SQLite format 3@ N- ii!%%atableTopicsTopicsCREATE TABLE Topics (Title NVARCHAR(100), Notes TEXT) T - 09-Aug 27-Sep 2-The Prophets and Worship\ = 08-Aug 20-26-Conformity, Compromise & CrisisH  07-Aug 13-19-Worship in the Psalms\= 06-Jul 30-Aug 12-Worship and Song and PraiseN! 05-Jul 23-29-Happy Are You, O Israel!P% 04-Jul 16-22-The Sanctuary and WorshipJ 03-Jul 9-15-The Sabbath and WorshiphU 02-Jul 2-8-Worship & the Exodus: Understanding GodbI 01-Jun 25-Jul 1-Worship in Genesis: Two Classes7u 00.2-"And Worship Him...."Z9 00.1-ADULT ]  =  } A9Y00.1-ADULT SABBATH SCHOOL BIBLE STUDY GUIDE{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fonttbl{\f09Y00.1-ADULT SABBATH SC 9q00.1-ADULT SABBATH SCHOOL BIBLE STUDY GUIDE{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\lang1033\f0\fs24\par \b\fs22 ADULT SABBATH SCHOOL BIBLE STUDY Guu00.2-"And Worship Him...."{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\font XHbIi01-Jun 256I101-Jun 25-Jul 1-Worship in Genesis: Two Classes{LI=01-Jun 25-Jul 1-Worship in Genesis: Two Classes{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcpI 01-Jun 25-JulLI501-Jun 25-Jul 1-Worship in Genesis: Two Classes{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset128 MS Mincho;}{\f2\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharseHIU01-Jun 25-Jul 1-Worship in Genesis: Two Classes{\cries of the heart? Why is it important to connect personally with God in these intimate and stirring ways?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 B. How do the Psalms provide an important means for group worship? How do the themes in the Psalms help bring a community together and strengthen it in its search for a communal relationship to God?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1530\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040Ma`_^]\[ZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIset0 MS Mincho;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tqr\tx8640\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 7\f1\fs24\tab \b0\i\f0 *August 6-12\b\i0\f1\pa20 B. What is the value of addressing such varied themes as history, social injustice, personal betrayal, law, Creation, and eternal judgment in corporate worship songs?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b II. Feel: From Laments to Celebration\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. How do the Psalms help voice the deepest \b\f0\fs36\ldblquote Trust Not\i in\i0 Deceptive Words\rdblquote : The Prophets \i and\i0 Worship\b0 \par \b\scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\scaps0\f1\par \f0\fs24 Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0\i \cf1\ul Isa_1:11-15\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Isa_6:1-8\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Isa_44:1-28\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Isa_58:1-10\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Jer_7:1-10\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Mic_6:1-8\cf0\ulnone . \i0\f1\par \b\f0 Memory Text:\b0\f1 \b\f0\ldblquote \\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red49\green132\blue155;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tqr\tx8640\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 9\b0\f1 \i\f0\fs24 *August 20-26\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920 lquote Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me what has happened since I established my ancient people, and what is yet to come-yes, let him foretell what will come\rquote \rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul Isa_44:7\cf0\ulnone , NIV).\i0 \par \pard\keepn\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\dn10\f2\fs48 R\up0\f0\fs24 ussian author Ivan Turgenev, in his story \i Fathers and Sons,\i0 put these words in the mouth of a character: \ldblquote The life of each of us hangs by a thread, an abyss may gape beneath us any minute, and yet we go out of our way to cook up all sorts of trouble for ourselves and to mess up our lives.\rdblquote -\i Fathers and Sons \i0 (New York, NY: Signet Classics, 2005), p. 131.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920 Of course, the Lord offers a better way to live. He offer us the opportunity to follow Him, t tbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\lang1033\b\f0\fs22 \ldblquote And Worship Him . . .\rdblquote\par \b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tab Some of the most well-known verses among Seventh-day Adventists are these: \ldblquote And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rev_14:6-7\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 And though we view them in the context of last-day events, they also help form the foundation for our topic this quarter, which is worship. Not only are we called to worship, but we can, in these verses, find key themes to help us understand what true worship should be about.\par \tab First, John sees an angel having the \ldblquote everlasting gospel,\rdblquote the gospel of the everlasting covenant, the good news that Jesus Christ would come, take upon Himself humanity, and in that humanity die as a Substitute for the sins of the world. Foundational, then, to all our worship needs to be Jesus\rquote death in our behalf. Worship should center on our response to the substitutionary work of Christ, which includes not only the Cross but His ongoing ministry for us in the heavenly sanctuary \i (\cf1\ul Heb_8:1\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\par \tab Next, John tells us to \ldblquote fear God.\rdblquote Fearing God and loving God are two sides of the same coin: to fear God is to stand in awe, in reverence for who He is as Creator and Redeemer, in contrast to whom we are as the created and the redeemed. When we approach God in worship as a kind of buddy or pal, we degrade Him and place ourselves in a role in which we do not belong. Worship should be permeated by a sense of reverence and awe for our God, an attitude that will give us the humility and surrender so needed for true worship.\par \tab We are also told to \ldblquote give glory to Him.\rdblquote What is crucial here is that worship be about God and not about ourselves. We have to make sure that worship is not people-centered, culture-centered, or personal-needs-centered, but God-centered. We worship God, not ourselves; hence, worship must be about Him, about giving glory to Him, and not about music, culture, or worship styles. \par \tab We are told to fear God and give glory to Him. Why? Because \ldblquote the hour of his judgment [has] come.\rdblquote Christ is not only the Redeemer. He is also the Judge, a Judge who knows all our deepest and darkest secrets, a Judge who knows the innermost recesses of our hearts. As we worship, we need to do so with the sense of an accountability to God for what we do, and a realization that we can hide nothing from Him, a fact that should drive us to the Cross, our only hope in this judgment. \par \tab Finally, we are told to worship the Creator. Creation is so foundational to all worship, because all that we believe, without exception, is based on the fact that God is Creator. We worship Him because He is Creator and because He is Redeemer and because He is Judge. Creation and Redemption and judgment are closely tied, and all true worship needs to be firmly rooted in these objective theological truths. How fascinating, too, that in \cf1\ul Rev_14:7\cf0\ulnone we find language reflecting the Sabbath commandment \i (\cf1\ul Exo_20:11\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 a day inseparably linked to the true worship of God.\par \tab This quarter, as we study worship, these motifs will appear again and again, for they are central to what true worship should be about. And with worship as such a central component of \ldblquote present truth,\rdblquote we would do well to learn what it means to truly worship the only One in all creation who, by virtue of who He is, is worthy of that worship.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab \par \pard\b0\i Rosalie Haffner (Lee) Zinke served for many years as a pastoral assistant (Bible instructor) on church staffs, including Collegeview, Sacramento Central, Battle Creek Tabernacle, and the Hinsdale Church. She also worked in ministry with her pastor husband for 15 years, and later served as a hospital chaplain before her retirement.\cf2\i0\f1\fs23\par } @@vRU]02-UY02-JuU)02-(U 02-Jul 2-8-Worship & the Exodus: Understanding God{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset128 MS Mincho;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f4\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset0 MS Mincho;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red49\green132\blue155;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.1y0\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Learning Outline:\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b I. Know: Christ and Worship\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. How did Mary\rquote s prayer acknowledge the momentous occasion of the fulfillment of Gotx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Know: \b0 Explain how Christ\rquote s ministry and example highlight the themes of true worship, in contrast with the false worship practices of the day.\par \b Feel: \b0 Sense the essence of what it means to worship God in spirit and in truth.\b \par Do: \b0 Go beyond outward ritual and form and drink deeply from the living water that Jesus promises to provide as we worship and grow in our relationship with God.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li36in your own life?\b0 \b Might it be there and yet you are just too hard, too closed, too wrapped up in yourself to see it as you should?\b0\f1\fs20\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\i0\f3\fs24\par Key Text: \cf4\ul\b0\i Joh_4:23\cf3\ulnone\i0\par \b The Student Will:\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\His leading not only in her own life but among her own people, as well. Her allusion to Abraham is, clearly, a reference to the covenant the Lord made with His people; she is praising God for His promises to them and sees those promises as her hope and her people\rquote s hope for the future. \par Again, however much she did not know, she knew enough to see the working of the Lord. For that, she was thankful and worshipful. \tab\tab\par \b How much of the \ldblquote miraculous\rdblquote do you see o love Him, to worship Him, and hence spare ourselves many of the problems that we would otherwise bring upon ourselves.\par Yet, merely professing to follow the Lord is not what the Christian life is about. This week, we will look at what a few prophets said about those who thought that their \ldblquote worship\rdblquote of the true God, in the true temple on the true Sabbath day was all that mattered, regardless of how they lived the rest of the week. As the prophets show, this is a deception, a good way to \ldblquote cook up all sorts of trouble for ourselves.\rdblquote \tab\tab\par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 27.\i0\f1\fs36\par \b\scaps\f0\fs32 Sunday\fs36 \scaps0\f1\fs24\tab \b0\i\f0 August 21\b\i0\f1\par \f0\fs36 A Thousand Rams?\f1\fs24\par \b0\f0 Unlike every other religion, the religion of the Bible (both Testaments) teaches that salvation is by grace alone. Nothing we do can ever make us good enough to be accepted by God. Our good deeds, however well-intended, however Spirit-inspired, can never bridge the gap that sin has caused between God and humanity. If good works could save us, if good works could atone for sin, if good works could pay our debt before God\b , \b0 if good works could reunite fallen humanity with the Creator, then Jesus never would have had to die for us, and the plan of salvation would be something radically different than what it is. \par As it stands, only the death of Jesus credited to us by faith, only the righshould last, what do you think the Seventh-day Adventist Church will be like in twenty years? Try to imagine what your local church\rquote s worship service will be like.\b0 \par \b\f2\fs22\u10105?\b0\f0\fs24 \b Think about how drastically the nation of Israel fell into apostasy. Again, none of this happened overnight. The devil, if nothing else, is patient. How can we protect ourselves individually, and the church as a whole, from slowly but surely going the same way as Israel?\cf2\b0\f4\fs23\par } day?\tab\par \lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10103?\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 The descriptions of Baal worship hint that it was highly entertaining, which could help explain its popularity. How can we restore the sense of awe and reverence for God in our worship rather than encouraging expectations of being entertained?\par \b0\f2\fs22\u10104?\f0\fs24 \b How has the Seventh-day Adventist Church changed in the past twenty years? In your opinion, in what ways has it changed for the better, and in what ways not? If time  of entertainment. It is the cross of Jesus Christ, says Tozer, not entertainment, that will win souls to Christ. See A. W. Tozer, \i Tozer On Worship and Entertainment,\i0 compiled by James L. Snyder (Camp Hill, Penn.: Wing Spread Publishers, 1997), pp. 108, 109.\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\f1\fs24\par \lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10102?\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 In class, discuss your answer to Sunday\rquote s question. How much has your society impacted the church\rquote s views on the moral issues of the  has many thousands [in this age] who have not bowed the knee to Baal . . . [and] many who have been worshiping Baal ignorantly, but with whom the Spirit of God is still striving.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Prophets and Kings,\i0 p. 171.\par A. W. Tozer, a well-known preacher of the twentieth century (he died in 1963), often preached against the worship of the \ldblquote god of entertainment,\rdblquote suggesting that no matter how hard they try churches cannot compete with the world\rquote s idea n G. White, \ldblquote Jeroboam,\rdblquote pp. 99-108; \ldblquote National Apostasy,\rdblquote pp. 114-116; \ldblquote Elijah the Tishbite,\rdblquote pp. 119-128; \ldblquote The Voice of Stern Rebuke,\rdblquote pp. 139-142; \ldblquote Carmel,\rdblquote pp. 143-154, in\i Prophets and Kings.\i0\f1\par \f0 \ldblquote The apostasy prevailing today is similar to that which in the prophet\rquote s day overspread Israel.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Prophets and Kings,\i0 p. 170. \par \ldblquote God!at it is.) After each member is finished, allow a minute for silent prayer. Invite each class member to ask God for strength to yield this area of his or her life to God. Close with a prayer of thanksgiving.\cf0\f0 \b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday \b0\i\scaps0\fs24 August 19\i0\f1\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\f0\fs28 Further Study:\fs24 \b0 Read\b \b0 Elle"0\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\i0\f3\fs24 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920 Just for Teachers:\b0 \b Ask your students to turn over their 3 by 5 index cards and write one problem area of their lives in which they are not following God\rquote s commands completely. (Alternately, you can ask them just to think about the area, without disclosing wh#ttle between good and evil unfolds among the nations. \par \b Think about the daily choices you\rquote ve made (perhaps in the past few days), even on the smallest of things \b0\i (see \cf1\ul Luk_16:10\cf0\ulnone ).\b\i0 Judging by those choices (and the compromises that might be manifest in those choices), which of the two sides are you choosing? Dwell on the implications of your answer. \b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx720$efore the end of sin and evil. The book of Revelation proclaims to the last generation a message of warning, a call to obedience, and a call to worship the Creator God. As with Elijah on Carmel, people will in a very dramatic way have to make the most important choice of their lives, a choice that is filled with truly eternal consequences. The good news is that even before these final events unfold we can make daily choices that will greatly prepare us to be on the Lord\rquote s side when the climactic ba%rstand this \ldblquote Elijah message\rdblquote in the context of last-day events and the whole question of worship? \b0\i See \cf1\ul Rev_14:7-12\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\par \b\i0 \b0\f0 Just as John the Baptist, whom Jesus referred to as \ldblquote Elijah\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Mat_17:11-13\cf0\ulnone ), \i0 had a message of reformation, repentance, and obedience, Malachi makes it clear \i (\cf1\ul Mal_4:1\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Mal_4:5\cf0\ulnone )\i0 that \ldblquote Elijah\rdblquote will again come just b&rveth God and him that serveth him not\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Mal_3:18\cf0\ulnone )\i0 . As Jesus so bluntly and clearly said it: \ldblquote \lquote He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth\rquote \rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Luk_11:23\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 How much plainer could He be? \par \b With the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel in the background, read \cf1\ul Mal_3:16-18\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Mal_4:1-6\cf0\ulnone . What is the Lord telling us here? How do we unde'ul 1Ki_18:21\cf0\ulnone , NIV)\i0 . However specific the context was, it really asks a question that each individual must answer for herself or himself: Do we worship and follow the true God or not? We might be able to \ldblquote waver between two opinions\rdblquote for only so long, but sooner or later we all come down on one side or another. \par At the end of time, when the great controversy is over, all humanity will have been forever divided into one of two classes: \ldblquote between him that se(quote Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not\rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul Mal_3:18\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par For all the drama, Elijah\rquote s confrontation with the 150 prophets on Mt. Carmel boiled down to one question for the people gathered there with them, \ldblquote \lquote How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him\rquote \rdblquote \i (\cf1\)3 \cf3\lang1033\fs24 Which is more important, and why-a life lived in obedience to God, or a life lived in obedience to God, coupled with a visible, vocal profession of faith and practice?\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\f1\fs36 \b0\i\scaps0\f0\fs24 August 18\b\i0\scaps\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\scaps0\f0\fs36 The Elijah Message\b0\f1\fs24\par \b\f0\ldbl*ed\rdblquote worship styles? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Questions for Witnessing: \b0\par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\cf5\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10102?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 What kind of example do you owe your neighbors, friends, family members, coworkers, etc.? Is there any distance between your profession of faith and the life you live? If so, how can you change that?\par \cf5\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\f+\sb60\sa60\cf5\lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10102?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 How does your personal walk with God impact your corporate worship of God? Do you come in search of something from God, or do you enter God\rquote s presence with something to give to God? Discuss.\b\par \cf5\lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10103?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 This week\rquote s lesson touched on the entertainment ethic prevalent in some worship services today. What can you do to help your church avoid the dangers of \ldblquote seeker-dominat,cording to Your word\rdblquote \i (NKJV)\i0 . Verse 11 enlarges on this theme. The Word hidden in one\rquote s heart helps to prevent sin from taking root. If God\rquote s Word is powerful enough to keep our way pure, free of dangerous compromises, and prevent us from falling, why do we continue to sin after we know what is right?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Application Questions:\par \pard\li360-\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Thought Questions: \par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\cf5\lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10102?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 According to \cf4\ul Jer_17:9\cf3\ulnone , we humans have heart trouble of the most dire sort. How can we keep from compromising God\rquote s standards when we have a heart and nature that sabotages us from within?\par \cf5\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 \cf4\ul Psa_119:9\cf3\ulnone explains how to keep one\rquote s way pure \ldblquote by taking heed ac.dentify the area of compromise or conformity in each life and how it affected his or her worship of God. \par \tab\b0 -\b Cain\par \tab\b0 -\b Samson\par \tab\b0 -\b Jezebel\par \tab\b0 -\b Jacob\par \tab\b0 -\b Eli\par \tab\b0 -\b Judas\par \tab\b0 -\b David\par \tab\b0 -\b Achan\par Consider This: \b0 In what ways do we sometimes compromise our standards in the same areas? What are the results?\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760/0\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\i0\f3\fs24 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers:\b0 \b Conformity and compromise with the world often leads to crisis. Distribute 3 by 5 index cards and pencils to your class members. List the following Bible characters and ask the class to i0regardless of the form they take. \par Our worship services should always present worshipers with the question that Elijah asked Israel. \ldblquote \lquote How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him\rquote \rdblquote \i (vs. 21, NIV)\i0 . Our worship experience should force us to look inside our hearts and see where our true love and devotion are: on the Lord or on anything else. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1441he true Lord, on the Creator. True worship needs to be grounded in the Word of God, pointing the worshiper to the Lord and His activity in history. In contrast to all the bedlam of the priests of Baal, Elijah prayed a simple prayer, \ldblquote \lquote Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God\rquote \rdblquote\b \b0\i (vs. 37)\i0\f1 .\i\f0 \i0 This was no \ldblquote Elijah show.\rdblquote It was about worshiping the true God in contrast to any and all false ones, 2 a lot of emotion, a lot of hype, and a lot of noise. Though we want to avoid worship services that remind people of funerals, we also do not want worship services that remind them of priests of Baal at Mt. Carmel either. Some seem to think the more sounds they make, the louder the music, the more emotional excitement generated, the better the worship service. Yet, that is not what worship is about.\par Perhaps one of the most important lessons from this account is that all worship must be focused on t3must have been quite a scene: these prophets of Baal wailing, leaping, crying (who knows what kind of music might have accompanied their ritual?), prophesying, even cutting themselves and spilling their own blood as part of their worship of Baal. These were certainly hyped-up people, full of zeal and passion for their faith and their god, a zeal and passion that testified to the sincerity of their beliefs.\par Today, too, some Christian worship services could remind one at times of something like this:4; \cf1\ul 1Ki_19:1-21\cf0\ulnone )\i0 that we come to the famous story of the confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. It is here where we can see just how far compromise had taken them. \b\f1\tab\b0\tab\par \b\f0 Read \cf1\ul 1Ki_18:1-46\cf0\ulnone . Notice the difference in \ldblquote worship styles\rdblquote between Elijah and these false prophets. What lessons might we take away that could be relevant for ourselves today and the whole question of worship? \b0\f1\par \b \b0\f0 It 5x720\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday \b0\i\scaps0\fs24 August 17\i0\f1\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\f0\fs36 Elijah and the Prophets of Baal\b0\f1\fs24\par \b \b0\f0 Things went from bad to worse in the north, especially when it came to the question of worship under the reign of Ahab and Jezebel. It is against this background\i (see \cf1\ul 1Ki_17:1-24\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ki_18:1-46\cf2\ulnone 6ill of God. \par \b Consider This:\b0 In what ways do we create a false dichotomy in our lives between the God we worship and the lives we live? How do we tend to compartmentalize our walk with God? What are the areas in which we may be vulnerable to compromises, and how do we safeguard ourselves?\b\par Further Discussion:\b0 If time permits, explore what it means to truly know one\rquote s self and the areas in the life that are prone to conformity and compromise.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tace that fire themselves \i (\cf1\ul Rev_20:9\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 The same glory that was revealed at the Cross will be the glory that, in the end, destroys sin. What a stark and unambiguous choice is before us all. \par \b In one sense, if you think about it, fire is fire. What is the difference? Obviously, in this case, it was a big one. Think about not just how you worship but your life in general. What, if any, \ldblquote strange fires\rdblquote might you need to put out in your life?\b0\f1\par \pa8e . . .\i (9:24, NKJV)\i0 . Consumed what? In the first case, the offering; in the other, the sinners. What a powerful representation of the plan of salvation. At the Cross, the \ldblquote fire from God,\rdblquote the wrath of God, \ldblquote consumed\rdblquote the offering, and that was Jesus. Thus, all who put their faith in Him never have to face that fire, that wrath, because a substitute did it for them. Those, however, like these priests, who reject God\rquote s way for their own, will have to f9f0\ulnone . Who were they? What was their sin? \b0\i (Compare \cf1\ul Exo_30:9\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Lev_16:12\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Lev_10:9\cf0\ulnone ).\b\i0 After what just happened in the previous chapter, what significance is found in how they died? What important gospel lesson can we learn from this tragic story?\par \b0\f1 \f0 The Hebrew wording in both \cf1\ul Lev_9:24\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Lev_10:2\cf0\ulnone was the same: \ldblquote and fire came out from before the Lord and consumed\rdblquot:d Prophets, \i0 p. 359. \b\f1\tab\b0\f0 It is hard to believe that after something so dramatic, a terrible fall would immediately follow. One would have thought that with such a demonstration of God\rquote s power, all the people, particularly the priests (especially priests as highly honored as these) would have fallen strictly in line. How foolish we are to ever underestimate the corruption of the human heart, especially our own!\b\f1\par \f0 Read the story of Nadab and Abihu in \cf1\ul Lev_10:1-11\c;ople. All had been done as God commanded, and He accepted the sacrifice, and revealed His glory in a remarkable manner; fire came from the Lord and consumed the offering upon the altar. The people looked upon this wonderful manifestation of divine power with awe and intense interest. They saw in it a token of God\rquote s glory and favor, and they raised a universal shout of praise and adoration and fell on their faces as if in the immediate presence of Jehovah.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i Patriarchs anrent from Saul\rquote s? \i (See \cf4\ul 1Sa_1:1-28\cf3\ulnone and \cf4\ul 1Sa_15:1-35\cf3\ulnone .)\i0\par B. How were Nadab and Abihu\rquote s attitudes toward worship similar to Saul\rquote s? \i (See \cf4\ul 1Sa_15:1-35\cf3\ulnone and \cf4\ul Lev_10:1-20\cf3\ulnone .)\i0\par C. What attitudes are important to foster in worship, and why?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1710\tx2430\tx3150\tx3870\tx4590\tx5310\tx6030\tx6750\tx7470\tx8190\tx8910\b III. Do: Not My Will, But Thine\b0\par? juncture in the development of Israel\rquote s concepts of worship? \par D. Why did God reject Saul\rquote s leadership and take the kingdom away from him?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b II. Feel: Obedience Rather Than Sacrifice\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. How was Hannah\rquote s attitude in worship diffe@8640\tx9360\b I. Know: God-centered Worship\b0\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. Why is it important to recognize God\rquote s distinctions between sacred and common?\par B. What scriptural examples describe the consequences of substituting our own ways and means of worship for God\rquote s requirements?\b\par \b0 C. Why were the drastic measures that God took with Nadab and Abihu so important at thisA-centered worship and God-centered worship.\par \b Feel: \b0 Foster attitudes of submission and obedience in worship.\par \b Do: \b0 Submit to God\rquote s will and ways rather than substitute our own ideas and methods for His requirements.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Learning Outline:\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\txBes?\b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\i0\f3\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Key Text: \cf4\ul\b0\i Isa_5:20-21\cf3\ulnone\i0\par \b The Student Will:\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Know: \b0 Recognize the differences between selfC faces in humility before the glory of God\rquote s holy presence. What we see here is intense reverence, awe, and obedience; every detail of God\rquote s commands were followed, and the Lord showed His acceptance of what they had done.\par \b Notice their reaction: they shouted and also fell on their faces. However intense the whole service was, their reaction was one of reverence, joy, and fear-all at the same time. How can we learn to manifest this kind of reverence and joy in our own worship servicF{\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 5\b0\f1\fs24\tab\i\f0\fs28 \fs24 *July 23-29\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f0\fs36 Happy Are You, O Israel\b0 !\f1\par \b\scaps\f0\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\b0\scaps0\f1\par \b\f0\fs24 Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0\i \cf1\ul Lev_9:1-24\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Lev_10:1-11\cf0\ulnone ; \cGf1\ul Deu_33:26-29\cf0\ulnone ;\i0 \cf1\ul\i 1Sa_1:1-28\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Sa_15:22-23\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_20:9\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\i0\par \b\f0 Memory Text:\fs28 \fs24\ldblquote Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!\rdblquote\i \b0 (\cf1\ul Isa_5:20-21\cf0\ulnone , NKJV).\i0\f1\par \pard\keepn\nowidctlpar\sb100\Hsa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\dn10\f2\fs48 I\up0\f0\fs24 n cultures focused on\i \i0 individuality, it is so easy to forget what must always be the starting point of all worship: the action of God in history. Authentic worship should be the Christian\rquote s heartfelt response to God\rquote s mighty acts, both in Creation and in Redemption (again, the first angel\rquote s message motif). True worship comes from our response to God\rquote s lIove and should impact every area of our lives. In the end, authentic worship is not just what we do on Sabbath; it should permeate all areas of our lives and not just in church.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Especially in our desire to be relevant, it is so easy to shift the focus of worship solely onto ourselves, our needs, our desires, and our wants. And though worship personally should be satisfying, the dangeJr comes from how we seek to experience that satisfaction. Only in the Lord, only in the One who created and redeemed us, can we find true satisfaction, as much as is possible in a sinful, fallen world. \par This week we will look further at some of the lessons about true worship that we can learn from Israel\rquote s history, both from the good things that happened and from the bad.\par *\i Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 30. \i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tKx8640\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Sunday\b0\i\scaps0\fs24 July 24\i0\f1\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f0\fs36 The Dedication\b0\f1\fs24\tab\par \f0 Seven days of consecration had passed \i (see \cf1\ul Lev_8:1-36\cf0\ulnone )\i0 . On the eighth day the priests entered their sacred ministry in the sanctuary. They were starting a work that would continue (though not without interruption) for more than fouLrteen hundred years, a work that prefigured the work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, the true sanctuary where Christ now ministers on our behalf.\par \b Read \cf1\ul Lev_9:1-24\cf0\ulnone . What elements appear here that teach us about worship? That is, what truths are taught by the various rituals that help us understand the work of God for humanity and why we worship Him? For example, what does the work of \ldblquote atonement\rdblquote teach us about what God has done for us and why we worshipM Him?\par \b0\f1 \f0 Verses 22-24 are especially fascinating. It is hard to imagine what must have gone on in the minds and hearts of Moses and Aaron as they entered the sanctuary and then came out, only to have \ldblquote the glory of the Lord\rdblquote appear before all the people. Though the text does not say what exactly happened, there were a lot of people in the camp at that time, and for all of them to have seen it means that it must have been something spectacular. Perhaps the glory was manifeDst by what happened next: \ldblquote and fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Lev_9:24\cf0\ulnone , NKJV).\i0\f1\par \f0 The tabernacle had been dedicated, and the priests consecrated to the service of divine worship. Holy fire appeared as a token that the sacrifice had been accepted. The people responded in unison-with a shout of praise, and then fell on theiris the reason given for not wanting to make any changes. How would you respond to the answer, \ldblquote This is how we have always done it,\rdblquote when change is suggested and rejected? \par \lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10106?\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 The earthly sanctuary was a very sacred and holy place, the place where God Himself dwelt. At the same time, the children of Israel were to rejoice before the Lord there. What lessons can we draw from these important truths about worship? \cf2\b0\f4\fs23\par } Nrd excitement, and feeling? Or is there a good balance between the extremes? Discuss.\par \b0\f2\fs22\u10104?\b\f0\fs24 In an attempt to reach out to the nonchurched, some congregations radically have altered their worship services. While this could be a very good thing, what dangers should they be aware of, such as that of compromise and of watering down crucial biblical truths? \par \f2\fs22\u10105?\f0\fs24 In some worship services, rituals have been performed a certain way for many years, and that O Mass.: Good Tidings Press, 1902), p. 351.\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\b0\f1\fs24\par \lang1034\f2\fs22\u10102?\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 How can you help others see that the giving of tithes and offerings is truly an act of worship? What are we compromising when we do not tithe and do not give offerings? \par \lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10103?\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 Look at your own church services. Do they lean more toward the cold, formal, sterile, and joyless? Or do they lean more toward the emotional, towaPeveal disapproval or rejection.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets,\i0 p. 349.\par \ldblquote In them [His people] the Lord designed to dwell in His fulness in this world; not only in a general way by dwelling in a tent; but by so completely taking possession of their lives, as to show them, and through them the world, how the Messiah would be the dwelling-place of God.\rdblquote -F. C. Gilbert, \i Practical Lessons From the Experience of Israel for the Church of Today\i0 (Concord,Qlquote The Lord\rquote s Vineyard,\rdblquote pp. 288-290, in \i Christ\rquote s Object Lessons;\i0 \ldblquote Ellen G. White Comments,\rdblquote in\i The SDA Bible Commentary,\i0 vol. 4, pp. 1139, 1140.\par From the Holy Shekinah, \ldblquote God made known His will. Divine messages were sometimes communicated to the high priest by a voice from the cloud. Sometimes a light fell upon the angel at the right, to signify approval or acceptance, or a shadow or cloud rested upon the one at the left to rR look for changes.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i July 22\i0\f1\par \b\f0\fs28 Further Study:\b0\fs24 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote The Tabernacle and Its Services,\rdblquote pp. 343-358; \ldblquote The Sin of Nadab and Abihu,\rdblquote pp. 359-362; \ldblquote The Law and the Covenants,\rdblquote pp. 367-373, in \i Patriarchs and Prophets;\i0 \ldbSa dimension to this idea, make your students remove their shoes as they walk into the room, as Moses did at the burning bush.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b Alternative:\b0 Ask the class members to consider areas of their lives in which they might still need to be made over. Suggest that they take note of those areas and make them a topic of focused prayer in the coming days, weeks, or months, and that theyTnotes, the ancient Hebrews were able to look at a distinct building and structure and know that God was represented there. Ask your class to imagine such a concrete presence of God; that is, they were looking at a structure and believed that the very presence of God, in a special way, was there. How would their actions or behavior change? How would the way they think about things change? After discussing this, emphasize that as Christians, we do live in the presence of God.\par If you want to add an extrU440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\b0\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\b Just for Teachers:\b0 \b Emphasize worship as an acknowledgment of the reality of God. The following activities will emphasize being mindful of His reality and greatness.\b0\par As the lesson Vg and at the same time have a joyous worship experience. After all, if the truths of Salvation, Redemption, mediation, and judgment are not worth rejoicing over, what is? \par \b What is your own experience in rejoicing before the Lord? What does this mean to you? How can you have a more joyful worship experience? How can you make sure your worship experience is not similar to the man in this week\rquote s introduction that Tolstoy told about? \b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1W should lead to rejoicing, must do so in the context of biblical truth. God gave the Israelites very clear, strict, and formal instructions regarding the construction of the sanctuary and its ministry and services, all of which were meant to teach them the truths of Salvation, Redemption, mediation, and judgment. And yet, at the same time, they were to rejoice before the Lord in their worship. This theme appears over and over again. It should be clear, then, that one can be very strong in biblical teachinXruggles facing the church in our time today has to do with worship and worship styles. On one end, church services can be cold, formal, stale, and definitely without joy. The other danger is that emotions become the dominant factor: all people want to do is have a good time, \ldblquote rejoicing\rdblquote in the Lord at the expense of any kind of strict adherence to biblical truths.\par An important point to remember, a lesson that we can learn from the sanctuary model, is that all true worship, whichYwas that His people would be a holy, joyful, and faithful covenant nation that would teach the world about the true God \i (\cf1\ul Exo_19:6\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Deu_4:5-7\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Zec_8:23\cf0\ulnone ). \i0\f1\par \b\f0 What do these texts tell us about Israelite worship at the sanctuary?\b0 \cf1\ul\i Lev_23:39-44\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Deu_12:5-7\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Deu_12:12\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Deu_12:18\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Deu_16:13-16\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\i0\par \f0 One of the great stZwas a very sacred and holy place. After all, it was not only the place where God Himself dwelt, it was the place where Israel came to be forgiven and cleansed of sin. It was the place where Israel learned and experienced the gospel. \par At the same time, we must not come away with the idea that Israelite worship was cold, sterile, and formal. The Lord had set very strict guidelines on what was to be done, but these guidelines were not ends in themselves. Rather, they were means to an end, and the end  Learning Outline:\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b I. Know: Hymnal as Heartbeat\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1890\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. How do the Psalms address the many problems that trouble us personally and as a church?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx450\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx79 _5:15\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Isa_44:15-20\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Max503-Jul 9-15-The SabbaD 03-Jul 9-15-The Sabbath and Worship{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fmodern\flM03-Jul 9-15-The Sabbath and Worship{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset128 MS Mincho;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f>\640\tx9360 Know: \b0 Outline the wide variety of emotions and personal, as well as corporate, content of the themes addressed in the Psalms.\par \b Feel: \b0 Identify with the passionate laments and soaring praises of these deeply personal worship songs.\par \b Do: \b0 Use the sanctuary imagery of the Psalms to connect with the Creator, Judge, Sacrificial Lamb, and King.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b^ar \b How can you seek to get to know the Lord better through His created works? \b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\i0\f3\fs24\par Key Text: \cf4\ul\b0\i Psa_84:1-2\cf3\ulnone\i0\par \b The Student Will:\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8_eal the Father to them and to die as their substitute. Thus, He alone is worthy of adoration and worship. \par Hence, we see in the Psalms one of the foundational principles of worship as seen in the first angel\rquote s message \i (\cf1\ul Rev_14:7\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 We worship the Lord because He is our Creator, and directly tied to His role as Creator is His role as our Redeemer \i (\cf1\ul Rev_14:6\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Creator and Redeemer-if these are not reasons to praise and worship Him, what are?\p`ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_1:1-3\cf0\ulnone . \b\i0 What great truth is the psalmist emphasizing?\par \b0\f1 \f0 The same God who spoke the world into existence also gave the moral, physical, and social laws to govern the human family. The Old Testament Scriptures clearly identify God as both the Creator of the world and the Giver of the written law. The New Testament writers see Jesus Christ as the Creator and the Giver of the Law as well as the Word made flesh, who lived among His creatures in order to revane is another song in praise of God as Creator. What is its essential message, and why is that especially important for us today, at a time when many argue that we exist only as the result of natural and unguided forces that created us by chance alone?\i \b0\f1\tab\par \b\i0\f0 Notice how the psalmist suddenly shifts from discussing God\rquote s glory revealed in the heavens to His revealed word. This abrupt transition is intentional. \b0\i Read \cf1\ul Joh_1:1-3\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Col_1:16-17\cf0\by\scaps0\f1\fs24\tab \b0\i\f0 August 7\b\i0\f1\par \f0\fs36 Worship the Lord, Our Maker\b0\f1\fs24\par \f0 The Psalms of praise describe who God is and why He is worthy of worship. They declare His greatness, and call worshipers to come with joyful adoration to honor Him. \par \b What do the following\b0 \b examples have in common?\b0 \cf1\ul\i Psa_90:1-2\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_95:1-6\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_100:1-5\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\i0\par \cf1\ul\b\f0 Psa_19:1-14\cf0\ulnoer\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tqr\tx8640\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 7\f1\fs24\tab \b0\i\f0 *August 6-12\b\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\f0\fs36 Worship \i in the \i0 Psalms\f1\par \scaps\f0\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\scaps0\f1\par \f0\fs24 Read for This Week\rquote s Study: \cf1\ul\b0\i Psa_20:3\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_49:1-20\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_54:6\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_73:1-28f\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_78:1-8\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_90:1-2\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_100:1-5\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_141:2\cf0\ulnone\i0\f1\fs28 .\b\fs24\par \f0 Memory Text: \ldblquote How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Psa_84:1-2\cf0\ulnone , NIV).\b\f1\par \pard\keepn\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx576g0\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0\i0\dn10\f2\fs48 T\up0\f0\fs24 he Hebrew word translated \ldblquote Psalms\rdblquote comes from a root word that means \ldblquote to sing with instrumental accompaniment.\rdblquote Thus, the Psalms were songs, songs that were intricately part of the worship of Israel. Though we have the lyrics (the Psalms themselves), we do not have the music. How fascinating it would be to hear these songs, in their original tongue, sung with the music that first accompanied them. \i\f1\htab\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 \f0 The Psalms themselves are rich and deep, covering a wide range of topics and emotions, dealing with everything from the corporate history of Israel to the songwriter\rquote s most intimate and personal pain. In that sense, they speak to us because, though as a church, we are part of the long history that goes back to Israel, we also are individuals with our own private paicn. It is doubtful that any of us could not relate at some time or another to some of the agony expressed in the Psalms. At the same time, though, it is crucial that we reach out and grasp the hope expressed in them. \par This week we will look at the Psalms and some of the themes found in them and how these themes relate to the question of worship and what it means for us today.\b\f1\par \i\f0 *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 13.\b0\i0\f1\fs36\par \b\scaps\f0\fs32 Sundah, or do you deny that it does? \par \pard\lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10103?\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 Read the Ellen White quote in Friday\rquote s study about music. How much of this do you experience with the kind of music that is part of your church\rquote s worship service? What are ways that we can evaluate the role of music in our church services? How can your church work together to make sure that the music is, indeed, uplifting and encouraging, fulfilling the role that it should? \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22\par } iise and thanksgiving from the heavenly choir round about the throne; and as the echo of the angels\rquote song is awakened in our earthly homes, hearts will be drawn closer to the heavenly singers. Heaven\rquote s communion begins on earth. We learn here the keynote of its praise.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Education,\i0 p. 168. \b\f1\par \f0\fs28 Discussion Questions:\fs24 \par \lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10102?\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 In what ways do your culture and society impact the music in your churcjespair, memory recalls some word of God\rquote s-the long-forgotten burden of a childhood song,-and temptations lose their power, life takes on new meaning and new purpose, and courage and gladness are imparted to other souls! . . . \par \ldblquote As a part of religious service, singing is as much an act of worship as is prayer. Indeed, many a song is prayer. . . .\par \ldblquote As our Redeemer leads us to the threshold of the Infinite, flushed with the glory of God, we may catch the themes of prakn as a sinner because he receives and believes in Jesus. It is wholly a free gift. Justification by faith is placed beyond controversy. And all this controversy is ended, as soon as the matter is settled that the merits of fallen man in his good works can never procure eternal life for him.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Faith and Works,\i0 pp. 19, 20. \par Music \ldblquote is one of the most effective means of impressing the heart with spiritual truth. How often to the soul hard pressed and ready to dl us through creature merit. Should faith and works purchase the gift of salvation for anyone, then the Creator is under obligation to the creature. Here is an opportunity for falsehood to be accepted as truth. If any man can merit salvation by anything he may do, then he is in the same position as the Catholic to do penance for his sins. Salvation, then, is partly of debt, that may be earned as wages. If man cannot, by any of his good works, merit salvation, then it must be wholly of grace, received by mams24 Go to a favorite spot in nature and look for inspiration to write a piece of poetry to your Creator. \cf2\f4\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\scaps0\fs24 \tab \b0\i August 5\b\i0\f1\par \f0\fs28 Further Study:\b0\fs24 \ldblquote Let the subject be made distinct and plain that it is not possible to effect anything in our standing before God or in the gift of God tone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\b0\i0\f3\fs24\par \b Just for Teachers:\b0 \b Suggest the following ideas to help your class put the class discussion into practice during the following weeks or months. \b0\par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\cf6\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10102?\f3 \cf3\lang1033\fs24 Challenge your class members to write their own psalm and put it to music. Ask for a showing of hands of those willing to perform their creations at class the following week. \par \cf6\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\cf3\lang1033\f3\foous cultures have different tastes in music, and music and musical instruments vary in our worldwide family. What is uplifting and encouraging to those in one culture might sound strange to those in another. Either way, how important that we seek the Lord\rquote s guidance in having appropriate music for our worship services. \f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnonps of how Satan has perverted another of God\rquote s wonderful gifts to humanity. \par Music in our worship services should have a balance of spiritual, intellectual, and emotional elements. The lyrics, in harmony with the music itself, should uplift us, elevate our thoughts, and make us long more for the Lord who has done so much for us. Music that can bring us to the foot of the Cross, that can help us realize what we have been given in Christ, is the kind we need for our worship. \par Again, variqfference). \par What is important for worship music is that it point us to the noblest and the best, which is the Lord. It should appeal, not to the baser elements of our being but to the higher ones. Music is not morally neutral: it can move us to some of the most exalted spiritual experiences, or it can be used by the enemy to debase and degrade us, to bring out lusts and passion and despair and anger. All one has to do is look at what some of the music industry today produces to see powerful exampler principles that should guide us in the kind of music we have in our worship?\b0 \cf1\ul\i 1Co_10:31\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Php_4:8\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Col_1:18\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\i0\par \f0 Over the years, the question of music and types of music in worship has arisen in our church. In some cases, hymnal music has been given all but sacred status; in others, it is hard to tell the difference between what is being played in church and what is being played as secular music (because, frankly, there is no disvinely inspired songs, we do not have any of the music itself. Thus, using our God-given gifts (at least, those of us who have those gifts), we write our own music if not always our own lyrics. But as we all know, we do not do this in a vacuum. We worship in relationship to the culture we live in, a culture that to some degree influences us and our music. This can be a good thing, or this can be a bad thing. The hard thing is to know the difference.\par \b Read the following texts. How can they give ustb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\b0\f1\fs36 \i\scaps0\f0\fs24 August 4\b\i0\f1\par \pard\keepn\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\f0\fs36\ldblquote Sing a New Song to the Lord!\rdblquote \b0\f1\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 \f0 Unfortunately, though we have access to some of the themes and lyrics of diu in dealing with our tendencies to fall into sin. \par \cf6\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 When has the Lord delivered you from disaster? Ask your class members to examine the songs of deliverance as described in \cf4\ul Psa_18:1-50\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Psa_34:1-22\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Psa_57:1-11\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Psa_59:1-17\cf3\ulnone , and share the verses that they most identify with, and why, as they recount how God rescued them from trouble. \par \pard\keep\keepn\nowidctlpar\sv 3-Apply\b0\i0\f3\fs24\par \b Just for Teachers:\b0 \b Challenge your class members to try their hand at putting a favorite verse of the Psalms to music. This is an excellent way to memorize scripture. \b0\par \b Application:\b0\par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\cf6\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10102?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 As you read \cf4\ul Psa_32:1-11\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Psa_51:1-19\cf3\ulnone together, ask your class to list the lessons they contain about contrition, forgiveness, and God\rquote s mercy and justicewlift us into the very presence of the Lord. Who has not experienced, at some point, the power of music to bring us closer to our Maker? \par \b What has been your own spiritual experience with the power of music? What kind of music do you listen to, and how does it impact your relationship with the Lord?\b0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx721\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEPx experience. As creatures made in God\rquote s image, we share a love and an appreciation for music, as do other intelligent beings. It is hard to imagine a culture that does not use music in some way or another, for some purpose or another. Love and appreciation of music are woven into the very fabric of our human existence; God surely made us that way.\par There is a power in music to touch us and move us that other forms of communication do not seem to have. At its purest and finest, music seems to yulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_14:1-3\cf0\ulnone . What does this tell us about some things that go on in the sinless environment of heaven? What are some of the themes expressed here, and what can we learn from them about worship? \par \b0\f1 \f0 Central to the theme of the songs and praise and adoration is Jesus as Creator and as Redeemer. If they sing about that in heaven, how much more so should we be doing that here on earth?\par There is no question that song and music and praise are part of our worshipz\ulnone records a song that David wrote in praise of the Lord. (Skim through the song and note the key elements and how they are linked to worship.) The key point here, and in so many other places in the Bible, is that this was a song. It was music. All through Scripture, we find music as an integral part of worship. According to the text above, the angels sang in response to the creation of the world.\par \b Read \cf1\ul Rev_4:9-11\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_5:9-13\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_7:10-12\cf2\{\ul 1Ki_2:1-46\cf3\ulnone . \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\f1\fs36 \b0\i\scaps0\f0\fs24 August 3\b\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\f0\fs36 David\rquote s Song\f1\fs24\par \f0\ldblquote When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Job_38:7\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \b\f1\par \cf1\ul\b0\f0 2Sa_22:1-51\cf0 one ; \cf1\ul 1Sa_15:22-23\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_20:9\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\i0`%y04-Jul 16-22-The Sanctuary and Worship{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset128 MS Mincho;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green1 %I04-Jul 16-22-The Sanctuary and Worship{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{Z%04-Jul 16-22-The Sanctuary and Worship{\rtf1\ansi\ansip|cumstances surrounding David\rquote s four sons who died. How did David respond to three of their four deaths? (The fourth son was killed after the king\rquote s death.) See \cf4\ul 2Sa_12:1-31\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 2Sa_13:1-39\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 2Sa_14:1-33\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 2Sa_15:1-37\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 2Sa_16:1-23\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 2Sa_17:1-29\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 2Sa_18:1-33\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 2Sa_19:1-43\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 2Sa_20:1-26\cf3\ulnone and \cf4\ul 1Ki_1:1-53\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4sense, joining in with this eternal kind of worship. This is both a marvelous\lang1033 privilege and a daunting responsibility.\lang3081\par \b Consider This: \b0 Why do you think that we sometimes take worship too lightly? How do we balance awe and joy? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\i How should Revelation\rquote s depictions of worship in heaven impact the ways in which we worship as a church?\i0\par \pard\no FH! 05-Jul 23-29-Happy r\!%05-Jul 23-29-Happy Are You, O Israel!{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset128 MS Mincho;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f5\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset0 MS Mincho;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red49\green132\blue155;} E6ns of the practice back to God\rquote s act of making animal-skin garments for our first parents. Later on in Exodus and in the following books, sacrifices are mandated in detail. How do you think the practice of animal sacrifice originated, and more important, what spiritual purpose did it serve? \b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Application Questions:\b0\par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\cf5\lang1034\f1\fs22and to choose wisely.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Thought Questions:\par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\cf5\lang1034\b0\f1\fs22\u10102?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 What do you think worship might have been like in Eden, where the presence of God was so much more accessible?\par \cf5\lang1034\f1\fs22\u10103?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 Early in Genesis we see the practice of animal sacrifice. Some people trace the origi our own faith?\b0\f2\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers:\b0 \b Use the following questions to help your students to be able to exercise discernment between true and false worship aith and trust Abraham learned through this trial, this act stands through the ages as an incredibly powerful symbol of the centrality of the death of Christ for salvation. Abraham, we could imagine, got a small taste of the pain that the death of Christ must have caused the Father, yet only through Christ\rquote s death could humanity be saved.\par \b Dwell on the kind of faith that Abraham exhibited there. It is truly amazing; one hardly can imagine it. What should this teach us about the weakness of7at_4:3\cf3\ulnone ).\i0 He offered Christ the kingdoms of the world if He would only worship him \i (vs. 9).\i0 Jesus responded by obeying the Word of God, thrice quoting from the Bible He had studied, specifically \cf4\ul Deu_8:3\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Deu_6:16\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Deu_6:13\cf3\ulnone .\par For Jesus, there was no separation between living His life and worshiping God. His life was one of worship, and any urge to compromise-even with His famished body-was brought into subjection to the w \b Feel: \b0 Sense the deep awe and unutterable love and gratitude expressed by prostrating one\rquote s self before the throne of God in worship.\par \b Do: \b0 Join in eternal adoration of the Creator, Redeemer, Judge, and King.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Learning Outline:\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx930\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\i0\f3\fs24\par Key Text: \cf4\ul\b0\i Rev_7:9-10\cf3\ulnone\i0\par \b The Student Will:\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Know: \b0 Describe the scenes of worship in Revelation: the worshipers; where they are; what they do, say, and sing; and why.\paring a view of a sinless and holy God. No doubt, a realization of their own sinfulness, their own unrighteousness, their own filth, rose up in them before the presence of the Lord. \par \tab\b How should our worship services elicit in us a similar reaction? That is, shouldn\rquote t we be given a sense of the presence of God, which should humble us? At the same time, how crucial that the Cross be lifted up before us as our only hope of salvation.\b0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx144760\tx6480\tx7200\scaps\f0\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\b0\scaps0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\f0\fs24 Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1\ul\i Deu_11:16\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Luk_1:46-55\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Luk_4:5-8\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Luk_19:37-40\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_4:1-24\cf0\ulnone . \i0\f1\par \b\f0 Memory Text: \ldblquote But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the ed0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red49\green132\blue155;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tqr\tx8640\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 11 \b0\i\fs24 *September 3-9\b\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\f0\fs36 In Spirit \i and\i0 In Truth \b0 \b\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Joh_4:23\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\f1\par \pard\keepn\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\dn10\f2\fs48 A\up0\f0\fs24 s we have seen all quarter, the first angel\rquote s message is a call to proclaim the \ldblquote everlasting gospel.\rdblquote At the center of that gospel is Jesus, the incarnate God, the God who through forces and means that our minds cannot even begin to grasp came into this world as a human being. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920 Think through what this means: the God who created all that was created \i (\cf1\ul Joh_1:1-3\cf0\ulnone )\i0 became a human, and in that humanity lived a sinless life and then offered Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of all humanity. When you think about the size of the cosmos, the billions of galaxies, each composed of billions of stars, \i and to believe that the One who created all this was Jesus?\i0 It defies the human mind; it is something so incredible we barely can comprehend it. No wonder Paul wrote: \ldblquote For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul 1Co_1:18\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par With a truth like this before us, it is no wonder we want to worship such a God. This week we will explore themes of worship and praise as revealed in the ministry of the incarnate Christ, the Creator who took upon Himself the form and the flesh of the created. \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 10\i0\f1 .\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\b\page\scaps\f0\fs32 Sunday\scaps0\f1\fs24\tab \b0\i\f0 September 4\b\i0 \b0\f1\fs20\par \pard\keepn\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\f0\fs36 Mary\rquote s Song of Praise and Worship\f1\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\fs36 \b0\f0\fs24 Though Mary, the mother of Jesus, has been the subject of an intense amount of religious interest through the centuries, most of that interest is tradition derived from a host of sources that are not rooted in Scripture. \par Nevertheless, in the question of Christ\rquote s coming to earth, Mary played a crucial and pivotal role: in her womb was the Savior of the world miraculously conceived; in her womb He grew into the infant Jesus. Looking back with all the hindsight and light given us in the New Testament, we only can marvel at the miracle. Though no doubt knowing that she was part of an incredible event that was to have important consequences for her people, the young Mary most likely had no real idea of what she was going to be part of. She knew enough, though, that she could marvel at the amazing circumstances that had so radically changed her life.\par \b Read \cf1\ul Luk_1:46-55\cf0\ulnone , often known as the Song of Mary. What is the background to this song? Why is she singing it? What elements of praise and worship are revealed here? What appears here that we have touched on all through the quarter?\b0\f1\par \f0 This song of praise and worship is filled with allusions and images taken from the Old Testament, the only Scripture that she would have known. Here we can see her giving glory to the Lord and acknowledging ch out to the surrounding culture, are in danger of compromising crucial truths? Why are we so often blind to it when it happens?\par \pard\f2\fs22\u10105?\f0\fs24 While there is always the danger of compromising ourselves in an attempt to be relevant, there is also the danger of locking ourselves in beliefs or practices that, perhaps, need refining or changing. How can we know what is immutable and unchangeable, in contrast to that which can and should change with the times? \cf2\ul\b0\f1\fs22\par } re written in response to Thursday\rquote s lesson. What can we learn from each of these prayers? What do people perceive as the greatest need of the church at the present time?\par \lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10103?\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 What are some of the lessons we can learn from our own church fathers (and mothers)? That is, what important spiritual lessons can our own Seventh-day Adventist history teach us?\par \b0\f2\fs22\u10104?\b\f0 \fs24 What are ways in which we, as a church, in our efforts to reaforward today, there is need of men who, like Ezra and Nehemiah, will not palliate or excuse sin, . . . neither will they cover evil with a cloak of false charity. . . . They will remember also that in the one who rebukes evil the spirit of Christ should ever be revealed.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Prophets and Kings,\i0 p. 675. \par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\b0\f1\fs24\par \lang1034\f2\fs22\u10102?\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 Read the prayers of intercession for the Seventh-day Adventist Church that weWhite, \i Prophets and Kings,\i0 p. 512, emphasis supplied.\par \ldblquote There is constant danger that professing Christians will come to think that in order to have influence with [worldly people], they must to a certain extent conform to the world. But though such a course \i may appear to afford great advantages\i0 , \i it always ends\i0 \i in spiritual loss.\i0\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Prophets and Kings,\i0 p. 570, emphasis supplied.\par \ldblquote In the work of reform to be carried blquote pp. 567-581; \ldblquote Ezra, the Priest and Scribe,\rdblquote pp. 607-617; \ldblquote A Spiritual Revival,\rdblquote pp. 618-627; \ldblquote Instructed in the Law of God,\rdblquote pp. 661-668; \ldblquote Reformation,\rdblquote pp. 669-678, in \i Prophets and Kings.\i0\f1\par \f0 \ldblquote The season of distress before God\rquote s people will call for a faith that will not falter. His children must make it manifest that \i He is the only object of their worship\i0 .\rdblquote -Ellen G. vidually or as a class, remembering to be as loving and encouraging as possible.\cf5\f4\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\b0\scaps0\f1\fs24 \i\f0 September 2\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\f0\fs28 Further Study:\fs24 \b0 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote The Return of the Exiles,\rdblquote pp. 551-566; \ldblquote The Prophets of God Helping Them,\rdelite remnant. The activity below is designed to make these messages more real to your class members.\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1170\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 If you were to write a letter addressing a group of people who have backslidden or forgotten their divine calling, what would you say to them? What types of arguments or experience would you draw on to make your case? Share your response or draft an actual letter, indiwhatever reforms we deem necessary?\b0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\cf2\ul\f1\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\i0\f3\fs24 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: This week\rquote s lesson explores the messages of God\rquote s prophets to the returning Isra \f0 (4) On what basis does he make his appeal to the Lord on behalf of the people? In other words, why should the Lord listen to this appeal? \b0\i See \cf1\ul Gen_12:1-3\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Exo_6:4-5\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\i0\par \f0 \b Write a prayer of intercession for the Seventh-day Adventist Church today and bring it to class on Sabbath and compare what you write. What do our answers tell us about how we perceive the various spiritual needs of the church? More important, how can we help bring about d then answer the following questions:\b0\f1\par \b\f0 (1) Why would Nehemiah, who as far as we know was faithful, include himself among those who had sinned against the Lord?\b0 \i See \cf1\ul Dan_9:5-6\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\i0\par \f0 \b (2)\b0 \b What kind of prayer is this, and why is this kind of prayer so important?\b0 \i See \cf1\ul Exo_32:31-34\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Jam_5:16\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\i0\par \b \f0 (3) In what ways is the conditionality of prophecy revealed in this prayer?\b0\f1\par \bpromises of restoration, things were not going well in Jerusalem. The people faced obstacle after obstacle, many of them as a result of their own disobedience. The prophet Nehemiah, while serving the Persian king, received word about the situation there and responded with fasting, mourning and prayer. His passion and concern for the situation clearly is revealed in the first chapter of the book that bears his name. \par \b Read \cf1\ul Neh_1:1-11\cf0\ulnone , his prayer in response to what he heard, and world have bought into the erroneous belief that more \ldblquote things\rdblquote will bring more happiness. How would you go about sharing the truth of \cf3\ul Hag_1:1-15\cf2\ulnone with them?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday \b0\i\scaps0\fs24 September 1\b\i0\f1\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\f0\fs36 Nehemiah\rquote s Prayer\b0\f1\fs24\par \f0 Despite all the fs22\u10102?\cf2\lang1033\f3\fs24 When the returning remnant from captivity paused in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem and the Lord\rquote s temple, what message were they sending to the nations around them? How was Nehemiah able to stay on task in his effort to finish the wall? \par \cf4\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\cf2\lang1033\f3\fs24 \cf3\ul Hag_1:1-15\cf2\ulnone makes clear that God\rquote s people had put themselves before Him, and as a result, nothing that they did prospered. Many in the Westernizee \i (\cf3\ul Gal_5:13\cf2\ulnone , NKJV).\i0\par \cf4\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\cf2\lang1033\f3\fs24 What impact does the contemplation of Jesus Christ have on our mental well-being, our ability to comprehend, appreciate, and obey the dictates of God \i (\cf3\ul 2Co_3:18\cf2\ulnone )?\i0\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Questions for\b0 \b Witnessing: \b0\par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\cf4\lang1034\f2\20\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Application Questions:\par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\cf4\lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10102?\cf2\lang1033\f3\fs24 Sometimes freedom can pose severe challenges, as was seen in the life of post-exilic Israel. Explain what you think the apostle Paul meant by this statement: \ldblquote For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another\rdblquotptable and perfect will of God\rdblquote \i (NKJV).\i0 Given the hereditary and cultivated tendencies to sin that many of us struggle with, how does God go about transforming us?\par \cf4\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\cf2\lang1033\f3\fs24 This week\rquote s study mentioned the miraculous deliverance of the three Hebrew worthies from Nebuchadnezzar\rquote s fiery furnace. When was the last time that you saw God move to save you from some terrible eventuality?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx7will choose to be lost rather than accept God\rquote s offer of forgiveness and restoration.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Thought Questions: \par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\cf4\lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10102?\cf2\lang1033\f3\fs24 \cf3\ul Rom_12:2\cf2\ulnone states: \ldblquote And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acce\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf2\ul\f1\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\i0\f3\fs24 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: Use the following questions to generate deeper thinking and discussion about God\rquote s effort to reconcile fallen human beings. It is a telling fact that many and put your hope in the Lord and the promises of the Lord for the future. In the same way, today, with the revelation of what the sanctuary service was all about (the life and death and High Priestly ministry of Jesus), we should come to the Lord and worship Him in an attitude of faith, repentance, and obedience. Again, though obedience cannot save us (it is way too late for that), there is no such things as salvation without it, regardless of how flawed our obedience tends to be.\par \pard\nowidctlparrophets, point the people to the Lord\rquote s leading, to His promises, and to the conditions of those promises. The preaching of the Word should not cause theological confusion or controversy: it should be Christ centered, pointing to what the Lord has done for us, what He offers to do for us, and what He will do for us, all on the condition that we come to Him in faith and repentance. That is essentially what Zechariah is saying to the people here: repent, turn from your evil ways, learn from the past,ham? What was the real message God wanted him to understand?\b0 \i vss. 8, 13, 14. \i0\f2\par \f0 As we have seen, the plan of salvation centers around the death of Jesus, God\rquote s son, and from the start this death was symbolized by the sacrificial system of worship. While the Lord wanted people to use only animals, in the pagan cultures folk actually sacrificed their own children, something that God said He hated \i (\cf1\ul Deu_12:31\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Whatever powerful personal lessons about f FH!e05-Jul 23-29-Happy Are You, O Israel!{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\def9906-Jul 30-Aug 5-Worship and Song and Praise{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\f^906-Jul 30-Aug 5-Worship and Song and Praise{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset128 MS Mincho;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 CalibSation. \ldblquote \lquote Because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws\rquote \rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Gen_26:5\cf0\ulnone , NKJV).\i0 And another as well: \ldblquote And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Gen_15:6\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par At the same time, however, Abraham had some crucial and painful lessons to learn. \par \b Read \cf1\ul Gen_22:1-18\cf0\ulnone . Why this terrible test for Abraham, a descendant of Seth, was faithful to God, even though some of his relatives had begun conforming to the worship of idols, that was so prevalent in their culture. But God called him to separate from his kindred and his comfortable surroundings in order to become the father of a nation of worshipers who would uphold and represent the true God. \par No doubt he and Sarah influenced many to accept the worship of the true God. But there was another reason, too, why God called Abraham to father a new n200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Consider This: \b0 How does your worship of God help you to be mindful of His presence, power, and majesty?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\scaps0 \b0\i\fs24 June 29\b\i0\f2\par \f0\fs36 The Faith of Abraham\b0\fs24 \par \b Read \cf1\ul Gen_12:1-8\cf0\ulnone . What do these verses reveal about Abram (later Abraham) and his calling by God?\par \b0 Abray. At the same time, she also touches implicitly on what may be the antidote to the problem: nurturing a feeling of awe for a Deity so incomprehensible in power and majesty. But how do we even begin to revere such a being? How do we bring this sense of awe to the act of worship? The writings of the apostle John in the book of Revelation are a good place to go for answers. Revelation includes some of the most incredible, awe-inspiring worship scenes recorded in the Bible, and when we worship, we are, in a dren playing on the floor with their chemistry sets, mixing up a batch of TNT. . . . It is madness to wear ladies\rquote straw hats and velvet hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews.\rdblquote -\i Teaching a Stone to Talk\i0 , (HarperCollins, 1982), p. 52.\par Dillard\rquote s observations highlight the danger in losing a sense of the \i otherness\i0 of God-His vastness, His supreme power, His majest15:1-4\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Rev_19:1-5\cf3\ulnone with the class.) \par \i0 Writer Annie Dillard asks the question: \ldblquote Why do we people in churches seem like cheerful, brainless tourists on a packaged tour of the Absolute?\rdblquote She goes on to observe, \ldblquote On the whole I do not find Christians . . . sufficiently sensible of conditions. Does anyone have the foggiest idea what sort of power we so blithely invoke? Or, as I suspect, does no one believe a word of it? The churches are chiltored universe forever.\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b\i\f1\fs28 Bible Commentary\i0\f3\fs24\par I. Awesome Worship\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0\i (Review \cf4\ul Rev_4:8-11\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Rev_5:8-14\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Rev_7:9-12\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Rev_11:15-19\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Rev_360 Just for Teachers: The juxtaposition of scenes of heavenly worship with episodes of earthly conflict and deception paint the final chapters of \ldblquote the great controversy,\rdblquote as described in Revelation, in stark reality. God\rquote s perfect kingdom contrasts with the distress of a world gone wrong, with sin and Satan reaching their destructive climax. But the visions John records are ultimately about hope and the restoration of true worship in our lives, our choices today, and in the res our sins in his own blood\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rev_1:5\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 and we will no doubt be doing the same, worshiping Him, in heaven, as well.\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \lang3081\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\i0\f3\fs24 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9v_13:8\cf0\ulnone , which refers to Jesus as \ldblquote the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world\rdblquote ; that is, even before all this began on earth, the \ldblquote everlasting covenant\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Heb_13:20\cf0\ulnone )\i0 had been in place, offering all humans the opportunity for salvation. Those who truly have accepted that salvation, whose names are in the book of life, shall not worship the beast or his image. They are worshiping, instead, the one who \ldblquote washed us fromote s work through history, through the powers presented there, and how it will climax in the final crisis surrounding the issue of worship: all those who do not worship the beast and his image will face economic and physical persecution. Even though Satan knows that he is defeated, even though at the Cross it was over for him, he still continues to fight, still continues to seek deceiving as many as he can, and he will do so right up to the end.\par \tab Yet, in the midst of all this, we have \cf1\ul Refor us who have been waiting a long time for the Lord to come?\par \b0\f2\u10104?\b\f0 What about our worship services? How can they better help us sense the majesty, the glory, and the power of God? Or do they tend to bring God down to our own level? \f1\par \pard\f2\u10105?\f0 What does it mean to know the Lord? If someone were to ask you, \ldblquote How do you know the Lord?\rdblquote how would you respond? In other words, how can a human being come to know God personally? \cf2\b0\f5\fs23\par } Immanence and Transcendence. Think of ways that these two important truths about God both can be emphasized and balanced in our worship services. \par \lang1034\b0\f2\u10103?\lang1033\f4\fs22 \b\f0\fs24 What lessons can we learn from the tragic story of Israel\rquote s worship of the golden calf and the serious consequences of worshiping false gods (visible or invisible)? What are some of the idols that are commonly worshiped in your society? What lessons do you see in this story for the church today, ace of prayer are sacred because God is there. . . . Angels, when they speak that name, veil their faces. With what reverence, then, should we, who are fallen and sinful, take it upon our lips!\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Prophets and Kings,\i0 pp. 48, 49.\b\f1\par \f0\fs28 Discussion Questions:\f1\fs24\par \lang1034\b0\f2\u10102?\lang1033\f0 \b Discuss these aspects of God\rquote s character: His nearness to us-and His greatness, majesty, and holiness. Theologians refer to these two concepts as Hisr of an earthly ruler. These should remember that they are in His sight whom seraphim adore, before whom angels veil their faces. God is greatly to be reverenced; all who truly realize His presence will bow in humility before Him\rdblquote - Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets,\i0 p. 252. \par \ldblquote True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a realization of His presence. With this sense of the Unseen, every heart should be deeply impressed. The hour and pllquote Humility and reverence should characterize the deportment of all who come into the presence of God. In the name of Jesus we may come before Him with confidence, but we must not approach Him with the boldness of presumption, as though He were on a level with ourselves. There are those who address the great and all-powerful and holy God, . . . as they would address an equal, or even an inferior. There are those who conduct themselves in His house as they would not presume to do in the audience chambex3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\scaps0\f1\fs24\tab \b0\i\f0 July 8\i0\f1\par \b\f0\fs28 Further Study:\b0\fs24 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote The Law Given to Israel,\rdblquote pp. 303-314; \ldblquote Idolatry at Sinai,\rdblquote pp. 315-330; \ldblquote Satan\rquote s Enmity Against the Law,\rdblquote pp. 331-342, in \i Patriarchs and Prophets; \cf1\ul Psa_105:26-45\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_106:8-23\cf0\ulnone . \i0\f1\par \f0\ldbill desired the gods of Egypt. And some of them thought they could have both. Today we have even more things calling our attention away from God. And like the children of Israel, we may think we can have \ldblquote God and . . .\rdblquote Ask your class what some of these things are for them. How can we put them in their proper place? Or may it be necessary to swear them off entirely, as would have been the case with pagan gods? Discuss.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tass members: In what ways have they experienced what they regarded as a true miracle or anything that conveyed to them the message that they could approach life in a spirit of godly confidence? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640\b Alternative:\b0 For the children of Israel, it was the gods of the land which they had just left. While they were children of the supreme God, who had shown many miracles and signs, they st\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: This lesson emphasizes the God-centeredness of true worship. The following activities are intended to encourage your class members to center their lives on worship and to derive their priorities and sense of self from the true knowledge of God gained thereby.\par \b0 Ask your cld faith and submission, seeking to know more about Him and His \ldblquote way\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Exo_33:13\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par \b How well do you know the Lord? More important, what choices can you make that will enable you to know Him better than you do? How can you learn to worship in a way that will give you a better appreciation of God and His glory? \b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3hrist whom thou hast sent\rquote \rdblquote\i (\cf1\ul Joh_17:3\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 He wanted to see the glory of God, something that would make him realize even more his own sinfulness and helplessness and, hence, his utter dependence upon the Lord. After all, look at what Moses had been called to do; look at the challenges he had to face. No wonder he felt this need to know God. \par Here, too, we come to a crucial point about worship. Worship should be about God; it should be about us in humility anet.\par Look carefully at \cf1\ul Exo_33:13\cf0\ulnone . Moses says to God that he, Moses, wanted to \ldblquote know Him.\rdblquote Despite all that the Lord had done, Moses still sensed his own need, his own weakness, his own helplessness, and thus he wanted a closer walk with the Lord. He wanted to know better the God upon whom He was so dependant. How interesting that, centuries later, Jesus said, \ldblquote \lquote And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Cone . Why did Moses ask what he did of the Lord? What did Moses want to learn? Why did he believe that he needed these things?\b0 \par Moses\rquote desire to see God\rquote s glory was not one of curiosity or presumption but came from a deep heart hunger to sense God\rquote s presence after such blatant apostasy. Though Moses had not partaken of their sin, he was impacted by it. We do not live in isolation from other members of our church. What impacts one impacts others, a point we should never forgse worship. Moses pled with God on their behalf \i (\cf1\ul Exo_32:30-33\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Because of their terrible sin, God commanded His \ldblquote stiffnecked\rdblquote people to remove their ornaments so that He might \ldblquote know what to do\rdblquote to them \i (\cf1\ul Exo_33:4-5\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 To those who, in humility, repented, the removal of their ornaments was a symbol of their reconciliation with God \i (\cf1\ul Exo_33:4-6\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par \b Read \cf1\ul Exo_33:12-23\cf0\ulnsure that our views on the subject are not derived merely from our opinions, or even prejudices?\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640\cf0\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\scaps0\f1\fs24\tab \b0\i\f0 July 7\b\i0\f1\par \f0\fs36\ldblquote Show Me Your Glory\rdblquote\fs24 \par \b0 In the golden calf experience, the people of Israel had broken their covenant with God; they had taken His name in vain by their sinful and falinitial reluctance to do what God asks of him. But when he worships, he recognizes that God has sufficient power to use him in an effective way. How can worship of God give us confidence?\par \cf5\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 Our God is a big God. There are many valid ways to worship Him. How can we discern which ways are compatible with what the Bible tells us is correct and spiritually honest worship, and that which compromises or contradicts the spirit of true worship? How can we be lang1033\f3\fs24 Why do you think the people of Israel had such short memories of what God had done for them? What might this have said about how they approached God in worship and in their daily lives?\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Application Questions:\par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\cf5\lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10102?\cf3\lang1033\b\f3\fs24 \b0 In \cf4\ul Exo_3:1-15\cf3\ulnone we witness Moses\rquote the worship of gods of our own making or imagining.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Thought Questions:\par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\cf5\lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10102?\cf3\lang1033\b\f3\fs24 \b0 What does it mean when we say we fear God? Is it fear in the sense that we are afraid of God? Explain. Is there some sense in which we should be afraid of God? Why, or why not?\par \cf5\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\cf3\60\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: Use the following questions to emphasize the importance of knowing God and of seeking to know God as a key element in worship. Stress how true knowledge of what and who God really is precludes idolatry, or the image of an ox\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Psa_106:19-20\cf0\ulnone , NKJV). \i0 It does seem to be a principle of human nature that we rise no higher than that which we worship or revere. \i\f1\par \b\i0\f0 Notice how quickly and easily they compromised truth in their worship. Notice how quickly the local culture came in and turned them away from the true God. How can we make sure we, in our own worship, do not fall into the same trap?\b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx21 the camp. But Moses, having lived in the royal court of Egypt, knew all too well what those noises were. He probably recognized the sounds of licentious revelry-the dancing, the loud music, the singing, shouting, and general confusion that marked their idolatrous worship \i (\cf1\ul Exo_32:17-22\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par When they worshiped the true God, they did so in humility and reverence. Now, worshiping before this calf of gold, they behaved like animals. They had \ldblquote changed their glory intohemselves\rdblquote ; they \ldblquote have turned aside quickly\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Exo_32:6-8\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Hardly seems to reflect the awe and reverence that is to mark true worship, does it?\par The mixed multitude (Egyptians who had chosen to accompany Israel in the Exodus or who were married to Hebrews) no doubt influenced the people and demanded of Aaron the form and style of worship familiar to them. When Joshua heard the noise from below, he came to Moses suggesting that there was war in and answer the following questions:\par 1) What event, what catalyst, first opened the way to this powerful expression of false worship? What lessons should we as Seventh-day Adventists take from it?\par \b0\f1 \b\f0 2) What was this false God made of, and what does that say about how fruitless this kind of worship is?\par 3) How did their worship of this statue contrast to their worship of the Lord? \par \b0\f1 \f0 They \ldblquote rose up to play\rdblquote ; they \ldblquote have corrupted t, NIV). \i0\par This willingness to exalt self and seat it on the throne of our lives is one that Jesus rejected time and again throughout His life-at no time more forcibly than when He faced down Satan in the wilderness \i (\cf4\ul Mat_4:1-25\cf3\ulnone ).\i0 Satan tempted Jesus to meet the demands of His weakened human nature by feeding Himself \i (vs. 3).\i0 He tempted Him to doubt His Father\rquote s pronouncement \i (\cf4\ul Mat_3:17\cf3\ulnone )\i0 that He was indeed the Son of God \i (\cf4\ul M920\tx8640\tx9360 Consider This: \b0 What are the results of attempting to marry worship of the true God with elements that are incompatible, or even contradictory? Why do we attempt it?\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640\cf0\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\scaps0\f1\fs24\tab \b0\i\f0 July 6\b\i0\f1\par \f0\fs36\ldblquote These Be Your Gods . . .\rdblquote \b0\f1\fs24\par \i \b\i0\f0 Read \cf1\ul Exo_32:1-6\cf0\ulnone FFH~ y07-Aug 6-12-Worship in the Psalms{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset128 MS Mincho;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f4\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset0 MS Mincho;}{\f5\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpade was no such thing as a little false worship. Mixing a little pagan worship with \ldblquote a festival to the Lord\rdblquote resulted in a pagan festival, just as it would have if they had simply set out to abandon Yahweh and embrace paganism. Just as poison mixed with food masks the poison but doesn\rquote t change its nature, false worship mixed with true worship equals only false worship.\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7react that way? How is the Cross presented here?\b0\f1\par \b\tab\f0 Read \cf1\ul Job_42:1-6\cf0\ulnone . How does Job\rquote s reaction compare with John\rquote s?\tab\tab\b0\f1\par \tab\f0 Though both these men were given only a partial revelation of the Lord, what they saw was enough to greatly humble them. There was fear, reverence, awe, and a sense of repentance in their reactions. How could there not be? They were getting a view of the Creator of the universe; more so, they were sinful beings gettomething greater than the cosmos could have created the cosmos, in the same way that only something greater than a painting could have created the painting. Thus, the God whom we worship, the God whom we serve, is the Creator of the universe; hence, He is \ldblquote greater\rdblquote than it all. \par \tab Who, then, are we in contrast to such a God?\b\f1\par \tab\f0 Read \cf1\ul Rev_1:13-18\cf0\ulnone , John\rquote s depiction of Jesus, as revealed to him there. What is his reaction, and why would he o;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 MS Mincho;}{\f5\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset0 MS Mincho;}{\f6\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tqr\tx8730\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 13\b0\f1\fs24 \i\f0\fs28 \fs24 *September 17-23\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx91\tx810\tx1530\tx2250\tx2970\tx3690\tx4410\tx5130\tx5850\tx6570\tx7290\tx8010\b\f0\fs36 Worship \i in the \i0 Book \i of\i0 Revelation\b0 \b\f1\par \scaps\f0\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\scaps0\f1\tab\tab\b0\par \b\f0\fs24 Read for This Week\rquote s Study: \cf1\ul\b0\i Job_42:1-6\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rev_1:13-18\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rev_13:1-18\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_14:6-12\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_19:1-5\cf0\ulnone . \i0\f1\par \b\f0 Memory Text: \ldblquote And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Rev_14:3\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\f1\par \dn10\f2\fs48 F\up0\f0\fs24 ew books of the Bible hold as much mystery and fascination as does Revelation. It is filled with incredible images of beasts and dragons and fire and earthquakes and plagues and armies and frogs and cities and falling stars and so forth. \par \tab And yet, amid all the drama, the theme that repeatedly appears is worship. Whether dealing with the final crisis regarding those who worship the beast and its image, or revealing beings in heaven who sing praises to God, Revelation comes back again and again to worship: worship of Him who \ldblquote liveth for ever and ever\rdblquote\i (\cf1\ul Rev_5:14\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 worship of Him \ldblquote which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou has taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rev_11:17\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 and worship of the One who is to receive \ldblquote glory and honour and power\rdblquote\i (\cf1\ul Rev_4:11\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\f1\tab\par \pard\keepn\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx91\tx810\tx1530\tx2250\tx2970\tx3690\tx4410\tx5130\tx5850\tx6570\tx7290\tx8010\tab\f0 In short, Revelation reveals what we have been looking at all quarter: that the Lord alone, our Creator, our Redeemer, our Judge-is worthy of our worship and praise.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8730\i\dn9\fs32 *\b\up0\fs24 Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 24.\b0\i0\f1\page\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Sunday\b0\scaps0\f1\fs24 \i\f0 September 18\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx91\tx810\tx1530\tx2250\tx2970\tx3690\tx4410\tx5130\tx5850\tx6570\tx7290\tx8010\b\f0\fs36\ldblquote I Fell at His Feet as Dead\rdblquote\b0\f1\fs24\tab\tab\par \tab\f0 Perhaps one of the greatest revelations we have been given of the majesty and power of God has come to us through astronomy. Most of the ancients had no idea of the size and expanse of the cosmos. In the twentieth century, with the incredible advances in various telescopes, we have been given a view of the universe that most of the ancients would have been baffled by. Indeed, we ourselves are baffled by it, by the size, by the distances, and by the incredible number of galaxies and stars. We barely can wrap our minds around it all.\par \tab And here is the amazing thing: only suld these elements be brought into your local church worship, if they are not there already?\par \b0\f2\fs22\u10104?\b\f0 \fs24 What are some of the potential ways in which our worship services actually could impede our view of Christ and the Cross? How can we make sure that nothing is allowed to do that? \par \pard\f2\fs22\u10105?\f0\fs24 Dwell more on \cf1\ul 1Co_13:1-13\cf0\ulnone . What concrete steps could your church take to manifest the love that Paul talks about here? \cf2\b0\f4\fs23\par } h. What \ldblquote proofs\rdblquote do we have for what we believe? What rational and logical evidence do we have that helps affirm us in our beliefs? At the same time, what are the challenges to our faith? In the end, even despite these challenges, why do we believe what we do? \par \lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10103?\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 Think about some of the most powerful worship services you ever have attended. What made them so special, so powerful? What elements in particular made the difference? How coist. . . . They coveted neither authority nor pre-eminence.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Acts of the Apostles,\i0 p. 209.\par \ldblquote By idolatry he [Paul] meant not only the worship of idols, but self-serving, love of ease, the gratification of appetite and passion.\i\rdblquote\i0 -Ellen G. White, \i The\i0 \i Acts of the Apostles,\i0 p. 317. \par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\b0\f1\fs24\par \lang1034\f2\fs22\u10102?\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 In class talk about all the reasons we have for fait of the Apostles,\i0 p. 51.\par \ldblquote What was the strength of those who in the past have suffered persecution for Christ\rquote s sake? It was union with God, . . . with the Holy Spirit, . . . with Christ. Reproach and persecution have separated many from earthly friends, but never from the love of Christ.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Acts of the Apostles,\i0 p. 85.\par \ldblquote [These] consecrated messengers . . . allowed no thought of self-exaltation to mar their presentation of Chruote Exalting the Cross,\rdblquote pp. 201-210; \ldblquote Corinth,\rdblquote pp. 243-254; \ldblquote Called to Reach a Higher Standard,\rdblquote pp. 309-322, in \i The Acts of the Apostles.\i0\f1\par \f0 \ldblquote Holiness is not rapture: it is an entire surrender of the will to God; it is living by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God; . . . it is walking by faith . . . . it is relying on God with unquestioning confidence, and resting in His love.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Actsit of love. When a satisfactory list has been developed, share this with your church\rquote s preachers, elders, or worship committee.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\scaps0\f1\fs24\tab \b0\i\f0 September 16\i0\f1\par \b\f0\fs28 Further Study:\b0\fs24 Ellen G. White, \ldblquote Pentecost,\rdblquote pp. 35-46; \ldblquote The Gift of the Spirit,\rdblquote pp. 47-56; \ldblqeacher from the Opening Activity. If your church pastor or someone else in your church who has been trained in preaching is available, this individual may be able to offer some theoretical perspectives. Try to avoid being too prescriptive in ways that might restrict individual expression and creativity. Instead, develop ideals that could be helpful and encouraging to preachers and worship leaders in your church. Try to avoid a spirit of criticism; instead, emphasize working on these guidelines with a spir but if you have an interest in this way, continue to develop your ideas and be open to God\rquote s invitation for you to share when opportunities arise.\par \b Suggestions for Group or Team Activities\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b0 As a group, develop a list of guidelines for faithful and worthwhile preaching. Use principles from the Bible study this week and perhaps some of the qualities of a good sermon or pr\b0\par \b Activities:\par Suggestions for Individual Activities\par \b0 Begin to plan a sermon that could share some of the principles of worship that have struck you in the course of Bible study and class discussions over the past weeks. What are the ideas or insights that have caught your attention or imagination and that you would be enthusiastic about sharing with others? What could be an effective way to share these with others? You might not have an opportunity to preach this sermon immediately,\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers\b0 : \b Both these activities are designed to prompt class members to consider the possibilities of preaching as a component of worship. Perhaps not everyone in the class will be preaching in the near future, but as part of communal worship in the church it is something we should all think about and contribute to.er that extends far beyond the weekly worship service.\par \b How much does unselfish love for others impact your daily life? That is, how much of your own time and energy do you spend on seeking to minister to others? How much of self are you willing to renounce, all for the good of other people? It is not so easy, is it?\b0 \f1\fs36\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTSve for God, confirmed by love for one another. That, says Paul, is the ultimate gift for which we should seek, which \i may not be substituted\i0 with anything less. \par Spiritual gifts are helpful, and Christians should use their gifts to honor God and to build up the church in unity. But never should any gift be used for display of self, personal gain, or in a disorderly way in worship or otherwise. \par In the end, a church filled with loving dedicated Christians will exert an influence and powues for self-seeking motives \i (\cf1\ul 1Co_14:1-40\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par \b\f1 \f0 In the midst of his discourse to the Corinthians and all their problems, Paul gives them the famous chapter, \cf1\ul 1Co_13:1-13\cf0\ulnone . What is the essential message here? More important, how can we apply this to our lives and worship today?\b0\f1\par \f0 Paul suggested that no profession we make, no mighty miracles, no charismatic gifts, no piety or zeal, will profit us unless there is a heart filled with loy. A commercial hub, known for its luxury and wealth, Corinth was also a center of one of the most sensual and degrading religions of that era. Influenced by their culture, immorality and dissension had invaded the church. And yet, as bad as it was, it was not the only problem there. Paul addressed other issues that were causing factions to develop in the church, including idolatry \i (\cf1\ul 1Co_10:14\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 and the seeming over emphasis of the gifts, especially the misuse of the gift of tong0\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\f0\fs36 Love Conquers All\b0\f1\fs24\par \f0 It is so easy, from our perspective today, to look back at the early church as some sort of model of harmony and peace, an example of what true worship was all about. Unfortunately, New Testament history is so similar to Old Testament history in that both show just how far fallen we all are. \par Take, for example, the church in Corinth, which Paul established on his second missionary journe?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 What is needed to be a good listener to a sermon?\par \lang1034\b\f2\fs22\u10107?\lang1033\b0\i\f3\fs24 Love\i0 is a word with many meanings. How would you explain the concept Paul is talking about in \cf4\ul 1Co_13:1-13\cf3\ulnone to someone unfamiliar with this chapter and biblical language?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\scaps0\f1\fs24 \b0\i\f0 September 15\b\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx144 it wrong to have questions and doubts? Why, or why not?\par \cf5\f2\fs22\u10104?\cf3\f3\fs24 How important is preaching as a part of worship in the life of the church? Must every worship service include a sermon? What alternatives could be used to teach and challenge worshipers?\par \cf5\b\f2\fs22\u10105?\cf3\b0\f3\fs24 How important is context to worship and evangelism? Are there risks associated with trying too hard to be contextual? How do we keep this in balance? \par \cf5\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10106 to be able to talk about prayerfully and carefully in our churches.\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Application Questions: \par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\cf5\lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10102?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 To what extent are the stories in Acts a model for the church today, as opposed to being simply stories of the beginnings of the church? \par \cf5\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 Is0\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: Today some people say that sermons are no longer relevant in societies increasingly used to the fast-paced entertainment of television, movies, and the Internet. At the same time, many people will still attest to how a sermon has transformed their lives. Just like the early church in Acts, we need to find the best ways to communicate the good news about Jesus in the contexts in which we live and worship. This is something we needcareful to not allow our forms and traditions to get in the way of what our faith really should be about. Any worship that does not lead us directly to the Cross is misguided.\b\scaps\f1\fs36\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\b0\scaps0\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\i0\f3\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx360caught up in how things were done in the past, so caught up in the forms of worship, that when Paul presented them with the One who was the whole purpose of their worship, the One whom they worshiped without knowing it, the One whom all the worship services really pointed to-they rejected what he said. So caught up were they in the law itself, they missed the One to whom the law pointed. \par Again, though our circumstances today are radically different than Paul\rquote s were back then, we need to be saved. \par \b Read \cf1\ul Act_18:1-16\cf0\ulnone . What charge was laid against Paul, and what does that tell us about worship?\b0\f1\par \f0 It is fascinating that Paul was charged with persuading people toward a different kind of worship, a worship \ldblquote contrary to the law\rdblquote \i (vs. 13)\i0 . (Even the Jews who believed in Jesus at times leveled a similar accusation against Paul.) The point in \cf1\ul Act_18:1-28\cf0\ulnone is that these people were so caught up in tradition, so worship time should be something special, something unique. We cannot, however, rely on the church itself or on the worship leaders themselves to provide that kind of experience for us, however much of a role they can play. In the end, it comes down to ourselves and the attitude we bring to church with us on Sabbath. \par At the same time, as we have seen all quarter, worship is a means to an end, not an end in itself. Our worship does not save us; rather, our worship is one of our responses to beingship is the idea of the Lord as our Creator and our Redeemer. Everything about worship should flow from this fundamental and sacred truth. Again, worship is primarily about God and the actions of God in history. Authentic worship should draw participants into a closer walk with their Lord. It should lead us to a sense of awe, reverence, repentance, and love for Him and for others. \par Though we always should be thinking about the Lord \i (\cf1\ul Luk_21:36\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Psa_1:2\cf0\ulnone ),\i0nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\i0\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\f1\fs36 \b0\i\scaps0\f0\fs24 September 14\i0\scaps\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\scaps0\f0\fs36 Worship \ldblquote Contrary to the Law\rdblquote\tab\b0\f1\fs24\tab\par \f0 Worship is not just about what you do in church on Sabbath. Worship encompasses aspects of our whole faith: what we believe, what we proclaim, how we act. Central to worright. \i Why not, \i0 he might have thought, \i give the people enough of what they wanted to keep them in the fold in the event Moses returned? \i0 It was settled, then. He would give them only \i one\i0 false God, though they asked for many; and he would make that false God Yahweh\rquote s friend, his sidekick.\par If the flawed reasoning behind this rationale was not obvious from the beginning, it certainly must have been when the festivities commenced. Aaron and the others soon discovered that therall the Bible? How is the reality of human free will and free choice revealed in these texts? \b0\f1\par \f0 Some of the most poignant words in that text are found in verse 5. \ldblquote Your fathers, where are they?\rdblquote In other words, learn from the mistakes of those who came before you; do not do what they did; learn from the past, learn from what happened before you. \par Here is where the ministry of the pastor in the pulpit can come in. Here is where the pastor can, in the role of the p Thursday\rquote s studies capture the great meta-narrative in which we humans find ourselves: the controversy between God and Satan. The issue at the heart of the strife between God and His nemesis is worship. Remember, this was the issue at the dawn of sin, for it was Satan who declared, \ldblquote I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul Isa_14:13\cf3\ulnone teousness of Christ, which He wrought out in His life, which is then given to all who truly accept it, can save the sinner. Sin is so bad, so contrary to the basic principles of God\rquote s government, which is based on love and free choice, that nothing less than the death of Christ could solve the problem created by sin.\par All that being said, the Bible is clear that what we say, what we do, and what we think all matter, and these thoughts and actions reveal the reality of our experience with God. \par \b With the above in mind, read \cf1\ul Mic_6:1-8\cf0\ulnone . What point is the prophet making here, especially in regard to the question of the sacrifices (part of the worship service in Israel), symbolic of the plan of salvation? How can these words be applied to us today? \b0\i See also \cf1\ul Deu_10:12-13\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\i0\par \f0 Those who claim to be children of God but who fail to show justice and mercy to their fellow men are acting out the spirit of Satan no matter how piously they may adhere to the forms of worship. On the other hand, those who walk humbly with their God will not neglect the principles of justice and mercy, nor will they scorn the proper forms of worship. God is looking for true worshipers who are willing to demonstrate their love for Him by obedient lives, motivated by humble hearts. What do all the \i right \i0 prayers, all the \i right \i0 styles of worship, and all the \i right \i0 theology mean if the person is nasty, unkind, arrogant, unjust and unmerciful to others? \par \b What do you think is more important: correct theology or correct actions? Can you have your theology right and yet treat others in a poor manner? What hope can you cling to if, perhaps, you see yourself revealed in the above texts?\b0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\i0\f3\fs24\par Key Text: \cf4\ul\b0\i Mic_6:7-8\cf3\ulnone\i0\par \b The Student Will:\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Know: \b0 Describe the essence of what God requires of us before He will accept our acts of worship.\par \b Feel: \b0 Share in Isaiah\rquote s sense of unworthiness, his longing for cleansing, and his desire to serve as he stood before an almighty, holy, and glorious God.\par \b Do: \b0 Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b Learning Outline:\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b I. Know: God Sees Through Hypocrisy\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 A. Although God instituted many rituals of worship, including sacrifice, what about Israel\rquote s behavior and lifestyle often made these God-designed rituals meaningless?\par B. What about our actions demonstrates that we are truly penitent and obedient when we come before God in worship? Why is service to others in poverty and\b \b0 oppression a critical aspect of worship? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b II. Feel: Woe Is Me\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 A. How does truly recognizing God\rquote s glory, creative power, and redeeming love cause us to feel in His presence?\par B. What should our attitude be as we respond to God\rquote s presence and call to serve?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b III. Do: Justice, Mercy, and Humble Service\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1530\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 A. What do we need to do on a daily basis for those in need around us?\par B. How can we support the church in its service to the local and world community?\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 Summary: \b0 When we truly sense the presence of God, we will require, like Isaiah, soul cleansing. Then we may accept His call to dwell humbly with Him, serving all whom He places in our path with due justice and compassionate mercy.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\scaps0\f1\fs24 \b0\i\f0 August 22\b\i0\f1\fs22\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\f0\fs36 The Call of Isaiah\b0\f1\fs24\par \f0 While Hosea, Amos, and Micah were warning Israel of their imminent danger, Judah seemed to be prospering under the reign of several good kings. King Uzziah (also known as Azariah) was known and respected among the nations for his wise leadership and accomplishments \i (see \cf1\ul 2Ch_26:1-15\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 But, as often happens, his success became his downfall. Humility was replaced by pride and devotion by presumption \i (see vss. 16-21).\i0\f1\par \f0 The people of Judah appeared to be prospering spiritually, as well. The temple services were well-attended with a formality of religious fervor. Yet, many of the same evils that afflicted the people of Israel were fast corrupting the kingdom of Judah. It is at this time that the Lord calls Isaiah to His special work. \par \b Read \cf1\ul Isa_6:1-8\cf0\ulnone . Why do you think Isaiah would respond as He did \b0\i (vs. 5)\b\i0 upon seeing a vision of the Lord? What important \ldblquote theological\rdblquote truth is revealed here?\b0\f1\par \f0 Try to imagine Isaiah\rquote s overwhelming reaction to this heavenly revelation of the glory of God. Suddenly, he sees his own sins and the sins of his people stand out in bold relief against the spotless purity and the majestic holiness of Almighty God. No wonder he reacted as he did! It is hard to imagine anyone doing otherwise.\par Here we see played out before us a crucial and foundational truth regarding the state of humanity, especially in contrast to the holiness and glory of God. We see an attitude of repentance, of a willingness to acknowledge one\rquote s own sinfulness, one\rquote s own need of grace. \par Think for a moment what our worship services would be like were they to elicit in the worshipers a sense that they have been in the presence of our Holy God, which in turn makes them deeply aware of their own sinfulness and need of His saving grace and cleansing power. Imagine if the singing, the liturgy, the prayer, and the preaching worked together in a way to lead us each time to faith, to repentance, to cleansing, and to a willingness to cry out, \ldblquote Here I am; send me.\rdblquote That is what worship should be about.\par  \b Imagine yourself standing in the physical presence of Jesus. That is, if He were standing in the flesh right before you. What would your reaction be? What would you say? Or do? What about His promise to us in \cf1\ul Mat_28:20\cf0\ulnone ? What does that promise mean to us now, on a practical level? \b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\b0\i0\f3\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab \b\i\par \f1\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth:\b0 Spiritual transformation is not complete until the day-to-day life bears the imprint of Jesus\rquote character. When religion of the head becomes religion of the head, hands, and feet, when profession finds expression in action, we possess the Savior\rquote s character.\par \b Just for Teachers:\b0 \b Share the following in your own words. Your students will probably identify with the truth that doing can often change one\rquote s mental perception of something.\b0 \par There is a secret to dynamic living that many motivational speakers seek to convey to their listeners. To be sure, there is much in the motivational industry that is a mile wide and an inch deep, but this truth is a fact. What is it? The physical act of doing something can change one\rquote s attitude about that thing.\par The internalizing of this secret separates great athletes from the rest, spectacular performers from merely talented ones. Anyone who achieves greatness in any endeavor knows that greatness surrenders only to hard work and consistent effort. To work hard consistently at a thing means that one has to bypass feelings and emotions regularly to achieve one\rquote s goals. Here is where the \ldblquote law of doing\rdblquote comes in. From time to time, one may not feel like practicing his or her skill. But if a person presses forward and begins the practice, negative attitudes often fade. The \ldblquote doing\rdblquote helps to change the mental state. \par \b Consider This:\b0 Ask class members if they believe whether the \ldblquote law of doing\rdblquote really works or not. Extend the discussion to the spiritual realm. In what way is there a correlation? What role did \ldblquote doing\rdblquote play in the life of Jesus \i (\cf4\ul Joh_8:29\cf3\ulnone )?\i0 How does the repetition of doing what is right help to change who we are on the inside?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\f1\fs36\tab \b0\i\scaps0\f0\fs24 August 23\b\i0\f1\par \f0\fs36 No More Vain Oblations\b0\f1\fs24\par \fs36 \f0\fs24 It is easy to forget that so much of the writing of the Old Testament, especially the writings of the prophets, was written as admonitions and warnings to God\rquote s covenant people, to the ones who were His \ldblquote true church.\rdblquote Most of these people professed to follow the true God, had a basic understanding of biblical truths (at least much more than their heathen neighbors), and knew the right things to say and do in worship. Yet, as becomes very clear to anyone reading the prophets, all this was nowhere near enough.\par \b\f1 \f0 Read \cf1\ul Isa_1:11-15\cf0\ulnone . How are we to understand what the Lord, who instituted all these servi ces, is saying to them?\b0 \par The answer is found, really, in the few verses that follow \i (\cf1\ul Isa_1:16-18\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 which in many ways is similar to what we saw in Sunday\rquote s lesson on Micah. No question, the church is for sinners, and if we had to wait until we were perfect before we could worship the Lord, then none of us would worship Him. \par But that is not what the Bible is saying here or what it ever says. It is sayin g that God is more interested in how we treat others, especially the weak and helpless among us, than He is in all sorts of religious rituals, even the ones He instituted. \b\f1\par \f0 Read\b0 \cf1\ul\b Isa_58:1-10\cf0\ulnone . What is wrong with the fasting described here? How does\b0 \b God say that the people should fast?\b0 \b What point can we take from this for ourselves, whether or not we fast?\b0\i\f1\par \i0\f0 Fasting is a form of self-denial of which Jesus had much to say. But some ki nds of fasting are nothing but a vain show. It is a symptom of hypocrisy, which covets the privileges of \i obedience\i0 while detesting its \i responsibilities\i0 . Self-denial, motivated by love for God, ministers to those in need. This is the kind of fasting (self-denial) that honors Him\i ; \i0 this is the kind of life that leads to the kind of worship that He does not despise, a worship that shows the sinner that, just as he (or she) has been the recipient of grace and undeserved love, so, too, he m ust dispense grace and undeserved love to others. That is the kind of self-denial that reveals true faith \i (\cf1\ul Luk_9:23\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 the kind of self-denial that is at the heart of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. \b\f1\tab\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx3 60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\i\f1\fs28 Bible Commentary\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: As this week\rquote s lesson makes clear, Old Testament prophets faced the difficult task of exposing the hidden, and not-so-hidden, sins of people who often claimed to be worshipping the true God.\b0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx810\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b I. The View From Up There\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0\i (Review \cf4\ul Isa_6:1-8\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul 1Sa_16:7\cf3\ulnone , and \cf4\ul 2Ch_16:9\cf3\ulnone .)\b\i0\par \b0 Monday\rquote s lesson highlights one of the most beautiful passages in all of Scripture: Isaiah\rquote s \ldblquote interview\r968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by the Lockman Foundation . Used by permission.\par \par \tab\b NIV.\b0 Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright \'a9 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.\par \par \pard\tab\b NKJV.\b0 Texts credited to NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright \'a9 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.\cf2\f1\fs23\par } tee, whose members serve as consulting editors. The published guide reflects the input of the committee and thus does not solely or necessarily represent the intent of the author(s).\par \b\par Bible Versions Table\par \b0\par \tab Scripture references other than from the King James Version quoted by permission in this Bible Study Guide, for Standard Edition Third Quarter 2011, are as follows:\par \par \tab\b NASB.\b0 From the \i New American Standard Bible\i0 , copyright \'a9 1960, 1962, 1963, 1 Editorial Assistant:\par \b0 Sharon Thomas-Crews\b\par \par Pacific Press\'ae Coordinator:\par \b0 Paul A. Hey\b\par \par Art and Design:\par \b0 Lars Justinen\par \par \b Concept Design:\b0\par Dever Designs\par \par The\i Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide\i0 is prepared by the Office of the Adult Bible Study Guide of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the guides is under the general direction of a worldwide Sabbath School Manuscript Evaluation Commitd Columbia Pike \par Silver Spring, MD 20904\par \par \b Come visit us at our Web site:\par \cf1\ul\b0 <\cf0\ulnone{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.absg.adventist.org"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf1 http://www.absg.adventist.org}}}\cf1\ul\f0\fs22 >\cf0\ulnone\par \par \b Principal Contributor:\b0\par by Rosalie H. Zinke\b\par \par Editor:\par \b0 Clifford R. Goldstein\b\par \par Associate Editor:\par \b0 Soraya Homayouni\b\par \par Publication Manager:\par \b0 Lea Alexander Greve\par \par \bd Worship\b0 -\i August 20-26\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx720\tqr\tldot\tx8640\i0 10 Worship: From Exile to Restoration-\b0\i August 27-September 2\b\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tqr\tldot\tx8640 11 In Spirit and in Truth-\b0\i September 3-9\b\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx720\tqr\tldot\tx8640 12 Worship in the Early Church-\b0\i September 10-16\b\i0\par 13 Worship in the Book of Revelation-\b0\i September 17-23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\b\i0\fs24\par \fs22 Editorial Office:\par \b0 12501 Ol\tqr\tldot\tx8640 4 Rejoicing Before the Lord: The Sanctuary and Worship\i -\b0 July 16-22\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx720\tqr\tldot\tx8640\b 5 Happy Are You, O Israel!\b0 -\i July 23-29\b\i0\par 6 Worship and Song and Praise-\b0\i July 30-Aug 5\b\par \i0 7 Worship in the Psalms-\b0\i August 6-12\b\i0\par 8 Conformity, Compromise and Crisis in Worship-\b0\i August 13-19\b\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tqr\tldot\tx8640 9 \ldblquote Trust Not in Deceptive Words\rdblquote : The Prophets anUIDE\par \par TEACHER EDITION \par \fs24\par \i\fs32 Worship\i0\par \fs24\par by: Rosalie H. Zinke\par \par July, August, September 2011\par \b0\par \b\fs32 Contents\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tqr\tldot\tx8640\fs22 1 Worship in Genesis: Two Classes of Worshipers-\b0\i June 25-July 1\i0 \b\par \pard\nowidctlpar 2 Worship and the Exodus: Understanding Who God Is-\b0\i July 2-8\b\i0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\tqr\tldot\tx8640 3 The Sabbath and Worship\i -\b0 July 9-15\b\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\tx1440 Hv=u08-Aug 20-26-Conformity, Compromise & Crisis{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New R =u08-Aug 13-19-Conformity, Compromise & Crisis{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset128 MS Mincho;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbns of showing the fruit and the benefits of salvation. \par Human freedom is an unspoken assumption all through the Scriptures. People have the option to choose whom they will serve and worship, and the fulfillment of the promises is incumbent upon the choices that people make. The Bible is filled with wonderful promises to any and all who faithfully seek and serve Him. \b\f1\par \f0 Read \cf1\ul Zec_1:1-6\cf0\ulnone . What theme is found here that is repeated, over and over, through pretty much of dblquote with God \i (\cf4\ul Isa_6:1-8\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . There is a clear sense in this passage that God knows Isaiah and the people of Judah better than they know themselves. Isaiah sees the seams of his life begin to tear as God reveals who He really is. \par The searching eye of God saw the true condition of Adam and Eve after the Fall, even when they could scarcely grasp it themselves \i (\cf4\ul Gen_3:11\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . When Samuel picked Eliab, the strapping senior son of Jesse, to be king, Godb aspect of their worship? What other activities were a part of their worship?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1890\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Why was Cain\rquote s worship not acceptable to God? What other worship activities noted in Genesis were not acceptable? What is the danger of participating in false worship?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b IIx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 I. Know: Our Offering Versus God\rquote s Offering\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1890\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. What characterized true worshipers such as Abel, Abraham, and Jacob?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1620\tx1890\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 B. Why was sacrifice such an importantnd Abel, described in Genesis.\par \b Feel: \b0 Sense the differences of attitude between worshipers who treasure what God provides and those whose worship centers on what they bring to the altar of worship.\par \b Do: \b0 Worship God by honoring God\rquote s sacrifice of His Son Jesus, offered for our salvation.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Learning Outline:\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\t\pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\i0\f3\fs24\par Key Text: \cf4\ul\b0\i Gen_28:16-17\cf3\ulnone\par \b\i0 The Student Will:\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Know: \b0 Compare and contrast the two classes of worshipers as characterized by Cain aOne who had created them. \par What a powerful image of just what sin did-and still does-to us.\b\f2\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\b0 \b\f0 Think about times in your life when some experience, perhaps some sin, made you feel guilt, shame, and the desire to hide from God. How did this affect your prayer life? What did it do to your ability to worship Him with your whole heart? Not a pleasant feeling, is it? \b0\f2\fs36\par rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset128 MS Mincho;}{\f2\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f4\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset128 MS Gothic;}{\f5\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset0 MS Gothic;}{\f6\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red49\green132\blue155;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 1\fs24 \b0\i *June 25-July 1\b\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\fs36 Worship \i in\i0 Genesis: Two Classes \i of\i0 Worshipers \b0 \par \b\scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\b0\scaps0\fs36\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\fs24 Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\cf1\b0\i\fs22 \ul Gen_3:1-13\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Gen_4:1-4\cf2\u lnone ; \cf1\ul Gen_6:1-8\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Gen_12:1-8\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Gen_22:1-18\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Gen_28:10-22\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Tit_1:2\cf0\ulnone .\b\i0\par \fs24 Memory Text: \ldblquote \lquote Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.\rquote And he was afraid and said, \lquote How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!\rquote \rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Gen_28:16-17\cf0\ulnone , NKJV).\i0 \b\par \pard\keepn\!nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0\dn10\f1\fs48 I\up0\f0\fs24 t has been said that, as human beings, we need to worship \i something\i0 . What we worship . . . well, that is a different matter, though it is one fraught with exceedingly important consequences, especially in the last days, when two groups of worshipers are made manifest: those who worship the Creator and those who worship the beast and his image. \dn10\f2\par \p"ard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\up0 \f0 Yet, the seeds for that contrast can be seen early on in the Bible. In the story of Cain and Abel, two kinds of worshipers appear, one worshiping the true God as He is supposed to be worshiped and one engaging in a false kind of worship. One is acceptable, one is not, and that is because one is based on salvation by faith and the other, as are all false forms of worship, is based on# works. It is a motif that will appear again and again throughout the Bible. One type of worship is focused solely on God, on His power and glory and grace, the other on humanity and on self. \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 2.\i0\f2\fs22\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Sunday\scaps0 \tab\b0\i\fs22 \fs24 June 26\b\i0\f2\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920$\tx8640\f0\fs28 Worship in Eden\f2\fs24\par \cf1\ul\b0\f0 Gen_1:1-31\cf0\ulnone records the story of Adam and Eve in their new home. The Creator of the universe had just designed and formed a beautiful new planet, crowning His work with the creation of the first family. The world came from Him perfect; in its own unique way, earth must have been an extension of heaven.\par \cf1\ul Gen_2:1-3\cf0\ulnone then adds another element: the setting apart and making holy of the seventh day, an act tied dire%ctly to His work of creating the heavens and the earth, the act that forms the foundation of the fourth commandment- a day set aside for worship in a special way. Though Scripture does not say, one could imagine the kind of worship that these sinless beings, in the perfection of creation, gave to their Maker, who had done so much for them. (Little did they know, at that time, just how much He would end up really doing for them!)\par \b\f2 \f0 Read the tragic story of the fall in \cf1\ul Gen_3:1-13\cf0\&ulnone . What changes now took place in Adam\rquote s relationship to his Creator? \b0\i (vss. 8-10). \b\i0 How did Adam respond to God\rquote s questions to him? \b0\i (vss. 11-13).\i0 \b What does his response reveal about what had happened to him? \b0\f2\par \b \b0\f0 After the Fall a whole lot of elements that certainly were not there before suddenly appeared. Just like that, in a moment of disobedience, the entire moral fabric of these beings changed. Instead of love, trust, and adoration, their hearts were now filled with fear, guilt, and shame. Instead of desiring His holy presence, they hid from Him. For Adam and Eve, their relationship with God, which surely impacted how they worshiped Him, had been shattered. The close and intimate communion with God they once enjoyed \i (\cf1\ul Gen_3:8\cf0\ulnone ) \i0 would now take a different form. Indeed, when God came to them, they \ldblquote hid themselves\rdblquote from His presence. So full were they of shame, guilt, even fear, they fled from the  should be a celebration of God\rquote s grace in freeing us not only from the legal penalty of sin (which fell upon Jesus on our behalf) but from the power of sin to enslave us. \par \b What does it mean to no longer be slaves to sin? Does it mean we are not sinful, or that we do not at times still sin? Most important, how can you learn to claim and make real the promises of freedom that the gospel offers us? \b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx't is what the children of Israel had in their Lord; and that is what we as Christians today have, as well, because the God who delivered them from their bondage is the same One who delivers us today from ours.\tab\tab\tab\par If we ever needed a reason to worship the Lord, would it not be for the deliverance from slavery that He has won for us? The children of Israel sang a great song once they had been delivered. \i (See \cf1\ul Exo_15:1-27\cf0\ulnone .)\i0 Thus, for us the Sabbath worship experience(35\cf0\ulnone , NKJV).\i0 So He gave them the Sabbath day to be a constant reminder of His great deliverance and as a reminder to us of the bondage from which Christ has freed us. \b\f1\par \f0 Read \cf1\ul Rom_6:16-23\cf0\ulnone\i . \i0 What promises are offered us there and how does this relate to what the Lord did for Israel in Egypt?\b0\i\f1\par \i0 \f0 The New Testament clearly teaches that the slavery of sin demands a powerful Savior, as surely as did the Egyptian bondage of ancient Israel. Tha)rough the Exodus. No god in Egypt had the power to stop this nation of slaves from escaping their bondage. Only the God of Israel, who revealed Himself in powerful miracles and His presence in majestic and blinding glory, had the ability to deliver them with \ldblquote a mighty hand\rdblquote and a \ldblquote stretched out arm\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Deu_5:15\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 God wanted them to remember \ldblquote that the Lord Himself is God; there is none other besides Him\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Deu_4:*hip, but also to redemption. \cf1\ul Deu_5:15\cf0\ulnone tells us, \ldblquote Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day\rdblquote \i (NIV). \i0 These words echo to the crucial theme of the first angel\rquote s message, that of Redemption and Salvation. \tab And this redemption is symbolized by what the Lord did for the children of Israel th+ ignored, and even mocked by Christians? How can we personally help others to understand and appreciate it? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\b0\scaps0\f1\fs24 \i\f0 July 12\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640\b\f0\fs36 Freedom From Slavery\b0\f1\fs24\par \b \b0\f0 As we have already seen, the Sabbath points not only to creation, an important theme of wors,nth-day Adventist Christians, we recognize a spiritual dimension to rest as exemplified in the Sabbath commandment. The Sabbath rest is not just \ldblquote relaxation,\rdblquote however beneficial. By keeping it, we acknowledge our utter dependence on God in worship. And we worship Him in the way and time of \i His\i0 choosing, not necessarily our own.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\b Consider This:\b0 Why is the Sabbath commandment-a clear mandate from God-so widely misunderstood,-levels of a hormone called cortisol. In excess, cortisol tells our bodies to store more belly fat. It also causes stress to vital organs, making us susceptible to certain degenerative diseases. All of this can be prevented by more restful sleep as part of a healthy lifestyle that also includes proper exercise and nutrition.\par So nature itself decrees that we must spend a certain amount of time resting or risk death and illness at an early age. But rest doesn\rquote t come naturally to us. \par As Seve. is more time resting, isn\rquote t it?\par It\rquote s true that many or most people in developed nations are too sedentary and very exercise deprived. But are you aware that they are also sleep deprived? Most of us are aware of the negative results that come from a sedentary lifestyle. Obesity is one; related ills such as type 2 diabetes and coronary or vascular disease also come to mind. But did you know that sleep deprivation contributes to many of the same things? Lack of sleep results in increased /ghty act of Creation, as well as His promised redemption, is contained in the Sabbath, and we show our belief in His power and His promises by observing the Sabbath commandment.\b\par Just for Teachers:\b0 \b Emphasize the importance of Sabbath rest and worship to our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. \b0\par We all know we need to exercise. Reams of New Year\rquote s resolutions testify to this idea. We understand that if we want good health, we have to work for it. The last thing we need0rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\i0\f3\fs24\tab\tab\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\i\f1\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\b0\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \b0 Historically, the Sabbath has always distinguished true worshipers of God. God\rquote s mi1ns often presented as an alternative to the God of the Bible. \par \b If we truly accept the Sabbath for what the Bible says it is-a memorial of God\rquote s six days of Creation-how can we be protected from false ideas about our origins? Also, who would want to worship a God who used the vicious and violent process of evolution to create us, as some teach? \b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf2\ul\fs22 TEACHER\2oposed. The most popular today, of course, is evolution, which posits random mutation and natural selection as the means by which all life and intelligence exist. Someone recently presented a theory that we are all just computer projections and that we do not really exist but are merely the computer creations of some super-race of alien beings. In many ways, one could argue that the wooden gods Isaiah wrote about, which were worshiped by their own makers, are as good as many of the other theories of origi32\cf0\ulnone to \cf1\ul Isa_44:15-20\cf4\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Isa_46:5-7\cf0\ulnone . What contrast is being made here? \par \b0 Ever since the great controversy between Christ and Satan reached the earth, the enemy has tried to lead people to doubt or deny the existence of the true God, the Creator. Through ignorance of His Word or denial of the evidence of His creative power, human intelligence seeks to find ways to explain our origins in ways other than from the Lord. All sorts of theories have been pr4i (\cf1\ul Psa_33:6\cf4\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_33:9\cf0\ulnone , NKJV).\i0 \par \b\f1 \b0\f0 Also, when an important project is finished, people like to celebrate. For example, when we build a church, we dedicate it to God. Similarly, when God finished with the earth, He commemorated the event by setting aside a special day, the Sabbath. \b\f1\par \f0 Compare \cf1\ul Isa_40:25-26\cf4\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Isa_45:12\cf4\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Isa_45:18\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Col_1:16-17\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_1:5d energy-all part of the material world that we exist in. It is all here, only because God \i bara\i0 -ed it.\par Of course, how He did it remains a mystery. Science barely understands what matter itself is, much less how it was created and why it exists in the form that it does. What is crucial, however, is that we never forget for a moment where it all came from. \ldblquote By the word of the Lord the heavens were made. . . . For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast\rdblquote \6\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640\b\scaps0\f0\fs36 Remember Your Creator\b0\f1\fs24\par \f0 The Bible begins with the famous line, \ldblquote In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.\rdblquote The verb \ldblquote created,\rdblquote \i bara\i0 , is a verb that refers to actions of God only. Humans can build things, make things, create things, and form things, but God alone can \i bara\i0 . Only God can create space, time, matter, an7ur everyday activities and philosophies of life?\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640 Summary:\b0 Sabbath worship immortalizes God\rquote s act of creation, our deliverance from sin, and our restoration to holiness. It is a witness to unbelievers and the universe at large regarding our identity and our relationship to God.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\b0\f1\fs24 \i\scaps0\f0 July 11\i0\scaps\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb1008tx6750\tx7470\tx8190\tx8910\b III. Do: Critical Cornerstones and Safeguards\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. While Sabbath comes once a week, how does its significance shape how we live the rest of our week?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1800\tx1980\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 B. What aspects of Creation, Redemption, and sanctification are foundational to o9 created world that brings us joy? How does the Sabbath give us the opportunity to celebrate Creation and the Creator?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx900\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 B. How does celebrating the Sabbath bring us closer to our Redeemer and deepen our relationship with Him?\par C. How do we celebrate sanctification on the Sabbath? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1710\tx2430\tx3150\tx3870\tx4590\tx5310\tx6030\: celebrate pivotal acts of God on our behalf? What are these grand acts?\par B. How is keeping the Sabbath holy a sign and a witness to unbelievers regarding our relationship to God?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx900\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b II. Feel: Much to Celebrate\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. What is it about God\rquote s;par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Learning Outline:\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b I. Know: Creator, Redeemer, Restorer\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. How does the Sabbath look both backward and forward to \\H -09-Aug 27-Sep 2-The Prophets and Worship{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Ver-A09-Aug20-26-The Prophets and Worship{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\F!109-Aug 20-26-The Prophets and Worship{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{| !e09-Aug 20-26-The Prophets and Worship{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset128 MS Mincho;}{\f3 ?4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f5\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset0 MS Mincho;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red49\green132\blue155;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tqr\tx8640\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 3\f1\fs24\tab \b0\i\f0 *July 9-15\b\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\t@qc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640\f0\fs36 The Sabbath \i and\i0 Worship \f1\par \scaps\f0\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\scaps0\f1\par \f0\fs24 Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\i \cf1\ul\b0 Exo_20:11\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Deu_5:15\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Isa_44:15-20\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Mat_11:28-30\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rom_6:16-23\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\i0\f0 \b\f1\par \f0 Memory Text: \ldblquote O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people ofA his pasture, and the sheep of his hand\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Psa_95:6-7\cf0\ulnone ).\b\f1\par \pard\keepn\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640\b0\i0\dn10\f2\fs48 A\up0\f0\fs24 s we saw in the introduction, Creation and Redemption are central to the first angel\rquote s message and the theme of worship. The first angel calls us to the \ldblquote everlasting gospel,\rdblquote the good news of salvation in Jesus, a salvation that inBcludes not only forgiveness of sin but power over it. The gospel, then, promises us a new life in Christ, the promise of sanctification, which itself is part of the process of salvation and Redemption\i (\cf1\ul Joh_17:17\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Act_20:32\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Th_5:23\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640 And, as we saw, the first angel\rquote s message includes a special reminder that the onCe whom we are to worship is our Creator, the one who made us and the world we live in. \par Thus, linked to worship are the themes of Creation, Redemption, and sanctification. Not surprisingly, these three themes are revealed in the Sabbath, a crucial element in the events depicted in \cf1\ul Rev_14:1-20\cf0\ulnone , when the question faces all of us: do we worship the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Sanctifier or the beast and his image? The texts do not leave us any third option.\par This week we wDill take a look at the Sabbath commandment and how these themes are revealed in this day. As we study, ask yourself how can we make these themes central to our worship experience? \b\f1\par \f0 \b0\i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 16.\par \b\i0\scaps\fs32 Sunday\b0\scaps0\f1\fs24\tab\tab\i\f0\fs28 \fs24 July 10\i0\f1\par \b\f0\fs36 Creation and Redemption: The Foundation of Worship\b0\f1\fs24\par \f0\ldblquote Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy\rdblquote E\i (\cf1\ul Exo_20:8\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 The words \i remember\i0 and \i memorial\i0 in Hebrew come from the same Hebrew root, \i zkr.\i0 When God said \ldblquote remember,\rdblquote He was giving the people a memorial of two great events, one the foundation of the other.\par \b\f1 \f0 According to the fourth commandment, what are these two events, and how are they related to each other? \cf1\ul\b0\i Exo_20:11\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Deu_5:15\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\i0\par \i \i0\f0 Christ\rquote s role as CFreator is inextricably linked to His role as Redeemer, and every week the Sabbath highlights both of these roles. Not monthly, not yearly, but \i weekly\i0 , and without exception that is how important it is. The One who designed and made us is the same One who delivered Israel from Egypt and who delivers us from the bondage of sin. \par \b Read \cf1\ul Col_1:13-22\cf0\ulnone . How does Paul clearly link Christ in His role as Creator and Redeemer?\par \b0 Creation and Redemption are at the foundatiGon of all biblical truth and they are so important that we have been ordered to keep the Sabbath as a reminder of these truths. From Eden, where the seventh day was first set aside, up until now, there have been people who have worshiped the Lord through keeping the seventh-day Sabbath holy.\par \b Think for a moment how important these two truths must be for the Lord to have given us a weekly reminder of them; so important that He commands us to devote one-seventh of our lives in a special kind of resHt in order that we can better focus our attention on these truths. How can your Sabbath worship experience help enhance your appreciation of Christ as Creator and Redeemer? \b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\cf2\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\i0\f3\fs24\tab\tab\par Key Text: \cf3\ul\b0\i Psa_95:6-7\cf2\ulnone\i0\par \b The Student Will:\par \pard\noer to Saul in verses 22 and 23 helps us better understand what real worship should be about. \par \tab 1. God would rather have our hearts than our offerings. (If He truly has our hearts, the offerings will follow.)\par \tab 2. Obedience is more pleasing to Him than are sacrifices. (Obedience is our way of showing that we understand what the sacrifices are truly about.)\par \tab 3. Stubbornness, insisting on our own way, is idolatry, because we have made a god of ourselves, our desires, and our opinion?s.\par \b\f1 \f0 Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart as you ask yourself the following: In what areas in my life may I be choosing to follow my own desires and opinions rather than letting God lead me? What applications can I make to my worship experience from the example of Saul in his fatal presumptions?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\@b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: The following activities are meant to help us focus upon the many reasons we have for being grateful to God for His guidance.\par \b0 As Christians, we believe in a God who acts in history. And not only does He act in history-the kind covered in the Bible, in commentaries on the Bible, and in history textbooks-but He acts in Aour lives as well. Most of us have probably felt that God was trying to tell us something specific, even if not in a literal, audible way.\par Ask the class if they have ever been conscious of God communicating with them about their lives or about a given course of action. How did they react? Did they obey? Did they ignore it? What were the results? \par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\b Alternative:\b0 Focus on worship. Use a chalkboard or a paper chart for this activity. Acknowledge that God speaks to differenBt people in different ways but that there are distinct characteristics of true worship that lead to obedience. Whatever the outward form, what should such worship include? Write down answers submitted by the class. What do the answers reveal about our attitudes toward God? About worship? About ourselves?\tab\cf2\f4\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\scaps0\fs24 \b0\i July 29\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx28C80\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f0\fs28 Further Study:\b0\fs24 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote The Sin of Nadab and Abibu,\rdblquote pp. 359-362; \ldblquote The Presumption of Saul,\rdblquote pp. 616-626, in \i Patriarchs and Prophets.\i0\f1\par \f0 \ldblquote God has pronounced a curse upon those who depart from His commandments, and put no difference between common and holy things.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets,\i0 p. 360.\par \ldblquote [SaDul\rquote s] fatal presumption must be attributed to satanic sorcery. Saul had manifested great zeal in suppressing idolatry and witchcraft; yet in his disobedience to the divine command he had been actuated by the same spirit of opposition to God and had been as really inspired by Satan as are those who practice sorcery; and when reproved, he had added stubbornness to rebellion. He could have offered no greater insult to the Spirit of God had he openly united with idolaters.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \iE Patriarchs and Prophets,\i0 p. 635.\b\f1\par \f0\fs28 Discussion Questions:\f1\fs24\par \lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10102?\lang1033\f5 \b\f0\fs24 Why is it so important in worship to truly keep Christ as the center? However subtly, what other things can come in and take our focus off of the Lord as we worship? In what ways might we be in danger of using the Lord, or the name of the Lord in praise and song, as merely a cover for the worship of something else? \par \lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10103?\lang1033\b\f0F\fs24 What are ways that we can be hypocritical in worship? That is, what does it say about us if, when outside of church itself we act one way and then inside church we are full of praise and adoration and worship? Though none of us is perfect, shouldn\rquote t the lives we lead be connected with the kind of worship we practice? Sadly some people go to church, \ldblquote worship,\rdblquote and then go home and abuse their spouses and children or engage in other evil behavior. How do such practices make a mockery of our worship?\par \b0\f2\fs22\u10104?\b\f0\fs24 Go back over the memory verse for this week and apply it in the context of worship. How can we be sure that we are not doing exactly what we are being warned against here? \par \pard\f2\fs22\u10105?\f0\fs24 How can you better learn the \ldblquote art\rdblquote of worship, the \ldblquote art\rdblquote of self-surrender to the Lord? How can you learn to draw closer to the Lord in your own private time of worship? \cf3\ul\b0\f1\fs22\par } nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. What acts of deliverance did David have to praise God for?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1620\tx1980\tx2520\tx3150\tx3870\tx4590\tx5310\tx6030\tx6750\tx7470\tx8190 B. Though David had sinned greatly, what was the difference between his sin and Saul\rquote s in last week\rquote s lesson?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320G\b Feel: \b0 Cultivate a sense of penitence in order to be filled with the joy of Christ\rquote s deliverance.\par \b Do: \b0 Offer praise and glory to God and recount what He has done for us.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Learning Outline:\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b I. Know: A New Song\b0\par \pard\H60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\i0\f3\fs24\par Key Text: \cf4\ul\b0\i Psa_96:1\cf3\ulnone\i0\par \b The Student Will:\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Know: \b0 Review the themes of worship present in David\rquote s psalms as well as in the songs of Revelation.\par Ithe will of God, so long as he yielded to the discipline of His Spirit, God could crown his efforts with success. But when Saul chose to act independently of God, the Lord could no longer be his guide, and was forced to set him aside.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets, \i0 p. 636. \par \b Ask yourself, how does what goes on inside your heart differ from what people see of you on the outside? What does your answer say to you about yourself? \b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\saJ He repented, and he patiently accepted the consequences of his sins. In contrast, whatever outward confessions he made, it was clear that Saul\rquote s heart was not surrendered to the Lord. \ldblquote Yet the Lord, having placed on Saul the responsibility of the kingdom, did not leave him to himself. He caused the Holy Spirit to rest upon Saul to reveal to him his own weakness and his need of divine grace; and had Saul relied upon God, God would have been with him. So long as his will was controlled by Korgave even David\rquote s worst mistakes, allowing him to continue being king. What made the difference? \i\f1\par \b\i0\f0 See \cf1\ul Psa_32:1-5\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_51:1-6\cf0\ulnone . What crucial concept is found in these texts that is so central to faith?\b0\f1\par \f0 God is in the heart business. He not only reads the heart, the center of thought, inner attitudes, and motives, but He can touch and change hearts that are open to Him. David\rquote s heart yielded to the conviction of sin.Lne . What does this tell us about David? \b0\f1\par \b \b0\f0 God chose Saul as the first king of Israel because he matched the description the people had requested. But when God chose David to be the next king of Israel, He reminded Samuel that the Lord looks on the heart \i (\cf1\ul 1Sa_16:7\cf0\ulnone ). \i0\f1\par \f0 David was far from being perfect. In fact, some would argue that David\rquote s later moral lapses were much more serious than Saul\rquote s sins. Yet, the Lord rejected Saul but fM1\par \b0\i\f0 *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 6.\i0\f1\fs36\par \b\scaps\f0\fs32 Sunday\b0\scaps0\f1\fs24\tab \i\f0 July 31\i0\f1\par \b\f0\fs36 Between Saul and David\par \b0\f1\fs24 \b\f0 Read the following glimpses into David\rquote s life before he became king: \cf1\ul 1Sa_16:6-13\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Sa_17:45-47\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Sa_18:14\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Sa_24:10\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Sa_26:9\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Sa_30:6-8\cf0\ulnoNorship. What does it mean \ldblquote to worship\rdblquote ? How do we do it? Why do we do it? What role does music play in worship? What distinguishes true worship from false worship?\par These all are themes that we will touch on in various ways this quarter as we heed the call: \ldblquote O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Psa_95:6-7\cf0\ulnone ).\b\i0\fOx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 This week we will start out using some examples from David and his life in order to delve more into the question of worship: what it means, how we should do it, and what it should do for us. For in David we can see many examples of worship and song and praise. These things were a crucial part of his life and of his experience with the Lord.\par Thus, it must be with us, as well, especially if we constantly remember that the first angel\rquote s message is a call to wP0\ulnone ).\i0 \b\f1\par \pard\keepn\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0\dn10\f2\fs48 K\up0\f0\fs24 ing David\rquote s life is recorded in the Bible for many reasons: not only does an important part of Israelite history center around his life and reign, but we can learn many spiritual lessons from him, both from his good deeds and his bad.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tQ \i and\i0 Praise\f1\par \scaps\f0\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\scaps0\f1\par \f0\fs24 Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\cf1\b0\i \ul 1Ch_16:8-36\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_32:1-5\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_51:1-6\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_51:17\cf0\ulnone ;\fs28 \cf1\ul\fs24 Php_4:8\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_4:9-11\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_5:9-13\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\b\i0\tab\tab\par \f0 Memory Text: \ldblquote O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Psa_96:1\cfRri;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red49\green132\blue155;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 6\f1\fs24\tab\b0\i\f0\fs28 \fs24 *July 30-August 5\b\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\f0\fs36 Worship \i and\i0 SongUainment (although it does mean that). It also directs us to look at why we do these things, or stop doing them, as the case may be. The Sabbath directs us to the beginning and, therefore, to God.\b\par \b0\i Many people consider the Sabbath to be an archaic relic of the past, whether of the Old Testament laws or the dreary Sabbaths of their youth, when it was defined by what they couldn\rquote t do. Is Sabbath a burden to you, or is it a reminder of God\rquote s awesome creative and redemptive power, andV why? If the former, what needs to change for you?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\i0\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\b0\scaps0\f1\fs24 \i\f0 July 13\b\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640\f0\fs36 Remember Your Sanctifier\b0\f1\fs24\par \b\f0 Read \cf1\ul Exo_31:13\cf0\ulnone . What do you understand this to mean? How is it relevant to us today? What does it mean to have God sanctify us? How can Wwe experience this process in our own lives? \par \b0 Creation, Redemption, sanctification-they all are related. Creation, of course, is the foundation of everything (for without it there would be no one to redeem and sanctify). Yet, in our fallen condition, Creation is no longer enough; we needed Redemption, the promise of forgiveness for our sins. Otherwise, we would face eternal destruction, and our creation would be forever over. \par Of course, inseparably linked to Redemption is sanctificatiXon, the process by which we grow in holiness and in grace in our lives. The word translated as \ldblquote sanctify\rdblquote in \cf1\ul Exo_31:13\cf0\ulnone comes from the same root word used in \cf1\ul Exo_20:8\cf0\ulnone , when the Lord tells the people to keep the Sabbath \ldblquote holy.\rdblquote The same root appears in \cf1\ul Exo_20:11\cf0\ulnone , which says that God \ldblquote hallowed\rdblquote or \ldblquote made holy\rdblquote the Sabbath day (see also \cf1\ul Gen_2:3\cf0\ulnone , where GYod \ldblquote sanctified\rdblquote the seventh day). In all these cases the root, \i qds\i0 , means \ldblquote to be holy,\rdblquote \ldblquote to set aside as holy,\rdblquote to be \ldblquote dedicated as holy.\rdblquote \par God called Israel and set them apart as His holy people, to be a light to the world. Christ called His disciples to a mission of carrying the gospel to the world. Central to that task is the holiness and character of the ones spreading the message. The gospel is not just abouZt no longer being condemned for our sins. As we saw yesterday, it is about being free from the bondage of our sins. It is about being new people in Christ and having our lives be living witnesses to what God can do for us here and now.\par \b Read \cf1\ul 2Co_5:17\cf0\ulnone . What is Paul saying here, and how can we relate this text to the themes of Creation and Redemption and the Sabbath?\b0 \b How can our Sabbath worship help us focus on these themes?\b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx[0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf2\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: The Sabbath reminds us of God\rquote s mighty acts on our behalf, His promises, and His sufficiency for all our needs. Use the following questions to emphasize the centrality of the Sabb\ath to any full experience of the peace and redemption offered to us by God. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Thought Questions:\par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\cf5\lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10102?\cf2\lang1033\b\f3\fs24 \b0 What does the existence of the Sabbath, the same day every week since the beginning of time, tell us about the trustworthiness and stability of God in a world in which so much is changeable ]and transitory?\par \cf5\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\cf2\lang1033\f3\fs24 Describe how all of God\rquote s acts-Creation, sanctification, and Redemption-are mirrored in the celebration of the Sabbath.\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Application Questions:\par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\cf5\lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10102?\cf2\lang1033\b\f3\fs24 \b0 The observance of the Sabbath is often posed as a quasi-legal, ^rules-based question. What criteria would you use-or reject, for that matter-to determine what does or does not honor God as a Sabbath activity? How do you keep the Sabbath holy?\par \cf5\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\cf2\lang1033\f3\fs24 How does the Sabbath help to remind you of God\rquote s presence and centrality in all things?\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\b0\scaps0\f1\fs24 \i\f0 July 14\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx144_0\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640\b\f0\fs36 Resting in Redemption\b0\f1\fs24\par \f0 Creation, Redemption, and sanctification: we have all these in Christ, and they all are symbolized in a special way through the blessings of the Sabbath. \par \b In \cf1\ul Mat_11:28-30\cf0\ulnone read\b0 \b Jesus\rquote invitation to rest. How does the Sabbath fit in with what Jesus is telling us here?\par \b0 The \ldblquote rest\rdblquote Jesus offered to people included emo`tional, psychological, and spiritual rest for those who were burdened with heavy loads, including the load of sin, guilt, and fear. In addition to the basic human need for physical rest, there is an equally important need for the mind and the spirit to have a change of pace-to rest from the burdens and the stress of daily living. God designed the Sabbath for precisely that. Studies have shown that productivity in the work place actually increases with a weekly break. Bringing closure to the usual routine aof life enhances mental acuity and physical endurance. Further, the Sabbath provides the needed sense of anticipation that helps prevent boredom and fatigue. \par While anyone can say that they are resting in Christ, the Sabbath gives us a concrete and physical manifestation of that rest. The Sabbath stands as a symbol of the rest that we truly have in Him, in the salvation Christ has wrought for us.\par The Sabbath also meets us at the level of our emotional life. It gives us a sense of identity: wbe are created in the image of God, and we belong to Him because He made us. \par And just as God gave the marriage institution in Eden to meet the human need for horizontal intimacy, so He gave the Sabbath for vertical intimacy between the Creator and His creatures.\par The Sabbath promises fulfillment-what we may become through Christ\rquote s work of restoration. It gives us hope for the future-the ultimate eternal Sabbath rest. But most important of all, the Sabbath meets us at the highest of alcl human needs, the need to worship something or Someone. God in His great wisdom has given us the Sabbath as a day set aside for worship, a day to spend in honor and praise of Him. \par \b\f1 \f0 What burdens are you carrying that you need to have rest from, and how can you learn to give them to Him? How can your Sabbath worship experience help you learn truly to rest in Him?\b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8d640\tx9360\cf2\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: The gift of the Sabbath is a gift of a sanctified place in time in which we have nothing to do other than to honor God for what He has done (Creation), what He is doing (sanctification) and what He will do (redemption). Emphasize that in a way, when we enter the Sabebath rest we are entering a different place, as well as a different time.\par \b0 Bring a suitcase (or any luggage) and a few objects to class (clothes, toiletries, etc.-anything one could imagine packing for a trip). Start packing these items into the suitcase. Ask your class what they think of bringing when they travel anywhere for a given length of time. Perhaps you will pass around slips of paper so they can make short lists.\par Then make the point that we should regard the Sabbath as a distinctly fdifferent place, as well as a segment of the week. How might we be better prepared to honor the Sabbath if we thought of it as a place to which we were going? Ask the class how they would prepare if they were to think of the Sabbath in this way.\par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\b Alternative:\b0 Lead a discussion on what the Sabbath has meant to the individual lives of your members. Have they ever had to sacrifice anything for it, such as jobs or social engagements? Is the Sabbath a relief, and if so, why? Is git a source of more stress? Explain. How can we improve our experience of the Sabbath and gain the blessing God wants us to derive from it?\tab\cf4\f4\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\b0\i\scaps0\fs24 July 15\i0\f1\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640\b\f0\fs28 Further Study:\b0\fs24 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote The Creation,\rdblquote pp. 44-51; \ldblquoteh The Literal Week,\rdblquote pp. 111-116, in \i Patriarchs and Prophets;\i0 \ldblquote The Sabbath,\rdblquote pp. 281-289, in \i The Desire of Ages.\i0 \par \ldblquote God designed that [Sabbath] observance should designate [Israel] as His worshipers. It was to be a token of their separation from idolatry, and their connection with the true God. But in order to keep the Sabbath holy, men must themselves be holy. Through faith they must become partakers of the righteousness of Christ. . . .Only thusi could the Sabbath distinguish Israel as the worshipers of God.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Desire of Ages, \i0 p. 283.\tab\tab\par \ldblquote When the Lord delivered His people Israel from Egypt and committed to them His law, He taught them that by the observance of the Sabbath they were to be distinguished from idolaters. It was this that made the distinction between those who acknowledge the sovereignty of God and those who refuse to accept Him as their Creator and King.\rdblquote -Ellen G. Whjite, \i Testimonies for the Church, \i0 vol. 6,\i \i0 p. 349. \par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\b0\f1\fs24\par \lang1034\f2\fs22\u10102?\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 Dwell more on the idea of how true Sabbath keeping can protect us from many of the delusions regarding creation. Think, for instance, about the final events regarding those who worship the beast as opposed to those who worship the Creator \b0\i (see \cf1\ul Rev_14:1-20\cf0\ulnone ).\b\i0 How would a false understanding of our origins-such as the kidea that Jesus used evolution to create us-set people up to be deceived in the final days? \b0\f1\par \lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\lang1033\f5 \b\f0\fs24 Go back over the question of Sabbath and worship. How does your church worship on Sabbath? Is the service geared toward exalting God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier? If not, what is the emphasis? How can we learn to keep the Lord as the focus of our worship experience? \par \pard\b0\f2\fs22\u10104?\b\f0\fs24 Creation is central to all our beliefs. Why does nothing we believe as Seventh-day Adventists make any sense at all apart from God as the Creator? Creation is foundational to all that we believe, and the Sabbath is imbedded in the original Creation account. How do these facts help reveal just how pivotal and basic the Sabbath is? How does this help us better understand, too, how in the last days, when false powers seek to compel the worship that God alone deserves, the Sabbath will be so central to that final drama? \cf2\ul\b0\f1\fs22\par } qprayed again, never worshiped again, never exercised any faith. The words \ldblquote You still doing that?\rdblquote revealed just how empty and meaningless this ritual had been to him all these years, and thus he stopped.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640 This story illustrates the danger of mere ritual. Worship needs to come from the heart, from the soul, from a true relationship with God. That is why this week we willl0\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640\dn10\f2\fs48 R\up0\f0\fs24 ussian writer Leo Tolstoy wrote about a friend who, nearing death, explained his own loss of faith. The man said that from his childhood he had prayed, his own act of private devotion and worship before going to sleep. One day, after a hunting trip with his brother, they were getting ready for bed in the same room, and he knelt down to pray. His brother looked at him and said, \ldblquote You still doing that?\rdblquote From that moment on, the man never m\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Deu_12:18\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Deu_16:13-16\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\i0\par \b\f0 Memory Text:\fs28 \fs24\ldblquote And ye shall rejoice before the Lord your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that is within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you\rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul Deu_12:12\cf0\ulnone )\i0\f1 .\par \pard\keepn\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx504n\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640\b\f0\fs36 Rejoicing Before \i the\i0 Lord: The Sanctuary \i and\i0 Worship\b0 \par \b\scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\b0\scaps0\f1\par \b\f0\fs24 Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1\ul\i Exo_25:1-22\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Exo_29:38-39\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Exo_35:1-35\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Deu_12:5-7\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Deu_12:12\cf2ocpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Verdana;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset128 MS Mincho;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red49\green132\blue155;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tqr\tx8640\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 4\f1\fs24 \b0\i\f0 *July 16-22r look at the ancient Israelite sanctuary service, the center of Israelite worship, and derive what lessons we can from it about how we can have a deeper worship experience.\par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 23.\i0\f1\fs36\par \b\scaps\f0\fs32 Sunday\scaps0\f1\fs24\tab\tab \b0\i\f0 July 17\b\i0\f1\par \f0\fs36\ldblquote That I May Dwell Among Them\rdblquote\fs24 \b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760s\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 \f0\ldblquote \lquote You will bring them in and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance, in the place, O Lord, which You have made for Your own dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands have established\rquote \rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Exo_15:17\cf0\ulnone , NKJV). \i0\f1\par \f0 This is the first mention in Scripture of a sanctuary. It was sung as part of the song of deliverance by the children of Israel after their escape from Egypt. The verse talks not :just about the sanctuary but implies that it will be God\rquote s dwelling on earth. The Hebrew word translated \ldblquote dwelling\rdblquote comes from a root that means, literally, \ldblquote to sit.\rdblquote \i Was the Lord really going to dwell, \ldblquote to sit,\rdblquote among His people here on earth?\i0\f1\par \b \f0 Read \cf1\ul Exo_25:1-9\cf0\ulnone . What are the two main points that we learn from the verses, and why are they amazing? (As you think about the answer, think about who God usb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0\i0 The use of sanctuary imagery in the Psalms enriches our worship of God in the Most Holy Place today. \i (See \cf4\ul Heb_10:19-22\cf3\ulnone .)\i0 The people of Israel, as a whole, were not privy to enter the Holy and Most Holy Places in the desert tabernacle. They were called upon to imagine what was happening as the priest carried the blood from the sacrifice, past the menorah (lampstand) and tablev of shewbread to the altar of incense, and sprinkled the blood upon the horns of the altar and the veil before the ark of the covenant. The people could see the Shekinah glory above the tabernacle roof and imagine their prayers being presented before His Majesty, the King of the universe, who had come to dwell with them and meet with them there, protected as they were from the brightness of His righteousness. So must we, in imagination, follow Christ behind the veil in the heavenly courts as He presents owur prayers before the Father, intercedes for us, and claims us as His own because of His spilled blood that cleanses us from sin.\b\par Consider This: \b0 How does our understanding of the role Jesus played in purchasing our redemption with His blood better inform our worship? Why is it important that we sing about this most amazing relationship?\b\par V. Praise and Celebration\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0\i x(Review \cf4\ul Psa_147:1-20\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Psa_148:1-14\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Psa_149:1-9\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Psa_150:1-6\cf3\ulnone .)\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0\i0 The angels love to proclaim, over and over, God\rquote s holiness, His creative powers, His all-knowing, perfect righteousness, the salvation He has provided, and His worthiness to receive our praise because all blessing, glory, wyisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might belong to Him. \i (See \cf4\ul Isa_6:3\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul Rev_7:9-12\cf3\ulnone .)\i0 Indeed, when we get to heaven, we will all, down to the last creature, gather around God\rquote s throne and revel in how good God has been. What a celebration that will be!\par Recall group celebrations, such as Miriam leading out in song after the deliverance at the Red Sea \i (\cf4\ul Exo_15:1-27\cf3\ulnone )\i0 , David carrying the ark into Jerusalem \i (\cf4\ul 2Sa_6:z12-22\cf3\ulnone )\i0 , and the choir that lead Jehoshaphat\rquote s army into battle \i (\cf4\ul 2Ch_20:20-28\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . While we often praise God in private, how much more joyful are these group celebrations of deliverance! It\rquote s all the difference between celebrating your birthday by yourself and celebrating it with family and friends. Not only do our corporate worship songs help to cement group cohesion and singleness of purpose in devotion to God, but they give us a powerful, exalting se{nse of shared joy available in no other context. \b\par Consider This: \b0 What deliverance will be uppermost in our minds when we all gather around the throne in heaven to sing God\rquote s praise? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\f1\fs24\tab \b0\i\scaps0\f0 August 10\b\i0\scaps\f1\par \scaps0\f0\fs36 Worship and the Sanctuary\fs38 \f1\fs24\par \f0\ldblquote Let my pra|yer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Psa_141:2\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \b What imagery is being used here? What is this verse pointing to? \par \b0 The entire Old Testament sanctuary service centered around the concept of sacrifice. However much the enemy of souls perverted it, even to the point where people were sacrificing their own children in order (they believed) to appease an angry god (or gods), the sacrificial syst}em was intended to point to the death of Jesus on behalf of all humanity. It was to show the futility of our own works to save us; it was to show that the cost of sin was the life of an innocent victim; it was to show that the Lord had a plan whereby sinners could be forgiven, cleansed, and accepted by the Lord through His grace. \par It is no wonder, then, that many of the Psalms, so central to Israel\rquote s worship, would use images and examples from the sanctuary service. \i See \cf1\ul Psa_20:3\c~f2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_43:4\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_51:19\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_54:6\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_118:27\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_134:2\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_141:2\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\i0\par \b\f0 Dwell on the sanctuary service: the sacrifice of the animals, the ministry of the priests, the furniture in the courtyard, and the Holy and Most Holy Place. What sacred truths can we draw from this earthly and temporary system about the work of Jesus on our behalf? Why should these truths be so central to our worship of the Lord?\b0\f1\par \b\f0 Read\b0 \cf1\ul\b Psa_40:6-8\cf0\ulnone and \cf1\ul Heb_10:1-13\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\b0\f0 \b How does Paul connect \cf1\ul Psa_40:8\cf0\ulnone with the sacrificial system?\b0\f1\par \f0 The author\rquote s point is that it is through Christ, not through the death of animals, that we have salvation. Only through Christ is there true forgiveness of sin. The whole earthly system was merely a precursor to what Jesus would do on behalf of all humanity. He was telling his audience, most likely Jewish believers in Jesus, that they needed to look away from the earthly system and instead focus their attention and worship on Jesus. In other words, though the whole sanctuary service was to point to Christ, they needed to as believers move away from the symbols to the reality, which was Jesus and His ministry for them in the heavenly sanctuary after His atoning death.\par \b How can we be sure that we do not make worship and the things of worship ends in themselves? How can we make sure that every aspect of our worship points us toward Jesus and His work on our behalf? \b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: Use the following activities to help bring the practical applications of the themes of the Psalms home to your class members.\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1080\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. Listen to the songs written by class members during the past week as part of last week\rquote s assignment.\par B. What deliverance experiences does your community share? Discuss these experiences and then divide your class in two, in order to read responsively #728 in \i The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal,\i0 \ldblquote Let the Redeemed Thank the Lord,\rdblquote derived from \cf4\ul Psa_107:1-43\cf3\ulnone . How does it feel to read from the Scriptures together? Why is coming together as a community to rejoice in deliverance such a valuable worship experience?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1080\tx1170\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 C. How often do you experience a variety of the themes presented in the Psalms in your worship services today? How often do you use responsive readings (present in the back of \i The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal\i0 ) in your church? Discuss together how you as a class might increase the opportunities available in your church services to use the Psalms, poetry, and music drawn from Scriptures or from your own experiences. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\scaps0\f1\fs24\tab \b0\i\f0 August 11\b\i0\f1\par \f0\fs36 Lest We Forget!\f1\fs24\par \b0\f0 Three of the longer Psalms, \cf1\ul Psa_78:1-72\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_105:1-45\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_106:1-48\cf0\ulnone , are great hymns that were to be sung or recited to remind Israel of God\rquote s leading in the past. \par \b Read \cf1\ul Psa_78:1-8\cf0\ulnone . According to this passage, why does God want the people to remember their history?\b0 \i Read also \cf1\ul Deu_6:6-9\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Co_10:11\cf0\ulnone . \b\i0 How can we take that same principle and apply it to ourselves in our own context and experience, which is so different from theirs? \par \b0\f1 \f0 One of the ways God reveals Himself is through history. Yet, each generation must experience Him anew based on that history. For that reason, not only music but the proclamation of the Word of God in worship is vital to both old and new generations to keep before them His past leading. \cf1\ul Psa_78:1-72\cf0\ulnone is a warning that history must not repeat itself, but at the same time it is a heartwarming reminder of God\rquote s gracious dealings with His wayward people. There seems to be an urgency in the imperative promise, \ldblquote Telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength\rdblquote \i (vs. 4, NKJV).\i0 \cf1\ul Psa_105:2\cf0\ulnone calls us to \ldblquote\i Sing\i0 psalms to Him\rdblquote and \ldblquote\i Talk\i0 of all His wondrous works\rdblquote \i (NKJV)\i0 , emphasis added.\par The longest poem in the psalter, \cf1\ul Psa_119:1-176\cf0\ulnone , contains the frequent refrain, \ldblquote Teach me thy statutes,\rdblquote indicating the importance of Scripture as the basis for teaching godly living and righteousness. Paul echoes this thought when he instructs the young preacher, Timothy, \ldblquote All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul 2Ti_3:16\cf0\ulnone , NKJV). \i0\f1\par \f0 Paul charges Timothy to \ldblquote preach the word\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul 2Ti_4:2\cf0\ulnone , NKJV).\i0 To neglect proclaiming the Word in worship is to dilute the power of the gospel to reach hearts, to change lives, and to enrich the worship experience of believers.\par \b How often have you had the experience of the Lord doing something wonderful and miraculous in your life, only to quickly forget it and show fear and lack of faith when a new crisis arose? Whether in corporate worship or in your own private worship, how can you learn to keep fresh in your mind God\rquote s leading in your life? Why is this so important to do? \b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: Suggest the following ideas to help your class put the class discussion into practice during the following weeks or months.\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx990\tx1080\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. Write your own version of \cf4\ul Psa_136:1-26\cf3\ulnone using major events in your life as milestones that illustrate how \ldblquote His love endures forever.\rdblquote Share this psalm with a family member who has a similar life history and who needs an extra boost toward faith this week.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1080\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 B. Choose five psalms that deal with nature. Read one of these psalms before you go on a walk each day and meditate on these scriptures as you take your daily exercise in the week ahead.\b\par \b0 C. What special deliverances has your family experienced? Plan a few activities to celebrate God\rquote s deliverance in your life, such as a meal of remembrance or creating a family album or wall hanging commemorating God\rquote s goodness to you.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 D. Rewrite a few portions of some of the sanctuary imagery in Psalms in light of the \ldblquote new and living way\rdblquote that has been opened for us to approach God, and share them with the rest of the class.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\scaps0\f1\fs24\tab \b0\i\f0 August 12\b\i0\f1\par \f0\fs28 Further Study:\fs24 \b0 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote The Creation,\rdblquote\i \i0 pp. 44-51, in\b \b0\i Patriarchs and Prophets;\i0 \ldblquote Poetry and Song,\rdblquote pp. 159-168, in \i Education; \i0\ldblquote Forgetfulness,\rdblquote pp. 107-115, in \i Testimonies for the Church,\i0 vol. 8.\b \b0\f1\par \f0 \ldblquote The Book of Psalms fulfills a unique role in the Bible. . . . [The Psalms] function in the Scriptures as the heartbeat of Israel\rquote s religion. In this book of prayers the covenant people found their stairway to heaven. It reaches from the lowest depths of human agony and suffering to the highest joys of communion with God. Laments and cries of despair exchange with hymns of thanksgiving and praise. . . . This living interchange between man and God is perhaps the deeper reason why the Book of Psalms has been cherished as the invaluable jewel in the Hebrew Bible by seekers after God in all ages.\rdblquote Further, they are a \ldblquote disclosure of God\rquote s own heart. . . . They stand as inspired examples of how God desires us all to respond by faith to the authentic revelations of Himself and of His deeds in the books of Moses.\rdblquote -Hans K. LaRondelle, \i Deliverance in the Psalms\i0 , (Berrien Springs, Mich.: First Impressions, 1983), pp. 3, 4.\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\f1\fs24\par \lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10102?\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 It is one thing to trust in the justice of God\rquote s ultimate judgment at the end of time-we have to trust in that hope and promise. At the same time, does this mean that we do not need to work for justice and judgment now because we know that it will ultimately come by God? How do we strike a right balance between seeking justice now and knowing that one day it will come?\par \lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10103?\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 Discuss more the question at the end of Wednesday\rquote s lesson regarding worship and the forms of worship in church. How is it possible that things like music, preaching, liturgy, and so forth could become ends in themselves as opposed to being the means of pointing us toward the Lord? So often, we can mistake the symbols for the reality behind the symbols. How can we protect ourselves against this danger in our own worship services?\par \b0\f2\fs22\u10104?\b\f0\fs24 What are ways that your own church worship service could be improved to make sure Christ is uplifted in all aspects of worship? \par \f2\fs22\u10105?\f4 \f0\fs24 What are some of your own favorite Psalms? What do you like about them, and what do they reveal to you about the Lord?\par \pard\lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10106?\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 If your church does not sing any Psalms in worship, ask someone musical to write music for a psalm that could be sung together for worship.\b0\f1\tab\cf2\f5\fs23\par }  blessed if you obey God\rquote s commands (\cf4\ul Deu_11:13-15\cf3\ulnone ).\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 The list of God\rquote s conditional promises is long. God always clarifies His requirements because He knows that sinful human beings are prone to forget them.\par \b Consider This:\b0 Because we serve a God who jealously guards the sanctity of His dictates, why should we place the utmost priorithe Israelites:\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 -\i You will be blessed if you obey all\i0 \i (\cf4\ul Deu_6:24-25\cf3\ulnone ).\par \i0 -\i God will keep His covenant to you if you obey His commands (\cf4\ul Deu_7:12\cf3\ulnone ).\par \i0 -\i You will be destroyed if you forget the God who delivered you and start worshipping other gods (\cf4\ul Deu_8:19\cf3\ulnone ).\par \i0 -\i Your lands and livestock will benly aware of the stealthy nature of evil, especially for those who profess His name. Perhaps this is why He rarely imparts a blessing without strict directions on how to \ldblquote stay blessed.\rdblquote \par As Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, Moses urged them to love God with their all \i (\cf4\ul Deu_6:5\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . In \cf4\ul Deu_6:18\cf3\ulnone He urges total obedience \ldblquote that it may go well with you\rdblquote \i (NIV). \i0 But Moses also made some other things clear to s24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx90\tx810\tx1530\tx2250\tx2970\tx3690\tx4410\tx5130\tx5850\tx6570\tx7290\tx8010\tx8730\b I. God\rquote s Conditions\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0\i (Review \cf4\ul Deu_6:4-9\cf3\ulnone .)\i0\par Monday\rquote s study captures the subtle nature of compromise, the nuanced acceptance of worldly norms, and the spiritual devastation that usually follows. God is keeates and how to remedy that tendency. At every level of one\rquote s walk with God there will be a call to surrender attitudes, habits, norms, convictions, opinions, etc. This is the narrow road that leads to life eternal. In this section explore this \ldblquote pull and tug\rdblquote of the Christian\rquote s journey with your class.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\i\f1\fs28 Bible Commentary\b0\i0\f3\fe you to make changes, if need be? \tab\b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: The goal of this Explore section is to examine the human tendency to stray from God\rquote s dictso easy from our perspective today to look back and wonder, \i How could they have fallen into such blatant apostasy? \i0 On the other hand, humans have an incredible capacity to deceive themselves (it is all part of our fallen and corrupted nature), and we deceive ourselves if we think we are not just as vulnerable as they were back then. Look at yourself, your lifestyle, your mode of worship. What might you be doing that is, in principle, not a whole lot different from what happened here? How willing artab\f0 6. \i0 Built shrines on high places \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_12:31\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\f1\par \f0 Counterfeit money cannot deceive unless it looks like the real thing. Thus, Jeroboam knew that his false worship must have many of the same elements of worship that the people were accustomed to, though he eventually declared, pointing to the golden calves, \ldblquote \lquote Here are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt!\rquote \rdblquote \i (vs. NKJV).\i0\f1\par \b \f0 It is eh: \par 1. Offered sacrifices and ordained non-Levite priests \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_12:31-33\cf0\ulnone )\i0 . \par \i\f1\tab\f0 2. \i0 Made calves of gold to worship \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_12:28\cf0\ulnone ).\par \i0\f1\tab\f0 3. Made Bethel a place of worship \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_12:29\cf0\ulnone ).\par \i0\f1\tab\f0 4. Made Dan a place of worship \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_12:29\cf0\ulnone ).\par \i0\f1\tab\f0 5. Instituted a rival feast to the Feast of Tabernacles \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_12:32\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par \i\f1\ to worship. \par \b Read \cf1\ul 1Ki_12:25-27\cf0\ulnone . What does this tell us about the power and influence worship can have on the human mind?\b0\f1\par \b \b0\f0 Look at the account of Jeroboam\rquote s setting up a counterfeit religion that would eventually separate Israel from the worship of the true God in Jerusalem \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_12:25-33\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Notice how this new worship resembled the worship of the true God and at the same time contradicted most of the clear counsel of Yahwhe would become king over ten of the tribes of Israel \i (vss. 26-31).\i0 But the prophet made it clear to Jeroboam that his success would depend on his faithfulness to God\rquote s commandments \i (vss. 37, 38).\i0\f1\par \f0 Unfortunately, Jeroboam listened only to what he wanted to hear and he forgot the conditions of success. He was all too ready to lead in the revolt \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_12:16-20\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 and almost immediately he took steps to prevent his subjects from returning to Jerusalemrelationships, politics, work, etc. Ask your students to share a compromise that they later regretted.\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tqr\tx8640\cf0\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday \b0\i\scaps0\fs24 August 16\i0\f1\tab\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\f0\fs36 Counterfeit Worship \b0\f1\fs24\par \f0 In \cf1\ul 1Ki_11:1-43\cf0\ulnone , Ahijah came to Jeroboam, Solomon\rquote s servant, with a message that  ranch. \par \ldblquote I wanted to name it the Bar-J,\rdblquote he responded, \ldblquote my wife favored Suzy-Q, one son liked the Flying-W, and the other wanted the Lazy-Y. So we\rquote re calling it the Bar-J-Suzy-Q-Flying-W-Lazy-Y.\rdblquote\par \ldblquote But where are all your cattle?\rdblquote the friends asked. \par \ldblquote None survived the branding.\rdblquote\par \b Consider This:\b0 Discuss with your students some of the pros and cons of compromise in different areas of life, such as eratives, spiritual compromise destroys one\rquote s connection with God. Share the following anecdote in your own words.\b0\par \b Opening Activity:\b0 A somewhat apocryphal story captures the notion of compromise. As the story is told, a family from New York bought a large farm out West with the intention of raising cattle. They bought the land, set up the ranch, and started on their dream. Months later, some curious friends visited the family and asked the would-be cattleman if he planned to name theotivate\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth:\b0 The call of God requires us to love Him with everything we possess-heart, soul, mind, and strength. \par \b Just for Teachers: This week\rquote s lesson explores the dangers of halfhearted worship. Whether one is led astray by the clamor for conformity to worldly standards or accepts a spirituality free of biblical imp, and then came back, only to be shocked by some of the changes that they saw in areas such as theology, standards, and worship. Though that might not be bad in every case, it might very well be bad in some. How can we know the difference? \b0\f1\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\i0\f3\fs24\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \i\f1\fs28 STEP 1-Me; a little compromise here, a little there, each step taking him farther and farther from where he should have been until he was doing something that the Solomon of his earlier years no doubt would have been horrified to see. \par Look, too, at what his compromises did to worship in Israel. They had a negative impact that would last for generations and beyond.\par \b Every now and then you hear stories about people who left the Seventh-day Adventist church years ago, severed ties with it completelyfrom this episode and the whole question of compromise?\b0\f1\par \f0 Perhaps the most revealing phrase in this block of texts is the statement that it was \ldblquote when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul 1Ki_11:4\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 In other words, it did not happen overnight. The faithful, dedicated, and godly man revealed in the Bible did not suddenly, out of nowhere, turn away from the Lord. Instead, the change happened bit by bit, over timompromise. Instead, compromise becomes another manifestation of human evil and corruption when those who should know better fall away from the truth that God has given them. \par For example. . . . \par \b Read \cf1\ul 1Ki_11:1-13\cf0\ulnone . What happened here? How did this happen? What was it about Solomon that made his actions here so bad? How did this apostasy impact worship, faith, and the whole religious system of Israel? Also, and most important, what lessons can we draw for ourselves today nt, for compromise can be a very subtle, nuanced action on the part of the person doing it. A good politician is someone who can get the people to concede points, to compromise positions, and often not even realize that they are doing just that. In this context, then, there is no doubt that Satan is the best politician around. \par All through the Bible, we find examples of this evil-the evil of compromise. Not that every compromise is evil, of course not. In a certain sense, life itself is a kind of clls us to repentance, obedience, and worship of the one true God.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday \b0\i\scaps0\fs24 August 15\b\i0\scaps\f1\fs36\tab\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\scaps0\f0\fs36 The Art (and Evil) of Compromise\f1\fs24\tab\tab\tab\par \b0\f0 Politics, it has been said, is the art of compromise. The word \i art \i0 in this instance is very importaay?\par B. What is God calling you to do in response to this message?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 C. What is the call to the church of today?\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Summary:\b0 Compromise between our own inclinations and God\rquote s clear direction can lead to false worship, but Elijah\rquote s message ca0\tx9360 C. What other examples of persons displaying true emotion in worship can you find in the Scriptures? When have you experienced appropriate emotions in worship? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b III. Do: Elijah\rquote s Call\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. Why is Elijah\rquote s message so appropriate todar \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. What were the hallmarks of emotional display exhibited by the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 B. How did Elijah model true devotion?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx864tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. How did Solomon and Jeroboam start the people of Israel down the slope of compromise? What were the consequences of these compromises in the subsequent history of Israel?\par B. How did God, through Elijah\rquote s message on Mount Carmel, help Israel refocus on critical elements of true worship? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b II. Feel: True Devotion Versus Emotional Display\b0\pespond to the Elijah message calling for repentance, obedience, and true worship.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Learning Outline:\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b I. Know: The Slippery Slope of Compromise\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\\cf3\ulnone\tab\tab\tab\tab\i0\par \b The Student Will:\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Know: \b0 Recognize how subtly following what is right in our own eyes can compromise true worship, and how critical it is to be devoted to God\rquote s careful and precise direction.\par \b Feel: \b0 Sense the depravity of worship that rests on emotionality rather than \ldblquote Thus says the Lord.\rdblquote\par \b Do: \b0 Rsociety impacted you and the church in regard to these issues? That is, what things clearly condemned in Scripture might the church take too lightly, directly as a result of the influence of society? Bring your answer to class on Sabbath.\b0\f1\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\i0\f3\fs24\par Key Text: \cf4\ul\b0\i 1Ki_18:21culture and our society might view as fine, as normal, as \ldblquote just the way things are,\rdblquote could be precisely what the Bible condemns as wrong, sinful, even evil.\par \b\f1 \f0 Contrast \cf1\ul Deu_12:8\cf0\ulnone with \cf1\ul Deu_13:18\cf0\ulnone . What crucial difference is being made here? Why is this difference so important for us to understand?\b0 \par \b What are some things your own society does not condemn that are clearly condemned by the Bible? More important, how much has mary:\b0 Song is an important medium whereby we express our contrition and need, recount God\rquote s goodness, and offer Him glory and praise.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday \b0\i\scaps0\fs24 August 1\b\i0\scaps\f1\fs36\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\scaps0\f0 A Broken Heart, A Broken Spirit\f1\fs24\par \f0\ldblquote The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart-these, O God, You will not despise\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Psa_51:17\cf0\ulnone , NKJV).\i0 \b Think about these words of David, but in the context of worship. (After all, in ancient Israel, worship centered around the sacrifice.)\b0 \b Realize, too, that the word translated \ldblquote contrite\rdblquote comes from a Hebrew word that means \ldblquote crushed.\rdblquote What is the Lord saying to us here? How are we to understand this idea along with the idea that there should be joy in our worship? Why are these two contrasting concepts not necessarily contradictory? \par \b0\f1 \f0 As Christians, we take it as a given (or at least we should) that all of humanity is fallen, sinful, degraded. This degradation and sinfulness includes each one of us, individually. Think of the contrast between what you know you could be and what you are; the contrast between the kind of thoughts you think and the kind you know that you should think; the contrast between what you do and what you should do, between what you do not do and what you know that you should. As Christians, with the biblical standard of Jesus before us, the personal realization of our true nature can be especially devastating. This is where our broken spirit and crushed and broken hearts come from. If someone professing to be a Christian does not see this, they are truly blind; most likely they have not had a conversion experience or have lost it.\par Yet, the joy comes from knowing that, despite our fallen state, God loved us so much that Christ came and died, offering Himself for us, and that His perfect life, His perfect holiness, His perfect character, becomes credited to us by faith. Again, the theme of the \ldblquote everlasting gospel\rdblquote\i (\cf1\ul Rev_14:6\cf0\ulnone )\i0 appears. Our worship should center not just on our own sinfulness but on God\rquote s amazing solution to it: the Cross. Of course, we need that broken and crushed heart, but we always need to frame that sad reality against the background of what God has done for us in Christ. In fact, the realization of how bad we are leads to joy, because we know that, despite our state, we can have eternal life anyway, and that because of Jesus, God will not count our transgressions against us. This is a truth that must always be at the center of all worship experiences, whether corporate or private. \b\f1\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\b0\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\i0\f3\fs24\tab\tab\tab \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \i\f1\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx1530\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth:\b0 David used music as an important means to explore God\rquote s spiritual truths and as a way of sharing with God such emotions as loneliness, betrayal, and sorrow for sin. He also used it to praise, celebrate, and recognize God\rquote s assurances in return. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Just for Teachers:\b0 \b Encourage your class members to relate to the power of music in evoking a worshipful atmosphere. Explore its role in teaching spiritual lessons by asking them to discuss personal experiences with music in worship. \b0\par \b Opening Activity:\b0 Peter Rutenberg, director of the Los Angeles Chamber Singers writes about the benefits of music: \ldblquote Research over the last few decades has increasingly shown that music, and in particular the singing and playing of music, helps the brain develop much more fully and extensively, especially in our early years. Music makes us brighter, more intelligent, more logical, more rational, and more capable. It improves study habits and test scores. It builds a better sense of self and community. It aids in our general sense of well-being and improves our quality of life. . . . A recent study even suggests that the act of singing improves the immune system.\rdblquote \par Music is a whole-body experience, appealing not only to our emotions but to our bodies and minds. It can provide a powerful and touching corporate experience that tempers the atmosphere, prepares our hearts for spiritual truths, and brings us together in a common encounter with God. It is no wonder that music plays such an important part in worship. \par \b Consider This:\b0 Discuss with your class their experiences with music in worship. At what times have they experienced a profound connection and understanding of a spiritual truth through a piece of music? How has music drawn their heart after God? When has music created an atmosphere of joy, of reverence and awe, of praise, of solidarity in faith? To illustrate these points, play a CD or sing several songs that demonstrate the variety of spiritual truths and/or atmospheres for worship that music can create, such as \ldblquote Faith of our Fathers,\rdblquote \ldblquote There Is a Place of Quiet Rest,\rdblquote \ldblquote Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow,\rdblquote or \ldblquote Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.\rdblquote \par \i Try playing a familiar song on CD, or invite a soloist to sing a stanza of a familiar hymn, and then sing the same song together as a class. What different experiences do we have when we listen to music from when we sing together as a choir or congregation? What parts do both types of musical experiences play in worship?-See Peter Rutenberg, \ldblquote The Importance of Music in Everyone\rquote s Life.\rdblquote Retrieved January 16, 2010, from \cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.shumeiarts.org/article_rutenberg.html"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf5 http://www.shumeiarts.org/article_rutenberg.html}}}\cf3\f3\fs24 . \i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i August 2\b\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\f0\fs36 David: A Song of Praise and Worship\b0\f1\fs24\par \f0 David\rquote s understanding of God and the salvation He offered shaped not only his own life, but his spiritual leadership and influence over his people. His songs and prayers reflect a deep sense of awe for the God he loved and knew as a personal friend and Savior. \par According to \cf1\ul 1Ch_16:7\cf0\ulnone , David presented to Asaph, his chief musician, a new song of thanksgiving and praise on the day that the ark was moved to Jerusalem. This praise psalm consists of two important aspects of worship: the revelation of God as one worthy of worship and the appropriate response of the worshiper. In this song, David first calls worshipers to active participation in worship. \par Read the entire song in \cf1\ul 1Ch_16:8-36\cf0\ulnone . Notice how often the following action words and expressions are used, especially in the first part of the song:\i give thanks, sing, call on His name, seek the Lord, make known, talk of, declare, give glory to, proclaim, remember, and bring an offering.\i0 David then recited some of the reasons why God is worthy of our praise and worship.\par \b\f1 \f0 What were some of the events of the past that the people of Israel were to make known to others?\b0 \cf1\ul\i 1Ch_16:8\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ch_16:12\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ch_16:16-22\cf0\ulnone\i0 . \b What special acts of God were they to remember?\b0 \i Vss. 12, 15\i0\f1 .\par \b\f0 The psalmist\rquote s rehearsal of the covenant takes up nearly a third of this thanksgiving hymn. In what way does the covenant relate to worship?\par \b0 The covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was based on His ability, as their ruler, to make them a great nation, to bless them, and to bring them into the Promised Land. Their part was to love, obey, and worship Him as their Father and God. However different our context today may be, the same principle still holds.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640 \b Meditate on the ways David calls us to worship God. In our own time, place, and context, how can these same ideas be reflected in our corporate worship of the Lord?\b0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\b0\i0\f3\fs24\tab\tab\par \b Just for Teachers:\b0 \b Help your class become familiar with the way David used poetry and music to respond to the things he learned about God\b0 . \par \b\i\f1\fs28 Bible Commentary\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx361\tx1080\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tx7560\tx8280\tx9000 I.\b0 \b Songster Shepherd Boy \b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx721\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\i (Review \cf4\ul 1Sa_16:6-23\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul 1Sa_17:1-58\cf3\ulnone with your class.) \i0\par Jesse\rquote s youngest son, David, was responsible for his father\rquote s sheep, and apparently his father hadn\rquote t considered him important enough or old enough to be invited to a feast at which the rest of the family were special guests of Samuel. Samuel was there to anoint David, but it was done in secret, and it apparently didn\rquote t alter David\rquote s place in the family; afterward, he went back to the sheep. But like Moses in the desert 40 years with his flocks, this time for David was one of preparation for leading God\rquote s people. \par As David cared for his flocks, met dangers, and was delivered from peril, he was learning lessons of courage, fortitude, and trust in the Great Shepherd that prepared him to take an elevated place among earth\rquote s most noble men. And no wonder, for his companions in those remote regions were the noblest that heaven or earth could provide. As David meditated among the mountains and hills, the valleys and streams, the sunsets and sunrises, and saw the handprints of the Father of Lights and the Author of every good gift, \ldblquote he was daily coming into a more intimate communion with God. His mind was constantly penetrating into new depths for fresh themes to inspire his song and to wake the music of his harp,\rdblquote and his songs echoed among the hills \ldblquote as if responsive to the rejoicing of the angels\rquote songs in heaven.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , p. 642. \par These times taught David wisdom and gave him a piety that made him much beloved of God and the angels. As he meditated on his Creator, \ldblquote obscure themes were illuminated, difficulties were made plain, perplexities were harmonized, and each ray of new light called forth fresh bursts of rapture, and sweeter anthems of devotion, to the glory of God and the Redeemer.\rdblquote -Page 642. Much of the music David wrote during this time has come down to us through the book of Psalms, to awaken love and faith and devotion in our own hearts, and bring us closer to the loving heart of our Creator. \par \b Consider This:\b0 On what occasions was David summoned to play and sing in King Saul\rquote s court? How must the atmosphere of court and his ministries to a king burdened with rebellion, bitterness, and despair have affected the young shepherd as he went back to his flocks, knowing, as he did, that he was destined to sit on Saul\rquote s throne? Where did he learn to find strength in times of hardship? Examine \cf4\ul Psa_37:1-40\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Psa_40:1-17\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Psa_41:1-13\cf3\ulnone for themes that indicate important lessons that David must have learned during these years. \par \b II. \b0 \b A Faulty Yet Contrite King \b0\par \i (Review \cf4\ul Psa_32:1-11\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Psa_51:1-19\cf3\ulnone with your class.) \i0\par David had a strong, trusting relationship with God that guided him through all the years of fleeing from what quickly developed into jealous hatred on the part of King Saul. Yet David was not above temptation. \par \cf4\ul Psa_32:1-11\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Psa_51:1-19\cf3\ulnone describe his response to his terrible fall into sin with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, after David became king. \ldblquote Thus in a sacred song to be sung in the public assemblies of his people, in the presence of the court-priests and judges, princes and men of war-and which would preserve to the latest generation the knowledge of his fall, the king of Israel recounted his sin, his repentance, and his hope of pardon through the mercy of God.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , p. 725. \par Though David had initially tried to cover up his sin to the point of murder, once he was convicted, he sought to prevent others from falling into the same pit. He loathed the defilement that sin caused and longed for purity that only God could provide, unlike Saul, who loathed the results of his rebellion but not the sin. David reco~gnized how far-reaching the loss of respect would be and how devastating his influence now was to do evil among his people and especially among his own sons. This broke his heart, and as his songs portray, he realized that his only hope was to cling to God and humbly accept the judgments that followed from God\rquote s loving but thoroughly just hand. \par \b Consider This:\b0 What were the consequences of David\rquote s sin? How did he respond to the judgments God decreed? For example, discuss the cirart of it. But the main difference between a Christian and a nonbeliever is that the Christian has allowed God to dwell within and has chosen to use all his or her strength, energy, and talents to serve Him, however humble they may be. So the question is: are you a tabernacle, or just a tent?\par \b Consider This:\b0 What does worship mean to you? How are you building your life in accordance with His perfect will for you?\par \b II. Living Sacrifice \par \b0\i (Review \cf4\ul Heb_10:1-4\cf3\ulnone an reminded Him that He looks beyond outward appearance and clear into the heart \i (\cf4\ul 1Sa_16:7\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . When Asa, king of Israel, formed an alliance with Ben-hadad of Assyria, God sent this piercing word of reprimand: \ldblquote For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul 2Ch_16:9\cf3\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 .\par King David asked the innocuous question: \ldblquote Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?\rdblquote \i (\cf4\ul Psa_139:7\cf3\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 . This was a reality that David learned firsthand after his escapade with Bathsheba \i (\cf4\ul 2Sa_12:1-31\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . As professed followers of God, we must understand that no amount of self-delusion can change the reality of who we really are. God sees us as we are: sinners incapable of righting ourselves. Hiding is futile.\b\par Consider This: \b0 Why do we tend to be afraid of God\rquote s all-seeing eye? How can we \ldblquote practice the presence\rdblquote of God at all times so that it transforms the way we live?\par \b II.\b0 \b Repentance, Revival, and Reformation\b0\par \i (Review \cf4\ul Mic_6:8\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul Rom_2:4\cf3\ulnone , and \cf4\ul Joh_6:44\cf3\ulnone .)\par \i0 The ancient rabbis looked into the law of God and discovered 613 precepts. Those 613 precepts are, in \cf4\ul Psa_15:1-5\cf3\ulnone , reduced to 11 principles and, in \cf4\ul Isa_33:15\cf3\ulnone , lessened further to six commands. In \cf4\ul Mic_6:8\cf3\ulnone God sums up the 613 precepts in three short requirements, which may be translated: be just in all you do; be kind, compassionate, and faithful; live a life of humility and submission to God. \par To live the truth of \cf4\ul Mic_6:8\cf3\ulnone requires a radical reordering of one\rquote s life and priorities. This change can come only as one embraces God\rquote s call to repentance, revival, and reformation. True repentance is godly sorrow for, and a turning away from, sin \i (\cf4\ul Rom_2:4\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul Eze_18:30-32\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . True revival is demonstrated by a renewal of the spiritual life \i (\cf4\ul Psa_85:6\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul Isa_57:15\cf3\ulnone , \cf4\ul Rom_6:11\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . Reformation is a reordering of priorities, a change in ideas, habits, and practices \i (\cf4\ul Php_1:9-10\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . \par This transformation is the work of God. \cf4\ul Rom_3:11\cf3\ulnone makes it clear that none of us seeks after God. God seeks after us. When we come to Him, it is in response to that divine seeking. In \cf4\ul Joh_6:44\cf3\ulnone Jesus notes that no one comes to Him unless the Father draws him. Until God transforms us, there will be a separation between our profession and our actions.\par \b Consider This: \b0 God is searching for worshipers who will worship Him both in spirit and in truth \i (\cf4\ul Joh_4:21-23\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . How do repentance, revival, and reformation help us to worship God in truth? How do they help us to live the truth?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx990\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b III. Taking Our Medicine\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0\i (Review \cf4\ul Isa_58:1-10\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Luk_9:23\cf3\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Luk_22:31-32\cf3\ulnone .)\par \i0 The fearful pronouncements of God\rquote s Old Testament prophets were no laughing matter. They were literally a matter of life and death. Yet Israel and Judah had a choice in the matter. They could choose to go on sinning, or they could repent. Repentance and obedience to God\rquote s commands required self-denial \i (\cf4\ul Luk_9:23\cf3\ulnone )\i0 , as Monday\rquote s study notes. \par Sometimes, when God shows us our sins, it is hard for us to accept our condition, our need of Him. This was never more evident than in the life of Peter, Jesus\rquote mouthy disciple. Notice in \cf4\ul Luk_22:31-32\cf3\ulnone that when Jesus tells Peter of Satan\rquote s desire to sift him, Peter\rquote s response is one of pride: \ldblquote I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death\rdblquote \i (vs. 33, NKJV)\i0 . He has no clue about his weakness, but Jesus does. Not only was Jesus already praying for Him, but He also predicted that Peter would one day be truly converted and give His life totally to God \i (vs. 32)\i0 . \par \b Consider This: \b0 God\rquote s divine prescience means that He knows everything about us \i (\cf4\ul Psa_139:1-24\cf3\ulnone )\i0 . How heartening it is to know that God not only knows us but has also made provision for us to live in obedience to Him. How did God, in Christ, meet our every need, even the ones we did not know we had?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday \b0\i\scaps0\fs24 August 24\b\i0\scaps \fs32 \f1\fs24\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\scaps0\f0\fs36 Profitable for Nothing?\f1\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b0 \f0 South African writer Laurens van der Post once wrote about what he called \ldblquote the burden of meaninglessness,\rdblquote this sense some people have that, when it was all said and done, what, if anything, did their lives mean? Sooner or later, they will be dead, and anyone who knew them will be dead, and before long all memory of them will be forever gone, too. In such a scenario, what do our lives mean, what \i can\i0 they mean? How often, and how easy, it can be to get the sense that so much of what we do has no real meaning, no real lasting importance. \par \b With these thoughts in mind, read \cf1\ul Isa_44:1-28\cf0\ulnone . Then, on the lines below, summarize the essence of those verses, particularly as to how they relate to the question of worship and what people worship.\b0 \par However much Isaiah was writing for his time and culture and people, look at how relevant the principles are for us today. The Lord, He alone is the Creator, He alone is our Redeemer, He alone can save us, thus He alone is worthy of our worship and our praise. Isaiah mocks those who create idols with their own hands, gods of their own making, and then bow down and worship them-things that are, indeed, \ldblquote profitable for nothing.\rdblquote \par And yet, as silly and as foolish as all that seems to us, are we not in danger of doing something similar, of dedicating ourselves, our lives, our time, and our energy into things that, in the end, are \ldblquote profitable for nothing,\rdblquote that cannot answer the deepest need of our souls now, and that surely cannot redeem us from the grave at the end of time? How crucial that we watch and pray, that as Paul said we examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith \i (\cf1\ul 2Co_13:5\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Sabbath worship, if done right, can remind us in a special way remind us about why we should worship only the Lord. Worship should be a time that especially reminds us of what is important in life, what truly matters, and what is temporal, and even \ldblquote profitable for nothing.\rdblquote\par \b We all know the danger of making idols out of money, power, prestige, and so on. What about the danger of making idols out of things like church, the pastor, our own ministries, or even our own faithfulness or lifestyle or piety? Think this through and bring your answer to class on Sabbath. \b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\i0\f3\fs24 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: Encourage your students to internalize the questions below. The objective is for each person to take a hard look at himself or herself.\b0 \b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Thought Questions: \par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\cf5\lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10102?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 How do you respond when God tells you to change course in some area of your life, and why? \par \cf5\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 If you could take back one decision made against the clear direction of God, what would it be, and why? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Application Questions:\par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\cf5\lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10102?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24\ldblquote Every man\rquote s work passes in review before God and is registered for faithfulness or unfaithfulness. Opposite each name in the books of heaven is entered with terrible exactness every wrong word, every selfish act, every unfulfilled duty, and every secret sin, with every artful dissembling. Heaven-sent warnings or reproofs neglected, wasted moments, unimproved opportunities, the influence exerted for good or for evil, with its far-reaching results, all are chronicled by the recording angel.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Great Controversy\i0 , p. 482. The knowledge that every moment, good or bad, is recorded is daunting, especially when it feels as though the wasted moments and unimproved opportunities outweigh the good. Such a sobering thought is enough to tempt even the most staunchly faithful believer to give up all hope of heaven. But we can be so thankful that Heaven came to earth so that we could have hope of heaven-hope that took human form and died for all the sins recorded against us. Apart from Christ\rquote s forgiveness for our past mistakes and sins, and His grace to empower us to live according to His will in the present, there is nothing good in us. Therefore, how should the question \ldblquote How do I want my life record to read?\rdblquote inspire us to conduct our lives? \par \cf5\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 If you were asked to finish the following statement, what would you say? \ldblquote The main thing that hinders my fellowship with God is . . .\rdblquote\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Questions for\b0 \b Witnessing: \b0\par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\cf5\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10102?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 Most Christians would probably say that telling people about the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ is the heartbeat of the message to be shared with the world. When is the appropriate time to share God\rquote s commands and requirements with an unbeliever? When is there ever \i not \i0 such a time? Discuss. \par \cf5\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 \cf4\ul Mat_7:1-2\cf3\ulnone cautions us not to judge others, \ldblquote For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you\rdblquote \i (vs. 2, NKJV)\i0 . Given this admonition, how do we approach a brother or sister who is professing Christ but living in open sin? What special guidance is given in \cf4\ul Mat_18:15-17\cf3\ulnone ?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday \b0\i\scaps0\fs24 August 25\b\i0\f1\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\f0\fs36\ldblquote This is the Temple of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord. . . .\rdblquote \f1\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b0 \f0 The southern kingdom of Judah had its spiritual ups and downs, times of reform and times of outright apostasy. Yet so often, even during the worst spiritual times, there was an outward show of piety and worship that was not acceptable to the Lord. How careful we need to be not to fall into the same deception ourselves.\par \b Read \cf1\ul Jer_7:1-10\cf0\ulnone . What theme do we see repeated here that we have seen all week? How can we take the principles here and apply them to ourselves in our context today?\b0\f1\par \b \b0\f0 Look especially at verse 4. In one sense, the speakers were right. This was the \ldblquote temple of the Lord,\rdblquote the place where the Lord\rquote s name was to dwell, the place where the sacrificial system-which God Himself had instituted-was performed, the place where the great truths of sacrifice, salvation, cleansing, and judgment were taught. After all, these were the covenant people. Their God was the true God, and they had more light and more truth, corporately, than their pagan neighbors around them had. None of this can be disputed, and yet, the Lord obviously was not pleased with them or their worship. In fact, He called the sentence, \ldblquote This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord\rdblquote -what? \ldblquote Deceptive words?\rdblquote They were deceptive, not because that was not the temple of the Lord but because the people believed that simply by coming to the temple of the Lord and worshiping there that they were safe, they were saved, they were doing all that was required. \par \b With all the light that we have been given, in what way might we as Seventh-day Adventists be in danger of making the same mistake as these people made? Think through possible parallels between them and us and how if we are not careful we could fall into a similar deception. What possible \ldblquote deceptive words\rdblquote might we be in danger of trusting in, words that on the surface are true (just as that was, indeed, \ldblquote the temple of the Lord\rdblquote ) and yet could lead us into making the same kind of presumptuous errors? \b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\i0\f3\fs24 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: Share the following ethical dilemmas with the class and elicit their responses. The objective of this exercise is to examine the challenges of living our faith in a world that often opposes that faith.\b0\par \cf5\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10102?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 You are shopping and notice a woman stuffing a pair of stockings into her purse. You also notice that, based on her clothes, she has probably fallen on hard times financially. Do you report her? Discuss.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf5\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 You run an orphanage and have had a hard time making ends meet. A car dealership offers you a new van worth $15,000 for free if you will falsely report to the government that the dealership donated a van worth $30,000. You really need the van, and it will give you an opportunity to make the children happy. Do you agree to take the van? Discuss. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday \b0\i\scaps0\fs24 August 26\i0\f1\tab\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\f0\fs28 Further Study:\fs24 \b0 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote The Call of Isaiah,\rdblquote pp. 303-310; \ldblquote Hezekiah,\rdblquote pp. 331-339; \ldblquote Deliverance From Assyria,\rdblquote pp. 349-366; \ldblquote Manasseh and Josiah,\rdblquote pp. 381-391; \ldblquote Jeremiah,\rdblquote pp. 407-421, in\b\i \b0 Prophets and Kings. \i0\f1\par \f0 \ldblquote In Isaiah\rquote s day the spiritual understanding of mankind was dark through misapprehension of God. . . . \par \ldblquote In losing sight of the true character of Jehovah, the Israelites were without excuse. Often had God revealed Himself to them as one \lquote full of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.\rquote \cf1\ul Psa_86:15\cf0\ulnone .\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Prophets and Kings,\i0 pp. 311, 312.\par \ldblquote In the vision that came to Isaiah in the temple court, he was given a clear view of the character of the God of Israel. \lquote The high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy,\rquote had appeared before him in great majesty; yet the prophet was made to understand the compassionate nature of his Lord. . . .\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Prophets and Kings,\i0 p. 314.\par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\b0\f1\fs24\par \lang1034\f2\fs22\u10102?\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 In class, go over your answer to \f4 Wednesday\rquote s\f0 final question. What are some \ldblquote good\rdblquote things that we can make into idols? How do we know when something has become an idol? \tab\tab\par \lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10103?\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 Dwell more on the issues touched on in Thursday\rquote s lesson. Look at the things that the people were doing, all the time coming to \ldblquote the temple of the Lord\rdblquote and worshiping there \b0\i (see \cf1\ul Jer_7:4\cf0\ulnone )\b\f1 ,\i0\f0 things that were so contrary to the revealed word of God. How can we learn to protect ourselves from falling into the same trap? Why does simple obedience to God\rquote s revealed Word play such an important role in protecting us from all sorts of deception?\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b0\f2\fs22\u10104?\b\f0\fs24 Think about the worship services in your local church. Do you come away with a sense of the awe and majesty of God in contrast to your own sinfulness and need of grace? If not, what could be changed in order to help the church as a whole have, to some degree, the experience that Isaiah had \i (see \i0 Monday\rquote s le\i sson)? \i0 Why is that so important?\b0 \f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\f2\fs22\u10105?\f0\fs24 How many things do you do in your life that are \ldblquote profitable for nothing\rdblquote ? How much time do you spend basically \ldblquote wasting time,\rdblquote doing things that, in and of themselves, are useless, vain, and basically \ldblquote profitable for nothing?\rdblquote How can you learn to make better use of the limited time we all have here in this life?\b0\f1\par \pard\cf2\f5\fs23\par } )\i0 . How did the apostasy in Judah begin: with public displays of rebellion or private compromises of faith? Discuss. What cautionary lesson from Judah\rquote s experience can we learn for our own spiritual lives?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx900\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b II. Our Satan Problem \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0\i (Revi were not redeemed with corruptible things . . . but with the precious blood of Christ\rdblquote \i (\cf3\ul 1Pe_1:18-19\cf2\ulnone , NKJV)\i0 . If the leaders of the nation of Judah practiced such open rebellion against God, what were their inner lives like? \par \b Consider This: \b0 Jesus stated: \ldblquote There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man\rdblquote \i (\cf3\ul Mar_7:15\cf2\ulnone , NKJVulnone , which enjoined the worship of one God.) \cf3\ul Eze_8:16\cf2\ulnone is particularly troubling. The prophet sees 25 men with their backs turned toward the temple\b \b0 so that they could worship the sun.\par If the people of God had filled God\rquote s earthly temple with foreign gods, what about their body temples? The apostle Paul makes clear that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit \i (\cf3\ul 1Co_6:19\cf2\ulnone )\i0 and that we are not our own. Peter reminds us that we \ldblquotear\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0\i (Review \cf3\ul Eze_8:1-18\cf2\ulnone and \cf3\ul 1Co_6:19-20\cf2\ulnone .)\par \i0 The catalog of abominations that God shows Ezekiel must have caused him deep distress. Not only were the Israelites worshiping foreign gods, but they brought those gods into the very presence of the one true God. (To get a sense of how far Judah and Israel had fallen, one need only read \cf3\ul Deu_6:4-9\cf2\60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: Deeper than the sinner\rquote s sin is God\rquote s love for that sinner. This week\rquote s commentary section examines God\rquote s efforts to bring His wayward loved ones-ancient and present-back to fellowship with Him.\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx810\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b I. The Other Temple\par \pard\nowidctlpt you be guilty of the same things as the people depicted here in Haggai?\b0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf2\ul\f1\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\i\f1\fs28 Bible Commentary\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\saHe had given them to do. All too often we can in our own way make the same mistake, getting so caught up in the ways of the world that we neglect what should be first and foremost in our lives: our relationship with God. Maybe the Lord is saying to us, either corporately or individually, \ldblquote Consider your ways.\rdblquote\par \b\f1 \f0 Consider your ways. What do your ways, your actions, the things you do, and don\rquote t do-what do they say about your relationship to the Lord? In what ways mighk was delayed. This was not as the Lord would have it, and He spoke through Haggai to let the people know His displeasure.\par \b\f1 \f0 Read \cf1\ul Hag_1:1-15\cf0\ulnone . What happened here? What diverted their attention? Why is that so easy to do? \b0\f1\par \f0 How easy it is to let worldly toils, worldly desires, even worldly needs get in the way of our spiritual responsibilities. The Lord let them know that they would never have true satisfaction apart from their devotion to Him and the work  the temple, the sanctuary, the place where the entire plan of salvation was taught through the types and symbols of the service. Here the work and mission of the Messiah, through which the whole world could have salvation, was prefigured \i (see \cf1\ul Joh_3:16\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Co_5:19\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_8:1-2\cf0\ulnone ). \i0\f1\par \f0 Yet, the work of rebuilding the temple did not go as smoothly or as quickly as it should have. Forces, internal and external, got in the way, and the wor0\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\f0\fs36\ldblquote Consider Your Ways\rdblquote\f1\fs24\tab\tab\tab\par \f0 Read \cf1\ul Jer_29:10-14\cf0\ulnone . What does this tell us about the character of God? What hope can we, in our own context, take from these texts?\b0\f1\par \b \b0\f0 After seventy years, as foretold, the Lord began the restoration of the exiles back to the Promised Land. Israel was to be given another chance to fulfill her prophetic destiny.\par Central to that role was, of course,sider This:\b0 Lost in the din of Woods\rquote personal failings, few people examined their own lives. Few Christians considered the impact of their own infidelities to a God who has never sinned against them or done them any harm. Why does God yearn to have us back when we have failed Him so mightily?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday \b0\i\scaps0\fs24 August 30\b\i0\f1\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx432ernight, Woods went from being the \ldblquote perfect\rdblquote golfer and family man to a social pariah. Why? He had broken his marital vow with a number of other women.\par Condemnation was swift and unrelenting. People theorized and philosophized about his emotional and mental health. He lost countless endorsements. Others wondered how he could cheat on such a beautiful woman, to say nothing of the impact on his children. How could a man who seemed to have it all make such poor decisions?\par \b Conll no doubt recognize this story as one that held the media transfixed for many weeks at the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010. The objective here is to examine the issue of restoration in light of one party\rquote s repeated failings. \b0\par Tiger Woods. The name once synonymous with golf royalty has become a euphemism for marital infidelity. The transformation began with an early-morning accident and quickly morphed into one of the fastest falls by a sports icon in modern sports history. Almost ovx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf2\ul\f1\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\i0\f3\fs24 \tab\tab\tab\tab\par \i\f1\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\i0\f3\fs24\tab\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth:\b0 God achieves the restoration and transformation of human souls, reconciling them to Himself through Christ. \b\par Just for Teachers:\b0 \b Your students wir to get that \ldblquote worship.\rdblquote \par \b Think through what it means to \ldblquote worship\rdblquote something. Is it always wrong to worship anything other than the Lord? If not, why not? Might there be some things that we can worship without sinning, without violating God\rquote s law? If so, what? If not, how can we make sure we are not worshiping anything other than our Lord?\b0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\toth commandments are tied in directly with worship; the second one forbids the worship of idols, while the fourth one shows why one should not worship idols, and that is because the Lord of nature, not nature itself, is the One who created and redeemed them \i (see also \cf1\ul Deu_5:12-15\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par In both cases, too, there is an earthly political/religious entity that wants the worship and fealty owed only to the Lord, and in both cases this power is willing to resort to violence in ordearn from this story that can help us understand the issue regarding the mark of the beast? \b0\f1\par \f0 The second commandment, the one forbidding idolatry \i (\cf1\ul Exo_20:4-6\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 was at issue here; the fourth commandment \i (\cf1\ul Exo_20:8-11\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 the Sabbath commandment, will be the outward issue in the last days. How interesting that these both are commandments that were changed and tampered with by the beast power itself \i (see \cf1\ul Dan_7:25\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 B other. \par With this in mind, the story of the three Hebrew boys in the book of Daniel becomes quite relevant. It is not just a dramatic story of a supernatural rescue of those faithful followers of YHWH. It becomes, instead, a symbol, a type, for the test of worship that will come upon the world just before the second coming of Christ.\par \b Read \cf1\ul Dan_3:1-30\cf0\ulnone . Compare the worship of the image there with the worship of the image in \cf1\ul Rev_14:1-20\cf0\ulnone . What can we lewith the question of worship\i (\cf1\ul Rev_14:1-12\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 All humanity will be split into one of two camps: those who worship the Creator, the One who made the heavens and the earth, and those who worship the beast and his image. Even though this sequence in the prophetic picture has yet to unfold, one could argue that, even now, all the world is divided into one of two camps: those who are faithful to the Lord and those who are not. There is no middle ground either: we are on one side or theurned to Jerusalem. Similar temptations face us today. Confession, repentance, and obedience are still requisites for God\rquote s presence among His people.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\b0\scaps0\f1\fs24\tab\tab \i\f0 August 29\i0\f1\par \b\f0\fs36 Worshiping the Image\f1\fs24\par \fs36 \b0\f0\fs24 As we have touched on all through this quarter, the final test in the last days deals widctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1710\tx2430\tx3150\tx3870\tx4590\tx5310\tx6030\tx6750\tx7470\tx8190\tx8910 A. How did Daniel and Nehemiah, both godly men and exiles, identify themselves in their prayers with their faithless nation\rquote s sins?\par B. What similar prayers might we make today, for our families and for our church?\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60 Summary:\b0 The temptations to relax their vigilance in God\rquote s service and conform to worldly customs faced the exiles who retMe\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. What attitude did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego have when they were faced with Nebuchadnezzar\rquote s demands to bow down to his image?\par B. What should be our attitude as we respond to similar temptations?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1710\tx2430\tx3150\tx3870\tx4590\tx5310\tx6030\tx6750\tx7470\tx8190\tx8910\b III. Do: We Have Sinned\b0\par \pard\not temptations to fit in with local cultural and social expectations did Daniel and his friends face? How is this still a temptation today?\par B. How did leadership betray their responsibilities to keep Israel focused on true worship?\b\par \b0 C. What leaders risked their lives to intercede for Israel and lead their people into repentance and obedience?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b II. Feel: Though He Slay God\rquote s presence through intercessory prayer.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Learning Outline:\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b I. Know: Dangers of Conformity\b0\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. Wha ar \b The Student Will:\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Know: \b0 Explain how the tendency to conform to worldly expectations has been so devastating in the history of God\rquote s people.\par \b Feel: \b0 Long for uncompromising faithfulness and allegiance to God, such as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego displayed.\par \b Do: \b0 Identify with the sinful condition of God\rquote s people, lifting others into  rness, and His desire for obedience, now \i was deemed to have forsaken the land?\i0 How careful we need to be, because sin will harden our hearts and poison our minds until we rationalize even the most horrific practices. \f1\fs36\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf2\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\i0\f3\fs24\par Key Text: \cf3\ul\b0\i Neh_1:5-7\cf2\ulnone\i0\p n army would bring an end to the desecration of God\rquote s temple, and then only by destroying it. \par \b Carefully read \cf1\ul Eze_8:12\cf0\ulnone . What kind of logic and rationale were these elders using to justify their actions? What might have led them to such false conclusions?\b0\f1\par \f0 These people must have turned so far away from the Lord that they believed He did not see them or that He did not care about their practices. The Lord, who over and over again, showed His care, His nea into such apostasy? What lessons can we learn from this for ourselves?\b0\f1\par \f0 The secret sins, indulged by priests and elders, were the abominable and repulsive worship practices of their culture. Those who should have been leading God\rquote s people in true worship were adapting that worship to the sinful and corrupt customs of their time and environment, thus bringing the abominations of the surrounding culture into God\rquote s holy sanctuary. How ironic that only the coming of the Babylonia or. Such was the fate of the ancient Israel and Judah; such was the fate of early Christianity. Such can be the fate of any church, including ours, that does not carefully and jealously guard the sacred truths and practices given it by the Lord.\par \b Read \cf1\ul Eze_8:1-18\cf0\ulnone . As you read, realize all this was taking place in the sacred temple that the Lord had instituted, the very place where the Lord had promised to place His name. How could the people, the spiritual leaders, have fallen ou Seen. . . ?\rdblquote \b0\f1\fs24\par \f0 Apostasy does not happen overnight; whole peoples do not fall away in a day, a week, even in a year. The process is much slower; a little change here, a little compromise there; a little less rigidity in order to keep up with the times, or to be relevant, or to fit better with the trends of society and culture. Bit by bit, step by step, and, before long a whole nation is doing things that, perhaps a generation or two ago, would have been looked upon in horr the devastation, the Lord promised that the nation would be restored, the temple rebuilt, and Israel given another chance to fulfill her prophetic destiny. \par This week we will look at some of the issues regarding worship during the time of the exile and, then, the promised restoration.\par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 3.\i0\f1\fs36\par \b\scaps\f0\fs32 Sunday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \tab \i August 28\i0\f1\par \b\f0\fs36\ldblquote Son of Man, Have Yollower of YHWH found cleansing, forgiveness, grace, and reconciliation.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920 Because it was, truly, the Lord\rquote s house, many people disbelieved the prophetic warnings that it would be destroyed by Babylon. \i How could the Lord allow His sacred temple to be obliterated?\i0 We only can guess at the shock when, indeed, as the prophets warned, the Babylonians razed it. And yet, even amid all600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\dn10\f2\fs48 I\up0\f0\fs24 t is very hard from our perspective today-removed as we are by more than one thousand nine hundred years from the final destruction of the Jerusalem temple-to understand just how significant the temple was in the Jewish nation\rquote s national and religious life. It was the apex of worship, the center of their ethnic and religious identity. It was where the Lord said He would dwell and rule in the midst of Israel. It was where the ftx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\i How can we experience Jesus in ways similar to those people who were privileged to walk and talk with Him physically and directly?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\i0\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\b0\scaps0\f1\fs24 \i\f0 September 7\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\f0\fs36 The True Worshipers\b0\f1\fs24\par \b\f0\ldblquote But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him\rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul Joh_4:23\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\f1\par \f0 After pointing the Samaritan away from specific places of worship and then telling her of the superiority of the Jewish faith over hers, Jesus then tells the woman about \ldblquote the true worshipers.\rdblquote In verse 21, Jesus said that the hour \ldblquote is coming\rdblquote when people will not worship either in that mountain or in Jerusalem; now, though, in verse 23, He says that the hour \ldblquote now is\rdblquote that all true worshipers will worship in spirit and in truth. In other words, do not look to some past glory, and do not look to some future event. Rather, the time \ldblquote now is\rdblquote to give the Lord the worship He deserves, and through that worship experience the love, the grace, and the salvation that He offers. \par \b Jesus said that all true worshipers will \ldblquote worship the Father in spirit and in truth.\rdblquote What do these two elements represent, and how are we to apply this to our worship experience today? \b0\i See also \cf1\ul Mar_7:6-9\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\i0\par \f0 Jesus here is calling for a balanced form of worship: a worship that comes from the heart, that is sincere and deeply felt, that comes from the love and the fear of God. There is nothing wrong with emotions in worship; after all, our religion calls upon us to love God \i (\cf1\ul 1Jn_5:2\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Mar_12:30\cf0\ulnone ), \i0 and how can that be separated from emotions?\i \i0\f1\par \f0 At the same time, God calls upon His true worshipers to worship Him \ldblquote in truth.\rdblquote God has revealed His will, His truth, His law-truth that we are expected to believe and obey. True worshipers will love God, and from that love seek to serve Him, obey Him, and do what is right. Yet, how can they know what is right without knowing the truth about faith, obedience, salvation, and so forth? The idea that beliefs do not matter, that only a sincere spirit matters, is misguided. It is only half of the equation. Correct beliefs do not save, but they will give us a great understanding of the character of God, and that should make us love and serve Him all the more.\par \b Is your worship more spirit than truth, or more truth than spirit? How can you learn to incorporate and balance both these aspects of worship?\par \b0\f1\page\pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\i0\f3\fs24\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: Jesus is the center of our worship, so understanding what He said about it and how He lived it is vital to creating a healthy life of worship individually and as a church. It is interesting that Jesus did not seem to say much about worship directly, and we have only occasional reports of His involvement in what we would recognize as worship. Yet He lived a life of worship and service to God, His Father, and constantly pointed others to Him, which is what worship must be about. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Application Questions: \par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\cf5\f4\fs22 1. \cf3\b0\f3\fs24 Compared to other parts of zthe Bible and to its role in our church life, worship might be considered to play a relatively small role in the life of Jesus. Do you agree or disagree? \par \cf5\b\f4\fs22 2. \cf3\b0\f3\fs24 How does worship in the life and teaching of Jesus compare with worship in the life of the church today?\par \cf5\b\f4\fs22 3. \cf3\b0\f3\fs24 Do you think worship is more effective or engaging when it is spontaneous or when it is carefully planned? Why? What are the advantages of spontaneous worship? What are theome of the people thought that while still honoring Yahweh, they could have gods similar to those of their neighbors. They would have this riotous pagan orgy, but by dedicating it as to the Lord, they would somehow make it acceptable to God.\par So what we really observe in these passages is not so much open apostasy as it is syncretism. Syncretism is the combining of often mutually contradictory religions or belief systems, many times on the basis of political expediency, personal taste, or whim. As witsraelites were simply appropriating the gods of the adjacent pagan cultures and abandoning Yahweh. Such would seem to be suggested in the passages \i (vss. 1, 4)\i0 in which the people are said to have asked Aaron to make gods for them and then praised them as the gods who brought them out of Egypt. But we also have verse 5, in which Aaron refers to the impending festival as \ldblquote a festival to the Lord\rdblquote \i (NIV), \i0 literally Yahweh.\par Taken together, all this suggests that at least sx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 II.\b0 \b The Golden Calf \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0\i (Review \cf4\ul Exo_32:1-6\cf3\ulnone with your class.)\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tqc\tx720\tqc\tx1440\tqc\tx2160\tqc\tx2880\tqc\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqc\tx6480\tqc\tx7200\tqc\tx7920\tqc\tx8640\tqc\tx9360\i0 When one looks at the story of the golden calf, it is easy to assume that the I that true worship is where we meet God in the midst of ordinary reality and recognize that, perhaps, it is not so ordinary after all. Worship reminds us that God is at the center of ordinary reality, and that this reality-and we ourselves-are utterly dependent on Him.\b\par Consider This: \b0 How does God show Himself in your day to day life? What are the ways in which you honor and thank Him for His presence?\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\thappening. The natural response was worship. Moses had to be told to remove his shoes, but he did not have to be told to prostrate himself.\par When we worship today, it is usually a scheduled event. It is rarely a spontaneous explosion of the presence of God, such as Moses experienced. We go to church at the same time every week. Or we set aside a time for personal or family worship. It is easy, even with the best intentions, to allow worship to become just another routine. But we should always remember 200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 God created bushes, as well as fire, and He created the laws governing the relationship between the two. But God was greater than these laws. God could, if He so chose, completely override them, which He obviously did.\par Moses was familiar with the way things usually were: bushes burned. But in this instance he saw two natural phenomena behaving in unnatural ways, ways that indicated that God was present. God had popped up in the middle of His creation, and strange things were !re was nature\rquote s way of clearing dead vegetation to make room for live vegetation. But Moses immediately noted something that was not so natural and usual: the bush was not being consumed. It was a living insult to the laws of thermodynamics, which even the ancients must have understood intuitively. Having gotten Moses\rquote attention, the Lord would now work in a special way with His servant. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7". . you\rdblquote\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0\i (Review \cf4\ul Exo_3:1-15\cf3\ulnone .)\b\i0\tab\tab\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx810\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0 God first showed Himself to Moses in a very ordinary object: a bush. A bush that happened to be on fire. In such a dry area bushes must have caught fire quite often. Fi#es\rquote experience at Mount Horeb \i (\cf4\ul Exo_3:1-15\cf3\ulnone ),\i0 and that which characterizes the worship of false gods \i (\cf4\ul Exo_32:1-6\cf3\ulnone ).\b0\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b\i\f1\fs28 Bible Commentary\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx810\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 I. \ldblquote I AM has sent . $my goals? What are they, and how can I remove them?\b0\f1\fs36\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\i0 Just for Teachers:\b0 \b Emphasize the contrast between a true attitude of worship, as seen in Mos% better understand what the Lord said to them in \cf1\ul Exo_20:4-5\cf0\ulnone ? Also, how can we take the principle seen there and apply it to ourselves today? \b0\f1\par \f0 \b Ellen G. White wrote, \ldblquote Whatever we cherish that tends to lessen our love for God or to interfere with the service due Him, of that do we make a god.\rdblquote\b0\i -Patriarchs and Prophets,\i0 p. 305.\b Ask yourself: What, if any, are the gods in my life who are competing for affections, my time, my priorities, or &nyone. These \ldblquote gods\rdblquote also demonstrated selfish, demanding, and often immoral character traits that reflected their human origin. What a contrast to the Lord, the loving and self-sacrificing Creator and Redeemer. Thus, after centuries of being immersed in the crude polytheism of a pagan culture, the children of Israel needed to know their Lord and God as the only God, especially now as they were entering into the covenant relationship with Him. \par \b How does that background help us' Deliverer proclaimed the first four commandments, all of which are directly linked to worship.\par \b Focus on \cf1\ul Exo_20:1-6\cf0\ulnone . What important points about worship can we take from those verses?\b0\f1\par \f0 The Ten Commandments begin with God\rquote s reminder to the children of Israel of their deliverance. Only the Lord, the true God, the only God, could have done that for them. All other gods, such as the gods of Egypt, were false gods, human creations unable to save or deliver a(tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\scaps0\f1\fs24\tab \b0\i\f0 July 5\b\i0\f1\par \f0\fs36 No Other Gods\fs24 \par \b0 Imagine the scene: Mount Sinai enveloped in a thick cloud, quaking with thunder, lightning flashing, trumpets blasting. The people trembled. Smoke filled the air because the God of Israel had descended in fire upon the holy mount \i (\cf1\ul Exo_19:16-19\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 There amidst the cloud and the smoke, He revealed Himself in awful grandeur. Then the voice of their)ip. We also see the human tendency to substitute other things for God and the confusion and sadness that result.\par \b Consider This:\b0 What is necessary in order to maintain the proper attitude toward God and a correct realization of who and what He is? How can the things of this world siphon away the reverence and worship we should reserve for God alone? How can we keep our priorities in order?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\*t ironically-one would hope. But the reality is that the world does encourage us to place our adoration and trust in things that are as temporal and passing as we are. And while we are not exactly encouraged to worship them, some of the emotion around these things and people certainly looks and feels a lot like worship. It can be argued that this tends to dampen the desire and inclination to worship God authentically.\par In the book of Exodus we see the mighty acts of God, the only being worthy of worsh+e god in question manifested himself or herself to the worshiper. But the important point is that the idol is, or was, a human artifact that had no true significance outside of the imagination, superstitions, or misconceptions of its maker.\par Yet the word \i idol\i0 is also used in other ways. It is, for example, used in the titles of popular television shows in a number of countries. Someone whom one admires very much is \ldblquote my idol.\rdblquote Of course, it is just a figure of speech, or mean,r. The true worshiper will refuse to accept substitutes for God, also known as idols.\b\par Just for Teachers:\b0 \b Emphasize the contrast between God and the things we might be tempted to put above God in our lives.\par \b0 Idol. All of us are familiar with the word. If we are students of the Bible, or listen to those who are, we know the word refers to an image of a false god. Some cultures and religions thought the power resided in the image itself; others that it was a focal point through which th-\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\i0\f3\fs24\tab\tab\tab \tab\tab\tab\par \i\f1\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \b0 True worship is characterized by awareness and acknowledgment of the infinite greatness of God and our aspiration to know Him bette.l God\rquote s saved people\i (see \cf1\ul Heb_12:23\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 would be spared the death they deserve.\par \b In Egypt the people had obeyed their masters out of fear; now they would learn that true worship flows from a heart filled with love and gratitude to the One who alone has power to deliver and save. How can you learn to better appreciate and love the Lord? How does sin tend to dampen that love? \b0\f1 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320/ New Testament, Jesus has been called the \ldblquote firstborn\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_8:29\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Col_1:15\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Col_1:18\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\f1\par \f0 Though the firstborn were spared here, in reality Christ \ldblquote the firstborn\rdblquote was to die, a death symbolized by the blood placed over the doors of the houses. This act stands as a powerful representation of the substitutionary death of Jesus. He died so that the \ldblquote firstborn,\rdblquote in a sense al0our worship, revealed in these verses?\b0\i\f1\par \i0\f0 Unless covered by the blood, the children of Israel would face the loss of their firstborn. For them, the firstborn (usually meaning the oldest son) had special privileges and responsibilities, only to later be replaced by the Levites \i (\cf1\ul Num_3:12\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 Israel itself was deemed the Lord\rquote s \ldblquote firstborn\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Exo_4:22\cf0\ulnone ), \i0 indicative of its special relationship to the Creator. In the1\ldblquote to bow down\rdblquote or \ldblquote to prostrate oneself.\rdblquote The word itself almost always appears in a verb form that intensifies the meaning or that gives the idea of repetition. One almost could imagine a person bowing up and down, up and down, in reverence and awe and gratitude. Indeed, considering the context, that is not hard to see. \par \b Read the story of that first Passover night, in \cf1\ul Exo_12:1-36\cf0\ulnone . How is the gospel, which should be at the center of all 2640\f0\fs36 The Death of the Firstborn: Passover and Worship\fs24 \b0\f1\par \b \f0\ldblquote That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord\rquote s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped\rdblquote\i \b0 (\cf1\ul Exo_12:27\cf0\ulnone ).\b\i0\f1\par \b0\f0 The Hebrew word translated \ldblquote worshiped\rdblquote in the above verse comes from a root that means 3x4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Summary:\b0 While God personally delivered Israel from Egypt and showed Himself in many concrete ways to His people, He required deep acknowledgment and respect of His holy, transcendent nature.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\scaps0\f1\fs24 \b0\i\f0 July 4\b\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx84i360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx990\tx1710\tx2430\tx3150\tx3870\tx4590\tx5310\tx6030\tx6750\tx7470\b III. Do: Majestic Ruler, Almighty Deliverer\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1890\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. What images and concepts of God are important to keep in mind as we approach Him in worship?\par B. How do we express our devotion in an intimate, yet respectful manner? \b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx2880\tx3600\t7\u10102?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 In the accounts of the lives and acts of many biblical figures, worship seems to be what they do \i first.\i0 With so many things competing for our attention, how can we be sure to put worship first?\par \cf5\lang1034\f1\fs22\u10103?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 What parts do study and knowledge of the Scriptures play in our worship?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursd8ay\scaps0\f2\fs24\tab\b0\i\f0 June 30\fs28 \b\i0\f2\fs24\par \f0\fs36 Bethel, the House of God\b0\fs24 \par Jacob and Esau, like Cain and Abel, represent two classes of worshipers. Esau\rquote s bold, adventuresome spirit appealed to his quiet, retiring father. Jacob, on the other hand, appeared to have a more spiritual nature. But he also had some serious character flaws. Jacob wanted the birth-right, which legally belonged to his elder twin. And he was willing to become involved in his mother9\rquote s deceptive scheme to obtain it. As a result, Jacob fled in terror to escape his brother\rquote s anger and hatred, never to see his beloved mother again.\par \b Read the story of Jacob\rquote s flight \b0\i (\cf1\ul Gen_28:10-22\cf0\ulnone ).\b\i0 Note the messages of encouragement and assurance God gave him through a dream. What was Jacob\rquote s response? \b0\f2\par \f0 This is the first mention in Genesis of \ldblquote the house of God\rdblquote \i (vs. 17).\i0 Though for Jacob it wa:s only a pillar of stone, Bethel became a significant place in sacred history. Here Jacob worshiped the God of his fathers. Here he made a vow of faithfulness to Him. And here, like Abraham, he promised to return to God a tithe-a tenth of his material blessings-as an act of worship.\par Notice Jacob\rquote s sense of fear and awe because of the presence of God. He must have understood better than ever before the greatness of God in contrast to himself, and thus the Bible records his attitude of fear, reverence, and awe. The next thing he does is worship. Here, too, we see a principle regarding the kind of attitude we should have in worship, an attitude which is revealed in \cf1\ul Rev_14:7\cf0\ulnone , in the call to \ldblquote fear God.\rdblquote \par Worship is not about approaching God as you would some buddy or pal. Our attitude should be that of a sinner in dire need of grace, falling before our Maker with a sense of need, fear, and gratefulness that God, the Creator of the universe, would lov Repainting the Christian Faith\i0 (Zondervan, 2005), pp. 68, 69. Approached in this way, what we don\rquote t know or understand can actually be a trigger for worship.\par \b Consider This: \b0 What place do questions and doubts have in worship? Are you able to praise God for what you don\rquote t know about Him? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b II. Comparing Three Sermons\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li3;\i (NLT)\i0 . \par Drawing on the Jewish tradition of exploring God by intense study of the Scriptures, author Rob Bell points out that \ldblquote the rabbis even say a specific blessing when they don\rquote t understand a portion of the text. When it eludes them, when it makes no sense, they say a word of thanks to God because of the blessing that will be theirs someday. \lquote Thank you, God, that at some point in the future, the lights are going to come on for me.\rquote \rdblquote -\i Velvet Elvis:<4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0\i (Review \cf4\ul Act_1:1-11\cf3\ulnone with the class.) \par \i0 After Jesus\rquote resurrection, the believers who would become the early church had just a short period of time to adjust to the new reality of their resurrected Messiah. In \cf4\ul Act_1:1-26\cf3\ulnone we see evidence of their many questions. \cf4\ul Mat_28:17\cf3\ulnone sums it up this way: \ldblquote When they saw him, they worshiped him-but some of them doubted-\rdblquote = what significance these might have for the church today. In comparing the three sermons in part II, the class could be divided in three smaller groups to each consider one of the sermons and to report back to the larger group.\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b\i\f1\fs28 Bible Commentary\i0\f3\fs24\par I. Questions and Doubts\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx>ke our worship services more seeker-friendly? \b0\f1\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: Exploring the roles of worship and preaching in the early church allows us to consider?ly so far. Paul, in his witness, then sought to teach them about repentance, judgment, and the resurrection, teachings that need to be taken on faith. Hence, he did not have that much success with them. Though he had a few converts, most seemed to have gone back to their worship of what is vain, useless, and unable to save.\par \b In what ways can our worship services be better able to reach out to those who do not have a biblical background, who do not start with the same premises we do? How can we ma@. These people were worshiping something that they did not understand. Paul sought to take that devotion and worship and turn it away from idols and other vain things and toward the living God. Humans seem to have an innate need to worship something, anything, and Paul here seeks to point them to the only thing truly worthy of their worship.\par \b On what point did some of these people have a real problem, and why?\b0 \par In the end, appeals to logic and reason and natural theology can take us onAf1\par \f0 One of the most obvious differences is that, unlike Peter, Paul here does not quote the Bible. In fact, he quoted a pagan author instead. At the same time, notice how Paul appealed to logic and reason: look around at the created world, he was saying, and you will see powerful evidence of the Creator God. He was starting out, using a kind of natural theology and pointing to the natural world as a reason to believe in the Creator God. \par It is interesting to note the issue of worship hereBul when he was in Athens, the place where three of the world\rquote s most influential philosophers (Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle) once lived. \par What a different audience Paul had to deal with here than Peter did years earlier before all those devout Jews in Jerusalem! \par \b Read \cf1\ul Act_17:15-34\cf0\ulnone , the account of Paul\rquote s preaching in Athens.\b0 \b How different was Paul\rquote s witness to these people than Peter\rquote s was to his audience on the day of Pentecost? \b0\C Tuesday\scaps0\f1\fs24 \b0\i\f0 September 13\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx1\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\f0\fs36 Paul on Mars Hill\b0\f1\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920 \f0 In the days of the early church, we can see another example of the issue of worship, and of \i what \i0 people worship-this time in the ministry of the apostle PaD member suggests a name, ask what he or she appreciates about this preacher\rquote s sermons. Make a list of these qualities on a flipchart or blackboard. Allow time for a class discussion and for a variety of suggestions to be made and the list of qualities to grow. In concluding the activity, reflect on the list that has been compiled from class suggestions, and discuss the importance of preaching in the worship and witness of the church.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32Ees of faithful preaching, rather than on the personalities of \ldblquote celebrity\rdblquote preachers. One suggestion to include in this discussion would be to consider Jesus as a preacher in light of His sermons, as recorded in the Gospels. This discussion should also be tempered by Paul\rquote s reflections in \cf4\ul 1Co_13:1-3\cf3\ulnone .\b0\par \b Opening Activity:\par \b0 Ask students to nominate their favorite preachers-people whose sermons teach, inspire, encourage, or challenge. When a classFl sermons and worship experiences. Some preachers have important ministries through their ongoing teaching and their encouragement of people who listen to them regularly. It is important to recognize and support these Christian leaders. On the other hand, we need to be careful of preachers who become \ldblquote celebrities,\rdblquote a situation that can create risks for both the preachers themselves and their \ldblquote fans.\rdblquote In discussing favorite preachers, the emphasis should be on qualitiG60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\lang1033 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \b0 As demonstrated in the early church, worship is vital to the communal life of the church, and preaching is an important component of that, as well as an effective method of evangelism. \par \b Just for Teachers: Preaching is an important component of worship in the church, and many Christians can recall moments in their spiritual lives that centered on meaningfuH they had, and we have the same Lord who offers us the same Spirit. Why, then, shouldn\rquote t we have worship services with the kind of power we see here? What is holding us back? \b\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\b0\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \lang3081\ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\i0\f3\fs24\tab\tab\tab\b0\par \b\i\f1\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sbIformation, everything from the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, to repentance, to the Second Coming. \tab\par \b What were the results of the preaching at this worship service?\b0 \i See \cf1\ul Act_2:41\cf0\ulnone . \b\i0 What can we take away from this for ourselves and our Sabbath services? \b0\i\f1\par \i0\f0 No doubt, this must have been a very special worship service. Yet, at the same time, we have the same promises that they had. We have the same Bible (and now the New Testament, as well) thatJds did not show any kind of waffling, any kind of doubt, but rather revealed the Spirit working through Him. All through his homily, Peter never wavers, but using the Scriptures (then, only the Old Testament) he preaches with power the gospel of Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Messiah, who is now \ldblquote \lquote exalted to the right hand of God\rquote \rdblquote\i (\cf1\ul Act_2:33\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 It is amazing how in such a small number of sentences he covers such an incredible amount of inKut, perhaps, nothing\rquote s more important than what is preached from the pulpit during the worship hour. \par \b Read Peter\rquote s sermon on the Day of Pentecost\b0\i (\cf1\ul Act_2:14-41\cf0\ulnone ).\b\i0 How are the important topics of Scripture, doctrine, prophecy, Christ, gospel, and salvation expressed by Peter, and why are these so essential in preaching? \b0\f1\par \b \b0\f0 What an experience it must have been, hearing the fisherman Peter preach with such power and authority. His worLber 12\b\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\f0\fs36 The Preaching of the Word\b0\fs24 \b\f1\par \b0\f0 A great part of the Protestant worship tradition has been the preaching of the Word. A sacred responsibility falls upon the one given the task to feed the sheep, to teach and to preach and to exhort and to encourage. Music, liturgy, prayer, the Lord\rquote s Supper, and foot washing all have their place, bMnd inform our belief in our Redeemer?\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Summary:\b0 God\rquote s Word regarding His law, our history with Him as a people through time, His redeeming acts, and the future He is preparing for us are the foundation of our worship and a safeguard for our faith.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\scaps0\f1\fs24 \b0\i\f0 SeptemNtx9360\b III. Do: Facing Challenges\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. Both the early church and our church today face problems. How can faith in the centrality of our belief in Christ as Creator and Redeemer keep our feet from stumbling over problems in the church?\par B. How would you counsel someone who is struggling with belief in evolution versus Creation? How does our belief in our Creator qualify aO880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b II. Feel: Love\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. Why is love the most important of all gifts to the church?\par B. How can the misuse of some gifts create conflict?\par C. How can love be a safeguard against such abuses?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\Pr\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b I. Know: Preach the Word\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A.\b \b0 Why is preaching and heeding the Word of God such a critical part of worship?\par B. What role does hearing the Word have in developing faith in believers as well as unbelievers? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2Q0 Illustrate the place of preaching the Word of God in worship and its effect on the growth of the early church.\par \b Feel: \b0 Cultivate a loving attitude toward others as outlined in \cf4\ul 1Co_13:1-13\cf3\ulnone .\b \par Do: \b0 Rest our faith and worship on God, our Creator and Redeemer, as a safeguard against falsehood.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Learning Outline:\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpaR belief in something that you do not fully understand?\scaps\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\cf3\ul\b0\scaps0\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\i0\f3\fs24\par Key Text: \cf4\ul\b0\i 1Co_13:1\cf3\ulnone\i0\par \b The Student Will:\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Know: \bSse texts, the disciples still did not fully understand the Lord\rquote s intentions regarding the nation of Israel, even after all this time with Jesus. We need to learn to worship, praise, and obey the Lord, despite all that we do not understand. \tab \b\f1\par \f0 Think about the powerful evidence we have for our beliefs, on all the good reasons for the logic of our faith. Notice, too, the use of the word \i faith\i0 . What does faith imply? That is, what good reasons do you have for having faith, aT proofs,\rdblquote which is the less problematic translation. The point here is that the believers in Jesus were given powerful evidence, \ldblquote proof,\rdblquote of Jesus as the Messiah. Considering the daunting task that He had called them to and all the opposition that they would face, they needed all the proof they could get. The good news is that the Lord will give us all the reasons we need for faith, all the reasons we need to believe in things that we do not fully understand. As we see in theWced. In \i Following Jesus in a Culture of Fear\i0 (Brazos Press, 2007), Scott Bader-Saye quotes Irish theologian David Ford in arguing that our lives are shaped by such \ldblquote overwhelmings,\rdblquote both positive and negative. \ldblquote Our overwhelming fears\rdblquote Bader-Saye notes, \ldblquote need, themselves, to be overwhelmed by bigger and better things, by a sense of adventure and fullness of life that comes from locating our fears and vulnerabilities within a larger story that is ultimXately hopeful.\rdblquote -Page 60. That larger story is the story-and stories-of Jesus, the reality of the kingdom of God, and the hope that He offers us and our world. And that is always the foundation for worship. \par \b Consider This: \b0 How can we maintain our focus on God and His purposes when issues in our lives seem overwhelming?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\i How do the heavenly worship scenes in RevelaYtion relate to the often-frightening scenes, in that same book, related to God\rquote s people on earth? What reassurance do these worship scenes offer to us?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx91\tx810\tx1530\tx2250\tx2970\tx3690\tx4410\tx5130\tx5850\tx6570\tx7290\tx8010\cf0\lang1033\b\i0\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday\f1\fs36\tab \b0\i\scaps0\f0\fs24 September 21\b\i0\f1\tab\tab\par \cf1\ul\f0\fs36 Rev_14:1-20\cf0\ulnone\b0\f1\fs24\par \b\tab\cf1\ul\b0\f0 Rev_14:1-20\cf0\ulnone opens with what? A heZavenly scene, showing the 144,000 thousand who were \ldblquote redeemed from the earth\rdblquote \i (vs. 3).\i0 It starts out with a vision of the future, of what it will be like, at least for this group, when they stand before God in heaven. And though the text doesn\rquote t come right out and say it, this certainly seems to be a depiction of some sort of heavenly worship.\par \tab Thus, \cf1\ul Rev_14:1-20\cf0\ulnone continues the theme of worship found in chapter 13. These people didn\rquote t wor[ship the beast and his image but instead are seen worshiping their Lord in heaven.\par \tab The chapter then returns to earth, picking up where chapter 13 left off, where those who worshiped the beast and his image were shown in contrast to those who would not, those whose names were written in the book of life.\par \tab\b Read \cf1\ul Rev_14:6-12\cf0\ulnone . Why are these texts so central, so crucial to us as Seventh-day Adventists? What themes appear here that we have been looking at all quarter? Why\ do we call these verses \ldblquote present truth?\rdblquote\b0\f1\par \b\tab\b0\f0 These verses are rich and ripe with truth: Creation, Redemption, judgment, Salvation, the gospel, obedience, faith, the Ten Commandments, mission. Here, too, we can see the fiercest warning in all the Bible, and it centers around the question of worship: \ldblquote And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receivet]h the mark of his name\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rev_14:11\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par \tab As Seventh-day Adventists, we understand how central to this whole issue the seventh-day Sabbath is, which is so tied in with Creation and with worship. We worship the Lord because He is the Creator, and the Sabbath has been and still remains the foundational mark, or sign, of His role as Creator. \par \tab Though we still do not know when, and how, these issues will be brought to the forefront, we can be sure that they ^will. How crucial it is then that we be ready, not only to stand firm for the truth but also to be able \ldblquote to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul 1Pe_3:15\cf0\ulnone ). \i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \lang3081\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard_\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: The warnings about worship in Revelation should lead us to sober consideration and questions about what genuine worship should be. On the other hand, the descriptions of worship in heaven give us a glimpse of what worship can, should, and will be. After a number of weeks of studying this topic through the Bible, this should give much ground for discussion.\b0\par \pard`\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Application Questions: \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0 1. Where does the gospel fit into the descriptions of true and false worship in Revelation?\par 2. Does it sometimes seem from descriptions, such as those in Revelation, that God just likes people telling Him how good He is all the taime? How would you answer this question from a friend who has little knowledge of God and is troubled by the idea that God seems kind of egotistical?\par 3. To what extent do Revelation\rquote s descriptions of worship in heaven give us guidelines as to how we should worship? What do we learn about how we should worship in church, for example?\par 4. What role do emotions play in healthy worship? How can we use our emotions to worship well? When and how can emotion play too great a role in worship?\par b 5. What is it about worship that makes it so important as to be a determining factor in the final conflict described in \cf4\ul Rev_13:1-18\cf2\ulnone ; \cf4\ul Rev_14:1-20\cf3\ulnone ?\par 6. \cf4\ul Rev_14:11\cf3\ulnone describes the grim end of those who choose to \ldblquote worship the beast and his image\rdblquote \i (vs. 9). \i0 How do such warnings (perhaps threats) balance with God\rquote s insistence on freedom of choice?\par 7. What role does worship play in the new earth described at thec end of Revelation? Do we need to worship God once our relationship with Him is restored and renewed? Why, or why not?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx91\tx810\tx1530\tx2250\tx2970\tx3690\tx4410\tx5130\tx5850\tx6570\tx7290\tx8010\cf0\lang1033\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\b0\i\scaps0\f1\fs28\tab \f0\fs24 September\b\i0 \b0\i 22\b\i0\f1\par \f0\fs36 Worship God\f1\fs24\par \tab\f0\ldblquote And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before tdhe feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God\rdblquote\b0\i \b (\cf1\ul Rev_22:8-9\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 Read the context of these two verses. What\rquote s the essential message here about worship?\b0 \b\f1\par \tab\b0\f0 All quarter we have seen the same thing: humans have this innate neede to worship. Even good things. Here John wants to worship the heavenly messenger who has revealed to him so much incredible truth. And yet, he is told to stop and worship God.\par \tab This is not the first time he has had this experience. In \cf1\ul Rev_19:10\cf0\ulnone , he is about to do the same thing, and again, he is stopped and told to worship the Lord. It reminds one of Christ\rquote s words to Satan: \ldblquote Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve\rdblquote \i (\cff1\ul Mat_4:10\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \b\f1\par \tab\b0\f0 In both cases, too, John fell at the feet of the object he sought to worship, a symbol of surrender, of submission, and of reverence before the object of worship. Anything else is not really worship, is it?\par \tab And that is because worship is not merely about what we do on Sabbath for a few hours each week. Worship is about falling at the feet of our Lord all the time. It is about our entire attitude and relationship to God. Worship is what we shoguld be doing 24/7; it is about living a life of faith, of obedience, and of surrender to the Lord. Worship is about putting God first and foremost in all that we say, all that we do, and all that we think. Worship is how we treat others, how we treat those we love, and those who are hard to love. Worship is about obeying the commandments, it is about ministering to those in need, it is about dying to self and proclaiming the gospel. \par \tab Again, think about the Creation, think about the God who creahted the Creation. Then think about the Cross, about the Creator dying for the sins of those whom He had created, bearing in Himself the punishment that they deserved in order that these undeserving beings could have the chance of being recreated in a new heaven and a new earth.\par \tab Because God created all that exists, anything else we worship is simply our worshiping more creation, worshiping idols of one form or another, worshiping what cannot save us. In contrast, with the image of the Creator on ithe cross, the question is, Why would we want to worship anything or anyone else? \b\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx361\tx1080\tx1800\tx2520\tx3240\tx3960\tx4680\tx5400\tx6120\tx6840\tx7560\tx8280\tx9000\tx9720\cf3\ul\b0\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \lang3081\ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\i0\f3\fs24 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: After 13 weeks talking about worship, cjlass members may have new insights, understandings, and appreciation of worship, as well as its importance in the story of the Bible and the life of the Christian and the church. Allow class members to reflect on what they have discovered, to share some of these insights, and to take some time to worship together. Let\rquote s not spend so much time talking about worship without having worshiped and let\rquote s find ways to incorporate worship more intentionally into our lives every day.\b0\par \b Activkities: \par Suggestions for Individual Activities\par \b0 Friday\rquote s study begins with a definition of \ldblquote worship\rdblquote from Richard M. Davidson. Review this definition. After studying through this series, how would you define \ldblquote worship\rdblquote ? Share your working definitions with members of the class. How has your definition of \ldblquote worship\rdblquote changed during your past weeks of study?\par \b Suggestions for Group or Team Activities\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li36l0\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8730\b0 Ask class members to bring along something to share that helps them worship or helps explain what worship means to them. It might be a song, poem, piece of writing, favorite Bible text, photo, or something else. Ask them to explain their items and then share them with the rest of the class. Affirm class members in their worship, encourage the class to learn from one another, and use these different items as opportunities to worship as a group.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100m\tqr\tx8730\cf0\lang1033\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday \b0\i\scaps0\fs24 September 23\b\i0\f1\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx91\tx810\tx1530\tx2250\tx2970\tx3690\tx4410\tx5130\tx5850\tx6570\tx7290\tx8010\f0\fs28 Further Study:\fs24 \b0 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote The Impending Conflict,\rdblquote pp. 582-592; \ldblquote The Final Warning,\rdblquote pp. 603-612, \ldblquote The Controversy Ended,\rdblquote pp. 662-678, in \i The Great Controversy.\i0 \par \ldblquote Worship isn bending low before our Maker, recognizing and acknowledging His holiness and our creatureliness. It is submitting to His sovereignty, responding to His majestic presence.\rdblquote -Document by Richard M. Davidson, \i Worship in the Old Testament\i0 (used by permission of the author), p. 3. \par \b\f1 \f0\ldblquote\b0 The\b \b0 Psalmist states: \lquote Serve the Lord with \i fear [awe]; \i0 rejoice with \i trembling\rquote \i0 (\cf1\ul Psa_2:11\cf0\ulnone ). In worship we recognize the awesome majeosty and infinite power of the King; we remember that \lquote Our God is a consuming fire\rquote (\cf1\ul Deu_4:24\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_12:29\cf0\ulnone ) that would instantly consume us if it were not for the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus who was \lquote consumed\rquote on the altar of Calvary in our place.\rdblquote\par \ldblquote Thus our worship will keep a balance between joy and awe. It will be a holy joy. . . . Our worship must have awesome depth . . . yet vibrant joy.\rdblquote -Documpent by Richard M. Davidson, Seminary Professor, Andrews University, \i Worship in the Old Testament\i0 (used by permission of the author), p. 30. \par \ldblquote The redeemed raise a song of praise that echoes and re-echoes through the vaults of heaven: \lquote Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb,\rquote verse 10 [of \cf1\ul Rev_7:1-17\cf0\ulnone ] . . .\par \ldblquote In all that shining throng there are none to ascribe salvation to themselves, as if they had preuvailed by their own power and goodness. Nothing is said of what they have done or suffered; but the burden of every song, the keynote of every anthem, is: Salvation to our God and unto the Lamb.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Great Controversy, \i0 p. 665.\i\f1\par \b\i0\f0\fs28 Discussion Questions:\b0\f1\fs24\par \lang1034\f2\fs22\u10102?\lang1033\b\f4\fs24 \f0 In class, discuss in more detail the plan of redemption, the miracle of the Incarnation, the sinless life of Jesus, and His death on our bach Him. It was God who told Moses to take off his shoes, for this was holy ground. The Lord was making clear the distinction between Himself-the Lord-and Moses, a sinner in need of grace. Reverence, awe, and fear-these are the attitudes that are crucial for us in order to engage in true worship. \par Another important point is the God-centeredness of this experience. Moses\rquote first response to God was, \ldblquote Who am I that I should go?\rdblquote The focus was on himself-his needs, his weakneq that before. What he most likely never saw before, however, was that the burning bush was not consumed: it kept burning and burning. At that moment Moses knew that he was seeing a \ldblquote great sight,\rdblquote something remarkable, even supernatural.\par \b Read \cf1\ul Exo_3:1-15\cf0\ulnone . What foundational elements of true worship can be seen in these verses?\b0 \par \b\f1 \b0\f0 Right from the start, we see here something of the holiness of God and the attitude in which we need to approrprepare for Sabbath, July 9.\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tqr\tx8640\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Sunday\scaps0\f1\tab \b0\i\f0\fs24 July 3\b\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640\f0\fs36 Holy Ground\b0\f1\fs32\par \b \b0\f0\fs24 It would be one thing for Moses, living in the wilderness, to see a bush burning. That itself might not be such a remarkable event; he probably had seen things likesontext, the question for us could be: do we know what we are worshiping? Do we know the Lord whom we praise and honor with our mouths? Who is He? What is His name? What is He like? \par This week we will look at early accounts of the children of Israel and how their encounters with the Lord reveal to us more about the nature and the character of the God we profess to serve and worship. After all, what sense does it make to worship what we do not know? \f1\par \i\f0 *Study this week\rquote s lesson to ehalf, and the promise of His second coming. Why does all this make Christ so worthy of worship? \b0\f1\par \lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\lang1033\f0\fs24 \b What are ways that we worship the Lord when we are not in church service? If we are not worshiping the Lord all the time, can we truly worship him for a few hours on Sabbath? Discuss your answer.\par \pard\b0\f2\fs22\u10104?\f5 \b\f0\fs24 What are some \ldblquote good\rdblquote things that we could be in danger of worshiping?\cf2\b0\f6\fs23\par } tk of stone, thinking it will answer their prayers, you are seeing folk worshiping what they do not know. That is, they are worshiping what they think can bring them salvation but cannot. In a more modern context, people who make gods out of power, money, fame, and self are, likewise, worshiping what they do not. They are worshiping that which cannot save them.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640 In the immediate Christian cv0\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640\b0\i0\dn9\f2\fs48 I\up0\f0\fs24 n speaking to the woman at the well, Jesus said,\i \ldblquote \lquote You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews\rquote \rdblquote (\cf1\ul Joh_4:22\cf0\ulnone , NKJV).\i0 Imagine, worshiping what you do not know. In a sense, that is what almost all the world has done, or perhaps is doing now-worshiping what they do not know. When you see someone bowing down and worshiping a blocw15\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Exo_12:1-36\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Exo_20:4-5\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Exo_32:1-6\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Exo_33:12-23\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\fs32\tab\b\i0\par \f0\fs24 Memory Text:\fs32 \fs24\ldblquote \lquote I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me\rquote \rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Exo_20:2-3\cf0\ulnone , NKJV)\b\f1 .\fs32\par \pard\keepn\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx360x1.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 2\b0\f1\fs32 \f0\fs24 *\i July 2-8\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\b\f0\fs36 Worship \i and the \i0 Exodus: Understanding Who God Is\b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\scaps0\f1\par \f0\fs24 Read for This Week\rquote s Study: \cf1\ul\b0\i Exo_3:1-{ advantages of a more planned form of worship?\par \cf5\b\f4\fs22 4. \cf3\b0\f3\fs24 How are we sometimes tempted to worship in ways that lead us away from God? How do we guard against this?\par \cf5\b\f4\fs22 5. \cf3\b0\f3\fs24 Do you think Jesus was saying to the woman at the well that places of worship are unimportant? Why, or why not? How might places dedicated to worship be helpful or unhelpful to worship?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx|5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f4\fs22 6. \b0\f3\fs24 How can we encourage our worship services and other church activities to be more \ldblquote in spirit and in truth\rdblquote ?\tab\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b\f5\fs22 7.\b0\f3\fs24 Share your memories of a time you recognized Jesus as God, as your Savior, as someone who loves and cares for you. How did you respond at that time? How do you re}spond to that realization today? \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f5\fs22 8.\b0\fs24 \f3 What does it mean to have Jesus as the center of our worship? How do we ensure this is a reality?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\scaps0\f1\fs24 \b0\i\f0 September 8\b\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040~\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\f0\fs36 Worshiping at His Feet\f1\fs24\par \b0\f0 Over the long years of Christian history, the church has been divided over the issue of Christ\rquote s divinity. Was He truly the eternal God, one with the Father since eternity? Or was He created later, a being who came into existence through the creative power of the Father? \par Though early on in our own church, some confusion on this matter existed, Ellen G. White made it very clear years ago what her position was-a position that, as a church, we have fully accepted today:\par \ldblquote\lquote His name shall be called Immanuel, . . . God with us.\rquote \lquote The light of the knowledge of the glory of God\rquote is seen \lquote in the face of Jesus Christ. From the days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one with the Father; He was \lquote the image of God,\rquote the image of His greatness and majesty, \lquote the outshining of His glory.\rquote It was to manifest this glory that He came to our world. To this sin-darkened earth He came to reveal the light of God\rquote s love,-to be \lquote God with us.\rquote Therefore it was prophesied of Him, \lquote His name shall be called Immanuel.\rquote\rdblquote -\i The Desire of Ages, \i0 p. 19.\i \b\i0\f1\par \f0 Read the following texts. What do they tell us about the deity of Christ? \cf1\ul\b0\i Mat_2:11\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Mat_4:10\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Mat_9:18\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Mat_20:20\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Mar_7:7\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Luk_24:52\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_9:38\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\i0\par \b \b0\f0 Jesus was very clear in His response to Satan \i (\cf1\ul Mat_4:10\cf0\ulnone )\b\i0 \b0 that the Lord alone should be worshiped. Which leads to the important point shown in the texts above: Christ never refused their worship. No example is given in the numerous times when people worshiped Him where He told them, \i Don\rquote t worship me, point your worship only toward the Father. \i0 In fact, the opposite is the case.\par \b Read \cf1\ul Luk_19:37-40\cf0\ulnone\b0 . \b What does Jesus\rquote response to the Pharisees say about His attitude toward those who worshiped Him? \b0\f1\par \f0 The point here is to reiterate a theme seen all this quarter, which is how crucial it is that Jesus be the center and focus of all our worship. Every song, every prayer, every sermon, everything that we do should, in one way or another, ultimately directs our minds toward Christ, the incarnate God who offered Himself as the sacrifice for our sins. Worship that leaves us with a sense of awe, love, and reverence for our Lord is worship that is no doubt pleasing in His sight.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\i0\f3\fs24 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers: These activities are intended to prompt class members to worship in ways they might not usually do-to praise God in written form and to look for echoes of Jesus and prompts to praise in their local area. \b0\par \b Activities:\par Suggestions for Individual Activities\par \b0 Provide paper and pens or pencils and ask class members to compose their songs of praise to God and His actions in their lives and the world in the style of Mary\rquote s song in \cf4\ul Luk_1:1-80\cf3\ulnone . This could be written as poetry, prose, or even just notes, using the introductory words from Mary\rquote s song as a starting point and prompt:\par \ldblquote Oh, how I praise the Lord.\par How I rejoice in God my Savior-\par For He . . .\rdblquote\par If members of the class are willing to share their \ldblquote songs,\rdblquote take some time to read these as a closing prayer for the class.\par \b Suggestions for Group or Team Activities\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b0 As a class, plan a walk in a local neighborhood or nearby natural area. This could take place during class time or at another time as planned, perhaps a Sabbath afternoon. Plan to have a prayerful attitude and to walk gently, with an awareness of the presence of God and alertness to echoes of God in the world around us. Look for prompts to prayer or praise as the group walks, pausing to point out or acknowledge these. Remember, Jesus often used images and stories from the natural world to illustrate what the kingdom of God is like. After an agreed time, finish the worship time with group prayer and perhaps share a meal together, or visit with class members in the place you have explored.\cf0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\b0\scaps0\fs24 \i September 9\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\f0\fs28 Further Study:\b0\fs24 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote God With Us,\rdblquote pp. 19-26, in \i The Desire of Ages\i0\f1 .\par \f0 \ldblquote Not by seeking a holy mountain or a sacred temple are men brought into communion with heaven. Religion is not to be confined to external forms and ceremonies. The religion that comes from God is the only religion that will lead to God. In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the divine Spirit. This will purify the heart and renew the mind, giving us a new capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give us a willing obedience to all His requirements. \i This is true worship\i0 . It is the fruit of the working of the Holy Spirit.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Desire of Ages,\i0 p. 189, emphasis supplied.\par \ldblquote One equal with God, acted as servant to His disciples. . . . He to whom every knee shall bow, He whom the angels of glory count it honor to serve, bowed down to wash the feet of those who called Him Lord.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Desire of Ages,\i0 p. 649.\b\f1\fs28\par \f0 Discussion Questions:\b0\f1\fs24\par \lang1034\f2\fs22\u10102?\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 The religious leaders of Christ\rquote s day claimed to know the Scriptures but were oblivious to the greatest miracle in history, the birth of the Messiah. Meanwhile, the wise men of the East came looking for Him in the right place at the right time. What significance does this story hold for us today as Christians, and as a church? How can we avoid the mistakes of the people in Christ\rquote s day, as we see the prophecies of the last days being fulfilled?\b0\f1\par \lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\lang1033\b\f0\fs24 Talk about the deity of Christ, why that is so important to our faith and worship. What do we lose if we in any way make Christ anything other than fully God?\tab\b0\f1\par \f2\fs22\u10104?\b\f0\fs24 Think again about Mary and what must have been going through her mind at this incredible turn of events. Think how much she \i didn\rquote t\i0 understand and how hard some of this might have been for her (being pregnant without ever knowing a man certainly must have been stressful). And yet, even amid all this, she was able to praise the Lord and worship Him, despite so many unanswered questions, so many troublesome thoughts, so many unknowns. How can we learn to do the same: to worship and praise the Lord amid times of uncertainty and unknowns? In fact, why might that be of all times the best time to be wholeheartedly in an attitude of worship?\cf3\b0\f3\par \pard\cf2\f6\fs23\par } Uond Coming, baptism, the Holy Spirit, and mission? \b0\f1\par \f0 \b Look especially at verses 3 and 6. What does that tell us about how much more truth the disciples had to learn?\b0\f1\par \f0 One of the most interesting parts of this section is verse 3, in which Luke states that Jesus presented them with many \ldblquote proofs.\rdblquote Some versions use the phrase \ldblquote infallible proofs,\rdblquote which is somewhat overstating the case. Another translation calls it \ldblquote convincingn masse. Many leaders rejected Him, and, of course, the Romans crucified Him, causing His closest disciples to scatter and flee. \par Things looked pretty bad until His resurrection and then Pentecost, when suddenly His followers found a new boldness to proclaim their crucified Master as the Messiah of Israel. It was only after the resurrection of Jesus, in fact, that the early church started to take off.\par \b Read \cf1\ul Act_1:1-11\cf0\ulnone . What important truths do we find here about the Secaced as it grew and seek to learn from the good things and, also, from the bad.\i\f1\par \f0 *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 17.\i0\f1\par \b\scaps\f0\fs32 Sunday\b0\scaps0\f1\fs24\tab \i\f0 September 11\i0\f1\par \b\f0\fs36 Many \ldblquote Proofs\rdblquote\f1\fs24\par \b0\f0 From a human perspective, Jesus\rquote earthly ministry did not look so successful. Though He had attracted a fairly popular following while alive, it did not catch on ethe idea that all the Jews rejected Jesus. \par Yet, we would be mistaken to look back on the early church as some sort of idyllic time of worship and praise. Though in a radically different context, the early church struggled with some of the same issues we struggle with today, issues that could and would impact everything about their faith, including worship.\i\f1\par \i0\f0 This week we will take a look at a few instances from the early days of Christianity and some of the challenges the church f showed how much they still had to learn.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920 At Pentecost, after Peter\rquote s preaching and altar call before a multitude of Jews \i (\cf1\ul Act_2:1-47\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 \i\ldblquote Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Act_2:41\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 This text alone shows the fallacy of \rdblquote\b0 \i (\cf1\ul 1Co_13:1\cf0\ulnone , NIV).\i0 \i\f1\par \pard\keepn\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\i0\dn10\f2\fs48 S\up0\f0\fs24 oon after Christ returned to heaven, the early church began to expand and grow. At first, it almost was exclusively Jews who were accepting Jesus as the Messiah and coming into the ranks of believers. Indeed, at first, many of the believers thought that the gospel was only for the Jews, whichrship \i in the \i0 Early Church\b0 \par \b\scaps\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\b0\scaps0\f1\par \b\f0\fs24 Read for This Week\rquote s Study: \cf1\ul\b0\i Act_1:1-11\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Act_2:14-41\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Act_17:15-34\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Act_18:1-16\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Co_13:1-13\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\i0\par \b\f0 Memory Text: \ldblquote If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbalf2\fmodern\fprq1\fcharset128 MS Mincho;}{\f3\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f4\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red49\green132\blue155;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 12 \b0\i\fs24 *September 10-16\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\f0\fs36 Wosses, and his fears. Soon after, however, he shifts from himself to God and what God would do. How crucial that all worship centers on the Lord, not on ourselves.\par That leads to another crucial element in worship: that of salvation and deliverance. The Exodus from Egypt has stood symbolically for the salvation we all have in Christ\i (\cf1\ul 1Co_10:1-4\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 God was not appearing to Moses just to make Himself known; He was appearing to him in order to let him know of the great work of happening. The natural response was worship. Moses had to be told to remove his shoes, but he did not have to be told to prostrate himself.\par When we worship today, it is usually a scheduled event. It is rarely a spontaneous explosion of the presence of God, such as Moses experienced. We go to church at the same time every week. Or we set aside a time for personal or family worship. It is easy, even with the best intentions, to allow worship to become just another routine. But we should always remember200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 God created bushes, as well as fire, and He created the laws governing the relationship between the two. But God was greater than these laws. God could, if He so chose, completely override them, which He obviously did.\par Moses was familiar with the way things usually were: bushes burned. But in this instance he saw two natural phenomena behaving in unnatural ways, ways that indicated that God was present. God had popped up in the middle of His creation, and strange things were re was nature\rquote s way of clearing dead vegetation to make room for live vegetation. But Moses immediately noted something that was not so natural and usual: the bush was not being consumed. It was a living insult to the laws of thermodynamics, which even the ancients must have understood intuitively. Having gotten Moses\rquote attention, the Lord would now work in a special way with His servant. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7. . you\rdblquote\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0\i (Review \cf4\ul Exo_3:1-15\cf3\ulnone .)\b\i0\tab\tab\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx810\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b0 God first showed Himself to Moses in a very ordinary object: a bush. A bush that happened to be on fire. In such a dry area bushes must have caught fire quite often. Fies\rquote experience at Mount Horeb \i (\cf4\ul Exo_3:1-15\cf3\ulnone ),\i0 and that which characterizes the worship of false gods \i (\cf4\ul Exo_32:1-6\cf3\ulnone ).\b0\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b\i\f1\fs28 Bible Commentary\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx810\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 I. \ldblquote I AM has sent . my goals? What are they, and how can I remove them?\b0\f1\fs36\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 2-Explore\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\i0 Just for Teachers:\b0 \b Emphasize the contrast between a true attitude of worship, as seen in Mos better understand what the Lord said to them in \cf1\ul Exo_20:4-5\cf0\ulnone ? Also, how can we take the principle seen there and apply it to ourselves today? \b0\f1\par \f0 \b Ellen G. White wrote, \ldblquote Whatever we cherish that tends to lessen our love for God or to interfere with the service due Him, of that do we make a god.\rdblquote\b0\i -Patriarchs and Prophets,\i0 p. 305.\b Ask yourself: What, if any, are the gods in my life who are competing for affections, my time, my priorities, or nyone. These \ldblquote gods\rdblquote also demonstrated selfish, demanding, and often immoral character traits that reflected their human origin. What a contrast to the Lord, the loving and self-sacrificing Creator and Redeemer. Thus, after centuries of being immersed in the crude polytheism of a pagan culture, the children of Israel needed to know their Lord and God as the only God, especially now as they were entering into the covenant relationship with Him. \par \b How does that background help us Deliverer proclaimed the first four commandments, all of which are directly linked to worship.\par \b Focus on \cf1\ul Exo_20:1-6\cf0\ulnone . What important points about worship can we take from those verses?\b0\f1\par \f0 The Ten Commandments begin with God\rquote s reminder to the children of Israel of their deliverance. Only the Lord, the true God, the only God, could have done that for them. All other gods, such as the gods of Egypt, were false gods, human creations unable to save or deliver atqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Tuesday\scaps0\f1\fs24\tab \b0\i\f0 July 5\b\i0\f1\par \f0\fs36 No Other Gods\fs24 \par \b0 Imagine the scene: Mount Sinai enveloped in a thick cloud, quaking with thunder, lightning flashing, trumpets blasting. The people trembled. Smoke filled the air because the God of Israel had descended in fire upon the holy mount \i (\cf1\ul Exo_19:16-19\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 There amidst the cloud and the smoke, He revealed Himself in awful grandeur. Then the voice of theirip. We also see the human tendency to substitute other things for God and the confusion and sadness that result.\par \b Consider This:\b0 What is necessary in order to maintain the proper attitude toward God and a correct realization of who and what He is? How can the things of this world siphon away the reverence and worship we should reserve for God alone? How can we keep our priorities in order?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\t ironically-one would hope. But the reality is that the world does encourage us to place our adoration and trust in things that are as temporal and passing as we are. And while we are not exactly encouraged to worship them, some of the emotion around these things and people certainly looks and feels a lot like worship. It can be argued that this tends to dampen the desire and inclination to worship God authentically.\par In the book of Exodus we see the mighty acts of God, the only being worthy of worshe god in question manifested himself or herself to the worshiper. But the important point is that the idol is, or was, a human artifact that had no true significance outside of the imagination, superstitions, or misconceptions of its maker.\par Yet the word \i idol\i0 is also used in other ways. It is, for example, used in the titles of popular television shows in a number of countries. Someone whom one admires very much is \ldblquote my idol.\rdblquote Of course, it is just a figure of speech, or meanr. The true worshiper will refuse to accept substitutes for God, also known as idols.\b\par Just for Teachers:\b0 \b Emphasize the contrast between God and the things we might be tempted to put above God in our lives.\par \b0 Idol. All of us are familiar with the word. If we are students of the Bible, or listen to those who are, we know the word refers to an image of a false god. Some cultures and religions thought the power resided in the image itself; others that it was a focal point through which th\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 Learning Cycle\i0\f3\fs24\tab\tab\tab \tab\tab\tab\par \i\f1\fs28 STEP 1-Motivate\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Key Concept for Spiritual Growth: \b0 True worship is characterized by awareness and acknowledgment of the infinite greatness of God and our aspiration to know Him bettel God\rquote s saved people\i (see \cf1\ul Heb_12:23\cf0\ulnone ),\i0 would be spared the death they deserve.\par \b In Egypt the people had obeyed their masters out of fear; now they would learn that true worship flows from a heart filled with love and gratitude to the One who alone has power to deliver and save. How can you learn to better appreciate and love the Lord? How does sin tend to dampen that love? \b0\f1 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320 New Testament, Jesus has been called the \ldblquote firstborn\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Rom_8:29\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Col_1:15\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Col_1:18\cf0\ulnone ).\i0\f1\par \f0 Though the firstborn were spared here, in reality Christ \ldblquote the firstborn\rdblquote was to die, a death symbolized by the blood placed over the doors of the houses. This act stands as a powerful representation of the substitutionary death of Jesus. He died so that the \ldblquote firstborn,\rdblquote in a sense alour worship, revealed in these verses?\b0\i\f1\par \i0\f0 Unless covered by the blood, the children of Israel would face the loss of their firstborn. For them, the firstborn (usually meaning the oldest son) had special privileges and responsibilities, only to later be replaced by the Levites \i (\cf1\ul Num_3:12\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 Israel itself was deemed the Lord\rquote s \ldblquote firstborn\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Exo_4:22\cf0\ulnone ), \i0 indicative of its special relationship to the Creator. In the\ldblquote to bow down\rdblquote or \ldblquote to prostrate oneself.\rdblquote The word itself almost always appears in a verb form that intensifies the meaning or that gives the idea of repetition. One almost could imagine a person bowing up and down, up and down, in reverence and awe and gratitude. Indeed, considering the context, that is not hard to see. \par \b Read the story of that first Passover night, in \cf1\ul Exo_12:1-36\cf0\ulnone . How is the gospel, which should be at the center of all 640\f0\fs36 The Death of the Firstborn: Passover and Worship\fs24 \b0\f1\par \b \f0\ldblquote That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord\rquote s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped\rdblquote\i \b0 (\cf1\ul Exo_12:27\cf0\ulnone ).\b\i0\f1\par \b0\f0 The Hebrew word translated \ldblquote worshiped\rdblquote in the above verse comes from a root that means x4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Summary:\b0 While God personally delivered Israel from Egypt and showed Himself in many concrete ways to His people, He required deep acknowledgment and respect of His holy, transcendent nature.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Monday\scaps0\f1\fs24 \b0\i\f0 July 4\b\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8i360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx990\tx1710\tx2430\tx3150\tx3870\tx4590\tx5310\tx6030\tx6750\tx7470\b III. Do: Majestic Ruler, Almighty Deliverer\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1890\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. What images and concepts of God are important to keep in mind as we approach Him in worship?\par B. How do we express our devotion in an intimate, yet respectful manner? \b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx2880\tx3600\tidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx900\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 II. Feel: Deserving of Worship \b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1890\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. How did God present Himself to Moses and Israel, as He taught them how to worship Him?\par B. What emotions and behaviors arise from a recognition of God\rquote s glory, power, and righteousness?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\l0\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. Why was it so important for God to demonstrate who He was with fire, thundering words, and earthquakes at Mount Sinai?\par B. What distinguishes the reverent celebration of God\rquote s delivering power from the hedonistic revelry Israel displayed around the image of the calf? How did Israel fall into this type of false worship?\par C. How might similar temptations for us arise, and how do we guard against disrespectful and false worship?\b\par \pard\now.\par \b Do: \b0 Honor the God of the Exodus, respecting and responding to His expectations for worship.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Learning Outline:\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b I. Know: Respect or Revelry?\b0\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1890\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx504d \cf4\ul Rom_12:1\cf3\ulnone with your class.)\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tqc\tx2160\tqc\tx2880\tqc\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqc\tx6480\tqc\tx7200\tqc\tx7920\tqc\tx8640\tqc\tx9360\tqc\tx10080 In the Old Testament, worship meant sacrifice. And sacrifice meant something had to die. All had sinned, and sin meant death; if not to oneself, then to an innocent animal. Few probably understood how this transaction worked in all its metaphysical details, but it made a certain amount of sense on an intuitive level. There was a debt to be paid, and it had to be paid with a life.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080 The people who came to be called Christians came to understand this in a different, and possibly counterintuitive, way. Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection had occurred in the full light of history, and which many of them had personally witnessed, had fulfilled the true meaning of these sacrifices. People who claimed His sacrifice for their sins seemed to change, to actually become happier and better-in a word, selfless. The sacrifice did not need to be repeated as did the temple ceremonies. The old ways seemed to be a shadow of the new and living way. Jesus had died, but He had come back to life! What kind of sacrifice ended with the victim alive and healthy?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tqc\tx2160\tqc\tx2880\tqc\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqc\tx6480\tqc\tx7200\tqc\tx7920\tqc\tx8640\tqc\tx9360\tqc\tx10080 As it turned out, the old ways had literally been a shadow of what was to come. God didn\rquote t want the lives of animals. The only sacrifice He wanted from us was ourselves, filled with new life: a living sacrifice.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tqc\tx720\tqc\tx1440\tqc\tx2160\tqc\tx2880\tqc\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqc\tx6480\tqc\tx7200\tqc\tx7920\tqc\tx8640\tqc\tx9360\tqc\tx10080\b Consider This:\e us and do so much in order to redeem us. \par \b How much awe, reverence, and fear do you have when you worship the Lord? Or is your heart hard, cold, and ungrateful? If the latter, how can you change?\b0 \b\f2\fs20\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\b0\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 4-Create\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 Just for Teachers:\b0 \b The lesson makes clear that there are two types of worshipers spoken of in the Bible. The first are those who expect to impress God by their own merit. The second are those who truly seek to know who God is and to attribute all credit and glory to Him. The following activities are meant to emphasize and encourage the students to be the latter.\b0\par Pick a series of biblical figures and briefly tell their stories. Pick about an even ratio of \ldblquote good\rdblquote and \ldblquote bad\rdblquote ones. Ask the students which group each individual character belongs to. If you want to add something extra, don\rquote t reveal the names of the characters and allow your class to place the characters, based on their descriptions, into groups without preconceptions.\par \b Alternative:\b0 Perhaps the best way to understand worship is to do it. Have each member write on a slip of paper what he or she sees as one of God\rquote s praiseworthy attributes. Take a few moments to read the slips and to praise God collectively for being who He is. This can be done at the beginning or end of class.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Friday\scaps0\f2\fs24\tab \b0\i\f0 July 1\i0\f2\par \b\f0\fs28 Further Study:\b0\fs24 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote The Creation,\rdblquote pp. 47-51; \ldblquote The Temptation and Fall,\rdblquote pp. 60-62; \ldblquote Cain and Abel Tested,\rdblquote pp. 71-74; \ldblquote After the Flood,\rdblquote pp. 105-107; \ldblquote The Test of Faith,\rdblquote pp. 148-153; \ldblquote The Night of Wrestling,\rdblquote pp. 197-203, in \i Patriarchs and Prophets.\i0 \par \ldblquote [Jacob\rquote s] vow [at Bethel] was the outflow of a heart filled with gratitude for the assurance of God\rquote s love and mercy. Jacob felt that God had claims upon him which he must acknowledge, and that the special tokens of divine favor granted him demanded a return. So does every blessing bestowed upon us call for a response to the Author of all our mercies. The Christian should often review his past life and recall with gratitude the precious deliverances that God has wrought for him. . . . He should recognize all of them as evidences of the watchcare of heavenly angels. In view of these innumerable blessings he should often ask, with subdued and grateful heart, \lquote What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?\rquote \cf1\ul Psa_116:12\cf0\ulnone .\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets,\i0 p. 187. \par \b\fs28 Discussion Questions:\f2\fs24\par \f4\fs22\u10102?\f0\fs24 Dwell more on the topic of how righteousness by faith in what Christ has done for us should be at the center of all our worship. As you do, dwell on these questions: (1) Why do we worship Him? (2) What has He done that makes Him worthy of worship? (3) What purpose does our worship of God serve? \par \f4\fs22\u10103?\f0 \fs24 How can our worship services become a more effective tool in witnessing to the world who God really is and what He is like? What elements in worship, which we have considered in this week\rquote s lesson, can be especially helpful in witnessing?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\f4\fs22\u10104?\f5 \f0\fs24 Review the story of Abraham\rquote s giving his tithe to Melchizedek \b0\i (\cf1\ul Gen_14:20\cf0\ulnone ). \b\i0 In what ways is tithing an act of worship?\b0 \b What are we saying to God when we return to Him our tithe?\f2\par \pard\f1\fs22\u10105?\f0 \fs24 Dwell\b0 \b more on the idea of fear and reverence in worship. Why is this an important element? What\rquote s wrong with an attitude in worship that seems to put God on our own level, in which we relate to Him in worship with the same attitude we have toward a good friend and nothing more?\cf2\b0\f6\fs23\par } rief\i0\f3\fs24\par Key Text: \cf4\ul\b0\i Exo_20:2-3\cf3\ulnone\i0\par \b The Student Will: \b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Know: \b0 Contrast the feelings and behaviors of the worshipers around the image of the calf with the feelings and behaviors of those worshipers at the foot of Mount Sinai.\par \b Feel: \b0 Offer humble worship to God, sensing His ruling majesty, creative power, and holy righteousness Lord did for Israel in freeing the nation from Egypt. \par \b How much time do you spend dwelling on the Cross and the deliverance we have been given through Jesus? Or do you spend more time thinking about other things, things that cannot save you? What are the implications of your answer? \b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Bdeliverance that He was going to do on behalf of the children of Israel. In the same way, Jesus did not come to this earth merely to represent God and help us know more about Him. No, Jesus came to die for our sins, to give His life a ransom, to die on the cross the death that we deserve. Through His death, of course, we know more and more about the character of God, but in the end Christ came to pay the penalty for our sins and thus give us true deliverance, the deliverance symbolized in part by what thesses, and his fears. Soon after, however, he shifts from himself to God and what God would do. How crucial that all worship centers on the Lord, not on ourselves.\par That leads to another crucial element in worship: that of salvation and deliverance. The Exodus from Egypt has stood symbolically for the salvation we all have in Christ\i (\cf1\ul 1Co_10:1-4\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 God was not appearing to Moses just to make Himself known; He was appearing to him in order to let him know of the great work of ach Him. It was God who told Moses to take off his shoes, for this was holy ground. The Lord was making clear the distinction between Himself-the Lord-and Moses, a sinner in need of grace. Reverence, awe, and fear-these are the attitudes that are crucial for us in order to engage in true worship. \par Another important point is the God-centeredness of this experience. Moses\rquote first response to God was, \ldblquote Who am I that I should go?\rdblquote The focus was on himself-his needs, his weakne that before. What he most likely never saw before, however, was that the burning bush was not consumed: it kept burning and burning. At that moment Moses knew that he was seeing a \ldblquote great sight,\rdblquote something remarkable, even supernatural.\par \b Read \cf1\ul Exo_3:1-15\cf0\ulnone . What foundational elements of true worship can be seen in these verses?\b0 \par \b\f1 \b0\f0 Right from the start, we see here something of the holiness of God and the attitude in which we need to approprepare for Sabbath, July 9.\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx720\tx1440\tqr\tx8640\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Sunday\scaps0\f1\tab \b0\i\f0\fs24 July 3\b\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640\f0\fs36 Holy Ground\b0\f1\fs32\par \b \b0\f0\fs24 It would be one thing for Moses, living in the wilderness, to see a bush burning. That itself might not be such a remarkable event; he probably had seen things likeontext, the question for us could be: do we know what we are worshiping? Do we know the Lord whom we praise and honor with our mouths? Who is He? What is His name? What is He like? \par This week we will look at early accounts of the children of Israel and how their encounters with the Lord reveal to us more about the nature and the character of the God we profess to serve and worship. After all, what sense does it make to worship what we do not know? \f1\par \i\f0 *Study this week\rquote s lesson to k of stone, thinking it will answer their prayers, you are seeing folk worshiping what they do not know. That is, they are worshiping what they think can bring them salvation but cannot. In a more modern context, people who make gods out of power, money, fame, and self are, likewise, worshiping what they do not. They are worshiping that which cannot save them.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640 In the immediate Christian c0\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640\b0\i0\dn9\f2\fs48 I\up0\f0\fs24 n speaking to the woman at the well, Jesus said,\i \ldblquote \lquote You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews\rquote \rdblquote (\cf1\ul Joh_4:22\cf0\ulnone , NKJV).\i0 Imagine, worshiping what you do not know. In a sense, that is what almost all the world has done, or perhaps is doing now-worshiping what they do not know. When you see someone bowing down and worshiping a bloclnone ; \cf1\ul Exo_12:1-36\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Exo_20:4-5\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Exo_32:1-6\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Exo_33:12-23\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\fs32\tab\tab\tab\b\i0\par \f0\fs24 Memory Text:\fs32 \fs24\ldblquote \lquote I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me\rquote \rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Exo_20:2-3\cf0\ulnone , NKJV)\b\f1 .\fs32\par \pard\keepn\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx360\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 2\b0\f1\fs32 \f0\fs24 *\i July 2-8\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\b\f0\fs36 Worship \i and the \i0 Exodus: Understanding Who God Is\b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqr\tx8640\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\scaps0\f1\par \f0\fs24 Read for This Week\rquote s Study: \cf1\ul\b0\i Exo_3:1-15\cf2\ub0 True worship still demands sacrifice. Not because God is greedy or wants us to live miserable lives, but because it is the appropriate response to the immeasurable riches we have in Christ. What does it truly mean to give your life to the God who gave His life for you?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Wednesday \b0\i\scaps0\fs24 July 20\b\i0\scaps\fs36 \b0\i\scaps0\fs28  \b\i0\f1\fs24\par \f0\fs36 Communion With God\b0\fs24 \b\f1\par \b0\f0 One of the key aspects of being a Christian, of having a saving relationship with Christ, is that of knowing the Lord. Jesus Himself said, \ldblquote \lquote And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent\rquote \rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Joh_17:3\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 As in any kind of relationship, communication is the key. \par \b Read \cf1\ul Exo_25:10-22\cf0\ulnone . What are the people being told to make here, and what promises are they given?\b0\f1\par \f0 Above the sacred ark, which contained God\rquote s holy law, and enshrined on the mercy seat dwelt the very presence of God in the Shekinah glory. There, \ldblquote mercy and truth [were] met together; righteousness and peace . . . kissed each other\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Psa_85:10\cf0\ulnone ). \i0 There, from the altar of incense in the Holy Place, the smoke ascended, representing the prayers of  that true worship is where we meet God in the midst of ordinary reality and recognize that, perhaps, it is not so ordinary after all. Worship reminds us that God is at the center of ordinary reality, and that this reality-and we ourselves-are utterly dependent on Him.\b\par Consider This: \b0 How does God show Himself in your day to day life? What are the ways in which you honor and thank Him for His presence?\b\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640 II.\b0 \b The Golden Calf \par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b0\i (Review \cf4\ul Exo_32:1-6\cf3\ulnone with your class.)\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tqc\tx720\tqc\tx1440\tqc\tx2160\tqc\tx2880\tqc\tx3600\tqc\tx4320\tqc\tx5040\tqc\tx5760\tqc\tx6480\tqc\tx7200\tqc\tx7920\tqc\tx8640\tqc\tx9360\i0 When one looks at the story of the golden calf, it is easy to assume that the Israelites were simply appropriating the gods of the adjacent pagan cultures and abandoning Yahweh. Such would seem to be suggested in the passages \i (vss. 1, 4)\i0 in which the people are said to have asked Aaron to make gods for them and then praised them as the gods who brought them out of Egypt. But we also have verse 5, in which Aaron refers to the impending festival as \ldblquote a festival to the Lord\rdblquote \i (NIV), \i0 literally Yahweh.\par Taken together, all this suggests that at least some of the people thought that while still honoring Yahweh, they could have gods similar to those of their neighbors. They would have this riotous pagan orgy, but by dedicating it as to the Lord, they would somehow make it acceptable to God.\par So what we really observe in these passages is not so much open apostasy as it is syncretism. Syncretism is the combining of often mutually contradictory religions or belief systems, many times on the basis of political expediency, personal taste, or whim. As with many morally or theologically dubious notions, rationalizations for syncretism are easy to come by. \par For example, consider what might have been going on in Aaron\rquote s mind. Moses seemed to have disappeared without a trace, and without his charismatic leadership, the people\rquote s loyalty to Yahweh was flagging. Their faith was of the what-has-He-done-for-me-lately? variety. Aaron, at one level, was probably terrified of mutiny. At the same time, he was too loyal or timid to abandon Yahweh outaright. \i Why not, \i0 he might have thought, \i give the people enough of what they wanted to keep them in the fold in the event Moses returned? \i0 It was settled, then. He would give them only \i one\i0 false God, though they asked for many; and he would make that false God Yahweh\rquote s friend, his sidekick.\par If the flawed reasoning behind this rationale was not obvious from the beginning, it certainly must have been when the festivities commenced. Aaron and the others soon discovered that therdeliverance that He was going to do on behalf of the children of Israel. In the same way, Jesus did not come to this earth merely to represent God and help us know more about Him. No, Jesus came to die for our sins, to give His life a ransom, to die on the cross the death that we deserve. Through His death, of course, we know more and more about the character of God, but in the end Christ came to pay the penalty for our sins and thus give us true deliverance, the deliverance symbolized in part by what the Lord did for Israel in freeing the nation from Egypt. \par \b How much time do you spend dwelling on the Cross and the deliverance we have been given through Jesus? Or do you spend more time thinking about other things, things that cannot save you? What are the implications of your answer? \b0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\cf3\ul\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 The Lesson in Brief\i0\f3\fs24\par Key Text: \cf4\ul\b0\i Exo_20:2-3\cf3\ulnone\i0\par \b The Student Will: \b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Know: \b0 Contrast the feelings and behaviors of the worshipers around the image of the calf with the feelings and behaviors of those worshipers at the foot of Mount Sinai.\par \b Feel: \b0 Offer humble worship to God, sensing His ruling majesty, creative power, and holy righteousness.\par \b Do: \b0 Honor the God of the Exodus, respecting and responding to His expectations for worship.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b Learning Outline:\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\b I. Know: Respect or Revelry?\b0\tab\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1890\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. Why was it so important for God to demonstrate who He was with fire, thundering words, and earthquakes at Mount Sinai?\par B. What distinguishes the reverent celebration of God\rquote s delivering power from the hedonistic revelry Israel displayed around the image of the calf? How did Israel fall into this type of false worship?\par C. How might similar temptations for us arise, and how do we guard against disrespectful and false worship?\b\par \pard\now5idctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx900\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 II. Feel: Deserving of Worship \b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li720\sb60\sa60\tx1440\tx1890\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360 A. How did God present Himself to Moses and Israel, as He taught them how to worship Him?\par B. What emotions and behaviors arise from a recognition of God\rquote s glory, power, and righteousness?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\ll ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;\red49\green132\blue155;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 8\b0\f1\fs24\tab\i\f0\fs28 \fs24 *August 13-19\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\f0\fs36 Conformity, Compromise \i and\i0 Crisis \i in\i0 Worship\b0\f1\par \b\scaps\f0\fs32 SabbatGod\rquote s people mingled with the merits and intercession of Christ. \par Amid all this is the promise: \ldblquote And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel\rdblquote \i (\cf1\ul Exo_25:22\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par God promised the people not just His presence; He promised to communicate with His people, to talk to them, to guide them in the ways that they should go.\par \b What do these texts promise us?\b0 \cf1\ul\i Psa_37:23\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Psa_48:14\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Pro_3:6\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_16:13\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\i0\par \f0 Today, of course, we do not have an earthly sanctuary, but we do have the promises of God\rquote s guidance and presence in our lives if we surrender to Him. What believer has not seen the leading of the Lord at some point in his or her life?\par Here, too, is where worship comes in. We must worship the Lord in an attitude of submission, of surrender, of willingness to be led. A heart yielded to the Lord in prayer, submission, reverence, and surrender, a heart sensing its own need of salvation, of grace, of repentance, is a heart that-full of worshipful praise to God-will be guided in the way that the Lord would desire. In the end, true worship should help you be more open to God\rquote s leading because it should help you learn an attitude of faith and submission. There is nothing empty in this kind of worship.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\cf3\ul\f1\fs22 TEACHER\rquote S COMMENTS\par \ulnone\b\i\fs28 STEP 3-Apply\b0\i0\f3\fs24\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\b Just for Teachers:\b0 \b Use the following questions to emphasize the importance of worship as action, as well as a matter of emotion or attitude. Attitudes that are not acted upon are also known as fantasies.\b0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\b Thought Questions:\par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\cf5\lang1034\b0\f2\fs22\u10102?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 Since God derived no true benefit from the sacrifices of the temple ritual, why did they seem so important to Him in the books of the Old Testament? How were they more of a promise of what He was going to do in Christ?\par \cf5\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 God communicated with the Israelites in quite dramatic ways in the Old Testament, especially in the time of Moses. Much of this communication took place in a context of worship. How does God communicate with us today, and how is it facilitated by our worship?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\li360\sb60\sa60\tx360\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\b Application Questions:\b0\par \pard\li360\sb60\sa60\cf5\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10102?\f3 \cf3\lang1033\fs24 While we don\rquote t want worship to be merely a routine, it must become a routine of sorts to be effective in our lives. We need to worship whether or not we happen to feel like it at the moment. Many times, the feelings will follow if we offer our hearts to God. How can we discern that our worship is losing its meaning, and what can we do to bring it back?\par \cf5\lang1034\f2\fs22\u10103?\cf3\lang1033\f3\fs24 In Tuesday\rquote s lesson Ellen G. White is quoted as saying that the sacrifices that eventually became rote rituals were originally intended to be occasions of intense prayer and soul searching. In some ways, our experience is no different. We start out with high ideals and ambitions, but they seem to decay over time if we aren\rquote t mindful. What can we do to keep our worship a vital communication between ourselves and God?\par \pard\nowidctlparh Afternoon\scaps0\f1\par \f0\fs24 Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\fs28 \cf1\ul\b0\i\fs24 Gen_6:5\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Deu_12:8\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Deu_13:18\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Ki_11:1-13\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul 1Ki_18:1-46\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Jer_17:5\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Mal_3:16-18\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Mal_4:1-6\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\f0 Memory Text:\fs28 \fs24\ldblquote But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. \b0\i (\cf1\ul Heb_5:14\cf0\ulnone , NKJV).\b\i0\f1\par \pard\keepn\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b0\dn10\f2\fs48 I\up0\f0\fs24 n 1954, novelist William Golding wrote \i The Lord of the Flies,\i0 a fictional account of a group of English children stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. Golding used this story as a modern parable about the inherent evil in human beings. What made the narrative so powerful was that he used children, supposedly the essence of innocence, to make his point about just how corrupt, evil, egotistical, and violent humanity is at heart.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920 Christians, of course, would say, So tell us something we don\rquote t know. Human evil and sinfulness is part and parcel of the Christian message. The Bible is unambiguous on that point. But while the idea that evil is bad is quite uncontroversial, what is not so uncontroversial is the question, \ldblquote What is evil?\rdblquote Not everyone agrees on that. \par This week, as we continue to look at the question of worship, we are going to look at a certain kind of evil that has brought devastating consequences to God\rquote s people and to humanity in general. We can view what this evil did to ancient Israel, but we need to ask the important question about just how susceptible we are to it ourselves.\par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 20.\i0\f1\fs36\par \b\scaps\f0\fs32 Sunday\f1\fs36\tab \b0\i\scaps0\f0\fs24 August 14\b\i0\scaps\f1\par \scaps0\f0\fs36 In Different Eyes\f1\fs24\par \b0 \b\f0 Read the following texts. What is the one point that they all have in common? Why is it so important for us to always keep this in mind?\b0 \cf1\ul\i Gen_6:5\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Jer_17:5\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Joh_2:25\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Rom_3:9-12\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\i0\f0 \b What kind of things exist in your culture that could cause you to forget this fundamental truth?\b0\f1\par \f0 All through Scripture, we are warned: the human heart is deceitful; people are corrupt; do not look to others; no one is immune from evil. With the exception, of course, of Jesus, who never sinned, few characters whom the Bible pays much attention to are pictured as morally unscathed. \par One does not need Scripture, either, to see just how corrupt humanity is. History, newspapers, the daily news, indeed, even our homes, and at times our own hearts should suffice to show us the morally decrepit state of humanity. What should be scary for us to remember is that if a perfect being, as Lucifer originally was, could choose evil, even in the perfect environment of heaven; if other perfect beings, as Adam and Eve were, could choose evil, even in the perfect environment of Eden-then wha[\sb100\sa100\tqr\tx8640\cf0\b\scaps\f0\fs32 Thursday\scaps0\f1\fs24 \b0\i\f0 July 21\fs28\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\b\i0\fs36 Rejoicing Before the Lord\b0\f1\fs24\par \b \b0\f0 A substantial part of the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers centers around the sanctuary service-its construction, its services, the sacrifices and offerings presented there, and the ministration of the priests. It 210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\lang1033\b\f0\fs28 Lesson 10\b0\f1\fs24\tab\i\f0\fs28 \fs24 *August 27-September 2\i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\b\f0\fs36 Worship: From Exile \i to\i0 Restoration\b0\f1\par \b\scaps\f0\fs32 Sabbath Afternoon\b0\scaps0\f1\par \b\f0\fs24 Read for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1\ul\i Neh_1:1-11\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Jer_29:10-14\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Eze_8:1-18\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Dan_3:1-30\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Hag_1:1-15\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Zec_1:1-6\cf0\ulnone\f1 .\i0\par \b\f0 Memory Text:\b0 \b\ldblquote Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes\rdblquote \b0\i (\cf1\ul Hag_1:6\cf0\ulnone ).\i0 \par \pard\keepn\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3t about ourselves? We are born with corrupt and fallen natures, and we carry those natures with us in a fallen and corrupted environment. No wonder evil comes so easily, so naturally, to us. It is wired in our genes.\par We have to be careful, however, in our understanding of what \ldblquote evil\rdblquote is. Some things are so manifestly evil, so manifestly bad, that anyone-whether a believer in God or not-would deem them as evil. Evil, however, can be much more subtle. Things that the world or our