LESSON 13 *March 19–25
Sabbath Afternoon
Read for This Week’s Study: Hebrews 13, Rom. 12:13, Eph.
5:3–5, 1 Pet. 5:1–4, Heb. 2:9, Heb. 4:16, Gal. 2:20.
Memory Text: “Let brotherly love continue” (Hebrews 13:1).
Hebrews 13 presents the apostle’s concluding admonition: “Let
brotherly love continue” (Heb. 13:1). He has affirmed throughout
the epistle that we are of the household of the King–High
Priest, Jesus, His brothers and sisters. The author does not conceive of
the audience only as a group of individuals who work on their salvation
in a one-on-one relationship with Jesus, but as a family, or household,
saved together. Paul has characterized the work of Jesus for us as
“brotherly love”: He was “not ashamed to call them brothers” (Heb.
2:11, ESV). Thus, believers should do for one another what Jesus did
for them.
Throughout the letter, brotherly love involved “exhorting one another”
so that no one would fall short of the grace of God (Heb. 3:13; Heb.
10:24, 25; Heb. 12:15–17). In chapter 13 it involves numerous elements:
hospitality (Heb. 13:2), visiting and supporting prisoners and
those who have been mistreated (Heb. 13:3), honoring marriage (Heb.
13:4), avoiding covetousness (Heb. 13:5, 6), remembering and obeying
the leaders of the church (Heb. 13:7–17), and praying for the author
himself (Heb. 13:18, 19).
* Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, March 26.
EGW Notes — SATURDAY ↓
Sabbath Afternoon, March 19
Lesson 13 - “Let Brotherly Love Continue”
Christ was to identify Himself with the interests and needs of humanity. He who was one with God has
linked Himself with the children of men by ties that are never to be broken. Jesus is “not ashamed to call them
brethren” (Hebrews 2:11); He is our Sacrifice, our Advocate, our Brother, bearing our human form before the
Father’s throne, and through eternal ages one with the race He has redeemed—the Son of man. And all this that
man might be uplifted from the ruin and degradation of sin that he might reflect the love of God and share the joy
of holiness. …
Such love is without a parallel. Children of the heavenly King! Precious promise! Theme for the most
profound meditation! The matchless love of God for a world that did not love Him! The thought has a subduing
power upon the soul and brings the mind into captivity to the will of God. The more we study the divine character
in the light of the cross, the more we see mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness blended with equity and justice, and
the more clearly we discern innumerable evidences of a love that is infinite and a tender pity surpassing a
mother’s yearning sympathy for her wayward child.—Steps to Christ, pp. 14, 15.
We call God our Father; we claim to be children of one family, and when there is a disposition to lessen the
respect and influence of another to build up ourselves, we please the enemy and grieve Him whom we profess to
follow. The tenderness and mercy that Jesus has revealed in His own precious life should be an example to us of
the manner in which we should treat our fellow beings and especially those who are our brethren in Christ.
God is continually benefiting us, but we are too indifferent to His favors. We have been loved with an infinite
tenderness, and yet many of us have little love for one another. We are too severe upon those we suppose to be in
error, and are very sensitive to the least blame or question in regard to our own course. …
… We are daily recipients of the bounties of heaven and should have loving gratitude springing up in our
hearts to God, which should cause us to sympathize with our neighbors and make their interests our own.
Thoughts and meditations upon the goodness of God to us would close the avenues of the soul to Satan’s
suggestions.—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 222.
The union between Christ and His people is to be living, true, and unfailing, resembling the union that exists
between the Father and the Son. This union is the fruit of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. All true children of
God will reveal to the world their union with Christ and with their brethren. Those in whose hearts Christ abides
will bear the fruit of brotherly love. They will realize that as members of God’s family they are pledged to
cultivate, cherish, and perpetuate Christian love and fellowship, in spirit, words, and
action.—Sons and Daughters of God, p. 293.
SUNDAY March 20
Caring for God’s People
Read Hebrews 13:1, 2; Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8; and
1 Peter 4:9. What was the role of hospitality in the early church?
* Your notes will not be saved!
Christianity was a wandering movement that often depended on the
hospitality of both Christians and non-Christians. The instruction to
“not forget” to show hospitality probably does not simply refer to the
failure to think about taking someone in but about willful neglect.
Paul does not have in mind hospitality only for fellow believers.
He reminds his readers that by entertaining strangers some have
unwittingly entertained angels (Heb. 13:2). He probably had
in mind the visit of the three men to Abraham and Sarah (Gen.
18:2–15). Offering hospitality implies sharing possessions with
other people and suffering with them, which is what Jesus did for
us (Heb. 2:10–18).
Brotherly love toward those in prison implied not only that believers
remembered prisoners in their prayers but also that believers provided
relief through material and emotional support. There was a risk of
willful neglect of prisoners. Those who provided material and emotional
support to those condemned by society identified themselves with
them. In some sense, they became “partners” with them and made
themselves vulnerable to social abuse (Heb. 10:32–34).
Paul’s exhortation uses images and language to encourage the
readers in regard to prisoners. First, the author evokes the readers’ own
support for their incarcerated brethren in the past. They had become
“companions” or “partners” to those who had been “publicly exposed
to reproach and affliction” (Heb. 10:33, ESV). Second, the language of
“mistreatment” echoes the example of Moses, who chose “rather to be
mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures
of sin” (Heb. 11:25, ESV). Finally, Paul captures the ideal of brotherly
love. He reminds the readers that they “also are in the body” (Heb.
13:3, ESV). They share the same human condition and should treat
others as they would like to be treated if they were in the same
circumstances; that is, in prison. The people should, then, provide material
and emotional support to prisoners, showing them that they are not
abandoned.
What more can we do for those who are in prison, whether
church members or not?
EGW Notes — SUNDAY ↓
Sunday, March 20
Caring for God’s People
God conferred great honor upon Abraham. Angels of heaven walked and talked with him as friend with
friend. When judgments were about to be visited upon Sodom, the fact was not hidden from him, and he became
an intercessor with God for sinners. His interview with the angels presents also a beautiful example of hospitality.
In the hot summer noontide the patriarch was sitting in his tent door, looking out over the quiet landscape,
when he saw in the distance three travelers approaching. … He hastened after them, and with the utmost courtesy
urged them to honor him by tarrying for refreshment. With his own hands he brought water that they might
wash the dust of travel from their feet. He himself selected their food, and while they were at rest under the
cooling shade, an entertainment was made ready, and he stood respectfully beside them while they partook of his
hospitality. This act of courtesy God regarded of sufficient importance to record in His word; and a thousand
years later it was referred to by an inspired apostle: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have
entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2.—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 138.
There are many others to whom we might make our homes a blessing. Our social entertainments should not
be governed by the dictates of worldly custom, but by the Spirit of Christ and the teaching of His word. The
Israelites, in all their festivities, included the poor, the stranger, and the Levite, who was both the assistant of the
priest in the sanctuary, and a religious teacher and missionary. These were regarded as the guests of the people, to
share their hospitality on all occasions of social and religious rejoicing, and to be tenderly cared for in sickness or
in need. It is such as these whom we should make welcome to our homes. How much such a welcome might do to
cheer and encourage the missionary nurse or the teacher, the care-burdened, hard-working mother, or the feeble
and aged, so often without a home, and struggling with poverty and many
discouragements.—The Ministry of Healing, pp. 352, 353.
Think it not lowering to your dignity to minister to suffering humanity. Look not with indifference and
contempt upon those who have laid the temple of the soul in ruins. These are objects of divine compassion. He
who created all, cares for all. Even those who have fallen the lowest are not beyond the reach of His love and pity.
If we are truly His disciples, we shall manifest the same spirit. The love that is inspired by our love for Jesus will
see in every soul, rich or poor, a value that cannot be measured by human estimate. Let your life reveal a love that
is higher than you can possibly express in words.
Often the hearts of men will harden under rebuke, but they cannot withstand the love expressed toward them
in Christ. … Let your message be: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the
world.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 279.
MONDAY March 21
Covetousness and Sexual Immorality
Read Hebrews 13:4, 5; Luke 16:10–18; 1 Corinthians 5:1; Ephesians
5:3–5; and Colossians 3:5. What two evils are related in these passages?
Paul warns the readers against sexual immorality and greed because
they are two grave threats to brotherly love. In fact, New Testament
authors and ancient moralists noted a connection between them.
Paul’s call to honor marriage implied the avoidance of anything that
would belittle it. This avoidance included abstaining both from violation
of the marriage oath and from unwarranted divorces (compare with
Matt. 19:9). The exhortation to keep the marriage bed undefiled refers to
avoiding the profanation of marriage through sexual relationships outside
of marriage. The expression “fornicators” refers in the New Testament to
every form of sexual immorality (1 Cor. 5:9–11; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Eph. 5:5;
1 Tim. 1:9, 10; Rev. 21:8; Rev. 22:15). In addition, Greco-Roman society
was lax in regard to sexual ethics. A double standard was common: this
allowed men license in their sexual relationships as long as they were
discreet. Paul warns, however, that God will judge adulterers. Believers
should not let social conventions establish their own ethical standards.
“Love of money” was one of the main categories of vices in the
Greco-Roman world. In fact, in another letter. Paul referred to “love of
money” as the source of all evils (1 Tim. 6:10).
The defense against this vice is an attitude that Paul encourages in
several epistles. First, they should “be content” with the things they had
(also 2 Cor. 9:8; Phil. 4:11, 12). Furthermore, Christians should believe
and embrace God’s promise that God would “never leave . . . nor forsake”
them (Heb. 13:5). This promise was given in several places and moments
to His people and is available to us today (Gen. 28:15; Deut. 31:6, 8;
Josh. 1:5; 1 Chron. 28:20). Believers, then, are invited to respond to
God’s promise with the words of Psalm 118:6: “The Lord is on my side;
I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (ESV). This reference to Psalm
118 is appropriate because the psalmist expressed there his confidence in
God, despite the suffering inflicted upon him by unbelievers.
What are the ways that contemporary society undermines sexual
purity and, at the same time, feeds the human love of money? In
what practical ways can we strengthen our defenses against these
two dangerous vices?
EGW Notes — MONDAY ↓
Monday, March 21
Covetousness and Sexual Immorality
Although made in the image of God, man has, through intemperance, violated principle and God’s law in his
physical nature. Intemperance of any kind benumbs the perceptive organs and so weakens the brain-nerve power
that eternal things are not appreciated, but placed upon a level with the common. The higher powers of the mind,
designed for elevated purposes, are brought into slavery to the baser passions. If our physical habits are not right,
our mental and moral powers cannot be strong; for great sympathy exists between the physical and the moral.
The apostle Peter understood this and raised his voice of warning to his brethren: “Dearly beloved, I beseech you
as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.”
There is but little moral power in the professed Christian world. Wrong habits have been indulged, and
physical and moral laws have been disregarded, until the general standard of virtue and piety is exceedingly low.
Habits which lower the standard of physical health enfeeble mental and moral strength. The indulgence of
unnatural appetites and passions has a controlling influence upon the nerves of the brain. The animal organs are
strengthened, while the moral are depressed. It is impossible for an intemperate man to be a Christian, for his
higher powers are brought into slavery to the
passions.—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, pp. 50, 51.
Those who have the Lord’s talents of means are placed under a heavy responsibility. They are not to invest
money merely for the gratification of selfish desires, for whatever is spent in this way is just that much kept from
the Lord’s treasury. Through the sovereign goodness of God, the Holy Spirit works through the human agent, and
causes him to make smaller or larger investments in the cause of God, to make them redound to the glory of God.
Whenever you think of using the Lord’s money for your own selfish gratification, remember that there are
many who are in deep poverty who cannot purchase either food or clothing, and [that] they are God’s heritage.
We are to do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. If those who have
abundant means are God’s agents in dealing in truth, they will use their treasures wisely, so that none of the
household of faith need to go hungry or naked.—The Upward Look, p. 29.
The deepest and truest philosophy of life and faith is to bring ourselves into the most intimate relation with
God. …
Keep fast hold on Jesus. … Keep your soul in the love of God whatever may betide, and you will grow
spiritually strong. Jesus is your loving friend, He will take your hand and help you over every hard and trying
place. A grateful, trustful, habitual recognition of God lies at the very foundation of all right conduct, all true
character. You must never lose confidence in God.—Letter 22, September 19, 1886.
TUESDAY March 22
Remember Your Leaders
Read Hebrews 13:7–17. What should be our relationship with our
leaders?
Hebrews 13:7–17 contains an exhortation to respect and obey the
leaders of the congregation. It begins with an invitation to “remember”
those leaders of the past who spoke the Word of God to them, and it
closes with a call to “obey” the leaders in the present (Heb. 13:17). The
leaders of the past are most likely those who first preached the Word
and founded the congregation. The call to “remember” them does not
simply refer to a mental exercise of recollection or to an external
tribute honoring them. Paul explains that they are to “remember” them by
considering the outcome of their conduct and by imitating their faith.
For Paul, the greatest act of remembrance and praise is emulation. In
this way, Paul has added the founding leaders of the congregation to the
list of faithful heroes whom believers should carefully consider. This list
includes the heroes of faith of Hebrews 11, and Jesus, the consummate
Example of faith, in Hebrews 12. The author further notes that Jesus is
“the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8, ESV). He stands
in stark contrast to false teachers who change with time and whose
teachings become “various” and “strange” (Heb. 13:9, NKJV).
The call to remember the leaders in Hebrews 13:7 is restated in
more forceful terms at the end of the section. Believers are exhorted
to obey the leaders, because they watch out for their souls. The leaders
are described here as pastors who are in charge of the spiritual
wellbeing of the congregation, their flock, and who will give an account
to God for their spiritual state (see also 1 Pet. 5:1–4, 1 Cor. 3:10–15).
Certainly, too, the idea should apply to all our church leaders, as well
as at all levels of the denomination today.
The context also suggests that these leaders are undershepherds
who serve under Jesus, “the great Shepherd of the sheep” (Heb.
13:20). The combination of care and faithfulness from the leaders and
obedience or trust from the members will result in joy. This may mean
that the leaders will be able to serve the congregation with “joy,” or
that they will give an account of the congregation to God with joy
and not with grief.
What can you do to strengthen or improve the leader-member
relationship in your congregation, as well as around the world?
EGW Notes — TUESDAY ↓
Tuesday, March 22
Remember Your Leaders
The higher the position a man occupies, the greater the responsibility that he has to bear, the wider will be
the influence that he exerts and the greater his need of dependence on God. Ever should he remember that with
the call to work comes the call to walk circumspectly before his fellow men. He is to stand before God in the
attitude of a learner. Position does not give holiness of character. It is by honoring God and obeying His
commands that a man is made truly great. …
The path of men who are placed as leaders is not an easy one. But they are to see in every difficulty a call to
prayer. Never are they to fail of consulting the great Source of all wisdom. Strengthened and enlightened by the
Master Worker, they will be enabled to stand firm against unholy influences and to discern right from wrong,
good from evil. They will approve that which God approves, and will strive earnestly against the introduction of
wrong principles into His cause.—Prophets and Kings, pp. 30, 31.
Peter had been restored to his apostleship, but the honor and authority he received from Christ had not given
him supremacy over his brethren. … Peter was not honored as the head of the church. The favor which Christ had
shown him in forgiving his apostasy, and entrusting him with the feeding of the flock, and Peter’s own
faithfulness in following Christ, won for him the confidence of his brethren. He had much influence in the church.
But the lesson which Christ had taught him by the Sea of Galilee Peter carried with him throughout his
life.—The Desire of Ages, p. 817.
God wants us to do much more praying and much less talking. The threshold of heaven is flooded with the
light of His glory, and He will let this light shine into the heart of everyone who will stand in right relation to
Him. …
Do not criticize those who carry the burdens of responsibility. Let not the conversation in your homes be
poisoned with criticism of the Lord’s workers. Parents who indulge this criticizing spirit are not bringing before
their children that which will make them wise unto salvation. Their words tend to unsettle the faith and
confidence not only of the children, but of those older in years. All have little enough of respect and reverence for
sacred things. Satan will unite most zealously with the criticizer in fostering unbelief, envy, jealousy, and
disrespect. Satan is always at work to imbue men with his spirit, to quench the love which should be sacredly
cherished between brethren, to discourage confidence, to excite envy, evil surmisings, and the strife of tongues.
Let us not be found acting as his
co-workers.—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, pp. 183, 184.
WEDNESDAY March 23
Beware of Diverse and Strange Teachings
Compare Hebrews 13:9; Hebrews 2:9; Hebrews 4:16; and Hebrews
6:19, 20. Where is grace obtained? How are our hearts strengthened?
The relationship between false teachings and foods, touched on in
Hebrews 13:9, probably does not refer to the distinction between clean
and unclean foods.
Why?
First, Paul does not seem concerned in the epistle with the distinction
between clean and unclean foods. We know from Acts 15 that the
early Christian church affirmed both that believers are saved by grace
(Acts 15:7–11) and that they should continue to observe some food
regulations (Acts 15:19, 20). The distinction between clean and unclean
foods and other biblical regulations are not opposed to grace. In fact,
Paul argues that the new covenant has put the law in the heart (Heb.
8:10–12). What the author makes very clear, however, is that animal
sacrifices and the Levitical priestly mediation in the sanctuary have
been superseded by the superior sacrifice and priestly mediation of
Jesus (Heb. 8:4, 5; Heb. 10:1–18).
Second, the context suggests that Paul is criticizing the audience not for
abstaining from certain foods but for partaking of them with the hope of
somehow obtaining grace or merit (Heb. 13:9). He is probably warning
against participating in Jewish ritual or cultic meals that were celebrated
as an extension of the animal sacrifices in the temple and which were
supposed to provide spiritual benefits, or grace. But grace is not mediated
through these meals; grace comes only through the sacrifice and priestly
mediation of Jesus Christ. Believers “have an altar” (Heb. 13:10), the
cross of Christ, from which they can eat (John 6:47–58).
In Hebrews, “grace” comes from the throne of God (Heb. 4:16). This
grace, mediated through Christ, is an “anchor,” “sure and steadfast,”
that is fastened to God’s throne itself (Heb. 6:19, 20; compare with
Heb. 4:16). It is this grace, which we receive through the sacrifice of
Christ, that provides stability and assurance to our hearts. When the
heart has been “established” in this way, it will not be “carried about”
by new doctrines (Heb. 13:9), nor will it “drift away” from God (Heb.
2:1, NKJV).
Dwell on Christ’s complete sacrifice. Why, then, is the idea of
anything that we do “adding” to this sacrifice contrary to the
gospel and the grace that is found in Jesus?
EGW Notes — WEDNESDAY ↓
Wednesday, March 23
Beware of Diverse and Strange Teachings
Penances, mortifications of the flesh, constant confession of sin, without sincere repentance; fasts, festivals,
and outward observances, unaccompanied by true devotion—all these are of no value whatever. The sacrifice of
Christ is sufficient; He made a whole, efficacious offering to God; and human effort without the merit of Christ, is
worthless. We not only dishonor God by taking this course but we destroy our present and future usefulness. A
failure to appreciate the value of the offering of Christ, has a debasing influence; it blights our expectations, and
makes us fall short of our privileges; it leads us to receive unsound and perilous theories concerning the salvation
that has been purchased for us at infinite cost. The plan of salvation is not understood to be that through which
divine power is brought to man in order that his human effort may be wholly
successful.—Selected Messages, book 3, p. 190.
“A new heart also will I give you.” Christ must dwell in your hearts, as the blood is in the body, and circulate
there as a vitalizing power. On this subject we cannot be too urgent. While truth must be our panoply, our
convictions need to be strengthened by the living sympathies that characterized the life of Christ. If the truth,
living truth, is not exemplified in the character, no man can stand. There is only one power that can either make
us steadfast or keep us so—the grace of God, in truth. He who confides in aught else is already tottering, ready to
fall.
The Lord desires you to rely on Him. Make the most of every opportunity to come to the light. If you remain
apart from the holy influences that come from God, how can you discern spiritual
things?—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 189.
Come to Jesus, and receive rest and peace. You may have the blessing even now. Satan suggests that you are
helpless, and cannot bless yourself. It is true; you are helpless. But lift up Jesus before him: “I have a risen Saviour.
In Him I trust, and He will never suffer me to be confounded. In His name I triumph. He is my righteousness, and
my crown of rejoicing.” Let no one here feel that his case is hopeless; for it is not. You may see that you are sinful
and undone; but it is just on this account that you need a Saviour. If you have sins to confess, lose no time. These
moments are golden. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from
all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled; for Jesus has
promised it. Precious Saviour! His arms are open to receive us, and His great heart of love is waiting to bless us.
—Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 352, 353.
THURSDAY March 24
Go to Jesus Outside the Camp
Compare Hebrews 13:10–14, Mark 8:34, Matthew 10:38, Luke 14:27,
and Galatians 2:20. What does it mean to go to Jesus outside the
camp?
The place outside the gate was the most impure of the whole camp. The
carcasses of the sacrificial animals were burned there (Lev. 4:12). Lepers
also were excluded from the camp (Lev. 13:46), and blasphemers and other
criminals were executed there (Lev. 24:10–16, 23; 1 Kings 21:13; Acts 7:58).
These regulations presupposed that the presence of God was within the
camp. Anything that was impure was cast outside because God was unwilling
to see any “unclean” or “indecent” thing in it (Num. 5:3, Deut. 23:14).
Jesus suffered on the cross outside Jerusalem (John 19:17–20). This
emphasizes the shame that was cast upon Him (Heb. 12:2). He was
officially condemned as one who had “blasphemed the name” and, therefore,
was repudiated by Israel and executed outside the wall (Mark 14:63, 64;
see Lev. 24:11, 16). Jesus was cast outside the camp as a “shameful,”
“unclean,” or “indecent” thing (Heb. 12:2). Paul, however, exhorts believers
to follow Jesus outside the gate, enduring the shame that He endured
(Heb. 12:2; see Heb. 13:13). This also was the path Moses followed, who
chose to bear “the reproach of Christ” instead of the treasures of Egypt
(Heb. 11:26).
Paradoxically, however, Hebrews suggests that God’s presence is now
outside the camp. The action of following Jesus outside the camp means
not only “bearing His reproach,” or shame, but also going “forth to Him”
(Heb. 13:13, NKJV) just as those Israelites who “sought the Lord” went
“outside the camp” in the desert when Moses removed God’s tent from
the camp after the golden-calf controversy (Exod. 33:7. NKJV). This
account suggests that the rejection of Jesus by unbelievers also implied
the rejection of God, as Israel did in the golden-calf apostasy (Exodus 32,
Exodus 33). Thus, the path of suffering and shame also is the path to God.
Paul invites readers to follow Jesus as “the author and finisher” of
their faith (Heb. 12:2), implicitly inviting them also to consider their
present sufferings a momentary discipline that will yield “the peaceable
fruit of righteousness” (Heb. 12:11). They are leaving behind a
corrupted city, or camp, in search of “the city that is to come,” whose
architect is God (Heb. 13:14, ESV; Heb. 11:10, 16).
What does it mean for you to follow Jesus “outside the camp”?
What are those aspects of the life of faith in Jesus that may bring
“reproach” or “shame” from those around you?
EGW Notes — THURSDAY ↓
Thursday, March 24
Go to Jesus Outside the Camp
The light that shines forth from the life of the true Christian testifies to his union with Christ. Self is hidden
from view, and Christ is revealed. … “Now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:
but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). Then
those whose lives have been hidden with Christ, those who on this earth have fought the good fight of faith, will
shine forth with the Redeemer’s glory in the kingdom of God.
… God’s purpose for you is that you shall live a life that will make others better—a life which will show that
Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. It is His purpose that you shall be able to say with the apostle Paul, “I
live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20).—Reflecting Christ, p. 107.
As I looked in the faces of the tried ones who are precious in the sight of the Lord, and saw that some of them
seemed almost ready to lay off their armor, … the question arose in my mind: Who are coming up to take the
places of these aged, worn soldiers of the cross? Who will consecrate themselves to the work of God? … Where
are those who have the knowledge of the truth, and who love Jesus and the souls for whom He died well enough
to deny self, to choose the suffering part of religion, and to go without the camp, bearing the reproach of Christ?
…
… Brethren and sisters, let the earnest prayer of faith ascend to God that He will raise up laborers, and send
them into the harvest field; for the harvest is great, and the laborers are
few.—Life Sketches, pp. 276, 277.
“The Lord is coming,” should be the testimony borne, not only by the lips, but by the life and character; but
many to whom God has given light and knowledge, talents of influence and means, are men who do not love the
truth and do not practice it. They have drunk so deeply from the intoxicating cup of selfishness and worldliness
that they have become drunken with the cares of this life. Brethren, if you continue to be as idle, as worldly, as
selfish as you have been, God will surely pass you by, and take those who are less self-caring, less ambitious for
worldly honor, and who will not hesitate to go, as did their Master, without the camp, bearing the reproach. The
work will be given to those who will take it, those who prize it, who weave its principles into their everyday
experience. God will choose humble men who are seeking to glorify His name and advance His cause rather than
to honor and advance themselves. He will raise up men who have not so much worldly wisdom, but who are
connected with Him, and who will seek strength and counsel from
above.—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 461.
FRIDAY March 25
Further Thought: “After the descent of the Holy Spirit, . . .
[believers] rejoiced in the sweetness of communion with saints. They were tender,
thoughtful, self-denying, willing to make any sacrifice for the truth’s
sake. In their daily association with one another, they revealed the love
that Christ had enjoined upon them. By unselfish words and deeds they
strove to kindle this love in other hearts. . . .
“But gradually a change came. The believers began to look for
defects in others. Dwelling upon mistakes, giving place to unkind criticism,
they lost sight of the Saviour and His love. They became more
strict in regard to outward ceremonies, more particular about the theory
than the practice of the faith. In their zeal to condemn others, they
overlooked their own errors. They lost the brotherly love that Christ had
enjoined, and, saddest of all, they were unconscious of their loss. They
did not realize that happiness and joy were going out of their lives and
that, having shut the love of God out of their hearts, they would soon
walk in darkness.
“John, realizing that brotherly love was waning in the church, urged
upon believers the constant need of this love. His letters to the church
are full of this thought. ‘Beloved, let us love one another,’ he writes; ‘for
love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth
God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was
manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His onlybegotten
Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is
love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to
be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought
also to love one another.’ ”—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 547, 548.
Discussion Questions:
-
1. Christian life often is considered the personal, individual
relationship between Jesus and the believer. This is, however, only one
aspect of the Christian life. Why is it important to remember that
God is leading us as a group? What are my responsibilities to the
group? What can I expect from the group?
-
2. What are the best indicators that brotherly love is strong in a
congregation? Be prepared to create a list in your Sabbath School
class.
-
3. What is true brotherly love? What are its characteristics,
causes, and results? How would you differentiate it from false
brotherly love?
EGW Notes — FRIDAY ↓
Friday, March 25
For Further Reading
Sons and Daughters of God, “All Nations Are Gathered in Judgment,” p. 361;
Lift Him Up, “Surrender to Christ,” p. 245.
