Lesson 5 Living for God

Red Script = major Blue Script= directive Double underline= Boxed= Biblical Text A POSSIBLE point important to & SDA Commentary ANSWER:...... OUTSTANDING remember Reference

Lesson 5 April 22-28/29 Living for God Memory Text: “For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil” (1 Peter 3:12, NKJV). The Bible writers knew the reality of human sinfulness. How could they not? The world reeks of it. Besides, they knew their own sinfulness, as well (see 1 Tim. 1:15). They knew just how serious it was, too; after all, look at what it took-the cross of Jesus Christ-to solve the problem of sin. That’s how deep and pervasive the reality of sin really is. But the Bible writers also were greatly aware of the power of Christ to change our lives and make us new people in Him. This week, Peter continues on this same track: the kind of new life that Christians will have in Christ after they have given themselves to Him and have been baptized. In fact, the change will be so great that others will notice it. Peter doesn’t say that this change will always be easy; indeed, he talks about the need to suffer in the flesh (1 Pet. 4:1) in order to have the victory that we are promised. Peter continues a theme that pervades the Bible, the reality of love in the life of a believer in Jesus. “Love,” he writes, “will cover a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8, NKJV). When we love, when we forgive, we are reflecting what Jesus has done and still does for us. Sunday April 23 Being of “One Mind”

Read 1 Peter 3:8-12 (Called to Blessing) 8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. 11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

8. Finally. Peter has addressed himself to Christians in general (ch. 2:1–17), and in particular to Christian servants (vs. 18–25), wives (ch. 3:1–6), and husbands (v. 7). He now resumes his admonition to Christians in general. All. That is, all “the strangers scattered” throughout Asia Minor (see on ch. 1:1), and in a broader sense all Christians everywhere, in all ages. Of one mind. Gr. homophrones, “likeminded,” “united in spirit,” “harmonious.” Harmony among believers and unity of action require a basic unity with respect to fundamental beliefs and to the objectives and methods of the church. But unity does not require absolute uniformity in every detail. As long as men think at all there are bound to be differences of opinion on minor points. But despite this diversity there can still be common agreement concerning principles and working policy. In fact, unity is more a matter of the heart than of the mind. Christians should be able to work together harmoniously despite differences in viewpoint if the spirit of pride is suppressed by a genuine desire to work together. Then, differences between men will decrease and a cordial bond of fellowship will unite all (see on John 17:21; Rom. 12:10, 16). 9. Not rendering. Literally, “not giving back.” Railing. Or, “abuse” (see on ch. 2:23). Knowing. This clause reads literally, “because for this you were called.” God has called us to be Christians that we might help others,

http://www.drcolinadunbar.com/2nd-qrt-2017-sabbath-school-lessons.html 2 not alone that we might obtain a blessing ourselves. The genuine Christian spontaneously seeks ways in which he can bring a blessing to others. See on Matt. 5:43, 44. Inherit a blessing. The greatest blessing that can come to a person is from being a blessing to others. God’s eternal kingdom will be populated with men and women who have made it a life habit to share their happiness. In a perfect universe the happiness of others is the only concern of every intelligent being. 10. He that will. Literally, “he who wills to,” that is, desires to. This is the spirit that moves the great heart of God (see on John 3:16) and that will characterize His people (see on Matt. 25:40). The apostle here begins (1 Peter 3:10–12) a quotation from Ps. 34:12–16 (see comment there). Amid all the problems of life (see 1 Peter 2:12–20) the sincere believer will purpose to live a full, worth-while life, bringing blessing to others. Love life. The Hebrew of Ps. 34:12, from which Peter quotes, reads literally, “find pleasure in life,” that is, this present life. See on Matt. 10:39. See good days. That is, days that bring true satisfaction. Refrain his tongue. How many friendships, how many promising careers, have been shattered by an ill-considered, impetuous word! Calvin Coolidge once observed, “I have never been hurt by anything I didn’t say.” He who finds it difficult to “refrain his tongue” may well make the prayer of Ps. 141:3 his own. 11. Let. Four positive exhortations follow the two negative ones of v. 10. Eschew evil. Literally, “turn from evil,” that is, from doing evil to others. The Christian will avoid bringing injury to others. Do good. That is, to others. The Christian will seek every opportunity to say all the good things he can about others (v. 10) and do all the good he can for others (v. 11). Ensue. Or, “pursue.” An active pursuit is necessary in order to preserve peace. 12. For. Or, “because.” Peter here introduces the reason why Christians must turn away from evil and do good. Righteous. That is, those who follow the admonition of v. 11. His ears. God not only watches over those who choose to serve Him, but is attentive to their appeals for grace to “do good,” and for mercy when they have failed to “do good.” Face … against. God will hedge up the way of those who follow the practice of slandering others and working against them (see on Matt. 6:15). Do evil. Evil is characteristic of their lives, marking them as evil persons. Those who go about harming others cannot expect God to help them.1

1 Peter 2:20, 21 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

What point is Peter making here about how Christians should live? A Possible Answer: The point that Peter is making is that Believers should demonstrate oneness in living their lives motivated by love and evidencing compassionate peaceful conciliatory overtures... which in turn promotes longevity. That involves treating others to opposite to how they have treated them...being tenderhearted and courteous. What does he repeat that he already wrote about in 1 Peter 2:20, 21? A Possible Answer: He repeats the fact that they were called to demonstrate the opposite in conduct to the non-Christian... a Christlike character. Peter starts out telling them all to be of “one mind” (homophrones). He’s not talking about uniformity, in the sense of everyone having to think, do, and believe exactly the same way. The best example of this idea is found in 1 Corinthians 12:1-26. In these verses, Paul points out that the body is made up of parts. There are hands and eyes, but still together each part makes up the whole body. In the same way, the church is made up of individuals with different spiritual gifts. They work together to form a united community.

1 Nichol, F. D. (Ed.). (1980). The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary (Vol. 7, pp. 571–572). Review and Herald Publishing Association.

[Type text] 3

Of course, such unity is not always so easy to achieve. The history of the Christian church has sadly shown this to be true all too often. So Peter warns believers against not agreeing with one another. Then he tells his readers how they can show this Christian ideal of being united. For example, Christians should act with sympathy (1 Pet. 3:8). Sympathy means that when one Christian suffers, then others will suffer with him or her; when another Christian rejoices, other Christians will rejoice with him or her (compare 1 Cor. 12:26). Sympathy enables us to see the perspective of others, an important step along the way to unity. Peter then says we should “love one another” (1 Pet. 3:8, NIV). Jesus Himself said that the way you can recognize His true disciples is that they love one another (John 13:35). Furthermore, Peter says that Christians will have a tender heart (1 Pet. 3:8). They will have compassion for one another’s difficulties and failings. “Crucify self; esteem others better than yourselves. Thus you will be brought into oneness with Christ. Before the heavenly universe, and before the church and the world, you will bear unmistakable evidence that you are God's sons and daughters. God will be glorified in the example that you set.” - Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 188. How often do we do what Peter says here, especially the part about “not returning evil for evil” (1 Pet. 3:9, NKJV)? A Possible Answer: To some degree... maybe not enough. It may be not as difficult if we do not value what is impinged on. It depends to some degree on the amount of humility we possess and how willing we are to be taught. What kind of death to self must we experience in order to follow these words? A Possible Answer: Total and ongoing. The type of death that renders us unresponsive to the slights and rebuffs of others. Where fairness, pride, equity and clamor for ones rights are not a paramount or a priority. How can we have that kind of death? (See Gal. 2:20.) A Possible Answer: The submission of our will to the indwelling Spirit of God who will then take our will/decision elevate it and transform and empower it/us to demonstrate exactly what it means to die to self. Monday April 24 To Suffer in the Flesh

Yes, Jesus died for our sins, and our hope of salvation is found only in Him, in His righteousness, which covers us and causes us to be accounted righteous in the eyes of God. Because of Jesus, you are “accepted before God just as if you had not sinned.” - Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 62. But God’s grace doesn’t end just with a pronunciation, a declaration that our sins are forgiven. God also gives the power to overcome our sins, as well.

Read 1 Peter 3:18 (Christ’s Suffering and Ours) 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,

18. Christ also. The recipients of this epistle were either experiencing persecution at the time or faced that imminent prospect (see chs. 3:14–17; 4:12–16, 19). Peter encouraged them not to consider this “fiery trial” a “strange” or unheard of experience (ch. 4:12), in view of the fact that “Christ also … once suffered” (ch. 3:18). It

http://www.drcolinadunbar.com/2nd-qrt-2017-sabbath-school-lessons.html 4 was their privilege to be “partakers of Christ’s sufferings,” that is, to find in suffering a sweet companionship with their Lord and Master (1 Peter 4:13; cf. John 15:20). He had left them an example of how to endure suffering (1 Peter 2:20–23).

1 Peter 3:21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Romans 6:1-11 (Dead to Sin, Alive to God) 6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 8. If we be dead. Literally, “if we died” (cf. v. 7). We believe. As Abraham believed that what God had promised “he was able also to perform” (Rom. 4:21; cf. 1 Thess. 5:24; 2 Thess. 3:3; 2 Tim. 2:11). We shall also live. This does not refer primarily to the future life in glory, though this is implied (see on v. 5). Paul is emphasizing that the death which delivers from the bondage of sin is followed by a new life of liberty (vs. 8–11) that is no longer under the dominion of sin but is devoted to the service of a new master (vs. 12–14). Paul is particularly referring to the “newness of life” (v. 4) to be enjoyed by the Christian here on this earth—the life of Christ in the believer (Gal. 2:20) and the life of the believer in Christ (Col. 3:3).

What is the link between suffering and victory over sin? A Possible Answer: We get the victory over sin when we are not responsive to its power... dead to sin. Hence, the link between suffering and victory rests in the fact suffering has the tendency of ‘crucifying the flesh’ as in it humble us, it relegates and subjugates personal ambitions or desires to the point of concentrating on survival, plus it generally points us in the direction of Christ’s glorious promises... all of which are prerequisites to victory over sin. The suffering that fiery trials (ch. 4:12) brings, draws us nearer to God and lead us to surrender ourselves more fully to the power and control of the Holy Spirit (the guarantor of victory). Further, the experience of suffering for our faith (3:14) and for Christ’s sake would inspire us to endure and live a victorious life because we know that we are participating in their Lord’s suffering. Sequentially, the knowledge that suffering precedes glory (4:13,14) would inspire us to endure to the point victory. Peter reassures his readers that as Christ was victorious through suffering (see chs. 1:11; 4:13; 5:1), we should see in the suffering the assurance of personal victory in the “fiery trial” that lays ahead. There is a small Greek word used in 1 Peter 3:18 that emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Jesus’ sacrifice. It is the word hapax, which means “once for all.” Peter uses hapax to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the suffering of Jesus and His death for us. The phrase “forasmuch then” in 1 Peter 4:1 links 1 Peter 4:1, 2 with what has just been said in 1 Peter 3:18-22. In these earlier verses, Peter points out that Christ suffered for our sins in order that He might bring us to God (1 Pet. 3:18), and that “baptism doth also now save us” (1 Pet. 3:21). Baptism, then, is perhaps the best context against which to understand Peter’s words “... for he

[Type text] 5 that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin” (1 Pet. 4:1). By baptism, the Christian participates in the suffering and death and resurrection of Jesus; the Christian has made a choice to “live for the rest of [his] earthly life no longer by human desires but by the will of God” (1 Pet. 4:2, NRSV). This can be accomplished only by the daily surrender of self to the Lord and the crucifying of “the flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal. 5:24, NKJV). In Romans 6:1-11, Paul says that at baptism Christians are united with Jesus in His death and resurrection. At baptism, we have died to sin. We need now to make that death to sin real in our lives. Paul’s words, “reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:11), give the secret of the Christian’s life. When was the last time you found yourself “suffering in the flesh” in order to fight against sin? A Possible Answer: 1) When we fast from various things. 2) When dealing with temptations. 3) When I am tempted to resist the expression of the carnal nature with its lusts and relentless passions. What does your answer say to you about your Christian life? A Possible Answer: A) It is an ongoing struggle. B) We can never feel safe or impregnable to sin before our sealing and translation. C) We are in constant need of Jesus’s sustaining grace, His righteousness and power. D) The Christian life is one of growing in grace, day by day... one victory at a time. Tuesday April 25 Born Again In Christ, we have a new life, a new beginning. We are born again. If this means anything, especially for those who accepted Christ after childhood, it must mean that they will live differently than they did before. Who hasn’t heard some incredible stories of those who, having been in the world, experienced a radical transformation because of Jesus and His saving grace? Indeed, after talking about the death to self and the new life we have in Jesus (having been baptized into His death and resurrection), Peter then talks about the kind of changes one will experience.

Read 1 Peter 4:3-6 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 6. For this cause. The first clause of this verse may be rendered, “For to this [end] even the dead were gospelized.” Every man will be judged on the basis of his personal response to the measure of truth that has come to him. Was the gospel preached. The Greek clearly indicates that the preaching here referred to took place prior to the time Peter wrote and that it was not going on when he wrote. If Peter were speaking of the spiritually dead, he would have written instead, “the gospel is being preached” (see below under “them that are dead”). Them that are dead. Here, probably, the Christian dead, as the last part of the verse suggests. The context renders improbable the suggestion that Peter here speaks figuratively of those who are sense is common elsewhere in Scripture (see on Matt. 8:22; Eph. 2:1; Col. 2:13). The “dead” of 1 Peter 4:5 are obviously literally dead, and since both vs. 5, 6 speak of the “dead” in relation to the judgment, the “dead” of v. 6 are most probably literally dead also. If there were a transition from literal to figurative, would be indicated in the context. However, the Scriptures explicitly teach the

http://www.drcolinadunbar.com/2nd-qrt-2017-sabbath-school-lessons.html 6 unconscious state of the dead and that human probation closes at death (see on ch. 3:19). Thus the only conclusion consistent with the teachings of the Bible as a whole is that those who were “dead” at the time Peter wrote had heard the gospel before they died. The gospel was preached to them that are dead. That. The apostle here points out two results of the preaching of the gospel to living men who have since died. Might be judged. See on John 5:29; 2 Cor. 5:10; Heb. 9:27. They could not be held accountable for the gospel if they had never heard it (see on Eze. 3:18–20; John 3:19; 15:22; Acts 17:30; James 4:17; cf. Luke 23:34; 1 Tim. 1:13). According to. Those who have died will be judged on the basis of how they lived in this life. They will be judged on the same basis as the “quick,” that is, the living, who are mentioned in v. 5. In the flesh. Literally, “in respect to flesh,” that is, living human beings (see on ch. 3:18). But live. Evidently Peter refers to Christians who have fallen asleep in Jesus, for whom NT believers were greatly concerned (see on 1 Cor. 15:12–14; 1 Thess. 4:13–17). These “dead” heard and accepted the gospel while they lived, and in the judgment will be held worthy to “live according to God in the spirit.” According to God. This may mean, “as God lives,” that is, they will be made immortal (see on 1 Cor. 15:51–55; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17); or, “as God wills,” that is, according to God’s will that they live, as decreed in the judgment. In the spirit. That is, having immortal, glorified bodies like that of Christ when He arose from the grave (see on ch. 3:18).

What changes will happen in a person’s life, and how do others respond to those changes? A Possible Answer: As a result of hearing the gospel and the Spirit’s power, people are changed within the heart/mind first and foremost... the heart/mind is captured by Christ and transformed into His likeness. Old habits, old thought processes pass away and everything related to them takes on a newness. The old life characterized by various vices is behind them. The will is renewed and empowered whereas before there was weakness and slavery to sin. The change is evidenced in how they think and in outward conduct. Others respond, according to Peter, by thinking that new life is strange... they cannot understand it and do not know how deal with it. The three terms Peter used that relate to alcohol abuse are “excess of wine” (KJV), “drunkenness” (NRSV), “revellings,” and “banquetings” (KJV), “carousing” (NRSV). To use modern phraseology, one’s partying days are over. In fact, according to Peter, the change that a Christian experiences should be great enough so that those who knew the Christian in his or her past life will “think it strange” that he or she no longer takes part in those same dissipations (1 Pet. 4:4, NKJV). Thus, we can see here a chance to witness to unbelievers without having to preach. A godly Christian life can be more of a witness than all the sermons in the world. What does Peter say in these texts about judgment? A Possible Answer: He says that the we all will have to give an account to Jesus in the Judgment and it will involve the living and the dead. That Judgment will be judged on the basis of our personal response to the measure of truth that has come to us. The Scriptures explicitly teach the unconscious state of the dead and that human probation closes at death (see on ch. 3:19). Here, as elsewhere in the Bible (John 5:29, 2 Cor. 5:10, Heb. 9:27), Peter makes it clear that one day there will be a judgment for the deeds done “in the flesh” (1 Pet. 4:2). When Peter talks about the gospel being “preached also to those who are dead” (1 Pet. 4:6, NKJV), he was saying that even in the past, people who are now dead had, when they were alive, an opportunity to know the saving grace of God. Thus, God can justly judge them, as well. As a believer in Jesus, how differently do you live now than you did when you didn’t believe in Him? A Possible Answer: 1) With greater purpose and intentionality. 2)

[Type text] 7

Less stress, worry and anxiety. 3) My life is now characterize by being submissive to the will of God and the Holy Spirit who enables me to demonstrate the fruits and gifts of the Spirit. What difference has Jesus made in your life? A Possible Answer: Jesus has made all the difference. He has captivated my heart, change my thinking and empowered me to be happy, healthy and holy. He has helped me to put my sinful, rebellious past life behind me and given me a new hope for tomorrow and the future. Wednesday April 26 Sins of the Flesh In listing the wrong things that people had done in the past, and that they stopped doing after becoming believers in Jesus, Peter also lists what could be called “sexual sins.”

Again, Read 1 Peter 4:3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. What else does Peter list there? A Possible Answer: Lewdness (as in licentiousness, debauchery, sensuality) and lusts. Two words have a distinctive sexual connotation: “lewdness” (aselgia, which means “sensuality”) and “lusts” (epithumia, which means “lust” or “desire”). Yet, it is all too easy for Christians to give the wrong impression about sexuality. The Bible is not against sex. On the contrary, God created sex, and He gave sexuality to humankind to be a great blessing. Sexuality was there in Eden, at the beginning. “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed” (Gen. 2:24, 25). It was to be one of the key ingredients that would unite a husband and wife in a lifelong commitment that forms the best background against which to raise children. And this closeness and intimacy would be a reflection of what God seeks with His people, as well (see Jeremiah 3, Ezekiel 16, Hosea 1-3). In its correct place, between a man and a woman in marriage, sexuality is a profound blessing; in the wrong place, in the wrong context, it can be one of the greatest destructive forces in the world. The here-and-now devastating consequences of these sins are beyond human calculation. Who among us doesn’t know about lives ruined through the abuse of this wonderful gift?

Read 2 Samuel 11:4 “Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house.” 1 Corinthians 5:1 (Immorality Defiles the Church) 1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! Genesis 19:5 “And they called to Lot and said to him, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may know them carnally.” 1 Corinthians 10:8 “Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty- three thousand fell;

What do the following texts have in common? A Possible Answer: They have carnal knowledge as in sexual intercourse in common.

http://www.drcolinadunbar.com/2nd-qrt-2017-sabbath-school-lessons.html 8 Of course, one doesn’t need the Bible to know stories of the pain and suffering that these sins have caused. Yet, we must be careful, too. Certainly, sins of this nature can have powerfully negative effects on people, and society tends to frown upon them. But sin is sin, and Christ’s death covers sexual sins, as well. As a Christian, you should be careful, especially in this sensitive area, to make sure that you “first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Luke 6:42, NIV). Thursday April 27 Love Covers All Even in the time of Peter, Christians lived with the expectation of the soon return of Jesus and the end of this present world. We know this because in 1 Peter 4:7 he writes: “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers” (NKJV). In other words, be ready for the end. In one very real sense, too, the “end,” as far as each one of us is concerned, is never more than a moment after we die. We close our eyes in death, and-whether thousands of years pass, or just a few days-the next thing we know is the second coming of Jesus and the end of this world. According to Peter, because the “end of all things” is at hand, how should Christians live? See 1 Pet. 4:7-11. 1 Peter 4:7-11 (Serving for God’s Glory) 7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

7. End of all things. That is, the end of the world. Is at hand. Literally, “has come near.” The imminent prospect of facing the great Judge of the universe (vs. 5, 6) is, indeed, a sobering thought. Peter’s counsel to believers, particularly that of the verses that follow, is given in a spirit of urgency, because “the end of all things is at hand.” Sober. Gr. sōphroneō, “to be of sound mind,” “to exercise self-control” (see on Rom. 12:3; Titus 2:4, 5; cf. on 1 Thess. 5:6). Even though the return of Christ draws ever nearer, men are not to use this knowledge of what is soon to take place as an excuse for neglecting their responsibilities. To the very last, Christians are to remain at their posts, faithfully performing their duties. Our Lord commands, “Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13). Watch. Gr. nēphō, “to be sober,” that is, to refrain from intoxicants (see on 1 Thess. 5:6). Peter advises his readers to be vigilant, in view of coming events (see on Matt. 24:42, 44). 8. Above all things. The supreme test of Christianity is its effect on our relations with one another. Have. Literally, “continue to have [as you are now having.]” Fervent. Literally, “fully extended.” Charity. Gr. agapē, “love” (see on Matt. 5:43; 1 Cor.13:1). Love knows no limits, never fails. It binds, in Christian fellowship, men of differing background and opinion. There is no church problem that cannot be resolved in the atmosphere of intelligent, selfless love. Shall cover. Where charity is lacking there is a tendency to magnify the faults and failings of others. Where love reigns, men are willing to forgive and forget. Furthermore, a manifest spirit of brotherly love is certain to attract the attention of the unconverted and to lead many of them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. 9. Use hospitality. Gr. philoxenoi, “[be] hospitable [ones]” (see on Rom. 12:13). Without grudging. Literally, “without grumbling.” An offer of hospitality is blighted, for instance, by indications of annoyance on the part of the host. True hospitality includes a hospitable spirit, for “the gift without the giver is bare.” In times of persecution (cf. v. 12) the number of Christian refugees would be high and the care of these fellow believers costly, but the Christian who is in a position to relieve the wants of another is duty bound before God to fulfill this responsibility with cheerfulness.

[Type text] 9

10. Every man. No Christian is too poor to extend a helping hand to others. The spirit of hospitality invests the most humble facilities with priceless value. Each person has some capacity for serving his fellow men. Sharing what we have with others is a Christian privilege and responsibility. Gift. Gr. charisma, a “gift” freely and generously given, a “favor” bestowed. Peter does not refer to the miraculous gifts that the Holy Spirit dispenses, but rather to the natural endowments and sustaining blessings every child of God receives continually. “Freely ye have received, freely give” (see on Matt. 10:8). Minister the same. What God has so graciously bestowed on us we are to share with others, “especially” with “the household of faith” (see on Gal. 6:10). Good. Gr. kaloi, “excellent,” “efficient.” Stewards. See on 1 Cor. 4:1. Manifold. See on James 1:2. God’s gifts are granted cheerfully and abundantly. His stewards are to distribute these blessings in the same spirit as that in which He gave them. 11. If any man speak. That is, in his capacity as a Christian. Oracles. Gr. logia (see on Acts 7:38; Rom. 3:2). One example of God’s “manifold grace” is the ability to speak fluently and convincingly. However, this gift is to be used for the glory of God alone. Talents provided by God are to be safely nurtured and developed so that the communication of the gospel may never be hindered by uncouthness, insincerity, or levity. Minister. The passage reads literally, “if one serves, [let it be] out of strength which God provides.” The consistent Christian life is the constant unfolding of the enabling power of God. No man can live a sinless life without an hour-by-hour reliance upon divine power. In all things. That is, in whatever activities the Christian may engage. Glorified. Literally, “continue to be glorified.” That God should be honored and exalted is the true end of life’s activities. A Christian is never free from the obligation rightly to represent God and to demonstrate the effectiveness of His saving power.

A Possible Answer: We are to exercise self-control, to refrain from intoxicants, to fully extend ourselves with love, practice hospitality without grumbling, to freely share with others the natural endowments and sustaining blessings every child of God receives continually. What God has so graciously bestowed on us, (which includes audibly sharing the Word of God) we are to share with others in the spirit of cheerfulness and abundance in which God gave us. Besides being serious and watchful in prayer, Christians are to “maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8, NRSV). What does that mean? How does love cover sin? A key is found in the text Peter is quoting, Proverbs 10:12, which reads: “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins” (NKJV). When we love one another, we more readily and easily forgive those who hurt us, who offend us. Christ’s love leads Him to forgive us; our love should lead us to forgive others. Where love abounds, small offenses, and even some large ones, more readily are overlooked and forgotten. Peter was certainly expressing the same idea as Jesus and Paul, who say that the whole law is summed up in the obligation to love God with our whole heart and love our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:34-39, Rom. 13:8-10). Peter also urges Christians to be hospitable. The Second Coming may be near, but Christians should not withdraw from social relationships because of it. Finally, when Christians speak, they must do so as those who are speaking the words of God. In other words, the seriousness of the time calls for serious communication about spiritual truths. “Love will cover a multitude of sins.” Who has sinned against you? A Possible Answer: Probably someone who has injured or hurt us. Spouse, friend, leader, boss or sibling. How can you reveal the love needed in order to “cover” that sin? A Possible Answer: A) Make a conscious decision to do just that while praying for the spirit and heart of Jesus. B) As the Holy Spirit in powers you, endeavor to not magnify the faults and failings of

http://www.drcolinadunbar.com/2nd-qrt-2017-sabbath-school-lessons.html 10 others. C) Permit the Holy Spirit to move you to forgive and forget. D) Resist the temptation to keep it in mind by seeking revenge, demanding involuntary restitution or entertaining undue discussion with others on the sin. Why is it to your own advantage to do so? A Possible Answer: 1) It permits us to ‘let it go’ and ‘move on’ with your lives. 2) It enhances our closeness to the offender and all others who are a part of the family of God. 3) It promotes greater personal health and longevity. 4) It permits us to be a better example of Jesus. Friday April 28 Further Thought:

“The love that suffers long and is kind will not magnify an indiscretion into an unpardonable offense, neither will it make capital of others’ misdoings. The Scriptures plainly teach that the erring are to be treated with forbearance and consideration. If the right course is followed, the apparently obdurate heart may be won to Christ. The love of Jesus covers a multitude of sins. His grace never leads to the exposing of another’s wrongs, unless it is a positive necessity.” - Ellen G. White, Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 267. Think, for instance, of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). We usually look at this as a story of Christ’s grace to a fallen woman, and that’s true. But there’s a deeper element, as well. In confronting the religious leaders who brought the woman to Him, why did Jesus write down the “guilty secrets of their own lives” (Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 461) in the dirt, where the words could instantly be obliterated? Why didn’t He openly accuse them, declaring before everyone what He knew about their own sins, which might have been just as bad as or even worse than that woman’s? Instead, Jesus showed them that He knew their hypocrisy and evil, and yet was not going to expose it to others. Perhaps this was Jesus’ own way of reaching out to these men, showing them He knew their purposes and thus giving them an opportunity to be saved. What a powerful lesson for us when we need to confront those who have sinned.

Discussion Questions:

1 Dwell more on the question of unity as opposed to uniformity. Are there some areas in which we need to be in complete unity of thought in order to function as a church? If so, what are they, and how can we find this needed uniformity? In contrast, what are areas in which a diversity of opinion is not harmful but, in fact, could be helpful? 2 What has been your own experience with the concept of the need to “suffer in the flesh” in order to cease from sin? What does that mean? Does God’s power in our lives to change us mean automatically that we don’t suffer in the flesh in order to have victory? If not, why not? 3. Look around at the devastation that alcohol has produced in so many lives. What can we do as a church to help others see the danger of this drug? 4. What can we do to keep our young people aware of what a mistake it would be even to experiment with a substance that can do them such terrible harm?

[Type text] 11

http://www.drcolinadunbar.com/2nd-qrt-2017-sabbath-school-lessons.html