient times, when writing material was scarce and most people could not read, the spoken word was very important. \par What effect did the spoken Word of God have on people in the following passages? \par \ul Jer_38:1-4\ulnone , \ul Joh_3:1-10\ulnone , \ul Joh_6:51-66\ulnone , \ul Act_16:25-34\ulnone . \par The Word of God, whether spoken or written, has a double function. It is like a two-edged sword, says Paul, \ldblquote piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart\rdblquote (\ul Heb_4:12\ulnone , NKJV). In the context of what Paul is saying, the word refers to the messages that were preached both to ancient Israel and to Christians (\ul Heb_4:2\ulnone ). \par Like a surgeon\rquote s scalpel, the spoken Word of God can penetrate to heal and restore, or it can furnish the evidence of a deadly disease that will result in eternal condemnation. Unless the word preached meets with faith on the part of the hearers, it cannot benefit them. \par While not everyone in the church was willing to accept Ellen G. White\rquote s prophetic authority, the church by and large listened to her counsel and benefited by it. The following story reveals the good things the church experienced by following Ellen G. White\rquote s advice. For example, church organization between 1863 (when the General Conference was organized) and 1901 remained basically unchanged. As work in different lines developed, various associations (Medical Missionary, Sabbath School, Religious Liberty, Tract Society, etc.) were formed to foster these ministries. Because these associations were all autonomous organizations represented by independent corporations but not integral parts of the General Conference organization, they were sometimes in competition with one another. On the other hand, all major decisions in regard to the worldwide work were made by a few people at the General Conference in Battle Creek. \par The day before the General Conference session in 1901, Ellen G. White met with the church leaders and urged them to make drastic changes in the running of the church. Accordingly, when the conference opened, the usual order of business was set aside and a large committee (about 75 people) was appointed to work on the reorganization of the church structure. The result was that the General Conference committee was enlarged considerably, the various associations became departments of the General Conference, and union conferences were organized to enable leaders in the field to make decisions on the spot without having to wait for decisions from Battle Creek. \par The reorganization of the church structure, directed by Divine counsel, was accepted unanimously and has stood the test of time. With some modifications and enlargements, it is still the structure of the Seventh-day Adventist Church today. \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\b\f3\fs20 STEP 3\f5\fs30\emdash Practice\par \fs20\par Thought Questions:\par \f3\fs16 Just for Teachers: \b0\f4\fs20 Type or write the following questions and possible\par answers on 3" x 5" cards to give to each class member. Read them over\par in class and suggest that the class members put them in their Bibles to\par remind them to study God\rquote s Word on a regular basis.\par \par How seriously do you take the Bible in your life today as\par \par a. an authority on religious information or ancient history,\par \par b. an expression of God\rquote s will,\par \par c. a guide to daily life,\par \par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 d. a means to reach eternal life?\b\f7\fs9\par \pard\f5\fs20 Application Questions:\par \par \b0\f4 How well do you know the writings of Ellen White?\par \par a. Well enough to know I don\rquote t believe in them.\par \par b. I don\rquote t know them well at all.\par \par c. I\rquote m not sure how well I know them.\par \par d. I read them on a regular basis.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 If your answer was a, b, or c, why not try reading some\par of her writings again, asking yourself the following questions:\par \par 1. Whom is Ellen White pointing to? Does she uphold the Bible?\par \par 2. Is she really being judgmental and nitpicking or have I allowed the\par way others read her or talked about her to influence me unduly?\par \par 3. Would it be helpful to ask God to clear my mind of preconceived\par ideas or past experiences before I begin to read her writings?\par \par \b\f5 Witnessing\par \par \f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 Print the following pairs of lists in two columns on a\par whiteboard, flip chart, or on slips of paper to hand out to the class.\par \par Bold Timid\par \par Strong Weak\par \par Good speaker Poor with words\par \par Well educated Not highly educated but teachable\par \par Which of these characteristics can God make the best use of in His\par work? Why?\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\f0\fs22\par \cf1\fs40 THURSDAY February 19 \par The Authority of Noncanonical Prophets \par \fs22 Apart from the canonical prophets, such as Isaiah and Amos, we find in Scripture a number of prophets whose books did not become part of the canon. \par What do the following texts tell us about these prophets and their writings? \par \ul 1Ch_29:29\ulnone , \ul 2Ch_9:29\ulnone , \ul 1Ch_12:15\ulnone . \par Among its sources, the books of Chronicles refer to at least six different prophetic books written by extracanonical prophets: Gad, Nathan, Ahijah, Shemaiah, and Iddo. \par What authority did extracanonical prophets have? \par \ul 2Sa_12:1-4\ulnone , \ul 1Ki_11:29-39\ulnone , \ul 1Ki_14:2-18\ulnone , \ul Luk_7:28\ulnone . \par In David\rquote s time, Scripture was the books of Moses, but not for one moment did David question the authority of Nathan. He knew that Nathan was a prophet, and that his word was authoritative, even though Nathan had no books that ever made it into the Bible. \par Let us suppose that archaeologists found a book of Nathan\rquote s today. Would it be added to the Bible? No; it would remain an inspired book outside of the canon. And if a theological statement were found in the book, it would remain an inspired and authoritative statement outside of the canon. \par The canon is simply the collection of books that under God\rquote s guidance was put together as the rule of life and faith for God\rquote s people and by which everything else has to be measured. It contains everything a person needs to know to be saved. However, not everything the prophets wrote under inspiration is in the Bible. We know, for example, that Paul wrote more inspired letters than we have in the New Testament today (\ul 1Co_5:9\ulnone , \ul Col_4:16\ulnone ). Now, if we found one of these letters today, it would not become part of the Bible. It would remain an authoritative, inspired letter outside of the canon. \par Ellen White\rquote s authority can be compared to the authority of the extracanonical prophets. The inspired messages she received for the church are not an addition to the canon. Her writings are not another Bible, nor do they carry the kind of authority found in the Bible. In the end, the Bible and the Bible alone is our ultimate authority. \par Why must even Ellen White\rquote s writings be tested by the Bible? \par Why must she not be the final authority on doctrinal matters? \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\b\f3\fs20 STEP 4\f5\fs30\emdash Apply\par \f3\fs16\par Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 You are just as important to God as any prophet He\par ever has called. He has a specific plan for your life. Do you know God\rquote s\par plan for your life? What has He revealed to you that you have done or\par refused to do?\par \par \i\f2 If you already are not spending quality time with Jesus each day, how\par about rescheduling your life to include time to prayerfully study His\par Word\emdash His messages to the prophets\emdash and Ellen G. White\rquote s writings. When\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 you do so, God will help you discover His special plan for you.\cf0\i0\f4\par \cf1\f0\fs22\par \fs40 FRIDAY February 20 \par \b\fs22 Further Study:\b0 In 1982, an ad hoc committee of the General Conference prepared a statement on the relationship between the Bible and Ellen G. White. It reads in part: \par \ldblquote Affirmations: \par (1) We believe that Scripture is the divinely revealed Word of God and is inspired by the Holy Spirit. \par (2) We believe that the canon of Scripture is composed only of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. \par (3) We believe that Scripture is the foundation of faith and the final authority in all matters of doctrine and practice. \par (4) We believe that Scripture is the Word of God in human language. \par (5) We believe that Scripture teaches that the gift of prophecy will be manifest in the Christian church after New Testament times. \par (6) We believe that the ministry and writings of Ellen White were a manifestation of the gift of prophecy. \par (7) We believe that Ellen White was inspired by the Holy Spirit and that her writings, the product of that inspiration, are applicable and authoritative especially to Seventh-day Adventists. \par (8) We believe that the purposes of the Ellen White writings include guidance in understanding the teaching of Scripture and application of these teachings, with prophetic urgency, to the spiritual and moral life. \par (9) We believe that the acceptance of the prophetic gift of Ellen White is important to the nurture and unity of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. \par (10) We believe that Ellen White's use of literary sources and assistants finds parallels in some of the writings of the Bible. \par Denials: \par (1) We do not believe that the quality or degree of inspiration in the writings of Ellen White is different from that of Scripture. \par (2) We do not believe that the writings of Ellen White are an addition to the canon of Sacred Scripture. \par (3) We do not believe that the writings of Ellen White function as the foundation and final authority of Christian faith as does Scripture. \par (4) We do not believe that the writings of Ellen White may be used as the basis of doctrine. \par (5) We do not believe that the study of the writings of Ellen White may be used to replace the study of Scripture. \par (6) We do not believe that Scripture can be understood only through the writings of Ellen White. \par (7) We do not believe that the writings of Ellen White exhaust the meaning of Scripture. \par (8) We do not believe that the writings of Ellen White are essential for the proclamation of the truths of Scripture to society at large. \par (9) We do not believe that the writings of Ellen White are the product of mere Christian piety. \par (10) We do not believe that Ellen White's use of literary sources and assistants negates the inspiration of her writings.\rdblquote \par The conclusion then was drawn that a correct understanding of the inspiration and authority of the writings of Ellen White will avoid two extremes: \par 1. regarding these writings as functioning on a canonical level identical with Scripture; \par 2. considering them as ordinary Christian literature. \par \par \b Discussion Question: \b0\par Go through the lists above. \par How does this help clarify some issues regarding Ellen G. White? \par What questions does it raise? \i\f8\fs80\par } FFT - 09-Integrity of Prophetic Gift-Feb 21-27{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f1\froman\fcharset0 Times-Semibold;}{\f2\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS-Italic;}{\f3\fswiss\fcharset0 HelveticaNeue-Black;}{\f4\froman\fcharset0 TimesNe }08-Authority of Prophets-Feb 14-20{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f1\froman\fcharset0 Times-Semibold;}{\f2\froman\fcharset0wRomanPS;}{\f5\froman\fcharset0 TimesNewRomanPS-Bold;}{\f6\fswiss\fcharset0 HelveticaNeue-MediumExt;}{\f7\fnil\fprq2\fcharset2 Wingdings;}{\f8\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f9\froman\fcharset0 AGaramond-Italic;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green128\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf1\f0\fs36 LESSON 9 *February 21 - 27 \par The Integrity of the Prophetic Gift \par SABBATH AFTERNOON \fs40\par \b\fs22 Read for This Week's Study:\b0 \ul 2Sa_7:1-7\ulnone , \ul 1Ki_22:10-18\ulnone , \ul Jer_43:2-4\ulnone , \ul Dan_8:27\ulnone .\par Memory Text: \ldblquote As the Lord lives, whatever my God says, that I will speak\rdblquote (\ul 2Ch_18:13\ulnone , NKJV).\par If you ever read modern criticism of the Bible, one thing you\rquote ll notice: The same kind of attacks leveled against the Bible are similar to the attacks leveled against Ellen White. And one attack against Ellen White is that because she used other sources, she is not reliable or honest. \par Yet, Ellen White has explained in print how she used the writings of others, and why. She even recommended that people read certain books she used in writing her own works. That hardly sounds as if she were trying to hide her use of other sources. \par This week we\rquote ll explore a little more about how inspiration works, both with Bible writers and with Ellen White.\par \b The Week at a Glance: \b0 \par What do we know about the integrity of biblical prophets? \par If Scripture and the writings of Ellen G. White are both inspired by the same Spirit, what is the relationship between them? \par What is the danger in seeing prophets as infallible? Can prophets give wrong advice? \par \i *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, February 28. \par \i0\fs36 SUNDAY February 22 \par The Integrity of the Prophet \fs40\par \fs22 The year was 853 B.C. King Ahab of Israel invited King Jehoshaphat of Judah to go with him into battle against the Arameans, and Jehoshaphat agreed. However, he requested that before they go into battle they ask for a word from the Lord. When Jehoshaphat refused to accept the word of the 400 prophets of Ahab, Micaiah, a prophet of the Lord, was called. \par Read \ul 1Ki_22:10-18\ulnone . How did Ahab\rquote s officer attempt to influence Micaiah, and what did the prophet do, regardless of the circumstances? \par Micaiah\rquote s message was unpopular with the king, and he was sent to prison for it (\ul 1Ki_22:27\ulnone ). King Ahab, in spite of the prophet\rquote s warning, went into battle and was killed; and King Jehoshaphat, who in a weak moment had agreed to support King Ahab, barely escaped with his life. \par Though prophets, like all humans, have their moments of weakness, in this case Micaiah was determined to tell the truth, no matter how unpopular it was with those in authority. Throughout history, God\rquote s prophets have endured hardship because they refused to change their testimony to suit their contemporaries. \par During Ellen White\rquote s lifetime, critics questioned her integrity, and have continued to do so ever since her death. She has been accused of deception, falsehood, and lies. One major reason for these accusations has been personal presuppositions about how a prophet should function. For example, some critics believe that \ldblquote prophets \lquote should have full knowledge\rquote from the start of their ministry; their predictions should be unalterable, their writings exempt from all errors, discrepancies, and mistakes, and never include uninspired sources. For them, prophets never express merely personal opinions in their writings.\rdblquote\emdash Herbert E. Douglass\i , Messenger of the Lord\i0 (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1998), p. 468. As we have seen in our study of biblical prophets, these presuppositions assume a verbal-inspiration concept that Seventh-day Adventist do not hold. \par If we don\rquote t hold it for the Bible itself, why should we for Ellen White? \par Have you ever had to deliver an unpopular message? \par What kind of pressures did you face? \par In what ways did you try to make excuses to yourself that could have allowed you not to deliver the message? \par What have you learned from that experience? \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\i\f2\fs32 The Lesson in Brief\par \b\i0\f3\fs20\par Key Text: \ul\b0\i\f2 2Ch_18:13\ulnone\par \b\i0\f3 The Student Will:\par \par \fs16 Know: \b0\f4\fs20 That prophets are not perfect.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Feel: \b0\f4\fs20 Generous toward the flaws and failings of prophets.\par \par \b\f3\fs16 Do: \b0\f4\fs20 Revisit the writings of Ellen G. White with a deeper appreciation for\par her humanity.\par \par \b\f3 Learning Outline:\par \par \f5 I. Integrity \b0\i\f2 (\ul 1Ki_22:10-18\ulnone )\par \par \i0\f4 What external pressures do prophets experience?\par \par Read \ul Jer_43:1-4\ulnone . What accusations have prophets faced through\par the ages? Does Ellen G. White\rquote s use of literary assistants affect the\par integrity of her messages?\par \par \b\f5 II. Thus Says the Lord \b0\i\f2 (\ul Hos_1:1\ulnone )\par \par \i0\f4 How do you feel about people who claim to speak for God? How can\par we avoid becoming skeptical or cynical?\par \par Read \ul Gal_2:11-16\ulnone . Why does God use progressive revelation?\par What contributes to the growth of a prophet\rquote s character and understanding?\par What might this experience be like for the prophet?\par \par How do you feel about the fact that as God gave more light, Ellen G.\par White\rquote s understanding of various subjects could develop or even change\par over time?\par \par \b\f5 III. Prophets in Error \b0\i\f2 (\ul 2Sa_7:1-7\ulnone )\par \par \i0\f4 Why do some people expect more of Ellen G. White than biblical\par prophets? How can we respond to unrealistic expectations or misunderstandings\par about inspiration?\par \par How do you feel about the possibility of God leading His church\par beyond the understanding of Ellen G. White on some points of belief?\par Why might that possibility be necessary? What role do the spiritual gifts\par of wisdom and knowledge play in this progression?\par \par \b\f3 Summary: \b0\f4 Prophets are not perfect. Our expectations of Ellen G. White should\par reflect the model of the biblical prophets. God is able at any time to correct\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 and further develop the understanding of prophets and His church.\par \cf1\f0\fs22\par \fs36 MONDAY February 23 \par The Integrity of the Message \fs40\par \fs22 A few months after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C., Gedaliah, the governor appointed by Nebuchadnezzar, was assassinated. The leaders and the people left in the land were afraid of Babylonian reprisals and decided to seek safety in Egypt; but they wanted to make sure that God was on their side. So, they asked Jeremiah to inquire of the Lord concerning their plan. \par What was Jeremiah\rquote s message, and how did the people respond to it? \par Of what did they accuse Jeremiah, and who was said to have originated the counsel that Jeremiah declared to be from the Lord? \par \ul Jer_43:2-4\ulnone . \par Because some did not like the clear instructions God gave, they claimed Jeremiah\rquote s message actually had originated with his literary assistant Baruch, and not with the Lord. \par How interesting that thousands of years later, Mrs. White (like Jeremiah) has at times been the focus of claims that her literary assistants wrote her books or that she plagiarized (illegally copied from other sources) most of what she wrote. Yet, in the preface to \i The Great Controversy\i0 she stated that she had used other books: \ldblquote In some cases where a historian has so grouped together events as to afford, in brief, a comprehensive view of the subject, or has summarized details in a convenient manner, his words have been quoted. . . . In narrating the experience and views of those carrying forward the work of reform in our own time, similar use has been made of their published works.\rdblquote\emdash Page 14. \par Does this justify the charge of plagiarism? In 1981 the General Conference asked a non-Adventist copyright lawyer to study the matter. After spending more than three hundred hours researching, he concluded that \ldblquote Ellen White was not a plagiarist, and her works did not constitute copyright infringement/piracy.\rdblquote\emdash\i Adventist Review\i0 , September 17, 1981. Among the reasons given were: first, the fact that the books Ellen White used were not covered by copyright; and second, even if they had been covered by copyright, her use of phrases and sentences did not constitute an infringement of copyright. \par Why was there always hostility among God\rquote s professed people to the messages of the prophets? \par Look in your own heart; can you find, at least somewhat, part of the answer there? Explain. \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\i\f2\fs32 Learning Cycle\par \b\i0\f3\fs20\par STEP 1\f5\fs30\emdash Motivate\par \par \f3\fs16 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \b0\f5\fs20 God has provided us with\par biblical guidelines for determining what is true and what is false\b .\par \par \b0\f4 How do you determine if something is true? How can you tell if the source\par of what you believe is credible? Because we constantly are bombarded\par with information from all kinds of sources, it is crucial that we know\par whether or not those sources are trustworthy.\par \par Each one of us is involved in an eternal battle. How can we be certain that\par the information on which we base eternal decisions is reliable? Read the following\par quotation: \ldblquote Members of the Society of Professional Journalists\par believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation\par of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by\par seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events\par and issues. . . . Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist\rquote s\par credibility.\rdblquote\emdash\i\f2 Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics\cf0\par \i0\f4 ({\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf3 www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp}}}\f4\fs20 ).\par \par \cf2\b\f3\fs16 Consider This: \b0\f4\fs20 In the search for truth and justice, how important is\par the integrity of those who claim to speak for God? How is integrity\par related to credibility? How do we sort out the impostors from those who\par have a genuine message from God?\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\cf1\f0\fs22\par \fs36 TUESDAY February 24 \par "Thus Says the Lord" \fs40\par \fs22 What did the prophets often designate as the source of their messages? \ul Jer_1:4\ulnone , \ul Eze_7:1\ulnone , \ul Hos_1:1\ulnone . Why is this so important to what they have to say? \par The prophets repeatedly pointed out that their messages came from God. Their position can be compared to that of earthly ambassadors who are sent out by an earthly ruler and who are commissioned to represent their sovereign. In that capacity they must adhere closely to the instructions they have received. The expression \ldblquote the Word of the Lord came unto . . .\rdblquote means that (a) their messages carry Divine authority; (b) they received them by direct communication from the Lord; and (c) these messages are in their minds, ready to be presented. \par The expression \ldblquote thus says the Lord\rdblquote appears more than four hundred times in the Old Testament\emdash a powerful testimony to the fact that in Scripture God is speaking directly to the reader. The prophet\rquote s responsibility was to bring these messages before the people and apply them to the audience\rquote s situation. \par Ellen White strongly emphasized the inspiration of the Scriptures. \ldblquote I take the Bible just as it is, as the Inspired Word,\rdblquote she said.\emdash\i Selected Messages\i0 , book 1, p. 17. At the same time she also claimed Divine inspiration for her writings: \ldblquote In these letters which I write, in the testimonies I bear, I am presenting to you that which the Lord has presented to me. . . . It is true concerning the articles in our papers and in the many volumes of my books.\rdblquote\emdash p. 29. \par Ellen White called her writings the lesser light leading men and women to the greater light\emdash the Bible. (See \i Colporteur Ministry\i0 , p. 125.) While both are light, their functions are different: 1. The Bible is God\rquote s message for all time and for all people. The writings of Ellen G. White are God\rquote s message for a particular time, the end time, and for a particular people, the remnant church. 2. Her writings are not a new or additional standard of doctrine, but a help for the church in the time of the end. Her writings focus the reader\rquote s attention on Scripture. They do not replace Scripture. \par How can we avoid the trap of putting Ellen White\rquote s writings on par with the Bible? \par Why is that so easy to do and such a big mistake? \par \pard\cf2\ul\f1\fs18 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\par \par \ulnone\b\f3\fs20 STEP 2\f5\fs30\emdash Explore\par \par Bible Commentary\par \par \fs20 I.The Integrity of the Prophet \b0\i\f2 (\ul 1Ki_22:1\ulnone -28)\par \par \i0\f4 Micaiah\rquote s initial prediction of victory \i\f2 (vs. 15) \i0\f4 for the coalition forces of\par Ahab and Jehoshaphat surely was delivered in an ironic tone, as indicated\par by Ahab\rquote s sharp reply \i\f2 (\ul\i0 1Ki_22:16\ulnone\i ). \i0\f4 Note that Micaiah indicates in verse 28 that\par the fulfillment of prophecy is one test by which to determine the genuineness\par of a prophet. Although outnumbered 400 to 1 \i\f2 (\ul\i0 1Ki_22:6\u