SDA Sabbath School Lesson 7-Third Quarter 2014-Living Like Christ

[Wally]

 Lesson 7 *August 9-15

Living Like Christ

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 9:36, Mark 10:21, Luke 10:30-37, Matt. 25:31-46, Luke 6:32-35, John 15:4-12.

Memory Text: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another" (John 13:34, NKJV).

Contrary to what many think, the command to love our neighbor is not something newly taught by the New Testament. In the Old Testament, God already had commanded His people to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Lev. 19:18, NKJV) and to "love [the stranger]" as yourself (Lev. 19:34, NKJV).

Why, then, did Jesus say, "A new commandment I give to you" (NKJV)? The newness of Jesus’ instruction was in that it had a new measure: "as I have loved you" (NKJV). Before the incarnation of Christ, men did not have a full manifestation of God’s love. Now, through His selfless life and death, Jesus demonstrated the real and deepest meaning of love.

"Love was the element in which Christ moved and walked and worked. He came to embrace the world in the arms of His love. . . . We are to follow the example set by Christ, and make Him our pattern, until we shall have the same love for others as He has manifested for us." — Ellen G. White, Our Father Cares, p. 27.

This week, as we consider Jesus’ tender, sympathetic, considerate, and compassionate life, let our hearts be touched and molded by His divine active principle of love, which is the watermark of true Christianity.

*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 16.

Sunday August 10

How Jesus Lived

In spite of being constantly under Satan’s fiercest attacks, Jesus lived an unselfish life of loving service. His priority was always centered on other people, not on Himself. From childhood to the cross, He showed a constant tender disposition to minister to others. His willing hands were ever ready to relieve every case of suffering He perceived. He lovingly cared for those who were considered by society to be of little value, such as children, women, foreigners, lepers, and tax collectors. He "did not come to be served, but to serve" (Matt. 20:28, NKJV). Therefore, He "went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil" (Acts 10:38, NKJV). His sympathy and merciful interest for the well-being of others were more important for Him than satisfying His own physical need for food or shelter. Indeed, even at the cross He cared more for His mother than He did about His own sufferings (John 19:25-27).

What do Matthew 9:36, 14:14, and 15:32 teach us about how Jesus looked at people?

Jesus was sensitive to the needs of people, and He truly cared about them. His heart reached out with compassion to great multitudes that were weary and scattered. He was moved with compassion toward helpless individuals, such as the two blind men near Jericho (Matt. 20:34), a pleading leper (Mark 1:40-41), and a widow who had just lost her only son (Luke 7:12-13).

What principle of action guided Jesus as He related to different people? See Mark 10:21 and John 11:5.

Every act of mercy, every miracle, every word of Jesus was motivated by His infinite love, an unwavering and permanent love. At the end of His life, He vividly showed His disciples that, having loved them from the beginning, "He loved them to the end" (John 13:1, NKJV). With His death on the cross, He demonstrated to the entire universe that selfless love triumphs over egoism. In the light of Calvary, it is clear that the principle of self-renouncing love is the only valid foundation of life for earth and heaven.

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends" (John 15:13, NKJV). How do you understand what this means in daily, practical terms? How does one, day by day, do this?

Monday August 11

Love Your Neighbor

To live like Jesus means to show the same love He demonstrated. He illustrated this kind of love through the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37), which He told in dialogue with a lawyer. The lawyer summarized our duty to God and fellow human beings: ""You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind," and "your neighbor as yourself" " (Luke 10:27, NKJV). The lawyer knew His Bible well (he quoted by heart Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18), but he must have felt guilty for not demonstrating love to his neighbor. In an attempt to justify himself, he asked Jesus: "Who is my neighbor?" (Luke 10:29, NKJV).

How did Jesus explain who is our neighbor? What implications does the parable of the good Samaritan have for us? See Luke 10:30-37. How is the commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself" related to the golden rule? Matt. 7:12.

To the question: "who is my neighbor?" Jesus answered, basically, that our neighbor is every person who needs our help. Thus, instead of asking: "what can my neighbor do for me?" we should ask: "what can I do for my neighbor?"

Jesus went far beyond the usual negative rendering of this rule at that time: "do not do to others what you yourself dislike." By presenting it in a positive way, He addressed not only what we need to avoid but especially what we have to do. We need especially to remember that this principle does not tell us to treat others as they treat us. After all, it’s easy to be kind to those who are kind to us or nasty to those who are nasty to us; most people can do that. Instead, our love toward our neighbor should always be independent of the way our neighbor treats us.

Think of someone who has treated you in a bad way. How have you treated them in return? What does Christ’s example, and how He treated those who mistreated Him, teach you about how you could better relate to those who don’t treat you kindly?

[Wally]

Tuesday August 12

Loving Service

What is the basic message of Matthew 25:31-46?

At the final day there will be many surprises. Those at the right hand of the Son of Man never imagined that their manifestation of unselfish love would be so decisive. Christ will not commend them for the eloquent sermons they have delivered, the valuable work they have done, or the generous donations they have given. Instead, Christ shall welcome them into heaven for the little caring things done to the least of His brethren.

Those at the left-hand will also be surprised at the reason given by the King for His verdict. Some of them will even say: "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?" (Matt. 7:22, NKJV). Although these are desirable deeds, without a loving attitude they are worthless. These people professed to serve Christ, but the Lord never knew them (Matt. 7:23) because they never really loved Him or His brethren. They didn’t practice the principles of true religion (see James 1:27).

Commentators have suggested various interpretations regarding who are "the least of these My brethren" (Matt. 25:40). It is important to determine who they are in order to know the extent of our Christian responsibility. Some interpreters argue that Jesus’ "least brethren" are the apostles and other Christian missionaries. They find support for this view in Matthew 10:40-42 and conclude that the fate of all human beings depends on how they treat Christian missionaries. Other scholars claim, based on Matthew 12:48-50, that Jesus’ "least brethren" are His followers in general. There is no doubt that all the disciples of Jesus are His brethren; but the scope of Jesus’ words seems to be even wider. Christ "identifies Himself with every child of humanity. . . . He is the Son of man, and thus a brother to every son and daughter of Adam." — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 638.

Think of a time when you were in desperate need of help, and someone came to your aid. What did that aid mean to you in your suffering and pain? How did that experience show why it’s so important that we be willing to help others who are in need in any way we can?

Wednesday August 13

Love Your Enemies

The supreme proof of genuine Christianity is loving our enemies. Jesus established this high standard in contrast with the prevalent idea of His time. From the commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Lev. 19:18, NKJV), many had inferred something the Lord never said or planned: you shall hate your enemy. Of course, that wasn’t implied in the text itself.

In what practical ways is love toward our enemies manifested, according to Christ? See Luke 6:27-28.

An adversary can show us enmity in three different ways: by a hostile attitude ("hate you"), through bad words ("curse you") and with abusive actions ("spitefully use you and persecute you" [Matt. 5:44, NKJV]). To this threefold expression of enmity, Christ instructs us to respond with three manifestations of love: doing good actions to them ("do good" to them), speaking well of them ("bless" them), and interceding before God for them ("pray" for them). The Christian’s answer to hostility and antagonism is to "overcome evil with good" (Rom. 12:21).

Notice: Jesus requests us first to love our foes and then, as a result, to demonstrate this love through good actions, kind words, and intercessory prayer. Without heaven-inspired love, those actions, words, and prayers would be an offensive and hypocritical forgery of true Christianity.

What reasons did Jesus mention to explain why we have to love our enemies? See Luke 6:32-35.

In order to help us to understand this high command, the Lord used three arguments. First, we need to live above the low standards of the world. Even sinners love each other, and even criminals help each other. If following Christ doesn’t raise us to live and love in a way superior to the virtue of the children of this world, what would its value be? Second, God will reward us for loving our enemies; even though we do not love for the reward, He will grant it graciously to us. And third, this type of love is an evidence of our close communion with our heavenly Father, who "is kind to the unthankful and evil" (Luke 6:35, NKJV).

[Wally]

Thursday August 14

How to Live Like Jesus

Jesus’ teachings set such a high ideal of a selfless, loving life that most of us probably feel overwhelmed and discouraged. How can we, who are selfish by nature, love our neighbor unselfishly? Moreover, is it even possible for us to love our enemies? From a human point of view it is utterly impossible.

But the Lord would never ask us to love and serve those who are hateful and unlovable without providing us also with the means to accomplish it. "This standard is not one to which we cannot attain. In every command or injunction that God gives there is a promise, the most positive, underlying the command. God has made provision that we may become like unto Him, and He will accomplish this for all who do not interpose a perverse will and thus frustrate His grace." — Ellen G. White, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 76.

What is the promise underlying the command to love our enemies? It is the assurance that God is kind and merciful to the unthankful and evil (Luke 6:35-36), which includes us. We can love our enemies because God loved us first, even though we were His enemies (Rom. 5:10). When we daily reaffirm our acceptance of His loving sacrifice for us on the cross, His self-denying love pervades our lives. The more we realize and experience the Lord’s love for us, the more His love will flow from us to others, even to our enemies.

What is the relationship between abiding in Christ and His love, and loving our neighbor? See John 15:4-12.

Our daily need is not only to accept Christ’s death for us again but to surrender our will to Him and abide in Him. In the way Jesus Himself did not seek His own will but the will of the Father (John 5:30), so we need to depend on Jesus and His will. For without Him, we can do nothing.

As we choose every day to submit ourselves to Jesus, He lives in us and through us. Then "it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal. 2:20, NKJV) and changes my egocentric attitudes into a selfless loving life.

Read again John 15:4-12. What is the joy that Jesus is talking about there? How can we experience for ourselves the joy that comes from serving him, even when we don’t necessarily feel happy about our immediate circumstances?

Friday August 15

Further Study: Ellen G. White, "The Good Samaritan," pp. 497-505; and "The Least of These My Brethren," pp. 637-641, in The Desire of Ages.

"All around us are poor, tried souls that need sympathizing words and helpful deeds. There are widows who need sympathy and assistance. There are orphans whom Christ has bidden His followers receive as a trust from God. . . . They are members of God’s great household, and Christians as His stewards are responsible for them. "Their souls," He says, "will I require at thine hand." " — Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 386, 387.

"It is not the greatness of the work which we do, but the love and fidelity with which we do it, that wins the approval of the Saviour." — Ellen G. White, In Heavenly Places, p. 325.
Discussion Questions:

    At first sight, the parable of the sheep and the goats seems to teach that salvation is by works; that is, the more good works we do, the better our chances of getting into the kingdom of God. But the surprise of the saved ones shows that they did not demonstrate love in order to gain merits. Jesus clearly taught that eternal life is the result of believing in Him (John 3:15; 6:40, 47; 11:25, 26). True loving deeds come from faith and love to God (Gal. 5:6). These deeds are the evidence, not the cause, of salvation. How can we endeavor to act in a loving manner while, at the same time, avoiding the trap of thinking that we are doing these things in order to earn our right to heaven? Why must we always distinguish between the fruit of salvation and the means?

    It’s one thing to love your "enemies" when they are nothing but annoying, unfriendly creatures; such as difficult coworkers, rude acquaintances, or ungrateful neighbors. That’s hard enough. But what about true enemies, people who have done you harm or who intended to do you or your family harm? How are we to love them? What consolation is there, if any, in the fact that we are not commanded to love them "as thyself" ?

    People can argue with us over our theology, doctrine, lifestyle, pretty much everything. But who can argue against unselfish, disinterested love? Unselfish love reveals a power that transcends rational or logical argument. How can we learn to express this love, no matter the cost to ourselves?

[Richard Myers]

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 9:36, Mark 10:21, Luke 10:30-37, Matt. 25:31-46, Luke 6:32-35, John 15:4-12.

Memory Text: "A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another" John 13:3.

Contrary to what many think, the command to love our neighbor is not something newly taught by the New Testament. In the Old Testament, God already had commanded His people to "love thy neighbor as thyself" (Lev. 19:18) and to "love him [the stranger]" as thyself (Lev. 19:34).

Why, then, did Jesus say, "A new commandment I give unto you"?

It appears that a people who would put the Son of God to death on a cross had misunderstood the gospel message given in the Old Testament. As a people, they were devoid of love. To them it was a new commandment.

The newness of Jesus’ instruction was in that it had a new measure: "as I have loved you" ). Before the incarnation of Christ, men did not have a full manifestation of God’s love. Now, through His selfless life and death, Jesus demonstrated the real and deepest meaning of love.

"Love was the element in which Christ moved and walked and worked. He came to embrace the world in the arms of His love. . . . We are to follow the example set by Christ, and make Him our pattern, until we shall have the same love for others as He has manifested for us." — Ellen G. White, Our Father Cares, p. 27.

This week, as we consider Jesus’ tender, sympathetic, considerate, and compassionate life, let our hearts be touched and molded by His divine active principle of love, which is the watermark of true Christianity.

Amen! It would be good to spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Jesus. By beholding such great love we shall be transformed into His character.

[Richard Myers]

Sunday August 10

How Jesus Lived

In spite of being constantly under Satan’s fiercest attacks, Jesus lived an unselfish life of loving service. His priority was always centered on other people, not on Himself. From childhood to the cross, He showed a constant tender disposition to minister to others. His willing hands were ever ready to relieve every case of suffering He perceived. He lovingly cared for those who were considered by society to be of little value, such as children, women, foreigners, lepers, and tax collectors. "The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." Matt. 20:28. Therefore, He "went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil." (Acts 10:38). His sympathy and merciful interest for the well-being of others were more important for Him than satisfying His own physical need for food or shelter. Indeed, even at the cross He cared more for His mother than He did about His own sufferings (John 19:25-27).

What do Matthew 9:36, 14:14, and 15:32 teach us about how Jesus looked at people?

Matthew
9:36   But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 

14:14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. 

15:32 Then Jesus called his disciples [unto him], and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. 

Jesus was sensitive to the needs of people, and He truly cared about them. His heart reached out with compassion to great multitudes that were weary and scattered. He was moved with compassion toward helpless individuals, such as the two blind men near Jericho (Matt. 20:34), a pleading leper (Mark 1:40-41), and a widow who had just lost her only son (Luke 7:12-13).

What principle of action guided Jesus as He related to different people? See Mark 10:21 and John 11:5.

Every act of mercy, every miracle, every word of Jesus was motivated by His infinite love, an unwavering and permanent love. At the end of His life, He vividly showed His disciples that, having loved them from the beginning, "He loved them unto the end" (John 13:1). With His death on the cross, He demonstrated to the entire universe that selfless love triumphs over egoism. In the light of Calvary, it is clear that the principle of self-renouncing love is the only valid foundation of life for earth and heaven.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13). How do you understand what this means in daily, practical terms? How does one, day by day, do this?

 
The answer is a simple one, but one that has been greatly overlooked. We need to be depending constantly upon Jesus. We need to feeding upon Him who is the Bread of Life. Let us consider what this means in daily, practical terms. If we lose our patience with someone who is "unlovable", does this reveal anything about our spiritual condition?

[Richard Myers]

Monday August 11

Love Your Neighbor

To live like Jesus means to show the same love He demonstrated. He illustrated this kind of love through the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37), which He told in dialogue with a lawyer. The lawyer summarized our duty to God and fellow human beings: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself." (Luke 10:27). The lawyer knew His Bible well (he quoted by heart Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18), but he must have felt guilty for not demonstrating love to his neighbor. In an attempt to justify himself, he asked Jesus: "Who is my neighbor?" (Luke 10:29).

How did Jesus explain who is our neighbor? What implications does the parable of the good Samaritan have for us? See Luke 10:30-37.


 10:30   And Jesus answering said, A certain [man] went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded [him], and departed, leaving [him] half dead. 
 10:31   And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 
 10:32   And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked [on him], and passed by on the other side. 
 10:33   But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion [on him], 
 10:34   And went to [him], and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 
 10:35   And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave [them] to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. 
 10:36   Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? 
 10:37   And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. 

How is the commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself" related to the golden rule? Matt. 7:12.

To the question: "who is my neighbor?" Jesus answered, basically, that our neighbor is every person who needs our help. Thus, instead of asking: "what can my neighbor do for me?" we should ask: "what can I do for my neighbor?"

Jesus went far beyond the usual negative rendering of this rule at that time: "do not do to others what you yourself dislike." By presenting it in a positive way, He addressed not only what we need to avoid but especially what we have to do. We need especially to remember that this principle does not tell us to treat others as they treat us. After all, it’s easy to be kind to those who are kind to us or nasty to those who are nasty to us; most people can do that. Instead, our love toward our neighbor should always be independent of the way our neighbor treats us.

Think of someone who has treated you in a bad way. How have you treated them in return? What does Christ’s example, and how He treated those who mistreated Him, teach you about how you could better relate to those who don’t treat you kindly?

A Better question is why are we to love those who despitefully use us?

[Richard Myers]

Tuesday August 12

Loving Service

What is the basic message of Matthew 25:31-46?

 25:31   When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 
 25:32   And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth [his] sheep from the goats: 
 25:33   And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 
 25:34   Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 
 25:35   For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 
 25:36   Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 
 25:37   Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed [thee]? or thirsty, and gave [thee] drink? 
 25:38   When saw we thee a stranger, and took [thee] in? or naked, and clothed [thee]? 
 25:39   Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 
 25:40   And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me. 
 25:41   Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 
 25:42   For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 
 25:43   I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 
 25:44   Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 
 25:45   Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did [it] not to one of the least of these, ye did [it] not to me. 
 25:46   And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. 
 

At the final day there will be many surprises. Those at the right hand of the Son of Man never imagined that their manifestation of unselfish love would be so decisive.

What is the relationship between "the righteous" and "unselfish love"?  What is the relationship between "moral character" and "salvation"?  Will all who receive "life eternal" manifest unselfish love when their probation closes or is it the character of only the 144,000? Did the thief on the cross manifest such a holy character when his probation closed?

Christ will not commend them for the eloquent sermons they have delivered, the valuable work they have done, or the generous donations they have given. Instead, Christ shall welcome them into heaven for the little caring things done to the least of His brethren.

In theological language, this is known as "moral character".  When is the character changed? How is the character changed? Is it our character or is it Christ's character?

Those at the left-hand will also be surprised at the reason given by the King for His verdict. Some of them will even say: "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? " (Matt. 7:22). Although these are desirable deeds, without a loving attitude they are worthless. These people professed to serve Christ, but the Lord never knew them (Matt. 7:23) because they never really loved Him or His brethren. They didn’t practice the principles of true religion (see James 1:27).

Is it true that Jesus is going to judge professors of religion by their "works"?  The things they did?  The practicing of the principles of true religion? Loving those who are unlovable in a practical manner?

Commentators have suggested various interpretations regarding who are "the least of these My brethren" (Matt. 25:40). It is important to determine who they are in order to know the extent of our Christian responsibility. Some interpreters argue that Jesus’ "least brethren" are the apostles and other Christian missionaries. They find support for this view in Matthew 10:40-42 and conclude that the fate of all human beings depends on how they treat Christian missionaries. Other scholars claim, based on Matthew 12:48-50, that Jesus’ "least brethren" are His followers in general. There is no doubt that all the disciples of Jesus are His brethren; but the scope of Jesus’ words seems to be even wider. Christ "identifies Himself with every child of humanity. . . . He is the Son of man, and thus a brother to every son and daughter of Adam." — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 638.

Think of a time when you were in desperate need of help, and someone came to your aid. What did that aid mean to you in your suffering and pain? How did that experience show why it’s so important that we be willing to help others who are in need in any way we can?

When we are in a converted state, we manifest the fruits of the Spirit of Him who has the heart. We have each of the fruits, not one is missing. Love, joy peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance which is self control. This love is not just for those who love us, but for "every son and daughter of Adam."  If we do not possess this love, then we do not possess His Spirit. "If we have not His Spirit, we are none of His." Romans 8:9.

Is it possible to have His Spirit today, and to lose it tomorrow? What must we do in order to have His Spirit?

[Richard Myers]

Wednesday August 13

Love Your Enemies

The supreme proof of genuine Christianity is loving our enemies. Jesus established this high standard in contrast with the prevalent idea of His time. From the commandment, "thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Lev. 19:18), many had inferred something the Lord never said or planned: you shall hate your enemy. Of course, that wasn’t implied in the text itself.

In what practical ways is love toward our enemies manifested, according to Christ? See Luke 6:27-28.

 6:27   But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, 
 6:28   Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. 


An adversary can show us enmity in three different ways: by a hostile attitude ("hate you"), through bad words ("curse you") and with abusive actions ("despitefully use you and persecute you" [Matt. 5:44]). To this threefold expression of enmity, Christ instructs us to respond with three manifestations of love: doing good actions to them ("do good" to them), speaking well of them ("bless" them), and interceding before God for them ("pray" for them). The Christian’s answer to hostility and antagonism is to "overcome evil with good" (Rom. 12:21).

Notice: Jesus requests us first to love our foes and then, as a result, to demonstrate this love through good actions, kind words, and intercessory prayer. Without heaven-inspired love, those actions, words, and prayers would be an offensive and hypocritical forgery of true Christianity.

What reasons did Jesus mention to explain why we have to love our enemies? See Luke 6:32-35.

 6:32   For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. 
 6:33   And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 
 6:34   And if ye lend [to them] of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 
 6:35   But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil. 

In order to help us to understand this high command, the Lord used three arguments. First, we need to live above the low standards of the world. Even sinners love each other, and even criminals help each other. If following Christ doesn’t raise us to live and love in a way superior to the virtue of the children of this world, what would its value be? Second, God will reward us for loving our enemies; even though we do not love for the reward, He will grant it graciously to us. And third, this type of love is an evidence of our close communion with our heavenly Father, who "is kind unto the unthankful and evil" (Luke 6:35).


What is the underlying principle being expressed in the verses in today's lesson? There two very important reasons for understanding the principle. Grace is the principle. Why ought we understand this?

John helps us understand. He of all the apostles knew the love of God most intimately.
3:14   We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not [his] brother abideth in death. 
 3:15   Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 

[Richard Myers]

Thursday August 14

How to Live Like Jesus

Jesus’ teachings set such a high ideal of a selfless, loving life that most of us probably feel overwhelmed and discouraged. How can we, who are selfish by nature, love our neighbor unselfishly?

We must have Christ, we must become partakers of His divine nature. We must be found abiding in Christ so that we have power to keep the body (flesh) under.

Moreover, is it even possible for us to love our enemies? From a human point of view it is utterly impossible.

But the Lord would never ask us to love and serve those who are hateful and unlovable without providing us also with the means to accomplish it. "This standard is not one to which we cannot attain. In every command or injunction that God gives there is a promise, the most positive, underlying the command. God has made provision that we may become like unto Him, and He will accomplish this for all who do not interpose a perverse will and thus frustrate His grace." — Ellen G. White, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 76.

Then what excuse do we have to sin?

What is the promise underlying the command to love our enemies? It is the assurance that God is kind and merciful to the unthankful and evil (Luke 6:35-36), which includes us. We can love our enemies because God loved us first, even though we were His enemies (Rom. 5:10). When we daily reaffirm our acceptance of His loving sacrifice for us on the cross, His self-denying love pervades our lives. The more we realize and experience the Lord’s love for us, the more His love will flow from us to others, even to our enemies.

Yes, but we are not ever found in an inbetween state. We are either connected to Christ or we are not. We either have the fruits of His Spirit, all of them, or we do not. The key is to be fully surrendered to Jesus. How does this come about daily, moment by moment? Is there something we must do?

What is the relationship between abiding in Christ and His love, and loving our neighbor? See John 15:4-12.

 15:4   Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 
 15:5   I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
 15:6   If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned. 
 15:7   If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 
 15:8   Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 
 15:9   As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 
 15:10   If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 
 15:11   These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and [that] your joy might be full. 
 15:12   This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 

Our daily need is not only to accept Christ’s death for us again but to surrender our will to Him and abide in Him. In the way Jesus Himself did not seek His own will but the will of the Father (John 5:30), so we need to depend on Jesus and His will. For without Him, we can do nothing.

Amen! But, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13. There is no excuse for sin. Christ has made provision for the weakest to keep  His commandments. The only way this can be done is to be in a converted state. We must born born of His Spirit.

As we choose every day to submit ourselves to Jesus, He lives in us and through us. Then "it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ that liveth in me" (Gal. 2:20) and changes my egocentric attitudes into a selfless loving life.

Amen!!  If we have Christ in the heart, then we have life. If we are not abiding in Christ, we do not have salvation.

Read again John 15:4-12.

15:4   Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 
 15:5   I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 
 15:6   If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned. 
 15:7   If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 
 15:8   Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 
 15:9   As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 
 15:10   If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 
 15:11   These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and [that] your joy might be full. 
 15:12   This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 

What is the joy that Jesus is talking about there?

It is the joy that comes from knowing Christ and abiding in Him. It is the love and joy that comes when Christ through the Spirit possesses our hearts. It is the joy of knowing that all things work together for good to those who love God and keep His commandments. We have joy and know that we can glory in tribulations, "knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:3-5. 

How can we experience for ourselves the joy that comes from serving him, even when we don’t necessarily feel happy about our immediate circumstances?

The answer is always the same, we must be converted. We must be found abiding in Christ. We must possess His Spirit, and thus be partakers of His divine nature, then we will possess all of the fruits of His spirit since the Spirit is in our hearts. There is only one way to enter into the kingdom of God, it is through the door that is Jesus Christ. "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God....That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." John 3:3,6.

Now that we have correctly illustrated what it means to be converted, born again, to have salvation, what must we do? Read what Jesus said to Nicodemus. After telling him he must be converted and possess the Spirit, He told him how to be converted moment by moment. What must we do to be converted moment by moment, day by day? When does this continual conversion take place? What happens and why does it happen?

[Richard Myers]

To many, the Christian experience is confusing and even frustrating. On the other hand, if one is in a Laodicean condition, he is content in this condition. For those who have seen what true conversion is, there can be great discouragement. Read Paul's experience in Romans 7.  Jesus would not leave Nicodemus understanding he was condemned, without revealing what he could do to be born again.

It would not be right to show someone that they are not converted, and leave them without the knowledge of how to be converted. That is the situation with many today who know that God is asking them to obey the law, yet they have no power. Good intentions are not good enough. A strong will power will not do it. How is it that man passes from sinner to saint?

[Richard Myers]

The answer is found in a number of verses, but let's look at one of the most important statements found in Ephesians first. How is a sinner saved? By good works? No, by grace. "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus:  That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:5-8.

What does this mean and what must we do to be saved by grace? Not all are saved. So something is needed besides grace.

[Richard Myers]

Friday August 15

Further Study: Ellen G. White, "The Good Samaritan," pp. 497-505; and "The Least of These My Brethren," pp. 637-641, in The Desire of Ages.

"All around us are poor, tried souls that need sympathizing words and helpful deeds. There are widows who need sympathy and assistance. There are orphans whom Christ has bidden His followers receive as a trust from God. . . . They are members of God’s great household, and Christians as His stewards are responsible for them. "Their souls," He says, "will I require at thine hand." " — Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 386, 387.

"It is not the greatness of the work which we do, but the love and fidelity with which we do it, that wins the approval of the Saviour." — Ellen G. White, In Heavenly Places, p. 325.

Amen, but these are as the lesson points out, evidences of being saved, of being converted, of abiding in Christ.  The question is, how is one to be able to live this experience daily?

Discussion Questions:

    At first sight, the parable of the sheep and the goats seems to teach that salvation is by works; that is, the more good works we do, the better our chances of getting into the kingdom of God. But the surprise of the saved ones shows that they did not demonstrate love in order to gain merits. Jesus clearly taught that eternal life is the result of believing in Him (John 3:15; 6:40, 47; 11:25, 26). True loving deeds come from faith and love to God (Gal. 5:6). These deeds are the evidence, not the cause, of salvation. How can we endeavor to act in a loving manner while, at the same time, avoiding the trap of thinking that we are doing these things in order to earn our right to heaven? Why must we always distinguish between the fruit of salvation and the means?

It is a great deception to believe one is saved by his own good works. How could someone believe this? They have not been taught correctly. There are two great deceptions, this is one of them, the other is even more deadly. We are saved without good works. That is to say, sin is not an evidence of separation from God and salvation. This is the greatest deception within professing Christianity today.

 While we are to be in harmony with God's law, we are not saved by the works of the law, yet we cannot be saved without obedience. The law is the standard by which character is measured. But we cannot possibly keep the commandments of God without the regenerating grace of Christ. Jesus alone can cleanse us from all sin. He does not save us by law, neither will He save us in disobedience to law.
     Our love to Christ will be in proportion to the depth of our conviction of sin, and by the law is the knowledge of sin. But as we see ourselves, let us look away to Jesus, who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity. By faith take hold of the merits of Christ, and the soul-cleansing blood will be applied. The more clearly we see the evils and perils to which we have been exposed, the more grateful shall we be for deliverance through Christ. The gospel of Christ does not give men license to break the law, for it was through transgression that the floodgates of woe were opened upon our world. 
     Today sin is the same malignant thing that it was in the time of Adam. The gospel does not promise the favor of God to anyone who in impenitence breaks His law. The depravity of the human heart, the guilt of transgression, the ruin of sin, are all made plain by the cross where Christ has made for us a way of escape."  FW 96.

    It’s one thing to love your "enemies" when they are nothing but annoying, unfriendly creatures; such as difficult coworkers, rude acquaintances, or ungrateful neighbors. That’s hard enough. But what about true enemies, people who have done you harm or who intended to do you or your family harm? How are we to love them? What consolation is there, if any, in the fact that we are not commanded to love them "as thyself" ?

I am confused. Jesus said "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." Who is "thy neighbor"? Does it not include "your enemies"? It does. Then we are commanded to love our enemies. When we love God supremely, then we shall love our enemy as Christ loved us when we were yet sinners, His enemy.

    People can argue with us over our theology, doctrine, lifestyle, pretty much everything. But who can argue against unselfish, disinterested love? Unselfish love reveals a power that transcends rational or logical argument. How can we learn to express this love, no matter the cost to ourselves?

The answer is always the same. How can we love those who despitefully use us? This is the question I have posed for this week's lesson. What must I do in order to have this power? Jesus revealed the answer in His conversation with Nicodemus, yet for many it remains a mystery. Thus, the deception remains and many remain powerless to love the unlovable. The fruits of His Spirit cannot be in the life of one who is not truly converted, justified and sanctified.

[Richard Myers]

How is a sinner saved? By good works? No, by grace. "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus:  That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:5-8.

What does this mean and what must we do to be saved by grace? Not all are saved. So something is needed besides grace.

The grace of God surrounds us and is as thick as the air we breathe. But, unless it is allowed into the heart, it does us no good. How do we take in the grace of God? "The breathing of pure air is essential for physical health. And it is no less true that the air we breathe in the spiritual life must be pure if we would make healthy growth in grace. Breathe the atmosphere which produces pure thoughts and noble words. Choose Christian society." Signs of the Times, 9/18/01. Our good works will not save us, we are saved by grace, but we must drink in grace before it can save us.

Christ said He was the manna which came down from heaven. He said we must drink His blood and eat His flesh. We must feed upon Christ if we want to have spiritual life. This is how we take in grace. If we do not daily see this grace, then it has little effect on our lives. We must behold it in Christ.

Did Jesus reveal this to Nicodemus? He must have, for it is the manner in which we are saved. What did Nicodemus learn from Christ? Did it work for Nicodemus?

[Richard Myers]

We are saved by grace. We are given grace enough for today, not for tomorrow. In our devotions, as we feed upon Jesus, as we listen to His Words, as we behold His great love for us, our hearts are melted and His grace transforms the life. Grace is more than a word, it is the transforming power.

     Christ has given us no promise of help in bearing today the burdens of tomorrow. He has said, "My grace is sufficient for thee" (2 Corinthians 12:9); but, like the manna given in the wilderness, His grace is bestowed daily, for the day's need. Like the hosts of Israel in their pilgrim life, we may find morning by morning the bread of heaven for the day's supply.  MB 101.

What did Jesus tell Nicodemus that he would understand his need to behold Jesus' grace?

[Richard Myers]

Nicodemus was a strict Pharisee. He had heard the call to repentance made by John the Baptist, but had not made the application to himself. He did not appreciate the fact that Jesus was telling him he was not good enough to enter heaven. But, as the interview proceeded, the Holy Spirit softened his heart and he began to entertain the idea that what Jesus was saying might be true. If so, what must he do in order to be saved. He asked Jesus "How can these things be?"  Jesus replied  "Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?" Jesus would not allow Nicodemus to walk away without spiritual insight into his lost, Ladicean, condition. If he could see he was not converted, then he would no longer be in a Laodicean condition. He eyes would be opened to see his need of a change in his life. This is present truth for much of professing Christianity today.

"There was no excuse for the blindness of Israel in regard to the work of regeneration. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Isaiah had written, 'We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.' David had prayed, 'Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.' And through Ezekiel the promise had been given, 'A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes.' Isaiah 64:6; Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26, 27.   
     Nicodemus had read these scriptures with a clouded mind; but he now began to comprehend their meaning. He saw that the most rigid obedience to the mere letter of the law as applied to the outward life could entitle no man to enter the kingdom of heaven. In the estimation of men, his life had been just and honorable; but in the presence of Christ he felt that his heart was unclean, and his life unholy.
     Nicodemus was being drawn to Christ. As the Saviour explained to him concerning the new birth, he longed to have this change wrought in himself. By what means could it be accomplished?"  The Desire of Ages.

Did Jesus give Nicodemus light in response to his desire to know by what means conversion takes place? Yes, He did. Read John chapter three and share with us what Jesus said that helped Nicodemus to be converted.

[Richard Myers]

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:  That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:14,15, 16.    Why did Jesus tell Nicodemus about Moses lifting up the serpent?