C o l l e g ia t e Q u a r t er l y A General Conference Church Ministries Publication • October ■ December 1990 Amazing Grace The Letter to the Romans

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KATA MEN TO EYATrEAION EX0POI AI YMAX KATA AE THN EKAOTIIN ATAIIHTOI AIA TOYS nATEPAS AMETAMEAHTA TAP TA XAPISMATA KAI H KAHSIS TOY 0EOY Ì1SI1EP TAP YMEIS nOTE HIIEI0HSATE Til 0EÌ1 NYN AE HAEH0HTE TH TOYTilN The Power of the Visual Word

Educators have long known the power o f visual aids. Jesus Himself often used the objects o f the visual world to teach His spiritual lessons effectively. Now this tremendous combination o f the word spoken and the word seen is available through the New Sabbath School Lesson Videos. Professionally produced by the Church Ministries Department, these videos are a special blessing $29.95 to Sabbath School students, shut-ins, discussion groups, and isolated members. Available Now at Your ABC COLLEGIATE QUARTERLY Amazing Grace October-December 1990 The Letter to the Romans Vol. 13, No. 4 1. Called to Belong ...... 6 2. Why Do People Need God? .... 14 Editorial office 3. To All Who Believe ...... 22 Department of Church Ministries 4. Assurance of Salvation ...... 32 General Conference of 5. Living Free From Sin ...... 40 Seventh-day Adventists 6. Works and Grace ...... 50 12501 Old Columbia Pike 7. The Agony and Ecstasy ...... 60 Silver Spring, MD 20904 8. Losers-Finders/Keepers-Weepers . 68 9. God and the Jew and You Too . . 78 Place orders with 10. Straight Talk About Responsibility . 86 Pacific Press Pub. Assn. 11. Liberty on a Tightrope ...... 94 P.O. Box 7000 12. Talking About Walking ...... 104 Boise, Idaho 83707 13. You May Kiss the Bride ...... 114

Scripture versions used in this quarterly, other than the King James Ver­ Staff sion, are as follows: Scriptures marked EB are quoted from The Everyday Bible, New Cen­ Editorial Director: George E. Knowles tury Version, copyright © 1987, 1988 by Word Publishing, Dallas, Texas Editor: Graham Bingham 75039. Used by permission. Managing Editor: Laurell Peterson Bible texts credited to Jerusalem are from The Jerusalem Bible, copy­ Editorial Secretary: Andrea Kristensen right © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd., and Doubleday & Com­ Pacific Press Editor: Lincoln Steed pany, Inc. Used by permission of the publisher. Marketing: Bob Gorton Scripture quotations marked NASB are from the New American Stan­ Sales Office: Shirley Sayers dard Bible, © T h e Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, Publisher: Pacific Press 1972,1973, 1975,1977. Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bble, New International Ver­ sion. Copyright © 1973, 1978, International Bible Society. Used by per­ Editorial Team mission of Zondervarl Bible Publishers. Texts credited to NKJV are from The New King James Version. Copy­ Graham Bingham, Chairman right© 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers. Andrea Kristensen, Secretary Bible texts credited to Phillips are from J. B. Phillips: The New Testa­ Karen Flowers ment in Modern English, Revised Edition. © J. B. Phillips 1958, 1960, Richard Fredericks 1972. Used by permission of Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc. Erwin Gane Randal Wisbey Bible texts credited to RSV are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyrighted 1946, 1952 © 1971,1973.

Bible texts credited to TEV are from the Good News Bible—Old Testa­ ment: Copyright © American Bble Society 1976; New Testament: Copy­ Reading Committee right © American Bble Society 1966, 1971, 1976.

Graham Bingham David James Verses marked TLB are taken from The Living Bible, copyright © 1971 Lyndelle Chiomenti George E. Knowles by TyndaJe House Publishers, Wheaton, III. Used by permission. Karen Flowers Israel Leito COLLEGIATE QUARTERLY (ISSN 0744-2939). Published quarterly by Richard Fredericks Tim Poirier Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1350 North Kings Road, Nampa, Erwin Gane Ted Wick ID 83687, U.S.A. One-year subscription in U.S.A., $9.60; single copy, Frank Flolbrook Randal Wisbey $4.25. One-year subscription to countries outside U.S.A., $12.60; single copy, $4.25. All prices at U.S.A. exchange. Second-class postage paid at Nampa, ID. When a change of address is desired, please send both old and new addresses. The COLLEGIATE QUARTERLY is written by faculty, students, and friends of the Seventh- POSTMASTER: Send address changes to COLLEGIATE QUAR­ day Adventist colleges and universities TERLY, P.O. Box 7000, Boise, Idaho 83707, U.S.A. around the world. Send editorial inquiries to COLLEGIATE QUARTERLY, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904, U.S.A.

Copyright © 1990 by Pacific Press Publishing Send circulation inquiries to Pacific Press Publishing Association, P.O. Association. Box 7000, Boise, Idaho 83707, U.S.A. Contributor Profile

Avondale College, Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia Lessons 1 -3 Campus Editor: John Cox Contributors'. Norman R. Carlsen Donald E. Hansen Robyn Priestley Sherida Carrick Grenville Kent Carolyn Rickett John Cox Bronwyn Koncz Lynden Rogers Calvin B. Durrant Harwood Lockton Alwyn Salom Howard J. Fisher Robert K. Mclver Eleanor M. Scale Cedric Greive Arthur N. Patrick Laurence Turner Norman H. Young

South Pacific Division, Wahroonga, N.S.W., Australia Lesson 4 Editor: Barry Gane Contributors: Sharelle Coombe Barry Gane Andrew Cox Denise Murray Richard Ferch

Campus Hill Church, Loma Linda, California Lessons 5, 6 Editor: Charles Liu Contributors: Joilo C. Barbosa Andrew Kunlnobu George Veal, Jr. Larry Christoffel Donn La Tour Ginger Ketting Charles Liu Mark Fulop David VanDenburgh

Loma Linda University Church, Loma Linda, California Lessons 7, 8 Editor: Clarence Schilt Contributors: Mike Boyko Rhonda S. Hobson Mark Fulop James M. Pappas Carla Gober Bronwen F. Watts Patricia Gentry Guthrie

Walla Walla College, College Place, Washington Lessons 9-11 Campus Editor: John C. Cress Contributors: Terrie Dopp Aamodt John C. Cress Sylvia Nosworthy Beverly Beem Susan Gardner Julie Scott Ed Boyatt Henning Guldhammer Jack Sequeira Cynthia Cawthra Donna Jeider Gary Tetz Mike Cook Dan Lamberton Gary Wiss

Newbold College, Bracknell, Berkshire, England Lessons 12,13 Campus Editor: Andrea Luxton Contributors'. Kevin Deane Erich Metzing Rick Slann Hugh Dunton Branislav Mirilov David Trim Berit Klausen Elizabeth Ridley John Wilcox Jerome Knight David Savalani

Special Contributors

Frank Holbrook is an associate director in the Biblical Research Insti­ tute at the General Conference.

Gary Patterson is the administrative assistant to the North American Division president, and a former senior pastor at the Walla Walla College church, College Place, Washington. This Quarter’s Artists The four artists for this quarter are from Avondale College, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia. Bruce Durrant, senior lecturer in art education, has been associated with many state and Adventist schools during his 36 years of teaching. During the past 13 years at Avondale College he has won recognition in the field of watercolor painting. He is also well known for the Avondale Col­ lege church emblem and the large stained-glass window in the Victorian Conference chapel. Peter Connolly and Christopher Hawken are graduates (B.Ed. with an art major) of the 1989 class, and Peter Rayner is in his third year of the B.Ed. program, majoring in art. The diverse thought and varied styles of this quartet of artists illustrate Durrant’s belief that art is a personal expression of the individual. His great hope is that the church will learn to appreciate more the valuable contribution art can make to the spread of the gospel. The scriptural references and Bible versions used in the artwork for this quarter are as follows: cover and lesson 9, Romans 11:28-30; lesson 1, 8:2, NIV; lesson 2, 2:11, RSV; lesson 3, 5:8, NIV; lesson 11, 14:7, 8; and lesson 12,15:13, RSV. Getting the Most Out of the Collegiate Quarterly Facts You Should Know The COLLEGIATE QUARTERLY is based on the conviction that there is transforming power in the Word of God and that one important way of tap­ ping into that power is through group study. It is prepared with Adventist college students and young adults particularly in mind. Its purpose is to pro­ vide this group with a resource for devotional study on mutual topics, which can then be discussed together each week in Sabbath School. Additionally, many who use the adult quarterly find that the COL­ LEGIATE QUARTERLY, since it deals with the same topics as the adult, en­ riches lesson study and discussion as a supplemental aid. Adventist colleges and universities, along with young-adult church groups, work together in producing the quarterly. The writing at each school is coordinated by the campus chaplain’s office. Approximately 200 individu­ als contribute to the quarterly each year. Circulation of the COLLEGIATE QUARTERLY is about 25,000. Pointers for Study 1. The Bible passage to be studied for each week is indicated in bold type on the introduction page (Sunday’s lesson). Read this entire passage in con­ junction with the quarterly introduction to give you an overview of the les­ son. 2. The Bible passage for the week is divided into sections on the Logos pages (Monday’s lesson). When studying this section, carefully reread the Bible passages indicated in the bold headings before reading the comments beneath the heading. 3. Read the remainder of the sections for the week with the perspective you have gained from your own study of the biblical passage. 4. Keep in mind the purposes of each section of the quarterly: Introduction (Sunday) is designed to get your attention and focus your thinking on the week’s theme. Logos (Monday), as described above, is a guide for direct study of the Bible passage for the week. Testimony (Tuesday) presents Ellen White’s perspective on the les- .n theme. Evidence (Wednesday) approaches issues raised by the lesson from a his­ torical, scientific, philosophical, or theological perspective. It is likely to be the most scholarly article of the week. How-To (Thursday) discusses what the “theory” in the lesson means for day-to-day living. Opinion (Friday), a personal viewpoint on the lesson, is meant to en­ courage further thought and discussion. 5. Through prayer, open your mind to the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you study. The CQ and the Church The COLLEGIATE QUARTERLY is the General Conference-approved quarterly for the collegiate/young-adult age group. It upholds the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. However, its contents should not be re­ garded as official pronouncements o f the church. Particularly in the Evidence and Opinion sections, views that are only individual opinion, not official de­ nominational positions, are expressed. Lesson 1, September 30—October 6 Called to Belong

III IV

V VI VII VIII IX X

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation for everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile” (Rom. 1:16, NIV). Sunday, September 30 The Divine Excuse

motor-vehicle accidents: INTRODUCTION “The wheel alignment had not Scripture: Rom. 1 been done properly, so that when I turned around to yell at the Paul pulls no punches in his children, the car swerved all over opening address to the church in the road.” Rome. Despite God’s every at­ “Coming home, I drove into the tempt to reveal Himself to us, we wrong house and collided with a have willfully ignored Him, and tree I don’t have.” so by the law we stand con­ “I had been driving for 40 demned. years when I fell asleep at the It is ironic that Paul so care­ wheel and had an accident.” (I fully argues the fact that we are wonder whether Moses thought of without excuse (see Rom. 1:18-25, that one after striking the rock in NIV), for back in verse 13 the the wilderness.) apostle has just used the oldest “I pulled away from the side of excuse in the book for not visiting the road, glanced at my mother-in- the Romans well before his writ­ law, and headed over the embank­ ing them. “I really wanted to be ment.” with you,” he seems to be saying, “I was on my way to the doctor “but I’ve been just too busy.” with rear-end trouble when my You know, that’s one of my universal joint gave way, causing favorite excuses. I can think of me to have an accident.” some others that jostle for the op­ “I thought my side window was portunity to glide off my tongue: open, but it was up, as I found o^t “Look, I’d love to take the Sab­ when I put my head through it.” bath School lesson for you, but They sound pretty suspect, we’re going to be away that don’t they? But then, other weekend,” or ‘Darling, you know people’s excuses generally do. how much I want to wash the car Well, the message from Romans this afternoon, but we’ve got that is that through faith one excuse is picnic tomorrow—you don’t want incontestable. For when at the it to rain, do you?” end of time our great adversary The best part about my ex­ discovers that our names are writ­ cuses is that they are so plau­ ten in the Lamb’s book of life, he sible. (Doesn’t it always rain after will choke, turn to the Lord, and you’ve washed your car?) Yet protest, “You must be joking! when my students come pleading Have you forgotten . . . ?” In re­ for an extension on the day their sponse we will hear the divine ex­ major paper is due, I generally cuse, “I am acquainted with all of find their excuses ludicrous! They their sins, but...” seem just as far-fetched as those below made to an insurance com­ ‘ Sandra Olsen, "Accident Excuses Stack Up," Sunday pany by claimants involved in Telegraph (Sydney), July 30, 1989.

by Calvin B. Durrant Calvin B. Durrant teaches English at Avondale College, Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia. 7 Monday, October 1 Good News!

wickedness. The repeated words LOGOS “God gave them over” (verses 24, Rom. 1:15,16 26, and 28) illustrate the depth of their degradation. However you look at it, Ro­ But it’s not as though the Gen­ mans is a theological letter. The tiles were entirely ignorant of apostle Paul was concerned not God or His will for them. Paul only with the essential question of spells it out: “For since the crea­ salvation—what it means and tion of the world God’s invisible how it is obtained—but also with qualities—his eternal power and the teachings of those who pro­ divine nature—have been clearly moted a false means of salvation. seen, being understood from what Since he feared that these teach­ has been made, so that men are ers might reach Rome with their without excuse” (verse 20, NIV). message before he was able to Speaking of the Gentiles, Paul make it to the capital, he wrote to asserts, “What may be known the young church there. about God is plain to them” (verse Paul was proud to bring a 19, NIV). simple gospel to the sophisticated Paul’s condemnation of the center of the world empire. “I am Gentiles (see verses 18 and 32) is not ashamed of the gospel” (Rom. certainly justified. They needed 1:16, NIV). He gloried in the the “righteousness from God” gospel and counted it a high (verse 17, NIV) revealed in the honor to proclaim it. Verse 16 con­ gospel. They could not hide be­ tains the theme of the whole let­ hind their sophistication, culture, ter—the application of the gospel material possessions, or worldly to Christians (whether Jewish or power. They desperately needed Gentile) of Paul’s day and ours. to be “in the right” with God (i.e., The Gentiles needed salvation to be justified). because they certainly were not In the Hebrew context (Paul’s righteous (chapter 1). The same orientation) righteousness was was true of the Jews, though they not so much a moral quality as a thought they were righteous legal status. People were right­ (chapter 2). Sin and guilt were eous when they were declared universal; all came under its con­ righteous by God. Paul is saying demnation (chapter 3). to us today (as he said centuries Paul’s emphasis in chapter 1 is ago) that when we accept by faith, on the Gentiles (see verses 5, 6, or believe (see verse 16), what 13-15, and 18-32). His concern is God has done for us in Christ, to demonstrate their need of salva­ then God declares us righteous tion. In unmistakable terms (see (“in the clear”) in relation to Him. verses 22, 23, 26, 27, and 29-31) No wonder Paul was not ashamed he paints a picture of their to declare this good news!

by Alwyn Salom Alwyn Salom, chairman of the Theology Department, teaches New Testament at Avondale College, Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia. 8 Tuesday, October 2 Called to Be an Apostle

gifts he holds in trust. All are to TESTIMONY be workers; but upon the worker Key Text: Rom. 1:1,16 who has had the greatest oppor­ tunities, the greatest clearness of Paul felt called not only to mind in understanding the Scrip­ belong to Christ but also to tell tures, rests the highest responsi­ others the good news of the bility. Every receiver should hold gospel. Today many of us are fully himself accountable to God, and occupied with our own careers use his talents for God’s glory. and interests, but should that pre­ Do you think that everyone vent our total commitment to the who belongs to Christ has an ob­ cause of Christ? ligation to share his or her beliefs “To him [Paul], as to every dis­ with others? Does this necessarily ciple of Christ, had been given the mean an obligation to give Bible commission, ‘Go ye into all the studies? How could you best wit­ world, and preach the gospel to ness for Christ? every creature.’ In accepting “What the church needs today is Christ, Paul accepted this commis­ an army of workers who, like Paul, sion. He realized that upon him have a deep experience in the rested the obligation of laboring things of God, and who are filled for all classes of men—for Jew with an earnest desire to do His and Gentile, for learned and un­ service. Cultivated, refined, learned, for those occupying high sanctified men are needed; men positions and for those in the who will not shun trial and re­ most lowly walks of life. From a sponsibility; men who are burden- zealous persecutor of the fol­ bearers; men who are brave and lowers of Christ, Paul became one true; men in whose hearts Christ is of the Saviour’s most devoted and formed, and who, with lips touched effective workers.. . . Henceforth with holy fire, will preach the word his life was wholly devoted to the to those who are starving for the crucified One.” bread of life. For the lack of such Why are we seemingly so reluc­ workers, the cause of God lan­ tant to work for Christ? Is it nec­ guishes. essary for each of us to go through some traumatic ex­ REACT perience before we too sense a Does Ellen White’s seemingly similar obligation? sexist language reflect a cultural It is not unusual for individ­ bias of her age? How may women uals to feel inadequate and refuse contribute to the work of the to accept responsibility for shar­ gospel today? ing their beliefs with others; but really, is this just an excuse? 1. Review and Heraid, Apr. 4,1912. “The responsibility of each 2. Ibid. human agent is measured by the 3. Youth’s Instructor, July 10,1902.

by Eleanor M. Scale Eleanor M. Scale Is director of the Ellen G. White Research Centre at Avondale College, Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia. 9 Wednesday, October 3 “Ashamed to Whisper Such Tales”?

by the tree—I imagine because EVIDENCE their master was nailed to a cross Key Text: Rom. 1:16 and was a carpenter by trade. So that if he had happened to be The early Christians knew thrown off a cliff, or pushed into a what it meant to have bad press. pit, or suffocated by strangling, or “Up to this moment,” Paul wrote if he had been a cobbler or in A.D. 57, “we have become the stonemason or blacksmith, there scum of the earth, the refuse of would have been a cliff of life the world” (1 Cor. 4:13, NIV). above the heavens, or a pit of res­ In his book The Christians as urrection, or a rope of immortal­ the Romans Saw Them Robert ity, or a blessed stone, or an iron Wilken examines the opinions of of love, or a holy hide of leather. five pagan authors about Chris­ Would not an old woman who tianity. The early Christian writ­ sings a story to lull a little child ers presented Jesus’ life and the to sleep have been ashamed to church’s beginning as “the turn­ whisper such tales as these?” ing point in history.” But their Paul was unashamed of his pagan contemporaries saw Chris­ message. Epithets like “scum” tianity as “a tiny, peculiar, anti­ and “refuse” didn’t faze him. A social, irreligious sect, drawing its century later, Celsus dismissed adherents from the lower strata Christians as “wool-workers, cob­ of society.” blers, laundry-workers, and the One hostile philosopher, Celsus, most illiterate and bucolic yo­ wrote a major book against the kels. But Christianity became Christians. He didn’t mind if “the most extensive and universal people worshiped Zeus or Diony­ religion in history.” sus, or even sheep or crocodiles. REACT But Christians insisted on elevat­ 1. Do Christians in 1990 face ing their Founder to divine status, problems similar to those en­ thus challenging the popular belief countered by the early Christians? in one high God; and their doctrine Give reasons for your answer. of salvation conflicted with the re­ 2. How can we confront our ligious ideas of Greece and Rome. problems so that, like Paul, we Hence their faith threatened the are “not ashamed of the gospel”? role of the emperor and the stabil­ ity of society. Celsus used his 1. Robert Wilken, The Christians as the Romans Saw sharp wit devastatingly against Them (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, Christians: 1984), p. xv. 2. Ibid., p. 96. “Everywhere they speak in 3. toid., p. 97. their writings of the tree of life 4. David B. Barrett, ed., World Christian Encyclopedia and the resurrection of the flesh (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1982), p. 3.

by Arthur N. Patrick Arthur N. Patrick is the registrar at Avondale College, Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia. 10 Thursday, October 4 Fulfillment in Belonging

day. He showed a new respect for HOW-TO women (see Luke 8:1-3), accepted Key Text: Rom. 1:16 those who were racially or cultur­ ally different (see 7:1-9; 17:11-19), As a youth attending a small healed those with socially repug­ Adventist school and later a nant diseases (see 5:12-14), and state university, I perceived complimented caring or whole­ Christianity as being—well, some attitudes in whatever un­ rather “airy-fairy” and impracti­ likely place He might find them cal. As a result I was reticent to (see 10:30-37; 7:5-10). let my friends know that I was a I believe that if the Christ of Christian. I imagine that at that Paul and Luke were suddenly to time I was like many young materialize in today’s world, we people today. Yet to Paul the would be surprised by His life gospel of Christ was a badge of and work. I could see Him partici­ honor, for he declared that he pating in social or humanitarian was “not ashamed of the gospel” concerns such as working for (Rom. 1:16, NIV). hunger relief, caring for AIDS vic­ Can Christianity be as rele­ tims, and befriending street chil­ vant to the youth of today as it dren and addicts. Nothing “airy- was to Paul? In an attempt to fairy” or impractical would find an answer, let us view Christ characterize either His attitude or as Paul may have seen Him and work. project that view to our time. I believe that those who wish Luke, Paul’s companion and to be like Christ and bear His confidant, wrote of Christ as a per­ name should be a caring people son vitally concerned with the who would neither seek merely a people of His time, a person who life of comfort nor make religion a reached into all facets of society. matter of convenience, but who In fact, the Christ of Luke’s would actively share His con­ Gospel did not necessarily con­ cerns. When this happens, Chris­ form to social expectations but tianity becomes meaningful, and lived according to His own values youthful Christians can join with gained by continual prayer con­ Paul in saying, “I sun not tact with God. In so doing, He ashamed of the gospel” (Rom. often annoyed the leaders of His 1:16, NIV).

by Cedric Greive Cedric Greive teaches education at Avondale College, Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia. 11 Friday, October 5 How Good Is the “Second Book”?

God must be inordinately fond of OPINION beetles. Paul, however, says only Key Text: Rom. 1:19,20 that nature testifies to God’s eter­ nal power and divine nature— “Since what may be known nothing more. about God is plain to them, be­ Contemplating the sea and the cause God has made it plain to sky, drifting anthropologist Thor them. For since the creation of Heyerdahl was moved to write: the world God’s invisible quali­ “In a city man may feel second to ties—his eternal power and divine none. But alone in the immensity nature—have been clearly seen, of the universe .. . even a most being understood from what has fervent atheist will wonder if Dar­ been made, so that men are win found the visible road, but not without excuse” (Rom. 1:19, 20, the invisible mechanism.” NIV). Nevertheless, to my knowledge, Paul, in his enthusiasm, seems Heyerdahl remains agnostic. to be overstating the value of the In addition to his many trials, natural world as a source of infor­ Job suffered some divine sarcasm. mation about God. On the other God said to him, “Where were you hand, it may be that we read into when I laid the earth’s founda­ Paul’s statement more than he ac­ tion? Tell me, if you understand. tually intended. Who marked off its dimensions? The way I see it, the value of Surely you know!” (Job 38:4, 5, creation as a source of spiritual NIV). The upshot of this God- understanding is mostly in retro­ speech is that just as we don’t spect. Using nature as our pri­ understand the natural world and mary source, we do not learn its origin, so we don’t understand much about God. Rather, we use the spiritual world and its work­ nature to illustrate our precon­ ings (Job was not given an ex­ ceived spiritual ideas. For ex­ planation). But as we trust that ample, th parable of the growing the natural world is under God’s seed (see Mark 4:26-29) is often control, so we must trust Him in used to illustrate spiritual the spiritual realm. growth, but would we deduce that Then perhaps Paul’s meaning from observation without fore­ is this: God obviously exists— knowledge? obey Him. God, through His What can we learn about God Spirit and His Word, helps us to from nature? J. B. S. Haldane see illustrations of the spiritual once sarcastically observed that, from the natural, but we will not, since there are many more spe­ by unaided searching, find out cies of beetles than of mar mals, God.

by Howard J. Fisher Howard J. Fisher teaches physical geography and biology at Avondale College, Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia. 12 REACT culty reading the “second book”? 1. Do you accept the hypoth­ See Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 17- esis that nature does not reveal 19, and Education, pp. 99-102. much about God? Why or why not? *Thor Heyerdahl, The Tigris Expedition: In Search of Our Beginnings (London: George Allen & Unwin, 2. Why might we have diffi­ 1980), p. 299.

Stricken by his wife's death in a rock- climbing accident, Dr. Frank Kelly fled from the society he despised and the God he blamed. His flight spanned continents, and the untamed wilderness became his home. Frank Kelly hid. But can a man hide from God? The Last Mountain, by Lincoln Steed, is a riveting drama of the stubborn human spirit and God's stubborn love. Don't miss it! Available now at your Adventist Book Center. 192 pages. Cloth, US$11.95/Cdn$ 14.95. Prices subject to change without notice. From Pacific Press

13 Lesson 2, October 7-13 Why Do People Need God?

“For God does not show favoritism” (Rom. 2:11, NIV). Sunday, October 7 People Need the Lord—or Do They?

hate that fact, how much more INTRODUCTION must God? Scripture: Rom. 2 Few pagans come to know God through nature; few have His law What do I tell Laura? written on their hearts. They She’s a gorgeous, 20-year-old need to be told about the salva­ New Zealander who served as a tion available in Jesus. And their student missionary in a Nepalese acceptance of that salvation de­ leper colony. Having fed these pends on the quality of our wit­ people, wiped their faces, and ness (see Rom. 10:14). bathed their babies, she des­ What if they equate Jesus with perately wants them in heaven. an overfed Westerner, with Coke She questions, “Will they be and camera, ready to photograph saved, even if they never accept the squalor for the folks back Jesus?” home? What if they know that a I’d love to answer, “Yes, God is “Christian” country spends more understanding”—because that on whiskey or cosmetics than on would take the pressure off us to foreign aid, yet is smug about its spread the gospel. superior culture? Truly, the name But can God save people of Christ is blasphemed among without the gospel? If so, when the pagans because of us (see Jesus groaned, “Father, if it be Rom. 2:24). Do they need a god possible, let this cup pass from made in our Western image when me” (Matt. 26:39), God would they already have 20,000 of their have found an easier plan. But own? No, they need just Jesus. there is no alternative. Only the If I say, “People are lost gospel. That’s why Jesus didn’t without Jesus,” then Laura will say, “I am a way,” but “I am the say, with big, quiet eyes, ‘Well, way . . . : no man cometh unto the why doesn’t every Christian go Father, but by me” (John 14:6). and witness—or at least give to So there are people today the limit of his resources if he “without Christ, . .. having no can’t go?” hope, and without God in the I can’t answer that. Can you? world” (Eph. 2:12). God gives a light penalty to 1. Luke 12:47, 48; Earty Writings, p. 276. those who couldn’t know, but ig­ 2. Rom. 1:19, 20; 2:14, 15; The Desire o f Ages, p. 638; Prophets and Kings, p. 376; and Christ's Object norance costs eternal life. If I Lessons, p. 385.

by Grenville Kent Grenville Kent Is a senior theology student at Avondale College, Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia. 15 Monday, October 8 Do We Need God’s Salvation?

demned for hypocrisy? Why or LOGOS why not? Rom. 2 Paul goes on to point out that The earliest review of Paul’s God’s sure and violent judgment letters is found in 2 Peter 3:15, is about to fall upon all sinners. 16. Even Peter felt constrained to This aspect of the presentation of say that “there are some things in the gospel is often over­ them hard to understand” (verse emphasized (at the expense of 16, RSV). While some parts of Ro­ God’s love) or underemphasized mans 2 are hard to understand, (at the expense of God’s retribu­ the main outline of Paul’s argu­ tive justice). But it is a strong ment is clear. Between Romans theme in the teachings of Jesus, 1:18 and 3:20 Paul is concerned to Paul, and John the revelator, and show that all humankind is under it cannot be left out of any presen­ the just condemnation of God. All tation of Paul’s thought or, men and women, both Jew and indeed, of the gospel. It is the Greek, need salvation from their other side of the revelation of human predicament, the predica­ God’s righteousness. On the one ment of sin. “All have sinned and hand, God’s righteousness gives fall short of the glory of God” salvation to those who believe (3:23, RSV). (see 1:16,17); on the other, it brings wrath on those who dis­ God Attacks Hypocrisy (read obey (see verse 18; 2:5). Rom. 2:1-10) In Romans 1:18-32 Paul has Does Romans 2:7, 13 contradict shown that all the Gentiles are Romans 3:20? Is it possible to condemned before God. Any keep God’s law perfectly, or can Jewish reader would have been we only approximate this? What familiar and comfortable with does Romans 3:23 have to say these criticisms of the Gentile about this? world. In Romans 2:1-10 Paul turns to discuss the Jews and The Gentiles and the Law their relationship to the law (cf. (read Rom. 2:12-16) verse 17). The problem with them While it is possible to consider is that they know the law and con­ that Paul contradicts himself in demn others for breaking it, but this passage (the scholar Heikki they themselves do the same. As Raisanen argues that Paul does), Paul says, “Do you [Jews] suppose it is not necessary to do so. Paul’s .. . you will escape the judgment point appears to be that on any of God?” (verse 3, RSV). basis (both in the case of lack of knowledge of the law, and of When we recognize hypocrisy in knowledge of it that results only others, do we also stand con­ in its transgression) all are con-

by Robert K. Mclver Robert K. Mclver teaches theology at Avondale College, Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia. 16 demned and in need of salvation than those (the Jews) who know (see Rom. 3:23). A person might and respect the law. This con­ be justified by keeping the law demns any Jew who might claim perfectly, but no one except Jesus righteousness on the basis of has ever done this. Only through keeping the law. faith in Jesus can anyone be saved, because relying on our own Is Paul’s message that all works will lead only to condemna­ stand condemned still relevant tion in the judgment. today? Why or why not? Does this Paul’s basic point is that by fol­ make a suitable starting point in lowing their conscience, Gentiles dialoguing with non-Christians? can at times keep the law better Why or why not?

17 Tuesday, October 9 Spurning God’s Kindness

to the Giver of all good things? TESTIMONY How do we persuade someone Key Text: Rom. 2:4 o f his need for the gospel ? Does the warning tone o f Romans 2:4, 5 The thrust of Romans 2 is radi­ come as a surprise? cally disturbing: respectable people need the gospel no less “The forbearance of God is con­ than the corrupt and the de­ tinually presumed upon and His praved. Yet despite its severity, mercy abused.” “We should this chapter already foreshadows beware of treating lightly God’s the “riches” of God’s kindness gracious provisions for our salva­ (Rom. 2:4, NIV), one of the cen­ tion. “No earthly parent could tral themes of Paul’s letter. be as patient with the faults and “Grace is an attribute of God mistakes of his children, as is exercised toward undeserving God wjth those He seeks to human beings. We did not seek save, but ‘let none deceive them­ for it, but it was sent in search of selves with the thought that God, us. God rejoices to bestow His in His great love and mercy, will grace upon us, not because we are yet save even the rejecters of His worthy, but because we are so ut­ grace.” terly unworthy. Our only claim to Read Hebrews 2:3 and 10:29. His mercy is our great need.” “He does not ask if we are worthy Analyze the different ways in of His love, but He pours upon us which love and justice are related the riches of His love, to make us in Romans 2:4, 5; 3:21-26; 8:3, 4; worthy. 9:14-16; and 11:22. Read Ephesians 1:3, 7, 8; 2:1-7; and Jeremiah 31:3. “It had been Satan’s purpose to divorce mercy from truth and jus­ Can we show contempt for the tice. .. . But Christ shows that in riches o f God’s kindness ? Howl God’s plan they are indissolubly joined together; the one cannot “The love of our heavenly exist without the other. “Mercy Father in the gift of His only- and truth are met together; right­ begotten Son to the world is eousness and peace have kissed enough to inspire every soul, to each other.’ ”8 melt every hard, loveless heart into contrition and tenderness; 1. The Ministry of Healing, p. 161. 2. Thoughts From the Mount o f Blessing, p. 22. and yet shall heavenly intel­ 3. Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 198. ligences see in those for whom 4. Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 139. Christ died, insensibility to His 5. Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 162. 6. Steps to Christ, p. 35. love, hardness of heart, and no re­ 7. ibid., p. 31. sponse of gratitude and affection 8. The Desire of Ages, p. 762.

by John Cox John Cox Is a senior lecturer In English at Avondale College, Cooran' bong, N.S.W., Australia. 18 Wednesday, October 10 Finishing the Work?

it really matter if they do not EVIDENCE hear? Key Text: Rom. 10:14 It does matter. The clear mes­ sage of the book of Romans is Statistics can benumb. More that all of humanity lacks right­ than five billion people inhabit eousness. The bad pagan (see our earth, yet only a little more Rom. 1:18-32) is clearly unright­ than six million are Seventh-day eous, but so too is the good Jew Adventists. That is a mere .12 per­ (see 2:1). Doubtless Paul’s Jewish cent! Only about a third of the readers were startled to discover world’s people are Christian. that they too were unrighteous Possibly as many as two billion (see verses 17-29). Indeed, all are people have not even heard condemned in God’s sight (see Christ’s name, let alone possess 3:23). Consequently, all need to knowledge of Him. Of course, it is hear of Jesus and His salvation. arrogant and incorrect to think But perhaps in another sense that only Adventists can take the it does not matter. When we get good news of Jesus Christ to the down to the essentials, God seems world. However, central to our extremely interested in our treat­ own self-understanding as Adven­ ment of others. Numerous texts in­ tists is the objective of “finishing dicate this—for example, Mat­ the work.” But even in countries thew 25:31-46, Luke 10:25-37, such as the United States and and James 1:27. This is the lit­ Australia, where Adventism is mus test of our relationship with numerically and institutionally God, even if we are ignorant of strong, surveys show that few Him. On this basis the pagans have heard of us. Those who actu­ who have never formally heard of ally know what we believe are Christ can acknowledge God (see even fewer. Rom. 1:19). All can persist “in The problem of “finishing the doing good” (2:7, NIV). In this work” is compounded by two sense we can all “finish the work.” further factors: (1) the huge num­ ber of unreached people in areas REACT such as China and the Islamic na­ 1. Can we “finish the work”? tions; (2) the mathematics of Defend your position. world-population growth. Each 2. Does birthplace, social posi­ year 140 million new people ap­ tion, or race improve one’s pear on Planet Earth! Humanly chances of salvation? Why or why speaking, the task seems im­ not? possible. How will they ever come 3. Will people who never heard to know and accept Christ as of Christ and His gospel while their Saviour? What will happen here on earth be in heaven? Why to them if they never hear? Does or why not?

by Harwood Lockton Harwood Lockton Is a senior lecturer In geography at Avondale College, Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia. 19 Thursday, October 11 Dealing With Hypocrisy

God. So what can present-day HOW-TO Christians do to combat this evil? Key Text: Rom. 2:24 1. We must start with our­ Nobody likes hypocrisy. Jesus’ selves, particularly if we are in most scathing denunciations were any way predisposed toward fault­ reserved for hypocrisy; the apos­ finding. Paul suggests that the tles attacked it with vigor, and very faults we discern in other subsequent generations of believ­ people are the ones we are most ers have regarded it with appro­ likely to possess ourselves. So if priate abhorrence. Even people we feel that there is much hypo­ not ordinarily considered religious crisy in the church, we should con­ deplore hypocrisy. Repeated sur­ sider the possibility that we our­ veys have shown that when non­ selves are making at least a churchgoers are asked why they modest contribution to the total. do not go to church, the state­ ment “There are too many hy­ 2. To minimize this possibility, pocrites in the church” features we must avoid all tendencies prominently among their explana­ toward self-sufficiency and the feel­ tions. ings of pride and superiority that Probably nonchurchgoers tend self-sufficiency brings. True, we to overestimate the number of live in an age of do-it-yourself, hypocrites in the church, but even and in some areas there is much if we allow for substantial exag­ to be said for this practice, but we geration, the fact remains that must remind ourselves that in hypocrisy is by no means uncom­ some areas do-it-yourself simply mon. And history suggests that does not work, religion being a this has ever been the case. In prime example. True religion, the the Middle Ages, for example, the kind that is proof against hypo­ most outspoken followers of the crisy, centers on Christ, not self. Prince of Peace were generally among the first to take up the 3. In dealing with others, we sword on His behalf; church digni­ must remember that example is taries who were loudest in con­ usually more effective than rebuke. demning covetousness were frequently the most diligent in ac­ REACT quiring riches; and many who 1. Is hypocrisy more commonly took vows of celibacy were among found in church or nonchurch those who took concubines as well. circles? Explain. Hypocrisy should not be taken 2. In view of Paul’s warnings lightly, for, as the apostle Paul has against judging others, is it ever pointed out, when it exists within safe to confront people directly the church it gives cause for un­ with evidence of hypocrisy? Why believers to blaspheme the name of or why not?

by Donald E. Hansen Donald E. Hansen Is a senior lecturer in history at Avondale College, Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia. 20 Friday, October 12 Models of Salvation?

universal moral values directs the OPINION behavior of those at stages 5 and Key Texts: Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60 6. Prom this perspective justice be­ comes more than a mere legal In the book of Romans Paul ex­ transaction. plains God’s way of averting the Not surprisingly, someone has mass extermination of humanity suggested a model of the atone­ because of sin. Since Christ Him­ ment for each of these stages. For self died the second death, a stage 1 thinker Christ has, thereby paying the debt to the through His death, placated God’s law, the sinner who truly avails wrath. At stage 2 God makes a himself of the provision can go deal, and Christ dies instead of free, acquitted. the sinner. For a conventional Some speculate that this view thinker (one at stage 3 or 4), of justice typifies stage 4 of moral­ man’s sin has created a debt that, ist Kohlberg’s postulated six fortunately, Christ has trans­ stages of moral reasoning. At ferred to Himself. stage 1, anticipation of reward or The concern of the thinker at punishment largely motivates be­ stage 5 or 6 is less with punish­ havior. Small children operate at ment or payment of a debt than this level. Justice consists in obe­ with rehabilitation of offenders dience by the weak to the author­ wherever possible. He sees that ity imposed by the strong. It is God has done all He can to make possible to understand God’s deal­ clear the nature of right and wrong ings with the Israelites after the and to point out the natural, inevi­ Exodus in this light. table consequences of sin. For him, At stage 2, justice becomes an then, Christ’s life has great signifi­ exchange of favors or forfeits. Is it cance as a demonstration of God’s possible that the strong covenant system, and His death unmasked theme in the Old Testament repre­ Satan’s alternative. sents such morality? Acceptance of the conventions REACT and standards of the group charac­ 1. Is man more moral than God? terizes stages 3 and 4, the conven­ 2. Is it mixing apples and tional levels. About 75 percent of oranges to draw parallels between adults remain at these levels. the biblical plan of salvation and Here, rightness consists in obey­ postulates on human moral ing recognized laws. Justice is a development? Why or why not? matter of rewarding those who obey and punishing those who 1. J. K. Testerman, “Kohlberg's Stages of Moral don’t. Disobedience is seen to Development: Implications for Theology." Unpublished create a tangible debt against the manuscript. 2. L. Kohlberg, The Philosophy o f Moral Development offended law. (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1981), vol. 1, pp. IT- In contrast, an appreciation of 22.

by Lynden Rogers Lynden Rogers lectures in physics at Avondale College, Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia. 21 Lesson 3, October 14-20 To All Who Believe

“God has done this to demonstrate his righteousness both by the wiping out of the sins of the past (the time when he withheld his hand), and by showing in the pres­ ent time that he is a just God and that he justifies every man who has faith in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26, Phillips). Sunday, October 14 Is God a Seventh-day Adventist?

Finally they approached Adme- INTRODUCTION tus’s wife, the beautiful and Scripture: Rom. 3,4 devoted Alcestis. She decided at once to save him. Because he was “AIDS is God’s special curse such a good man and because the upon the homosexual community. world needed him, she was pre­ Through the AIDS virus God pared to die in his place. wants to demonstrate His condem­ Such heroic self-sacrifice was nation of sodomy, prostitution, the ancients’ most sublime idea of and drug addiction.” love. Imagine their astonishment A host of prominent evangeli­ when Paul wrote, “Perhaps for a cals has trumpeted these senti­ good man one will dare even to ments, and many within the die. But God shows his love for us Christian church feel morally vin­ in that while we were yet sinners dicated as they watch the AIDS Christ died for us. . .. [He died] epidemic ravage its victims. While while we were enemies” (Rom. 5:7- no one blatantly says, “I told you 10, RSV). so!” the implication is clear. God Sinners? Enemies? curses those who disobey the “Oh, no!” protested Abraham’s rules, and rewards the good guys, chosen race. “God is Jewish. He who do it “right.” Therefore, if we belongs to us.” contract AIDS, we really only get “Ah, but He’s a Seventh-day what we deserve, right? Adventist now,” we retort. “We’ve The idea of being loved when been given more light, and now we’re good and punished when He resides with us.” we’re bad is not new. The ancient Really, but aren’t we sinners Greeks told the story of Admetus,* too? a handsome and noble young king “Well, we’re very straight, con­ who possessed excellent qualities servative, health-reforming, tithe- of character. When he fell sick with paying, Sabbath-keeping people. I an incurable disease, the oracle of mean, none of us have AIDS!” Apollo said that it would prove But what if the virus were fatal unless someone would con­ spread by gossip, lies, selfishness, sent to die for him, in which case or pride? Who’d be unaffected he would live forever. then? His friends went everywhere, in­ You see, like Admetus, we’re quiring whether anyone was all riddled with a deadly disease willing to die for Admetus. But called sin, which was incurable while everyone agreed that he was until a ransom was paid. a wonderful young king, neither his parents nor his friends were *One version of this story is told in Euripides’ Alcestis. willing to pay the ransom.

by Bronwyn Koncz Bronwyn Koncz is an Avondale College B.Ed. graduate currently head' ing the AIDS Education Unit in Newcastle, Australia. 23 Monday, October 15 How to Obtain the Righteousness of God and Keep It

nation’s sins, so why, Paul LOGOS demands, should His grace ex­ Rom. 3,4 clude Gentiles? Israel’s own ex­ perience of God’s saving righteous­ The Advantages of Being ness toward her sins ought to Jewish (read Rom. 3:1-8) have prepared her for the redemp­ “Then what advantage has the tive event of Christ’s death that Jew? Or what is the value o f cir­ reached even to Gentile sinners. cumcision?” (verse 1, RSV). Of course, the fact that univer­ Patriotic hymns and expres­ sal human sinfulness serves to sions often express a parochial show the extent of God’s indis­ pride. Consider, for example, criminate grace does not excuse “Rule Britannia,” “Vive la human sin (see 3:5), nor does it France,” “Advance Australia deny God’s ultimate judgment of Fair,” “America the Beautiful,” those who despise His grace (see “Deutschland, Deutschland liber verse 6). Human unbelief can alles,” and “0 Canada.” Popular neither create nor destroy God’s anthems often invoke a special forgiveness (see verses 3, 4), but blessing from God: “God Bless it can prevent it achieving its pur­ America” or “God Defend New pose to restore our relationship Zealand.” The Epistle to the Ro­ with God and with one another. mans in general and chapters 3 Vincent Donovan’s response to and 4 in particular dismiss the a Masai warrior who asked him validity of the ubiquitous national whether his American tribe had pride that centers its confidence found the God of Abraham is a in the superiority of a particular sobering comment on the theme culture. of these chapters: The frequent repetition in Ro­ “I sat there for a long time in mans 3 and 4 of words that con­ silence looking at the Masai trast national identities indicates people. They called their god the theme of these chapters: na­ Engai. Well, that is no more tions (four times), Jew[s] (three strange-sounding than our gods. times), Greeks (one time), circum­ The god invoked by the pope to cision (eight times), and uncircum­ bless the troops of Mussolini cision (seven times). In chapters 3 about to embark on the plunder of and 4 Paul counters Jewish un­ Ethiopia, and the god invoked by belief by arguing that it was an American cardinal to bless the God’s purpose to include the Gen­ soldiers of Christ in Vietnam, and tiles in the covenant. God had the god of French glory, and the kept faith with Israel despite the German god of Hitler were no

by Norman H. Young Norman H. Young Is a senior lecturer In New Testament at Avondale Col­ lege, Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia. 24 more the High God of Scripture tial of the history and present than is Diana of the Ephesians or depth of human sin (see verse 25). Engai of the Masai of East Africa.” Must one possess the appro­ priate social identity markers (edu­ God’s Way With Sinners (read cated, middle-class Western male) Rom. 3:9-26, RSV) or the opposite in order to belong “For no human being will be to the Christian community ? Why justified in his sight by works of or why not? (Read 1 Cor. 1:26-29; the law since through the law cf. Rom. 4:17.) comes the knowledge of sin" (verse 20, RSV). Why God’s Righteousness Ex­ Historically the Jews (as God’s cludes Our Boasting (read chosen people) had certain privi­ Rom. 3:27; 4:12) leges vis-à-vis the Gentiles. But “Where is boasting then? It is no one gains a right relationship excluded. By what law? Of works? with God simply by having the ex­ No, but by the law o f faith” (3:27, ternal identity of a Jew (see 2:28, NKJV). 29), that is, by “works of the law,” Judaism interpreted the law of for such marks are only the sign Moses as marking Israel out as of a relationship, not the sub­ the exclusive recipients of God’s stance of it (see 4:11). One must blessing. But rightly understood, emphasize that “works of the law” the law revealed a God who con­ are not the same as doing the law fronted human sin with a non- or fulfilling the law (see 2:27); parochial forgiveness: “ Blessed “works of the law” are not the are those whose iniquities are for­ same as “the work of the law writ­ given.’ . . . Is this blessing ten in their hearts” (verse 15) or pronounced only upon the circum­ “the circumcision of the heart, by cised, or also upon the uncircum­ the Spirit” (verse 29, NIV). cised?” (4:7-9, RSV). Since “Works of the law” are rather Abraham was blessed while uncir­ something more superficial, at the cumcised, Paul argues that the level of “the letter” (verses 27 and blessing of divine forgiveness ex­ 29), an outward mark indicative tends to uncircumcised Gentiles. of ethnic solidarity (see verse 28), Thus, the law stops every mouth something more limited than the from vain boasting (see 3:19) and “patient continuance in doing points (see verse 21) to a God who good” (verse 7, NKJV). is “no respecter of persons”—“Is The pandemic proportions of God the God of Jews only? Is he human sin (see 3:19, 20, RSV) not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, met in the death of Jesus a revela­ of Gentiles also” (verse 29, RSV). tion of God’s saving righteousness (see verses 21-26) that obliterated A New Family Name for Every any ethnic validity for belonging Refugee (read Rom. 4:13-21) to the community of God. No na­ “Therefore, the promise comes tion can claim superior morality by faith, so that it may be by before God, nor can any in­ grace and may be guaranteed to dividual, “for there is no distinc­ all Abraham’s offspring—not only tion” (verse 22, RSV). “All have to those who are of the law but sinned and fall short of the glory also to those who are of the faith of God” (verse 23, NIV). A proper o f Abraham. He is the father o f us relationship with God is a divine all” (verse 16, NIV). gift, and faith accepts that God War creates masses of dis­ has acted in the death of Christ placed persons and refugees, their to neutralize the alienating poten­ heritage and identity lost. But all 25 humans are wandering persons tion of Christ (see verses 24, 25). without an identity. Faith pro­ What dangers confront a com­ vides all of us with the opportu­ munity that sees itself as a nity to regain our true identity. unique last-day prophetic move­ God promised that Abraham ment? would be the father of many na­ How does the righteousness o f tions (see verses 17, 18); through God, manifested in the atoning the gospel of Christ that promise death o f Christ (see Rom. 3:25), de­ has been fulfilled, and Abraham stroy our perverted pride and has become the father of all who ethnocentricity ? believe, Gentile as well as Jew (see verses 11, 12, 16). Thus, 1. Vincent J. Donovan, Christianity Rediscovered (Lon­ despite human trespasses God don: SCM Press, 1982), p. 46. 2. David A. Hubbard and Glenn W. Barker, eds., Word has given us all a new heritage BblicaJ Commentary (Dallas: Word Books, 1988), vol. through the death and resurrec­ 38, Romans 1-8, by James D. G. Dunn, pp. 158, 159.

26 Tuesday, October 16 Justification . . . and Then?

law. But he failed to do this, and TESTIMONY because of his sin our natures are Key Text: Rom. 3:20-23,31 fallen and we cannot make our­ selves righteous. Since we are sin­ “What is justification by faith?” ful, unholy, we cannot perfectly asked Ellen White. “The work of obey the holy law. We have no God in laying the glory of man in righteousness of our own with the dust, and doing for man that which to meet the claims of the which it is not in his power to do law of God.”4 for himself. When men see their What of life after justification? own nothingness, they are pre­ “The righteousness which Christ pared to be clothed with the right­ taught is conformity of heart and eousness of Christ.” life to the revealed will of God. In Romans 3:10-18 Paul effec­ Jesus taught by example. In the tively laid the glory of human Garden of Gethsemane He achievement in the dust. He knew prayed, “Not as I will, but as you that only a mind and heart con­ will” (Matt. 26:39, NIV). Is it victed of unrighteousness could possible that Jesus wants us begin to treasure the precious gift there with Him at Gethsemane, of Christ’s own righteousness. totally committed to conformity to Perhaps, by His grace and the revealed will of God? Romans through the blessing of a loving 8:17 suggests He does. What im­ home, we have never committed plication does that have for us as murder, adultery, or other anti­ Christians? Is this what Paul social acts. Can we not still feel meant when he urged us to offer our need of a Saviour? Ellen our bodies as “living sacrifices, White assuredly felt that need holy and pleasing to God” (12:1, when she wrote, “All that man NIV)? can do without Christ is polluted “Do we, then, nullify the law with selfishness and sin.” by this faith? Not at all! Rather, “Only as we see our utter help­ we uphold the law” (3:31, NIV). lessness and renounce all self­ REACT trust, shall we lay hold on divine How does our life reveal power. Ellen White understood, whether we, like Abraham, are as did Paul and Abraham, that fully persuaded that God has the prelude to justification is faith. “Abram believed the Lord, power to do what He has prom­ ised (see Rom. 4:21)? and he credited it to him as right­ eousness” (Gen. 15:6, NIV). Again Ellen White reminds us 1. The Faith I Live By, p. 111. that “it was possible for Adam, 2. Selected Messages, book 1, p. 364. 3. Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 316. before the fall, to form a righteous 4. Steps to Christ, p. 62. character by obedience to God’s 5. The Desire of Agee, p. 310.

by Sherida Carrick Sherlda Carrick Is a final-year history and English major at Avondale College, Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia. 27 Wednesday, October 17 Abraham: Father of the Faithful?

Pharaoh’s harem (see verses 10- EVIDENCE 15). It is unlikely that Pharaoh Key Text: Rom. 4:1-3 would have seen Sarai as a one- night stand; as far as Abraham Could Paul have found a better knew, he would never see his wife example than Abraham to il­ again. So God had to intervene in lustrate his point that a person order to rescue Sarai from the “is justified by faith apart from dilemma created by her husband. works of law” (Rom. 3:28, RSV)? Who among us would be willing You don’t have to be too much of to write a character reference for a cynic to question Abraham’s Abraham at this stage of his life? performance on two fronts: fre­ And if we did, what would we say? quently he did not have much By the time we come to Gen­ faith, and he did not always esis 15 we’re not sure what to uphold the moral principles of the make of Abraham, who appears to law. So, why Abraham? be a strange mixture of virtues Paul’s argument rests on the and vices. Nevertheless, despite episode in Abraham’s life re­ the reservations we might have corded in Genesis 15:1-6, which about his morality, we do feel climaxes in the statement that sorry for the fellow. “Abram believed the Lord, and he At the outset God had prom­ credited it to him as righteous­ ised him that he would become ness” (verse 6, NIV). It is not diffi­ the father of a great nation. Here cult to see why Paul’s mind we are four chapters later, and he latched onto this statement when was the father of—nothing. So he wanted a scriptural illustra­ when God announced, “Do not be tion to support has argument con­ afraid, Abram. I am your shield, cerning justification. However, if your very great reward” (verse 1, we take the time to consider how NIV), we can hear Abraham’s ex­ Genesis presents Abraham, we asperation when he replied, “O will better see what Abraham’s Sovereign Lord, what can you “belief” and “righteousness” give me ...?... You have given amounted to. me no children” (verses 2, 3, NIV). In Genesis 12-14 Abraham Abraham was obviously having comes across as a “Jekyll and a hard time believing God’s prom­ Hyde” personality. No sooner had ise. God replied by first repeating he faithfully obeyed the Lord’s the promise that he would have a command to leave his country and son (see verse 4) and then by tel­ relatives (see 12:1-4) than, in an ling him that his descendants effort to save his own skin, he would be as numerous as the passed off his wife Sarai as his sis­ stars (see verse 5). In response, ter, who then disappeared into “Abram believed the Lord, and he

by Laurence Turner Laurence Turner is a lecturer in Old Testament at Avondale College, Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia. 28 credited it to him as righteous­ over all temptation. Two chapters ness” (verse 6, NIV). later in Genesis he again doubted Now, this is most peculiar. the promise of a son (see 17:17), Abraham had doubted God’s origi­ and in chapter 20 he even tried nal promise. So God simply re­ the “she’s not my wife, she’s my peated the promise—and sister” routine once more. Abraham believed. Why did Abraham’s faith was obviously Abraham move from doubt to less than ideal—rather like ours, faith? God had given him no hard in fact. And it was this kind of evidence that the promise would faith, according to Genesis, that be fulfilled. The reason must be God “credited . . . to him as right­ that Abraham had shifted his eousness.” One thing’s for certain: focus from the promise and had if a person could be justified only “come to rely on the promise by observing the law, Abraham speaker. He [had] now permitted would never have made it. God to be not a hypothesis about Could Paul perhaps have found the future, but the voice arouncj a better or more encouraging ex­ which his life [was] organized.” ample than Abraham to illustrate He believed in God at a time his point that a person is ‘justi­ when he had no tangible evidence fied by faith apart from works of for doing so. He didn’t even have law” (Rom. 3:28, RSV)? We don’t the physical symbol of circumci­ think so. sion to act as a prop to his faith (see Rom. 4:10). He put his trust, REACT not in a promise, certainly not in Could Paul have chosen any a law, but in God Himself. other biblical characters to illus­ However, if we expect trate his argument in Romans 4? If Abraham’s life to be radically so, how would they prove his point? changed from this point on, we will be disappointed. Abraham’s * Walter G. Brueggermann, Genesis (Atlanta: John faith did not consistently triumph Knox Press. 1982), p. 144.

29 Thursday, October 18 Healing Faith

Often our expectations of faith HOW-TO betray us so that real faith is im­ Key Texts: Rom. 3:3,4; Mark 5:21- possible. Or maybe the crowd of 34 people and things pressing in on us obscures our view of Christ. She had hoarded the pain close When Jesus asked, “Who to her heart. Her fear of rejection touched me?” He wanted to show was hidden from public scrutiny. that even in a crowd He pays Yet a private paradox warred in­ specific attention to an individual side her—a desire for healing and in need. By reaching out, with an overriding sense of her insig­ even a minute amount of faith, nificance. I f only I could touch we are revealing to God that we Him once .. . are tired of inferior substitutes A wave of self-doubt washed and no longer have the capacity over her. What if I should reach to continue life alone. An act of out and discover only my empty faith is a conscious attempt to hand? The pushing and jostling reach God and let Him restore crowd made her feel a valueless our potential. and deserted object, but she real­ Thank God, the woman did not ized that she was in the vicinity wait for a miraculous sign to in­ of the only remedy available to spire her to move beyond her pain her. Would she be so foolish as to and be secured in God’s love. She let fear isolate her from the ulti­ may have thought it “safe” to re­ mate source of strength? In main part of the crowd, yet she desperate need her hand tenta­ risked her doubt and discovered tively reached toward her last the reality of a changed life. chance of healing. We may never physically touch The sick woman touching the Christ’s garment, but when we hem of Jesus’ garment is more abandon our self-dependency He than a story. It transcends all reaches us with the words: “Your time and becomes a symbol of our faith has made you well. Go in own struggle and search for faith peace” (Mark 5:34, NKJV). and wholeness. Like the woman, we can easily become captives of REACT reticence and inertia. Christ may 1. Is everything possible to one be within our grasp, yet somehow who believes (see Mark 9:23)? the concept of belief is hard to How do I reconcile these words translate into an act of personal with my personal failures? faith. Perhaps feelings of unwor­ 2. Do I sometimes fail to recog­ thiness prevent us from reaching nize my experience of God because out to God, and we become I am waiting for the kind of Chris­ obsessed with possible failure tian experience that others seem to rather than potential success. be having? Why or why not?

by Robyn Priestley and Carolyn Rickett Robyn Priestley Is a lecturer in history, and Carolyn Rickett is an Eng­ lish major in her final year at Avondale College, Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia. 30 Friday, October 19 Adventists Have a Mortgage on Salvation

the point, can I be saved as a OPINION Catholic?” Geoif was still uncon­ Key Text: Rom. 3:27-29 vinced. “Sure! Look at what Paul says “Then what becomes of our in Romans 3:29. God is the God of boasting? It is excluded. On what all. And thanks for promoting us principle? On the principle of to a church!” works? No, but on the principle of Geoff attacked again. “The faith. . . . Is God the God of Jews church bit was an accident. But only? Is he not the God of Gen­ you have really stepped on danger­ tiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also” ous ground by bringing Romans (Rom. 3:27-29, RSV). into the discussion. Your teach­ His approach was not subtle: ings on the Sabbath leave you “You Adventists think you’ve got wide open to the sect accusation. a mortgage on salvation!” In verse 28 [RSV] Paul actually ‘You’re right. We’ve been says, ‘A man is justified by faith greatly blessed.” apart from works of law.’ That “It’s typical of all sects,” Geoff sinks your Sabbath argument! If continued hurtfully. “They all end you Adventists say I have to keep up with the ‘join us or you are the Sabbath to be saved, then you damned’ line. You are no differ­ deserve the label of sect!” ent. Just a sect, trying to boost While this discussion may ap­ your numbers and your offerings.” pear contrived, it poses a number “Now just wait a minute. of important questions. Think You’ve also got a mortgage on sal­ them through for yourself in the vation! Does that make your light of Romans 3. church a sect?” “Huh! How do you mean?” REACT came the puzzled but less cocky 1. Is salvation open to people reply. of all faiths? “When Christ died, He died for 2. Can a person be saved if he all. Any person who claims by does not follow all the teachings faith His death for his own has a of Christ? Why or why not? mortgage or title deed to salva­ 3. What role do distinctive doc­ tion. You believe in Jesus; there­ trines such as the Sabbath play fore, you have the mortgage.” in our salvation? “Hang on. I know that, because 4. What are the advantages of of Jesus, salvation is mine. But being a Seventh-day Adventist? does your church accept that I 5. How does being an Advent­ can be saved without being a ist make salvation more or less Seventh-day Adventist? More to difficult?

by Norman R. Carlson Norman R. Carlson is a senior lecturer in mathematics and computer science at Avondale College, Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia. 31 Lesson 4, October 21 - 27 Assurance of Salvation

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:1, 2, NIV). Sunday, October 21 A Second Chance?

rarely feel sympathetic enough to INTRODUCTION give you another attempt at an im­ Scripture: Rom. 5 portant exam. The consequence of failing to study is a poor grade. Imagine stepping into a time And you may never get another op­ machine. Wind back the clock to portunity to say yes to a great guy the time of Adam. The picture is or gorgeous girl who asks you out. different indeed from the hectic, No, a wrong decision is often im­ cluttered world of the twentieth possible to change. When you go century. Yet the same element of for a crucial shot in a basketball human frustration prevails, and match and the ball fails to drop the reality of destruction and through the basket, the moment is death is present. gone. There can be no replay. Now, put yourself in Adam’s All the dreams and wishes in shoes. Of course, he doesn’t have the world do not allow us to relive any, but just imagine how you the past or to remedy mistakes. would feel, knowing that your dis­ Second chances are simply not al­ obedience has marred the whole lowed. of creation and put the future of This week’s lesson points out the world in jeopardy. Not only one major exception to this rule of that, but the entire universe has life. It’s true! God has given you watched you botch up a perfect and Adam and all the rest of and beautiful creation. What humanity another chance. What a humiliation! And then there’s the relief for Adam to know that God guilt. You are responsible for the has provided the planet with a lives of all future generations, for way out of the sin problem! “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. Whether or not we deserve it is 6:23). certainly questionable. We are all Hang on a minute. God isn’t imperfect—we all fail, break being fair, is He? After all, it God’s law, and find ourselves to seems only a minor mistake, a be inadequate. However, Christ’s small bite of the forbidden fruit, life and death give us a new as­ yet the punishment is death! surance. Since they entitle us to Surely you deserve a second the gift of salvation, offering hope chsncG for the future, we no longer view But is it any different in 1990? life as a struggle culminating in Do you always get a second the inevitable fate of death. chance? Professors and teachers Christ is our second chance!

by Sbarello Coombe Sbarello Coombe is in her final year at Sydney Adventist High School, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia. 33 Monday, October 22 Ruin and Rescue Through the Lives of Two Men

purposeless. He gives us hope in LOGOS suffering. Rejoicing comes easiest Rom. 5 when we are able to look back on the trauma and see Christ giving The Center of the Gospel us perseverance, building our (read Rom. 5:1,2) character, and infusing us with Calvary shows us how far hope. A little lady in my church people will go in sin and at the was in constant pain from crip­ same time how far God will go in pling arthritis. Wearing a full saving them. Jesus is central to body and neck brace, she moved the gospel. Without His death at an agonizing snail’s pace to there is no meaning in life or, for care for the myriad needs of a that matter, no life! We are often totally insensitive husband. I tempted to think that there is found myself often becoming something of worth in our faith. angry with her cruel mate, but I But Paul in Romans 5 tells us was always inspired by her that faith is simply the empty simple comment, “God is so good hand that accepts. to me.” I saw in this simple life a In verses 1 and 2 Paul uses a reproduction of the character of number of key words that go to Jesus. the heart of our understanding of Christianity: justified, faith, Enemies to Friends (read peace, access, standing], rejoice, Rom. 5:6-11) hope, and glory. Jesus Christ fills Paul clearly shows the sacrifice these words with the meaning of Christ to be far beyond the that makes them so important to giving of just another good man. Christians. Justification carries He depicts Him as dying for His with it the legal concept of inno­ enemies because He wanted them cence. We are seen from God’s per­ to be friends. God wasn’t just a spective as if we had never sinned. spectator in this event, He was an integral part of it! God was “in Give your definition of the fol­ Christ... reconciling the world lowing words: justification, faith, to himself” (2 Cor. 5:19, RSV). access, standing, and glory. Christ’s death places all of us in a new relationship with God: we Suffering That Leads to Hope are now friends. (read Rom. 5:3-5) “Through Jesus our status with Jesus gives meaning to the God was changed. Sinners though “here and now,” not just the we were, we were put into a right “there and then.” Through His relationship with God. But that is Spirit He helps us make sense out not enough. Not only our status of much that would otherwise be must be changed but our state.

by Barry Gane Barry Gane Is youth director for the South Pacific Division.

34 The saved sinner cannot go on word gift five times to make sure being a sinner; he must become the reader gets the point. In a good. Christ’s death changed our real way Jesus canceled Adam’s status; his risen life changes our curse, and God’s gift of life be­ state. He is not dead but alive; he came available to all human is with us always to help us and beings. We can accept that gift guide us, to fill us with his and have eternal life, or we can strength so as to overcome tempta­ choose to defend our sin-filled tion, to clothe our liveg with some­ lives and reap the reward—the thing of his radiance.” second, or eternal, death.

Death Through Someone The Heart of the Matter (read Else’s Blunder (read Rom. 5:12- Rom. 5:18,19) 14) As Paul looks to the cross he From a sinner’s perspective it’s sees it as the central statement of easy to view God as the enemy. God to humanity. “The result of We have this view of God because one act of righteousness was justifi­ of the conscious action of our fore­ cation that brings life for all men” father and representative, Adam. (verse 18, NIV). The consequences He chose to walk out of step with of Adam’s disobedience are docu­ God; he chose another path, mented adequately in any ceme­ which led to sin and death. And tery. And we should be the living ever since, we have laid the documentary of the change that blame for our agony at God’s feet. Jesus’ obedience has wrought. Paul contrasts the fall of Adam and the justifying work of Christ. More Than Enough (read Adam gave us a heritage of death. Rom. 5:20,21) Christ, the second Adam, gives No matter how hideous or foul life (cf. 1 Cor. 15:22, 45). the sin, God extends His grace to Sin and death have a common cover it. Our connection with genesis. They grew and flourished Adam is through our genes. We side by side, affecting and afflict­ have no choice in the matter. But ing all humanity. our connection with Christ is vol­ untary. He forces no one; He only When Paul talks o f Christ as pleads that we accept His gift. the second Adam, does he give us any insight into the human nature You may he plagued with all o f Christ? Is it important for us to sorts of questions about the “fair­ grapple with this issue? Why? ness” of being related to Adam, but what comment is God making The Gift (read Rom. 5:15-17) through Jesus? Christ’s death is the opening of the door to life for all people. Paul ‘ William Barclay, The Letter to the Romans (Philadel­ calls this life a gift. He uses the phia: Westminster Press, 1975), pp. 76, 77.

35 Tuesday, October 23 The Two Adams

from their graves. "There shall be TESTIMONY a resurrection of the dead, both of Key Text: 1 Cor. 15:22 the just and unjust’; “for as in Adam all die, even so in Christ “Not because we first loved shall all be made alive.’ Acts Him did Christ love us; but ‘while 24:15; 1 Corinthians 15:22. But a we were yet sinners,’ He died for distinction is made between the us. He does not treat us according two classes that are brought to our desert. Although our sins forth. ‘All that are in the graves have merited condemnation, He shall hear his voice, and shall does not condemn us. Year after come forth; they that have done year He has borne with our weak­ good, unto the resurrection of life; ness and ignorance, with our in­ and they that have done evil, gratitude and waywardness. unto the resurrection of damna­ Notwithstanding our wanderings, tion.’ John 5:28, 29. They who our hardness of heart, our neglect have been ‘accounted worthy’ of of His Holy Word, His hand is the resurrection of life are stretched out still. ‘blessed and holy.’ ‘On such the “Grace is an attribute of God second death hath no power.’ Rev­ exercised toward undeserving elation 20:6. But those who have human beings. We did not seek not, through repentance and for it, but it was sent in search of faith, secured pardon must re­ us. God rejoices to bestow His ceive the penalty of transgres­ grace upon us, not because we are sion—‘the wages of sin.’ worthy, but because we are so ut­ “As related to the first Adam, terly unworthy. Our only claim to men receive from him nothing but His mercy is our great need.”1 guilt and the sentence of death. “ ‘The wages of sin is death; But Christ steps in and passes but the gift of God is eternal life over the ground where Adam fell, through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ enduring every test in man’s be­ Romans 6:23.. . . Deuteronomy half. He redeems Adam’s disgrace­ 30:15. The death referred to in ful failure and fall by coming these scriptures is not that pro­ forth from the trial untarnished. nounced upon Adam, for all This places man on vantage mankind suffer the penalty of his ground with God. It places him transgression. It is the ‘second where, through accepting Christ death’ that is placed in contrast as his Saviour, he becomes a par­ with everlasting life. taker of the divine nature. Thus “In consequence of Adam’s sin, he becomes connected with God death passed upon the whole and Christ.” human race. All alike go down into the grave. And through the 1. The Ministry of Healing, p. 161. 2. The Great Controversy, p. 544. provisions of the plan of salva­ 3. The SDA Bible Commentary, Ellen G. White Com­ tion, all are to be brought forth ments, voL 6, p. 1074.

by Barry Gane Barry Gane is youth director for the South Pacific Division. 36 Wednesday, October 24 What Functions Does Law Have in Our Society?

provided a focus for sin. Although EVIDENCE sin existed before God gave the Key Text: Rom. 5:20 law on Sinai, an offense was not a specific trespass of a code. But “The law was added so that after God gave the law in a for­ the trespass might increase” mal statement, each sin became a (Rom. 5:20, NIV). specific and individual trespass Paul’s words in the above text (see verse 13). People seem natu­ contradict our notion of the func­ rally to become curious about pro­ tion of law. The Australian Consti­ hibitions and to rebel against tution Act 1903 (Oth) says, “The them. Thus, God’s codified law ex­ Parliament shall . .. have the cites opposition in the rebellious power to make laws for the peace, human heart, thereby increasing order and good government of the the trespass, or multiplying trans­ Commonwealth” (s. 51). “Peace, gression. However, this explana­ order and good government” are tion alone is inadequate. fundamentally opposite to tres­ Another explanation* is that pass (meaning sins or offenses). If by noting the relationship of the our laws increased trespass, then law to sin, or trespass, Paul was people would not only challenge able to demonstrate its position them in the courts but also ex­ relative to grace. In fact, the sec­ press their dissatisfaction at the ond half of Romans 5:20 superim­ polls. poses grace on law and sin. The Christians in Rome would “Where sin increased, grace in­ have been equally surprised by creased all the more” (verse 20, Paul’s words to them. Roman law NIV). Law, introduced to was a sophisticated system cer­ highlight the need for grace, in­ tainly designed to regulate society creases our awareness of sin. and reduce trespass. In fact, it Only grace can defeat sin once was the foundation of much of the and for all. And that would have law in Europe today. Similarly, riled the Pharisees. Paul’s notion would have annoyed the Pharisees, who devoted their whole life to perfecting them­ REACT selves by observance of the law. If grace is of paramount impor­ How could the law, their key to tance, then what is the function salvation, serve to increase tres­ of the law? pass? It was unthinkable! But this is what Paul said. So ‘ David A. Hubbard and Glenn W. Barker, eds., Word how can we explain this anomaly? Bblical Commentary (Dallas: Word Books, 1988), vol. One explanation is that the law 38, Romans 1-6, by James D. G. Dunn, pp. 285-287.

by Andrew Cox Andrew Cox is a second-year law student at the University of Sydney, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia. 37 Thursday, October 25 Fear Versus Assurance

on the assurance of God’s un­ HOW-TO changing love for us. Key Text: Rom. 5:3 Immunity From Suffering It has been said that we can­ We have a limited capacity to not love someone without the fear handle suffering. In the devasta­ of losing him. Our fear may tion following loss, death, or disil­ prompt the attitude that we had lusionment comes a great tempta­ better not love someone deeply or tion to question God. We may place much value on him lest he focus more on asking God why reject our love and we lose him. bad things happen than on seek­ This fear may be unconscious, ing His help in coping with the originating in basic insecurity or present and future. mistrust; or it may stem from a We cannot expect immunity consciously perceived threat in from suffering just because we our environment. may be “good people” or “faithful We may be afraid that to love Christians.” We are even warned someone is an open invitation for that loyalty to God may make us hurt and suffering. Perhaps con­ prime targets of Satan’s schemes. tributing to this impression are Satan knows that when we suffer the numerous stories we hear of we are weak, hurt, and doubtful— personal tragedies that occur for and therefore vulnerable to the no discernible reason. temptation to become bitter and One of the hardest things to mistrustful of God. understand about suffering is not its occurrence (for we have Bitterness or Rejoicing grown to expect it as a result of Perhaps our most natural reac­ sin) but its apparently unfair dis­ tions to hurting and suffering are tribution. initial anger and bitterness. When severe hardships fall on Whether or not we let that bitter­ people who have devoted their en­ ness fuel lasting resentment tire lives to God, when someone’s toward God and cause us to ques­ trusted partner deserts him after tion His love and doubt His exist­ many years, or when good people ence is our decision. die young, our minds cannot con­ Romans 5:3-5 puts forward an ceive of any resultant good. alternative. Here Paul suggests In Romans 5 Paul dares to sug­ that the ultimate outcome of gest that it is possible to rejoice suffering need not be lasting pain in our sufferings. In verses 1-5 he or grief. If we persevere through states that through them we may trials, we can emerge with a increase our endurance, perfect stronger character and a new our character, and strengthen our sense of worth, based on renewed faith and Christian hope, based assurances of God’s love.

by Denise Murray Denise Murray Is a newly graduated registered nurse working at Sydney Adventist Hospital, Wahroonga, N.S.W., Australia.

38 Friday, October 26 The Pleasure of Pain

rat classically conditioned by elec­ OPINION tric shock. As long as the shocks Key Text: Rom. 5:3,4 correlate with some meaning (such as a shock-free plate to leap The fifth chapter of Romans is upon), the rat is content. the grand conclusion of Paul’s However, if the rat receives ran­ “good news in a nutshell.” The dom shocks, it suffers a nervous good news is that we are freed breakdown. from the guilt and condemnation C. S. Lewis* sees suffering as of sin and don’t have to rely on useful in the Christian journey. our own merit to be saved. This We try as hard as we can to be great release causes Paul to ex­ good people. We may be able to press his elevated sentiments succeed when things go smoothly, with enthusiasm. Thus he ex­ but when unexpected crises come claims, “Just as the result of one we realize our failure and eventu­ trespass was condemnation for all ally we despair. Indeed, not until men, so also the result of one act we have utterly abandoned the of righteousness was justification hope of being good people do we that brings life to all men” (verse turn to Christ and rely on Him. 18, NIV). Thus we can rejoice in suffering Paul’s exuberance is almost because it forces us through contagious. But then, among the despair in our own efforts to come rapturous sentiments, he adds, to rely entirely on Christ. “We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we REACT also rejoice in our sufferings” Is it fair that we all be counted (verses 2, 3, NIV). sinners because of Adam’s sin? Personally, I find myself re­ Wouldn’t judgment on an in­ pelled by the idea of rejoicing in dividual basis be more fair? Why suffering. Suffering is one of those or why not? things I never feel enthusiastic

about. In my experience, suffering *C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (London: Fontana, leads only to despair. Consider a 1962).

by Richard Ferch Richard Ferch is studying medicine at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia.

39 Lesson 5, October 28—November 3 Living Free From Sin

“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace” (Rom. 6:12-14, NIV). Sunday, October 28 “Here Comes ‘Da Kine’!”

6. Some have accused Paul of writ­ INTRODUCTION ing ambiguously on occasion. Scripture: Rom. 6 They say, “Even Peter recognized the problem [see 2 Peter 3:16], so I lived in Honolulu, Hawaii, how can I understand Romans 6?” for the past four years. If I Actually it can be done. The key learned anything “useful” while lies in looking at Romans 6 as a there, besides how to be an effec­ lawyer would. tive beach bum, it was how to “What!” you say. “Desecrate listen to variations on the Eng­ the Holy Word with human lish language. They called it terms?” Note verse 19. This chap­ pidgin English. ter is written in human terms in My friends at Waikiki Beach order to make important spiritual were forever talking about the lessons strike home! “whachacall.” I thought it was a So, what is the point of Ro­ type of bird indigenous to Hawaii. mans 6? Simply that in the eyes It turns out it was the word they of the law we all are worthy of used when all others failed them. condemnation by the Judge. But You know, the “wha-cha-ma-call- in the eyes of grace we are free to it.” choose a different kind of slavery. But the best phrase in Hawaii, Instead of trembling before the and the most used, is “da kine.” It Judge without any defense, we is a catchall term for referring face the Judge with the Judge as specifically to anything in our defense lawyer! Instead of an general. When you say you want indefinite fear for our future, we to go visit Bellows Beach, you have a definite hope in a Saviour! say, “Eh, Brah, you like go da Instead of “Here comes ‘da kine?” It says it all! kine,’ ” we hear the words “Here Which reminds me of Romans comes my Judge—my Saviour.”

by Charles Liu Charles Liu is a chaplain at Loma Linda University, as well as associate pastor for campus ministry at Campus Hill SDA Church, Loma Linda, California. 41 Monday, October 29 How to Be Free From Sin

dominion of sin? LOGOS Romans 6 lays out a path of Rom. 6 progress for the Christian in his or her dealings with sin. Three The sixth chapter of Romans key words mark this path: know grows logically out of something in verse 6; reckon, count (NIV), or Paul says at the end of chapter 5: consider (RSV) in verse 11; and “Where sin increased, grace in­ offer (NIV) or present (NASB) in creased all the more” (verse 20, verse 13. These are the three NIV). Paul knew that people read­ steps to freedom from the domin­ ing these words were likely to ion of sin. say, “If grace increases to cover in­ creasing sin, then why not con­ Know (read Rom. 6:6) tinue in sin and just rely on God’s First, we must know some­ grace to take care of it? Why thing. We must know that when should we even worry about sin­ Christ died on the cross He didn’t ning?” So, at the beginning of die alone; potentially we died chapter 6 Paul asks the question with Him. How did this work? for them. And he answers it: “By First, God put us in Christ (see no means!” But why not? And 1 Cor. 1:30). Then Romans 6 says how can the Christian escape that God dealt with us in Christ. from the dominion of sin, the re­ He crucified us in Christ; He sult of Adam’s sin, under which buried us in Christ; He resur­ he was bom? rected us in Christ. Now we are Paul’s answer is startling: the seated in heavenly places in Christian isn’t the key factor in Christ (see Eph. 2:6). Our free­ dealing with sin at all, because dom from the power of sin begins he’s dead to sin. “We died to sin; when we know these things. how can we live in it any longer?” Paul says, “We died to sin” (verse 2, NIV). Paul says that with Christ. Some think that we when Christ died on the cross, he die to sin when we are baptized. too died. “We died with Christ” Not true. Instead, when we know (verse 8, NIV). that we died in Christ at the But how does that affect me? cross, we are converted and pub­ How does that affect the way I licly witness to that by baptism. live? How do I experience the set­ After all, what else can we do ting free from sin? Paul promises, with a corpse but bury it? When “Sin shall not be your master” we know that we are dead, we (verse 14, NIV), but how does submit to burial (baptism). that promise become reality? When I struggle with sin day Reckon (read Rom. 6:11) after day and so often lose the This is the same word used of struggle, how can I believe that God’s reckoning Abraham’s faith Paul meant real freedom from the to him as righteousness (see 4:9)

by David VanDenburgh David VanDenburgh is senior pastor at Campus Hiil SDA Church, Loma Linda, California. 42 and of Jesus being reckoned a that we have died to sin with transgressor (see Luke 22:37). It Christ on the cross (see verse 6); means that we behave as though (2) we reckon ourselves dead to something is true. This is what sin and alive to God in Christ God does when He treats us as Jesus (see verse 11); and (3) we though we are righteous when we present ourselves to God for serv­ trust in Jesus. It’s also what God ice. did when He treated Jesus the When Satan tempts us to sin, way we deserve to be treated, so we say, “Sorry, but I died to that; I that we might be treated the way can’t do that.” Every morning He deserves to be treated. We are when we get up we say, “I’m dead to reckon or consider something to the sinful lifestyle and alive to a as true. This requires faith that new lifestyle with Jesus at the cen­ something is true because God ter.” Of course, the devil comes to says it is true, even though we tell us that we aren’t dead, but may not see it. This is the second rather very much alive, to sin. step in the path of progress. That’s when we must reckon our­ selves dead to sin and alive to God Present (read Rom. 6:13) and prove it by presenting our­ Realizing that we died to sin selves to God for service. when Christ died, and reckoning Notice that though Paul prom­ that as true for ourselves in spite ises that sin will not “reign over of Satan’s assertions to the con­ us” as we follow this three-step trary, we now deliberately give path, sin does remain, and we our bodies to God for His use. It’s must be on guard against it all our like the soldier presenting himself life. The dominion of sin over us is to his commander for duty. We broken and remains broken as long present ourselves to God to obey as we know, reckon, and present His commands. Before we under­ ourselves to God for His use. While stood these things, we presented we do this, we are free, not to sin, ourselves to sin to do its bidding, but to offer ourselves to God as obe­ but now we deny sin the use of dient slaves. “For sin shall not be our bodies and give it to God. your master, because you are not Each day, each time we think of under law, but under grace. What it, we consciously present God then? Shall we sin because we are with the use of our bodies (minds, not under law but under grace? By abilities, time, and physical mem­ no means!.. . You have been set bers) to do His will. This is the free from sin and have become third step in the path of progress. slaves to righteousness” (verses 14- To recapitulate: (1) we know 18, NIV).

43 Tuesday, October 30 Christian Potential

the Holy Spirit have pledged TESTIMONY ourselves to serve God, the Key Text: 2 Peter 1:5-7 Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit—the three dignitaries and At our baptism we may unite powers of heaven—pledge them­ with the three greatest Powers in selves that every facility shall be the universe. Only through our con­ given to us if we carry out our nection with Them are we able to baptismal vows to ‘come out live a life of the highest Christian from among them, and be . . . potential, a goal we cannot aspire separate, . . . and touch not the to in our own strength. unclean thing.’ When we are “In baptism we are given to true to our vows, He says, ‘I will the Lord as a vessel to be used. receive you.’ ’ Baptism is a most solemn renun­ “The new birth is a rare ex­ ciation of the world. Self is by pro­ perience in this age of the world. fession dead to a life of sin. The This is the reason why there are waters cover the candidate, and so many perplexities in the in the presence of the whole churches. Many, so many, who as­ heavenly universe the mutual sume the name of Christ are un­ pledge is made. In the name of sanctified and unholy. They have the Father, the Son, and the Holy been baptized, but they were Spirit, man is laid in his watery buried alive. Self did not die, and grave, buried with Christ in bap­ therefore they did not rise to new­ tism, and raised from the water ness of life in Christ. to live the new life of loyalty to “At our baptism we pledged God. The three great powers in ourselves to break all connection heaven are witnesses; they are in­ with Satan and his agencies, and visible but present.” to put heart and mind and soul “Every opportunity, every into the work of extending the advantage, every privilege, has kingdom of God. All heaven is been given to us to gain a rich working for this object. The Christian experience; but we do Father, the Son, and the Holy not learn everything all at once. Spirit are pledged to cooperate There must be a growth. Many, with sanctified human instrumen­ having learned a little in school, talities. If we are true to our vow, think they are ready to gradu­ there is opened to us a door of ate. They think they know about communication with heaven—a all that is worth knowing. We door that no human hand or are not to think that as soon as satanic agency can close. we are baptized we are ready to graduate from the school of 1. The SDA Bible Commentary, Ellen G. While Com­ Christ. When we have accepted ments, vol. 6, p. 1074. 2. Ibid.. p. 1075. Christ, and in the name of the 3. Ibid. Father, and of the Son, and of 4. Ibid.

by George Veal, Jr. George Veal, Jr., is a health educator and counselor of juvenile delin­ quents In Loma Linda, California. 44 Wednesday, October 31 A New Immune System

and lack power to resist tempta­ EVIDENCE tion. The result is that we find Key Text: Rom. 6:8-11 ourselves overcome with the dis­ ease of sin. ‘1 will praise You, for I am fear­ What we need is a cure for this fully and wonderfully made; mar­ spiritual deficiency. We need a velous are Your works” (Ps. new spiritual immune system. 139:14, NKJV). It is difficult for The good news is that God offers one who has spent time studying us the cure as a gift! Just as a the intricacies of the human body physical immune system is given to disagree with the fact that we to us at birth, a spiritual immune are truly “fearfully and wonder­ system is given to us when we are fully made.” It is amazing how bom again. God has integrated so many func­ In his second epistle, Peter tells tions and complex systems into us that God’s “divine power has such a small form. given to us all things that pertain In our organized attempts to to life and godliness” and that He understand the human body, we has “given to us exceedingly great have divided it into various sys­ and precious promises, that tems. While some of these sys­ through these you may be par­ tems—for example, the circula­ takers of the divine nature, having tory, skeletal, and digestive escaped the corruption that is in systems—are well known to most the world through lust” (1:3,4, of us, others such as the immune NKJV). God wants to give us every­ system, are not so familiar. This thing we need. He wants us to be system is responsible for protect­ partakers of the divine nature. ing us against disease. Without it, In this week’s lesson, Romans as is true of any other physiologi­ 6 tells us that those who are cal system, life would be im­ buried with Christ through possible. liie devastating impact baptism into death will walk in of the AIDS virus (HIV) on the im­ newness of life. “For he who has mune system is a well-known ex­ died has been freed from sin. .. . ample of this. Likewise you also, reckon your­ But an immune deficiency is selves to be dead indeed to sin, not limited to the people we hear but alive to God in Christ Jesus about in the medical news. In a our Lord. . . . For sin shall not sense, we all have damaged im­ have dominion over you” (verses 7- mune systems. Not physically 14, NKJV). The answer to the sin speaking, but spiritually. Lake the problem—our spiritual immune patient with a damaged physical deficiency—is death with Christ immune system and no resistance and living again in Him. against disease, we have a dam­ Paul goes on in verse 18 to de­ aged spiritual immune system scribe what it’s like to live free

by Andrew Kuninobu Andrew Kuninobu is a student in both the School of Medicine and the School of Public Health at Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, Cali­ fornia. 45 from sin. “And having been set free When we are dead to self and from sin, you became slaves of alive to Christ—yoked with Him— righteousness” (NKJV). What an He gives us the power we need. interesting and beautiful truth! A Nothing we face will be too diffi­ slave of righteousness! This means cult, for God will always provide that just as it is easy to sin when the strength to overcome tempta­ we’re slaves of sin, it must be easy tion (see 1 Cor. 10:13). We must not to sin when we’re slaves of believe the words “I can do all righteousness. And it is! Christ things through Christ who says, “Take My yoke upon you and strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13, learn from Me, for I am gentle and NKJV). lowly in heart, and you will find Thank God that He has pro­ rest for your souls. For My yoke is vided everything we need to be easy and My burden is light” healed of our spiritual immune (Matt. 11:29, 30, NKJV). deficiency!

46 Thursday, November 1 Grace: Putting It to Work

do it more than just in the morn­ HOW-TO ing if we have to. For those times Key Text: Phil. 1:6 when we may not feel like giving Him emotional rulership we have According to Paul’s letter to to say, “Lord, I don’t feel like the Romans, we are not under giving it all up to You today. law but under grace. Just what is You’re going to have to make me grace? The dictionary defines it as willing, so go ahead and do Your follows: (1) help given man by work.” God (as in overcoming tempta­ tion); (2) freedom from sin 2. Say no to sin. Four little through divine grace; and (3) a words, and they’re so hard to put virtue coming from God. into practice! Hard, that is, until Although Webster gives we go through step 1. If we find several definitions, grace can ourselves wanting to d o______still seem like a foggy, ethereal (supply the name of a pet sin), we concept swirling around some­ should go back to step 1. Some­ where out there. Those of us how when we discuss the problem bom with highly application- with God, telling Him all about focused minds tend to search for this desire contrary to His wishes ways to make such a concept for us, it becomes a lot easier to more concrete. say no and happily go on to other Reading into the dictionary things. definition, I deduced that grace is part of a relationship between 3. Confess our sins and accept God and us. Because of His love His forgiveness when we fail. We for us, we choose to live as He has need not mentally flagellate our­ suggested. Not only does He for­ selves for our failure to live God’s give us for the times we pull way. He loves us; He took infinite away from His love and strike out care and pleasure in forming us, on our own, but also He gives us knowing us, and even numbering the grace to return and overcome the hairs of our head. Won’t He our independent, headstrong, and also take infinite pleasure in wel­ rebellious ways. coming us back with open arms? So, just how do we get a good grip on that grace and make it 4. Start again, and never give work in our relationship with up. The devil pounces on us with God? Romans 6:12-14 sets out discouragement, with mental pic­ clearly what we should do: tures of repeated failure. We may see others around us, some who 1. Give God the rulership of call themselves Christian, who our life. We should submit our­ have given up on the good fight. selves entirely to Him daily and Those close to us may not under­

by Ginger Ketting Ginger Ketting teaches multigrade 3-5 at Redlands Junior Academy, Redlands, California.

47 stand our longing to live a life and anger got the best of him at bound up with God. But our God times. Enoch walked with God loves, and gives more chances amid the growing wickedness than there are grains of sand on around him. Certainly we can the beach. fight the “good fight of faith” too, David longed for God as a deer for He who began a good work in longs for water. Moses struggled us has promised to complete it through a life in which grumbling (see Phil. 1:6).

48 Friday, November 2, 1990 “Terms of Humanity”

How do we do it? And how can OPINION God understand our situation, Key Text: Rom. 6 much less tell us how to improve it from way up there? He doesn’t! If you’ve ever wondered about He tells us from here. The good the divinity gap, you’re not alone. news is that Jesus came and lived People for ages have wondered here to understand us from our about the same thing. This issue perspective. The better news is seems to bring eternal frustra­ that He died for us to give us His tion. Maybe it just has something perspective. And the best news is to do with eternal things. that His Holy Spirit is communi­ Suppose that someone comes cating horizontally, not vertically, along and tells us to get our act with us right now. together. We figure that he is Romans 6 tells us that the en­ probably right, that we need to be­ tire message of overcoming sin in come good. So we take a look in our lives is a spiritual message the Bible and read about being (i.e., a heavenly one). But for perfect like God. Why not? We’ll those of us not yet in heaven, we give it a go. need it couched in earthly terms. How long does it take us to I fear that many of us have de­ figure out the relative impossi­ cided the gap between heaven bility (make that sheer impossi­ and earth is too great for us even bility) of such a task? But still we to attempt to bridge. Again, Ro­ figure God’s Word must instruct mans 6 must serve as our bridge. us how to do this right. So it is We must hear God say to us, that many of us discover Romans “You used to draw your pay from 6. And this mirror image of our­ the devil; now you must change selves has given many of us a real jobs and begin to see My cashier” feel for the divinity gap. We find (or some such equivalent to that a perfect God telling us im­ slavery in twentieth-century perfect mortals how to be perfect terms). feels (in lay terms) a lot like an “Before I go Til send you the astrophysicist telling us how easy Comforter.” His part is to give us it is to figure the exact chemical all we need before we ask. Our composition of Neptune’s newly part is to ask. He’s done His part. discovered moon. Have we done ours?

by Charles Liu Charles Liu Is a chaplain at Loma Linda University, as well as associate pastor for campus ministry at Campus Hill SDA Church, Loma Linda, California. 49 Lesson 6, November 4-10 Works and Grace

“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I of myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin” (Rom. 7:24, 25, RSV). Sunday, November 4 Reynaldo and Runette

hanging out just down the block!” INTRODUCTION “Of course I see that, Runette,” Scripture: Rom. 7 said Reynaldo, “but I also see the look in those kids’ eyes. You Mr. Reynaldo S. Hesperia sat know, that look of deep sorrow quietly in his living room, ponder­ that our pastor spoke of last Sab­ ing the fate of the world. Across bath. That’s no hardened look of the room sat Runette, his wife. To­ evil in those kids; it’s a lost look!” gether they pondered the fate of Runette stood up and paced the the world. floor as she usually did when she “I say, Runette, what’s the became passionate about some­ latest in evening news?” won­ thing. “Then do I hear you saying, dered Reynaldo. “I heard on news- my dear, that hope springs eternal talk radio that the president is for Los Angeles gang kids?” considering new trade sanctions “Of course,” replied Reynaldo. on South Africa.” “But it springs from a specific “I don’t know about South source. Reality tells us that most Africa, but I do hear about gang kids do not change or be­ trouble in the west end of our come happy, responsible citizens town,” Runette replied. “In fact, I naturally. But reality also tells us understand that some of the local they can. And they sometimes do, gangs have even been sighted just just as we can!” a couple of blocks away from our “And how do they—and we— street. Doesn’t that just give you experience this change? What is the creeps? Right here in our this specific source of a better neighborhood! We’re not even safe life?” asked Runette, stopped in in our own home.” midpace for the moment. “Now, now, Runette,” said Rey­ “Why, I’m surprised at you, naldo, “we can’t assume that we Runette!” said Reynaldo. “You’re are in danger just because you the one who gave me the answer! hear a rumor of trouble. And be­ Don’t you know? It was you, after sides, how do we really know these all, who first pointed me to Ro­ kids are all that bad? You know mans 7.” how the media hypes everything.” “Ah, yes!” mused Runette. “That’s all very fine theoretical “Now that you mention it, I do re­ talk when you drive out to an in­ call some meaningful advice on sulated business park every day change in that chapter.” to work while I live my days Mr. Reynaldo S. Hesperia sat within spitting distance of mug­ quietly in his living room, ponder­ gings, rapes, and killings. In fact, ing the fate of the world. Across I wonder that when you come the room sat Runette, his wife. To­ home each night from work you gether they pondered the fate of don’t see the graffiti, and the kids their world.

by Charles Liu Charles Liu is a chaplain at Loma Linda University, as well as associate pastor for campus ministry at Campus Hill SDA Church, Loma Linda, California. 51 Monday, November 5 The Christian and the Law

“Paul’s application of the il­ LOGOS lustration is not altogether Rom. 7 straightforward, but his obvious point is that, in the same way a As champions of the neglected widow is no longer under any fourth commandment, Seventh- legal obligation to her late day Adventists have specialized husband, so the believer who was in expounding the function of formerly married to the law is God’s law. Indeed, the proclama­ under no obligation to the law as tion of the law-gospel relationship a means of justification once the is Seventh-day Adventism’s law dies. The problem with Paul’s raison d’etre, or purpose of exist­ illustration is that the picture ence! Romans 7 is the locus classi- does not fit, because in real life cus of Paul’s understanding of the the law does not die but the law. No chapter, especially verses believer dies to the lay. His point 14-25, has been more debated is clear nevertheless.” within Christendom and Advent­ ism than this one. Why, Then, the Law? (read Rom. 7:7-13) No Longer Under the Law “Did that which is good, then, (read Rom. 7:1-6) bring death to me? By no means! “Likewise, my brethren, you It was sin, working death in me have died to the law through the through what is good, in order body of Christ, so that you may that sin might be shown to be sin, belong to another, to him who has and through the commandment been raised from the dead in order might become sinful beyond that we may bear fruit for God” measure” (verse 13, RSV). (verse 4, RSV). Some say, “If we are no longer “Assuming that the Roman under the law, then let’s throw believers, both Jew and Greek, out the law completely.” Anticipat­ were familiar with the law .. . ing this objection, Paul explains Paul reminds them that the law the proper (unction of the law. has jurisdiction over a man only The law reveals sin (see verses during his lifetime. For instance, 7,13; cf. 3:19, 20; 4:5; and 5:13, in the marriage contract a wife is 20). Paul once had a shallow, su­ required to be faithful to her hus­ perficial view of the law, thinking band all his life. If she fails in that he was well able to keep it this regard, she is called an adul­ (see Phil. 3:4-9). When sin is only teress, but as soon as her hus­ an act of the will, then, yes, we band dies, she is free to remarry can keep the law. without there being any sugges­ Paul speaks four times in this tion of impropriety. She is 're­ section of the law’s bringing him leased from the law of her to death (see Rom. 7:9, 10, 11, husband.’ 13). But how can something “holy,

Larry Christoffei Larry Christoffei is associate pastor at Campus Hill SDA Church, Loma Linda, California. 52 just and good” like the command­ the Holy Spirit, and the message ment of God do such a bad thing is identical to that in Romans as to condemn him to death? The 7:14-25. law is God’s means of revealing 5. The person of Romans 7:25 our desperate, sinful condition, gives God thanks “through Jesus which only the Saviour can rectify. Christ our Lord.” Not only does he recognize Jesus Christ as per­ The Christian Warfare (read sonal Lord, which only a Chris­ Rom. 7:14,15) tian can do (see 1 Cor. 12:3), but “Thanks he to God through he also recognizes his readers as Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I of fellow Christians, undergoing a myself serve the law o f God with similar experience. my mind, but with my flesh I serve 6. We must consider Romans the law o f sin" (verse 25, RSV). 8:1-4 to be a concluding part of the In Romans 7:14, 15 Paul is de­ previous section, since it is linked scribing the condition of a Chris­ through the word therefore. In tian. The law cannot save us, spite of the struggle between the either before or after we have re­ mind and the flesh (see 7:14-25), ceived Christ! Paul offers this encouragement: 1. Romans 7 is part of the sec­ “There is therefore now no condem­ tion of Romans that considers the nation for those who are in Christ Christian’s relation to four en­ Jesus” (8:1, RSV). Paul has been emies of God’s people: wrath set free from the law of sin and (chapter 5); sin (chapter 6); con­ death (see verse 2), not in the demnation by the law (chapter 7); sense that he has reached ethical and death (chapter 8). Chapters 1 perfection, but in the sense that through 4 emphasize the law as it the power of sin is broken! pertains to the nonbeliever. One Verse 3 explains the meaning would expect something beyond of the whole conflict: Since we that in chapter 7. human beings working without 2. Paul speaks in the present Christ could not perfectly keep tense in verses 14-25, using the the law, weakened by the flesh, personal pronouns I, me, and my. God sent His Son in the likeness The natural sense is that he is of sinful flesh to be our substitute speaking of his present personal and example (see 2 Cor. 5:21). condition. And the result is that, although 3. Paul distinguishes between we do not keep the law in order to himself (the Christian) and sin be saved, “the just requirements that is operating through his of the law” are “fulfilled in us, body, or flesh. With his mind he who walk not according to the delights in and obeys God’s law. flesh but according to the Spirit” The nonbeliever knows of no such (Rom. 8:4, RSV). conflict, since his mind as well as Romans 8, the subject for next his flesh rebels against God’s law week, must be studied in connec­ (see 8:5-8). tion with Romans 7 to understand 4. “For the desires of the flesh Paul’s perspective of the Chris­ are against the Spirit, and the tian life. desires of the Spirit are against the flesh; for these are opposed to Whom do you think the person each other, to prevent you from o f Romans 7:14-25 represents? doing what you would. But if you Why? are led by the Spirit you are not under the law” (Gal. 5:17, 18, *D. Stuart Briscoe, Romans, The Communicator's Com­ RSV). Unquestionably these mentary Series, ed. Lloyd J. Ogilvie, vol. 6 (Waco, verses refer to Christians with Tex.: Word Books, Publisher, 1982), p. 142. 53 Tuesday, November 6 Is It Easier to Follow Self or Christ?

death there are pains and penal­ TESTIMONY ties, there are sorrows and disap­ Key Text: Rom. 7:24,25 pointments, there are warnings not to go on. God’s love has made In a growing Christian ex­ it hard for the heedless and head­ perience there are constant strong to destroy themselves. It is struggles between self and Christ. true that Satan’s path is made to But who has the upper hand in appear attractive, but it is all a this battle? And why is the idea deception; in the way of evil there of Christian perfection even impor­ are bitter remorse and cankering tant? Because “when the charac­ care. “God does not give us up ter of Christ shall be perfectly re­ because of our sins. We may produced in His people, then He make mistakes and grieve His will come to claim them as His Spirit, but when we repent and own.” come to Him with contrite hearts, The struggle in a Christian life He will not turn us away.” between self (principle of Satan) “Christ does not drive but draws and love (principle of God) is of men unto Him. The only compul­ great importance to each of us. sion which He employs is the con­ But which of these forces is more straint of love.” powerful? Love is the only method that There are three options: (1) God uses, and it is stronger than self is more powerful than love; self. (2) self and love are equal in strength (there is a 50-50 chance REACT that either will win in a given sit­ 1. Will anyone be lost because uation); and (3) love can destroy of the sins he or she has com­ self anytime. We often pick (1) mitted? Why or why not? and (2) as the motto for our life, 2. Who has the greater burden and the result is an up-and-down for your redemption and struggle Christian experience. with self—God or you? Explain. “Do not therefore conclude that the upward path is the hard and 1. Christ's Object Lessons, p. 69. the downward road the easy way. 2. Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 139. 3. Faith and Works, p. 35. All along the road that leads to 4. Thoughts From the Mount o f Blessing, p. 127.

by Donn La Tour Donn La Tour is a graduate student in biochemistry at Loma Linda Uni­ versity, Loma Linda, California. 54 Wednesday, November 7 The Good News of the Postconversion Struggle

of assurance. In this desperate EVIDENCE struggle the law leads the sinner Key Text: Rom. 7:14-24 to Christ (see Gal. 3:24), where he experiences the assurance of sal­ In Romans 7:14-24 we are con­ vation found in Romans 7:25: fronted with a passage that “Thank God! It has been done by Christendom has turned into a Jesus Christ our Lord. He has set battlefield of raging debates me free” (TLB). throughout the ages. Here we find Paul often compares the Paul’s classic description of the believer’s fight against sin to struggle against sin. Some argue Olympic training. In 1 Corinthi­ that this is clearly a preconver­ ans 9:24-27 he indicates that the sion struggle, because surely a Christian struggle toward growth Christian does not have such and maturity has no anabolic- monumental difficulties with sin. steroid shortcuts. The Christian After all, Christians are new crea­ walk entails athletic discipline tures, immune from such difficul­ and striving to be number one by ties. Others, on the other hand, overcoming (often by fierce argue that Paul is talking about struggle) the obstacles of our the converted individual, because sinful human nature (see Heb. Christians will go to their graves, 12:1-4). Christians struggle, but fighting temptation.1 Unfortu­ they do so with confidence be­ nately, when we reduce this cause Christ is on their side. passage to a “pre”conver- “Who will rescue me from this sion/“post”conversion debate, we body of death? Thanks be to G o d - miss the point Paul is making. In through Jesus Christ our Lord!” context he is talking about the (Rom. 7:24, 25, NIV). function of the law. So instead of debating on Paul, through a hypothetical which side of conversion Romans “I,” illustrates not only his per­ belongs, let us rejoice individually sonal struggle while living under and corporately that our salvation the law apart from Christ, but is sure in Christ. also the struggle of everyone who

lives separated from Jesus. He 1. John Murray, The Epistle to the Romans (Grand describes this life as one of disap­ Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1959), pointment and defeat—living vol. 1, pp. 256-259. 2. C. H. Dodd, The Epistle of Paul to the Romans death (see verse 24). It is a life of (New York: Harper and Brothers Publishers, n.d.), total frustration, completely void pp. 107, 108.

by Mark Fulop Mark Fulop is a graduate of the Loma Linda University School of Health, Loma Linda, California.

55 Thursday, November 8 The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

In Romans 7 Paul goes HOW-TO through a process that each one Key Text: Phil. 3:13,14 of us must face in our relation­ ship with Christ. Paul sounds so mixed up in Romans 7, doesn’t he? All this 1. We need to see the “wretched talk about “I do what I don’t want man” in ourselves. Perhaps we to do, and I can’t seem to do what don’t wrestle enough with this I want to do.” He goes on to say deep sort of sadness when looking that he has a spiritual self that at ourselves. We should pray that wants to do right, but his sinful we may see ourselves as we really self is continually messing up his are, that we will truly know our good intentions. Then he starts in deep need of God. We understand on the law’s being holy and good, more of the value of God’s gift but it functions only because sin when we see how little we de­ is present. serve it. A danger exists in seeing Try reading Romans 7 straight ourselves clearly, however: we through if you haven’t already might become so discouraged that done that this week. It’s like a we don’t continue on to the next serpentine mountain road with step of our experience—accep­ plenty of dizzying hairpin turns. tance of God’s love and forgive­ There’s the “good” law, or the com­ ness. Paul saw himself and mandments. Then there’s the despaired, but he didn’t stop there. “bad” role of sin. And to top it off, Paul adds consideration of our 2. We need to leave the confu­ works, which are often downright sion of the “wretched man” behind ugly. There they are: the good, in acceptance o f God’s gift o f salva­ the bad, and the ugly, all so tion through Jesus. Paul followed closely related in this chapter up his cry of despair with that it creates a mental maze. “Thanks be to God—through Quite frankly, it can be de­ Jesus Christ our Lord!” Jesus is pressing to look at Romans 7, be­ the only answer to the mix of the cause it’s a picture of ourselves— good, the bad, and the ugly in us. that messy mix of kindness and In accepting His love and know­ selfishness that dwells in each of ing our growth in Him, we can us. One can just imagine Paul leave that confusion behind, per­ sighing in the midst of his dicta­ fectly trusting in Him to take care tion and mumbling to himself, of it for us. He has promised to “What a wretched man I am! Who take the burden from us, to give will rescue me from this body of us rest (see Matt. 11:28). We no death?” longer have to carry that “body of

by Ginger Ketting Ginger Ketting teaches multigrade 3-5 at Redlands Junior Academy, Redlands, California. 56 death” that Paul refers to, be­ but to a daily “race,” as it were, cause Jesus has already taken an ongoing journey. So, as did that for us in His own death. the apostle Paul, we must Think of it—He’s taken care of it wrestle and fight and pray and for you! No wonder Paul burst out through it all give thanks and with thanks to God! praise that we are privileged to know a love beyond comprehen­ 3. We need to press on toward sion. And we can look forward to the goal to win the prize. God that day when the bad and the has not called us to a euphoric ugly will fall away, and the good one-time experience of His love, alone will remain.

57 Friday, November 9 Delivery From Sin

lion against the church, society, OPINION or God. Key Text: Rom. 7:24,25 Paul does not allow the feel­ ings of hopelessness and despair As an expert pilot awes a nov­ that he describes to linger ice with the dependable physical without a concise and comforting roperties of aerodynamics, Paul solution: “Thanks be to G o d - as made clear to his readers through Jesus Christ our Lord!” that all attempts to remain aloft (verse 25, NIV). Our only hope, as a righteous Christian are according to Paul, lies in shifting neutralized by the constant pull our attention from these distress­ of gravity caused by a sinful na­ ing phenomena to Him who has ture. In Romans 7:13 he inten­ overcome and who is willing to for­ tionally initiates some philosophi­ give (see 1 John 1:9) and to make cal considerations to serve as a a complete change in our nature. spiritual analogy of our pilot’s The Lord promises: “I will give practical demonstration of a them an undivided heart and put “graveyard spin.” a new spirit in them; I will re­ The awareness that one’s own move from them their heart of desire cannot modify a sinful na­ stone and give them a heart of ture, the disposition to do what is flesh” (Eze. 11:19, NIV). right, the inevitable tendency to Even late in his life, Paul looks err, and the certain accusation by back to what he has preached and the law (which is good in itself) ponders: “Brothers, I do not con­ leads Paul to a circular pattern of sider myself yet to have taken reasoning for which the only way hold of it [i.e., perfection]” (Phil. out is the conclusion “What a 3:13, NIV). For him, perhaps for wretched man I am!” (verse 24, you, and certainly for me, the diffi­ NIV). cult step to take is that one of “for­ In a similar manner, we are getting what is behind and strain­ often led to stop and examine our­ ing toward what is ahead” (verse selves. We find out that despite 13, NIV). all our efforts to live a reasonably adequate life, our day-to-day life REACT is plagued with acts that bring 1. Is my attention turned to shame and uncertainty—an evi­ the things the world has to offer, dence that the process of salva­ to the problems I struggle with, tion may not, in fact, be taking or to the goal and prize Jesus has place. These may be the attrac­ set for me? tions of money, power, or in­ 2. What most easily diverts fluence; inadequate family rela­ my attention from the important tions; or personal differences. promises God has given to me They may also be feelings of rebel­ throughout the Bible?

by Joilo C. Barbosa Joilo C. Barbosa is enrolled in the M.DJPh.D. program at Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California. 58 THE CHALLENGE IS GREAT!!!

LOOK AT THE PICTURE AS IT STANDS TODAY. ^ N. KOREA > Population: 21,400,000 Religion: Buddhism SDAs: 866 i —" 1 JAPAN -NORTH «OREA

Population: 36,465,000 south Religion: Buddhism KOREA SDAs: 12,905 . r JAPAN Population: 38,036,250 Population: 122,200,000 Religion: Buddhism-32 million Religions: Buddhism/ SDAs: 12,315 Shintoism- 91 million SDAs: 12,415 / LAOS/VIETNAM ^ BANGLADESH^ Population: 104,204,000 Population: 66,245,000 Religion: M uslim -90 m illion Religion: Buddhism-2.5 million Z 1 SDAs: 5,630 ^ SDAs: 3,639 ^

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SRI LANKA

MALAYSIA S' INDONESIAX^^^ Population: 180,694,710 ilNOAPOBE Religion: M u slim s-163 million SDAs: 114,454 >

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WE PLAN TO REACH THE UNREACHED. WE ARE SERIOUS! WILL YOU HELP US MEET THE CHALLENGE ON DECEMBER 29, 1990? sXVS«S* Sunday, November 11 Good News

takes place when we accept Jesus INTRODUCTION Christ as our Saviour. The first Scripture: Rom. 8 miracle is that we are no longer afraid for our salvation. The sec­ Do you ever feel afraid that ond, almost unbelievable, miracle someday, despite your best ef­ is that we are set “free from the forts, you will be lost? More than law of sin and death.” We are no anyone, you realize inside how longer bound to sin. pitiful your “best efforts” really Each day, as we renew our are. This is discouraging, and you commitment to Him, the Spirit may react in a couple of ways. molds and fashions our wills so Perhaps you ignore your fears, that we lose our desire for sin. hoping God will reward your at­ This is the miracle! tempts to earn salvation. Or per­ Read verses 5 and 6, NIV: haps you decide the Christian life “Those who live according to the is just impossible, and you give sinful nature have their minds set up even trying. on what that nature desires; but If you can imagine finding your­ those who live in accordance with self in either of these situations, the Spirit have their minds set on Romans 8 has some incredibly what the Spirit desires. The mind good news for you! In fact, your of sinful man is death, but the biggest obstacle may be that it mind controlled by the Spirit is seems too good to be true. life and peace,” because “the sin­ What does it say? In verses 1 ful mind is hostile to God” (verse and 2 Paul writes, “There is now 7, NIV). no condemnation for those who Now we discover another gift. are in Christ Jesus, because Peace. This comes with the as­ through Christ Jesus the law of surance of knowing that Jesus is the Spirit of life set me free from our Saviour and that He has ac­ the law of sin and death” (NIV). cepted us into His love. No longer Verse 15 says, “For you did not do we struggle to control events receive a spirit that makes you a in our lives. We turn over every­ slave again to fear, but you re­ thing to the Lord, trusting that ceived the Spirit of sonship” (NIV). He knows best what will prepare These passages describe the us to live throughout eternity in a miraculous transformation that perfect heaven.

by Patricia Gentry Guthrie Patricia Gentry Guthrie, a graduate of Southern College in Tennessee and of Loma Linda University School of Public Health, is a mother, free­ lance writer and producer, and newsletter editor at Loma Linda Univer­ sity church, Loma Linda, California. 61 Monday, November 12 To Love as Christ Loves

will always echo in my thoughts: LOGOS “How do we love a man like this? Rom. 8 I can’t. I need help.” By the time we get to Romans Not long ago I attended a Bible 8, Paul has made it abundantly study in which we discussed Rev­ clear that we all need help. In pre­ elation 14. During the discussion vious chapters Paul demonstrates a former classmate, now working that no one in his natural, sinful as an emergency-room (ER) physi­ state can hope to please God. In cian in a relatively isolated town chapter 7 Paul states that even in the southern California desert, the born-again person, who sin­ shared an experience. cerely directs his desires toward Apparently two marines on serving God, cannot of himself do leave had stopped by the freeway so, because of the interference of to help another motorist. As they the sinful nature, the “law of sin” had walked toward the disabled (verse 23). Here Paul emphasizes vehicle, a drunk driver had the state of the spiritual Chris­ plowed into them. By the time tian—the battle between the they were brought into the ER, Christian’s inherited sinful nature where my classmate was on duty, and the God-given spiritual na­ one marine had already died; the ture. other, seriously injured, required Paul commences chapter 8 extensive time and effort to stabi­ with the statement “There is lize. therefore now no condemnation By this point in her story my for those who are in Christ Jesus” classmate was obviously shaken, (verse 1, RSV). To live under the and the rest of us, scarcely breath­ control of our inherited sinful na­ ing, were riveted to our seats by ture is to break God’s law, to sin her emotion. She then went on to (see verse 7). And to sin is to describe how the drunk driver, stand condemned. That is to say, who had sustained only minor in­ our own actions condemn us (see juries, cursed her and the ER 5:12-21). God does not condemn staff for their delay and general us (see John 3:17); He strives un­ incompetence. ceasingly to save us. In a choked voice my classmate With this in mind, we can see declared her hatred for a man that to stand without condemna­ who could act like that while tion is to answer to a power other lying not more than 20 feet from than our inherited sinful nature. the man he had killed just hours Paul describes this power as the before. She then looked up, at “law of the Spirit” (Rom. 8:2). The nobody in particular, and with an ‘law of the Spirit” is the work of almost pleading expression said the Holy Spirit in us to free us something that cut to the soul of from the dominion of our sinful everyone present, something that nature (though it does not rid us

by James M. Pappas James M. Pappas is a pathology resident at Loma Linda University Medi­ cal Center, Loma Linda, California. 62 of that nature’s presence). “does not submit to God’s law” Writing to Christians, Paul and indeed “cannot” (RSV). But in says, “But you are not in the verse 13, he maintains that we flesh, you are in the Spirit, if the must “put to death the deeds of Spirit of God really dwells in you. the body” by the power of “the Any one who does not have the Spirit” (RSV). Romans 13:8 best Spirit of Christ does not belong to expresses how we do this in practi­ him” (verse 9, RSV). The indwell­ cal terms: “Owe no one anything, ing of the Holy Spirit must be im­ except to love one another; for he portant, for Paul mentions it who loves his neighbor has ful­ three times (see verses 9-11). filled the law” (RSV). Paul does not explain how the Holy Spirit brings about change How liberated from sin do you in us, and ultimately it doesn’t feel? matter. The fact remains: if the How do you put to death the Spirit is in us, we belong to misdeeds o f the body ? Christ; if not, we don’t. When bad memories or un­ Paul then makes it clear that healthy thoughts enter your mind, our response to the new, God- what have you found most helpful given part of ourselves is a in dealing with them? change of deeds (see verses 12- When did you first realize you 17). In verse 7 he notes that the needed to turn control o f your life person who takes orders from the over to the Holy Spirit? What hap­ law of sin (the sinful nature) pened?

63 Tuesday, November 13 A Precious Promise

(John 15:5). Human righteousness TESTIMONY is as ‘filthy rags.’ But with God all Key Text: Rom. 8:37 things are possible. In the strength of the Redeemer, weak, erring man What a precious promise! In can become more than conqueror whatever predicament we find over the evil that besets him.” ourselves God always promises us “The corruptions of this degen­ ‘Tull victory through God who erate age have stained many showed his love for us” (Rom. souls who have been professedly 8:37, EB) serving God. But even now it is “The human family have all not too late for wrongs to be the help that Christ had in their righted and for the blood of a conflicts with Satan. They need crucified and risen Saviour to not be overcome. They may be atone in your behalf if you repent more than conquerors through and feel your need of pardon. Him who has loved them and “The precious Saviour will given His life for them. “Ye are send help just when we need it. bought with a price’ (1 Cor. 6:20). The way to heaven is consecrated And what a price! The Son of God by His footprints. Every thorn in His humanity wrestled with that wounds our feet has the very same fierce, apparently wounded His. Every cross that we overwhelming temptations that are called to bear He has borne assail men—temptations to indul­ before us. The Lord permits con­ gence of appetite, to presumptu­ flicts, to prepare the soul for ous venturing where God has not peace. The time of trouble is a led them, and to the worship of fearful ordeal for God’s people; the god of this world, to sacrifice but it is the time for every true an eternity of bliss for the fasci­ believer to look up, and by faith nating pleasures of this life. he may see the bow of promise en­ Everyone will be tempted, but the circling him.” Word declares that we shall not be tempted above our ability to REACT bear. We mav resist and defeat 1. How often are you per­ the wily foe.” sonally victorious? How does your “Those who are adopted into the actual experience relate to Ro­ family of God are transformed by mans 8:37? His Spirit. Self-indulgence and su­ 2. What are the personal ex­ preme love for self are changed for periences that often come be­ self-denial and supreme love for tween you and God? God. No man inherits holiness as a birthright, nor can he, by any 1. Selected Messages, book 1, p. 95. methods that he can devise, be­ 2. Ibid., p. 310. come loyal to God. “Without me,’ 3. Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 476. Christ says, ‘ye can do nothing’ 4. The Great Controversy, p. 633.

by Bronwen F. Watts Bronwen F. Watts is a staff chaplain at Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California. 64 Wednesday, November 14 Whose Responsibility?

sciously choose to allow Him con­ EVIDENCE tinuous, unhindered access to our Key Text: Gen. 4:6,7 mind. The first and most important In the Logos we noted not only way to do this is through prayer that our sinful human nature and Bible study, both of which leads us all to sin (see Rom. 5), lead to witness. So prayer, Bible but also that the power of the in­ study, and witness are all direct dwelling Holy Spirit breaks the avenues by which God through dominion sin has over us (see the Spirit gains access to our Rom. 8). Two questions follow: (1) mind. how do we receive the Spirit, and Let’s go a step further. If, for (2) how do we grow in the Spirit? example, we choose a lifestyle in­ The Spirit is a gift to those jurious to our health, we hinder who ask for it (see 2 Cor. 1:22). God’s work in our minds. If we Many of us think that having make keeping up with the seen ourselves as we are and felt Joneses our first priority, God has sorry, we can approach God for to compete. And so it goes. These the gift of the Spirit and stop at examples have nothing to do with that point. This is a fallacy. “works” but have everything to do God told Cain before he mur­ with choice. dered his brother that “sin is Certainly God helps us to couching at the door; its desire is make wise choices. But the re­ for you, but you must master it” sponsibility to choose is ulti­ (Gen. 4:7, RSV). God put the re­ mately ours. God does not choose sponsibility on Cain. In Luke for us. He stands at the door and 13:24 Christ tells us to “strive to knocks; He doesn’t open it. By our enter by the narrow door” (RSV). choices we must make our mind a In Philippians 2:12 Paul says, place suitable for the God of the “Work out your own salvation universe to reign supreme. 'Then, with fear and trembling” (RSV). by the power of the Spirit, God We know we need the indwelling can write His law on our mind Spirit in order to resist the devil. (see 2 Cor. 3:3; Heb. 8:10). Only From the moment we sense our then can we learn to love as need of Christ, we must con­ Christ loves.

by James M. Pappas James M. Pappas Is a pathology resident at Loma Linda University Medi­ cal Center, Loma Linda, California.

65 Thursday, November 15 Take Off the Blinders

came looking for us and died to HOW-TO find us. Key Text: Rom. 8:12-15 3. We are not obligated to live People used to put blinders on on the lower level (see verse 12). horses to keep them centered on Because Christ won the victory, one task—that of pulling the His victory can be ours. We will cart. Blinders kept them from make mistakes, but we can have seeing what was really out there victory over the sinful nature and getting distracted. We with the Holy Spirit’s help. human beings, under Satan’s in­ fluence and control, are like a 4. Today, right now, we can horse with blinders on. We can change how we live, think, and see straight ahead and only treat people (see verses 9-11). So what Satan allows us to see. often we think that we have to do Let’s take the blinders off and everything ourselves. We think see what he has made us miss. that living a victorious life in If we see it, then we can accept Christ is a one-man show. It isn’t! it and believe it. Satan, with his blinders on us, would like us to think so and be­ 1. Christ was victorious (see come discouraged. Romans 8 Rom. 5:19). Jesus lived a perfect gives us the encouragement that life, and because of His obedience we are not in this alone, that we we can be made righteous can be successful with the help of through Him. the Holy Spirit because Christ has already won the battle. 2. Through Christ we are sons and daughters of God (see 8:14- REACT 17). Satan would like us to With the acceptance of these believe that God has abandoned four principles, do you have any us. This couldn’t be further from responsibilities? If so, what are the truth. We were lost, and He they?

by Mike Boyko Mike Boyko is a dentist and part-time instructor in oral surgery at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, California. 66 Friday, November 16 The Winning Side

tion of the Spirit, we can be sure OPINION of our future. Through this confi­ Key Text: 1 John 5:12 dence we can face difficult situa­ tions in life. The assurance of spir­ There is something about being itual security on the winning side on the winning side. We all want to enables us to know that we are be on the victorious ball team or, at sons and daughters of the King of the end of an evening of Monopoly, the universe, the owner and to have both Boardwalk and Park general manager of the team. Place, with hotels on each of them. Knowing who we are in Christ We love our hometown team to keeps us from being sidelined be­ win, and even if we aren’t actually cause of injuries or lack of confi­ out there on the field, we feel pride dence. when the players bring home the One of the ultimate rewards of World Series pennant or the Super being a winner is that we can, Bowl trophy. working in concert with the Holy In the game of life we can all Spirit, reach out to someone on be winners. We can choose the vic­ the losing team and make him or torious side. Some innings remain her a winner as well. to be played, but the deciding one This procedure sounds so was completed 2,000 years ago by simple to follow that we allow the Captain. Satan to let doubt creep into our Being on the winning side func­ minds. He wants us to think, It tions well as a metaphor, but how can’t be that easy. But it is just do we find the assurance that it is that simple. If we trust and obey our actual experience? We can Christ, are open to the Spirit’s never work up the assurance from direction, and love others, the within ourselves. The Holy Spirit time will come when doubting creates that certainty in our will give way to assurance. hearts. Romans 8:6 reads, “The mind of sinful man is death, but REACT the mind controlled by the Spirit How often are you sidelined be­ is life and peace” (NIV). The as­ cause of spiritual “injuries”? What surance comes when we believe are some of the experiences that that Jesus is Christ, and allow have hindered you in the past but His Spirit to work in us. By that you can now face confidently giving ourselves over to the direc­ with the Spirit’s coaching?

by Mike Boyko Mike Boyko is a dentist and part-time Instructor in oral surgery at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, California. 67 Lesson 8, November 18-24 Losers-Finders/ Keepers-Weepers

“As he says in Hosea: ‘I will call them “my people” who are not my people; and I will call her “my loved one” who Is not my loved one’ ”(Rom. 9:25, NIV). Sunday, November 18 An Old Man and a Child

when people expect certain INTRODUCTION things from God just because Scripture: Rom. 9 they belong to a certain church or have certain labels.” His voice An old man sat at his desk grew more determined. “But a with pen in hand. The room was label doesn’t mean anything. God dark except for a tiny desk light, wants friendships, not just which made his beard appear labels.” He took a deep breath. whiter and his wrinkles deeper. ‘Do you understand?” His head was bent low to the “Nooo.” desk as he began to write. After a He reached over and put his few minutes of writing, he laid finger to her heart. “Under there his pen down, raised his head, is your heart. That is what is im­ and stared out a nearby window. portant to God.” Then he tugged “What are you doing?” came a at the hem of her dress. “This small voice from the hall. would be called a label. It is not He turned his head to find a as important to God. Some people small child watching him. “I’m think that if they dress ‘right,’ writing a letter,” he responded God will like them better, but slowly. God wants people’s hearts. He “But you aren’t writing. You’re will take care of dressing them. looking out the window.” Do you understand?” “You are right about that.” He She nodded. Then she crawled smiled. “But it’s because what I up in his lap and looked at the let­ need to write is difficult, and ter on the desk. “So who is this since I am writing to somebody special letter to?” she questioned. special, I want to make it clear.” He pulled her close and whis­ Her eyes widened, and her pered in her ear. “It is addressed voice lowered to a whisper. “Did to you, my little one. It is somebody die?” addressed to you.” “No, but some people don’t “I have great sorrow and unceas­ understand how to really live, ing anguish in my heart” (Rom. and that is worse than death.” 9:2, NIV). “It is not the natural She seemed puzzled. “You children who are God’s children, mean somebody’s not dead, but but it is the children of the promise he’s not living either?” who are regarded as Abraham’s off­ “That’s right. It happens spring” (verse 8, NIV).

by Carla Gober Carla Gober is a clinical specialist for spiritual care at Loma Linda Uni­ versity Medical Center, Loma Linda, California.

69 Monday, November 19 Pedigree or Promise?

earth the good news of salvation LOGOS from sin. “In thee” (Gen. 12:3), Rom. 9 God had said, “and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth What Went Wrong With My be blessed” (22:18). Later He was People? (read Rom. 9:1-5) to say: “Mine house [the temple] “I have great heaviness and con­ shall be called an house of prayer tinual sorrow in my heart” (verse for all people” (Isa. 56:7). What 2). “My heart’s desire and prayer had gone wrong? Had God failed? to God for Israel is, that they Paul sorrowed for his kinsfolk might be saved” (10:1). who, as a nation, had turned Paul’s letter to the Christians their back on the Messiah. Like in Rome, written less than 30 Moses, he was willing to be lost years after Christ’s ascension to himself if such a sacrifice would heaven, is his most organized pre­ bring them into a saving union sentation of the gospel. Chapters with Christ (see Ex. 32:30-33). 1-3 underscore the universal sin­ God had endowed the Israelites fulness of the human family and with every privilege so as to make its lost condition (see 3:19). Chap­ them a powerful spiritual force in ters 3-5 delineate the doctrine of the earth. He had adopted them justification: Heaven’s method of to be His “firstborn” son among saving sinners who accept Jesus the nations (4:22; Deut. 7:6-8). Christ as Saviour, trusting in the For 40 years a glorious pillar of merits of His atoning death and cloud and fire, a visible token of sinless life (see 3:22-26; 4:5-7; and God’s presence, had led the na­ 5:1). The apostle elaborates the tion in its migration from Egypt. doctrine of sanctification in chap­ The Jews were the recipients of ters 6-8. And, finally, in chapters the covenant promises made to 12-15 he discusses the impact of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and the Christian’s life on his fellow to the nation at Sinai. Some of Christians, community, and state. their ancestors had actually heard Breaking this natural flow of God speak the Ten Command­ the subject, Paul inserts an excur­ ments, and to Israel He had en­ sus on his people, the nation of trusted the written Scriptures (see Israel (see 9-11). Why had Israel Rom. 3:1, 2). The sanctuary (taber­ rejected the “gospel of Christ” nacle/temple) had taught them the when “it is the power of God unto gospel in type (see Heb. 4:1,2). salvation to every one that Above all, the Promised One, the believeth” (1:16)? God Himself Messiah, had come to them had chosen Abraham and his de­ through the lineage of David (see scendants and elected them to be Rom. 1:1-4) with His hands out­ His agents to channel to all the stretched to save (see 10:21).

by Frank Holbrook Frank Holbrook is an associate director In the Biblical Research Institute at the General Conference. 70 God’s Plan Had Not Failed righteous (see verse 14), to choose (read Rom. 9:6-13) Isaac and Jacob over Ishmael and “Not as though the word of Esau to carry out His purposes. God hath taken none effect. For The implication that lies beneath they are not all Israel, which are the surface of Paul’s argument is o f Israel" (verse 6). that God had not been unright­ Three prominent threads of eous to replace unbelieving thought weave through the national Israel with spiritual tapestry of Paul’s argument in Israel—the church, made up of this passage: (1) physical lineage born-again Jews and Gentiles—as with Abraham does not guarantee His chosen agent (see Matt. salvation; (2) God is not obligated 21:43; 1 Peter 2:9, 10; and Gal. to use the lineal descendants of 6:15, 16). Abraham as His chosen agents; God’s sovereign action in choos­ and (3) God is a sovereign Lord; ing Isaac and Jacob to be progeni­ He can carry out His purposes as tors of Israel had not prevented He chooses. the personal salvation of Ishmael While the Jews considered and Esau. Both had been taught themselves to be in a saved condi­ the same truths about God as had tion because they had a genealogi­ been taught to Isaac and Jacob. cal connection with Abraham, Both had had the same opportuni­ both John the Baptist and Jesus, ties to respond to God’s grace. as well as Paul, had taught that There had been no lack in the only a spiritual Israelite was a divine compassion to save these true Jew (see Matt. 3:9; John young men. They had simply 8:33, 39; and Rom. 2:28, 29). Only chosen for themselves to elect out the Israelite o ffaith, who met the of the circle of God’s care. The conditions of the covenant rela­ choice had been theirs, not God’s. tion with God, was acceptable to Him. Throughout Israel’s history Israel Trips Over the Rock of backsliding, a faithful remnant (read Rom. 9:30-33) had always remained true—as il­ “They stumbled at that lustrated by the 7,000 in Elijah’s stumblingstone; as it is written, time and the believing Jews in Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling- Paul’s day (see 11:4, 5). stone and rock of offence: and who­ “The children of the flesh [the soever believeth on him shall not physical descendants of Abraham] be ashamed” (verses 32, 33). . . . are not the children of God: Although the Gentiles were but the children of the promise “without Christ” and were “aliens [believers in Christ] are counted from the commonwealth of Israel, for the seed” (9:8; cf. Gal. 3:29). .. . having no hope, and without This is evident from the fact God in the world” (Eph. 2:12), that God had chosen Isaac over they experienced a wonderful Ishmael to be the progenitor of deliverance from the shackles of Israel, although Ishmael was also sin when Christians shared the Abraham’s son (see Rom. 9:9). gospel of Jesus with them (see Again, before the twins Esau and Rom. 9:30). But Israel, with her Jacob were born, God had chosen, insights from Scripture and her or elected, Jacob (rather than historical experience with God, Esau) to be the one through found nothing but discomfort and whom He would develop the na­ a deadening religious experience tion of Israel and through whose based on works. What was the line the Messiah would come (see matter? verses 10-13). Paul puts his finger on the God had not been unjust, or un­ pulse of God’s plan of salvation: 71 Jesus Christ. He is pivotal, foun­ Isa. 53:6) and paid the penalty by dational to the whole saving dying in their behalf tripped them process. “Neither is there salva­ up (see 1 Cor. 1:23; 15:3). They tion in any other: for there is would not accept such a Messiah. none other name under heaven Paul sadly watched them trying given among men, whereby we with great zeal to earn saving must be saved” (Acts 4:12). merit with God, refusing the gifts When the Gentile asked, of saving righteousness and eter­ “Sirs, what must I do to be nal life from the hands nailed to saved?” the Christian answer the cross. They opted for a pedi­ was unequivocal: “Believe on the gree rather than God’s promises! Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (16:30, 31). And What spiritual privileges do when by faith they embraced SDAs have more than any other Christ as Saviour, they found Christian group? “the righteousness which is of How could SDAs unwittingly faith” (Rom. 9:30) granted to adopt the pedigree reasoning of them (see Eph. 2:8-10). the Jews'! But Israel, in spite of her rich If “pedigree” is not a saving fac­ spiritual treasures, sought to save tor, what value is there in being herself by her own works of law reared an SDA? See Romans 3:1, (see Rom. 9:31, 32). Unfortu­ 2. nately, the Jews stumbled over Is it really legalism to be obedi­ the Rock, the Saviour, upon ent to the known will o f God? Why whom they could have built a safe or why not! and sure experience (see verses What makes a person of any 32, 33). The truth that a crucified ethnic origin a true descendant of Messiah had borne their sins (see Abraham? See Galatians 3:7, 29.

72 Tuesday, November 20 Choices in the Bible

tween Jacob and Esau was fore­ TESTIMONY told by an angel before their Key Text: Rom. 9:6-24 birth, “there was no arbitrary choice on the part of God, by Isaac and Rebekah’s hopes which Esau was shut out from and desires centered in the pro­ the blessings of salvation. The mises made to Abraham. Jacob gifts of His grace through Christ and Esau “were taught to regard are free to all. the birthright as a matter of Many other Bible stories pre­ great importance, for it included sent choices. Consider Joseph in not only an inheritance of Potiphar’s house, Moses leading worldly wealth but spiritual pre­ the Israelites from Egypt to eminence. He who received it Canaan, Elijah on Mount Carmel, was to be the priest of his Daniel in the lions’ den, and family, and in the line of his Jesus in the wilderness. Other posterity the Redeemer of the characters made decisions that world would come.” But there cost them their lives—Uzzah, were obligations as well. “He Ananias and Sapphira, and the who should inherit its blessings people of Noah’s day. must devote his life to the serv­ Also consider these thoughts: ice of God. Like Abraham, he “The fate of Uzzah was a divine must be obedient to the divine re­ judgment upon the violation of a quirements. In marriage, in his most explicit command. Ananias family relations, in public life, he had not been compelled to sacri­ must consult the will of God. fice his possessions. “He had “Isaac made known to his sons acted from choice. But in attempt­ these privileges and conditions. ing to deceive the disciples, he .. . But Esau had no love for devo­ had lied to the Almighty. Moses tion, no inclination to a religious struck the rock contrary to God’s life. The requirements that accom­ command. “The eyes of all Israel panied the spiritual birthright were upon Moses, and his sin cast were an unwelcome and even a reflection upon God, who had hateful restraint to him. .. . Bent chosen him as the leader of His on self-indulgence, he desired people.” Moses often demon­ nothing so much as liberty to do strated great patience, yet he was as he pleased.” kept out of the Promised Land be­ Jacob was just the opposite. cause he lost his temper. His greatest desire was for the privileges associated with the 1. Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 177. birthright. “His mind was ever 2. Ibid., pp. 177,178. reaching forward to the future, 3. Ibid., p. 178. 4. Ibid., p. 207. and seeking to grasp its unseen 5. bid., p. 705. blessings. 6. The Acts o f the Apostles, p. 73. Even though the contrast be­ 7. Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 420.

by Rhonda S. Hobson Rhonda S. Hobson is an administrative assistant at Loma Linda Univer sity School of Business, Riverside, California. 73 Wednesday, November 21 God’s Election

great blessing for the Gentiles. EVIDENCE Paul foresees a day when many Key Text: Rom. 9:15 Jews, jealous of the election of the Gentiles, will return and believe The apostle Paul has constant (see 11:25). This does not mean pain in his heart for his “brothers, that Paul teaches universal salva­ those of my own race” (Rom. 9:3, tion of the Jews. God forces salva­ NIV), on behalf of whom he would tion upon no one. If people (Jew or gladly cut himself off from salva­ Gentile) harden their hearts tion in Christ. But Paul is not against the gospel, He does not in­ only grieved but also perplexed by terfere with their choice. The hard­ a theological problem: If the ening is of their own choosing, and Jewish people are the heirs of no one must lay the responsibility God’s promises, as according to for it upon God (see 9:8). the Scriptures they are, then how Paul then reminds the Gentiles does one explain the fact that that they had better not boast of they have not received the fulfill­ their new status. Reconciled now ment of God’s promise in Jesus only by faith, they are not so se­ Christ? Has God rejected His cure that God in His freedom can­ people? Does God reject those not reject them. If God did not whom He formerly chose, and is spare the Jews, it is an eventu­ His election temporary and contin­ ality to be reckoned with that He gent? These are the questions may not spare the Gentiles either! with which Paul now wrestles. A person in the presence of Turning to the question of God can never have what the whether God has rejected His world calls certainty. A person people, Paul answers that quite before God is always a person in obviously He has not—at least, hope, a person at prayer, a person not all of them. Paul, himself a with empty hands outstretched to Jew, has been reconciled in receive God’s gift of life. One’s Christ. And other Jews also hope, expectation, and certainty believe in Jesus—Jewish Chris­ can be only in One other than tians. Thus, a remnant of Israel, oneself. One’s security can never now part of the “new Israel,” has be self-initiated, self-preserved, or not been rejected. self-vindicated. Therefore, the But what about the majority of Gentiles, the elect of God made the Jewish nation—has God ulti­ righteous by faith, dare not boast! mately rejected them? Paul an­ swers that God most assuredly has REACT not, but that His dealings with the What is the relationship be­ Jews, like all His acts, must be un­ tween the idea of God’s election derstood in terms of His mercy. “not by works but by him who The Jews rejected the gospel, but calls” (Rom. 9:12, NIV) and the their failure to believe has meant idea of righteousness by faith?

by Graham Bingham Graham Bingham is editor of COLLEGIATE QUARTERLY. 74 Thursday, November 22 The Fleeceless Method to Know God’s Will

He would act, then we are in HOW-TO God’s will. In other words, it is Key Text: Luke 10:27,28 not stupid to ask what kind of car Jesus would drive. Books have been written on the subject of man’s free choice 2. How is this decision account­ and God’s control. However, in able to the body o f Christ“} All this section we will focus on believers are mystically bound to­ several simple points that will gether as the body of Christ. We help us know with confidence that must make choices from the per­ we are following God’s leading. spective of our influence on the fel­ First, we must start with a lowship of believers. As we learn warning. God rarely reveals His to be open, honest, and real with will in voices in the night, other Christians, our desires be­ dreams, wet fleeces, or open doors come spiritually bound up in (how many times have you had mutual interest. In other words, several equally open doors at the we must make our decisions in same time?). Second, Romans 9 the context of accountability to teaches that God is more inter­ one another and not simply in a ested in giving us free choice than personal vacuum. To be in God’s in controlling us like robots. will is to be concerned with the Therefore, in discerning His will, positive or negative impact of our we must use our mind and act re­ decisions on the body of believers. sponsibly. The following three questions can help us make the 3. How is this decision account­ right decision when we try to de­ able to the unredeemed? We Chris­ termine God’s will. tians must view God’s will and leading in the contexit of those to 1. How is this decision account­whom we minister. Ip our deci­ able to Christ? Many books on sions we must ask ourselves God’s will stress the importance whether our choices will enable of acting in harmony with God’s us to extend our ministry to those principles (e.g., the Ten Com­ needing the reconciling love of mandments). I would add that we Christ. God’s will and leading should act in harmony with our must direct us to positions of understanding of God’s principles greater ministry and service. We as they were manifested in must become imbued with a deep ChrisFs life. Through prayer, sense of compassion that asks, study, song, and worship we come Will this decision bond me to, or to understand Jesus as a friend. alienate me from, others needing If we choose to act as we believe the love of God?

by Mark Fulop Mark Fulop Is a graduate of the Loma Linda University School of Public Health, Loma Linda, California. 75 Friday, November 23 God’s Will: Divine Invasion or Reasonable Action?

ing us whom to marry, where to OPINION live, and what career to pursue Key Text: Micah 6:8 for maximum happiness, health, wealth, and success? I would like Sometimes when Christians to suggest (based on Romans 9) discuss the concept of God’s will, that God is limited by our free their conversation sounds like a choice and doesn’t work that trilogy of science-fiction novels way. In fact, I would like to sug­ Philip K. Dick wrote describing gest that looking for the magical Valis. Valis was an alien intel­ Urim and Thummim by which ligence that randomly beamed in­ God can override our power of formation into people’s subcon­ choice is often a selfish and self- scious via an ancient satellite serving approach to learning His orbiting the earth. Dick writes will, which has little to do with the following classic dialogue in such choices. one of the books: We read, “He has told you “Now that he knew an actual what he wants, and this is all it world existed as depicted in his is: to be fair and just and merci­ dream—as seen in his dream— ful, and to walk humbly with your Nicholas could not be stopped. God” (Micah 6:9, TLB). In other “ ‘I was right,’ he told me on words, God’s will is not so much returning to the Bay Area. ‘It concerned with whom we marry wasn’t a dream. Valis was show­ as with how we treat and cherish ing me where I ought to be living. our spouse. He is not so much con­ I have a destiny down there, Phil, cerned with our choice of career that dwarfs anything you can as with our use of our work to pro­ imagine. It leads to the stars.’ mote justice, mercy, and compas­ “ ‘Did Valis tell you what your sion. He is not so much concerned destiny down there is?’ I asked with the location of our home as him. with its demonstration of active “ ‘No.’ He shook his head. ‘I’ll compassion for the concerns of the find out when the time comes. It’s community. the same principle as in the spy It’s time that we stop acting services; you’re to know only like Nicholas and start concerning what’s necessary for you to know. ourselves with justice, mercy, com­ If you understood the big picture passion, and humility. Only in it’d blow your head off. You’d go this way will we know that we crazy.’ ”* are living in God’s will. Is this how God works in our lives? Does He “beam” informa­ ‘ Philip K. Dick, Radio FreeAlbemuth (New York: tion into our subconscious, tell­ Arbor House, 1985), p. 27.

by Mark Fulop Mark Fulop is a graduate of the Loma Linda University School of Public Health, Loma Linda, California. 76 The CHALLENGE of the UNREACHED

DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE ARE IN THE FAR EAST 521 million unreached people

THAT HAVE NOT HEARD THE GOSPELI

CC<£r WHAT ARE OUR OPTIONS?

£ HEW WORK TASK FORCE - INDONESIA

"HI, my name Is Dorthea Yacobus. I was enrolled in a university, and was engaged to be married; but the Lord so strongly impressed me of the importance of the New Work Task Force that I spent a year working in an unentered area. Many Muslims have been baptized as the result of our simple approach of teaching health, gardening, and nutrition."-*Dorthea Yacobus, Volunteer Worker.

* AGRICULTURAL APPROACH TO MUSUMS - BANGLADESH

"One of the ways we have been able to help Muslim countries is through practical agricultural concepts. There are 90 million Muslims In Bangladesh that have never heard about Jesus. Through this Global Strategy project, we will be able to open sixteen new areas."~S K Das, (from Bangladesh) Global Strategy Analyst, Far Eastern Division.

f AM APPROACH TO ALL OF KOREA

"My name is T. S. Shim. I was bom In North Korea. For many years, we have not been able to work in my country. The people there do not know about the God we serve. Now the situation may be changing. Indications are that doors may be opening soon. - T S Shim {from Korea) Asso. Church Ministries Director, Far Eastern Division.

§ WE WANT TO MEET THE CHALLENGE

T h e Far Eastern Division has one giant task, considering that there are 270 million Muslims and 251 million Buddhists in our territory. Most of these people have never read the Bible nor heard of salvation through Christ. We have carefully prepared strategic plans to open work in these unentered areas. Frankly, we are excited about what will happen with your support of World Missions and Global Strategy in the Far East. Thank you for your help."--0 C Edwards, President, Far Eastern Division.

REACHING THE UNREACHED THROUGH 13TH SABBATH OFFERING AND GLOBAL STRATEGY Lesson 9, November 25—December 1 God and the Jew and You Too

“For God does not change his mind about whom he chooses and blesses" (Rom. 11:29, TEV). Sunday, November 25 Failure in Your Future?

Abraham Lincoln. INTRODUCTION I once heard a wise man say, Scripture: Rom. 11:29 “The difference between failure and success is what you do with When he was 7 years old, his your failures.” I don’t know a family was forced out of its home single person who has lived out because of a legal technicality. He the exact dreams of his or her had to work to help support fami­ youth. The difference between ly members. those who have ultimately failed When he was still a backward, and those who have experienced shy little boy of 9, his mother died. joy in their life is precisely what At 22 he lost his job as a store they have chosen following clerk. He wanted to go to law failure. school, but his education was not In this lesson we discover that good enough. even Israel’s corporate failure was At 37, on his third try, he was not the end for individual finally elected to Congress. Two Israelites. “Did God reject his years later he ran again and people? By no means!” (Rom. 11:1, failed to be reelected. About this NIV). “For if their rejection is the time he had what some today reconciliation of the world, what would call a nervous breakdown. will their acceptance be but life At 45 he ran for the Senate from the dead?” (verse 15, NIV). and lost. Humans may fail, and God At 49 he ran for the Senate may vaiy His method, but He again and lost again. never abandons His purpose. And At 51, however, he was elected God’s purpose is grace toward a president of the United States, lost world. “No one who believes but his second term in office was in him will be put to shame” cut short by his assassination. As (10:11, RSV). For “eveiy one who he lay dying in a little rooming calls upon the name of the Lord house, a former detractor spoke will be saved” (verse 13, RSV). this fitting tribute: “£Jow he belongs to the ages.” ‘ Charles R. Swindoll, Growing Strong in the Seasons o f Life (Portland, Oreg.: Multnomah Press, 1983), pp. His name, of course, was 69, 70.

by Henning Guldhammer Henning Guldhammer is associate pastor of the Walla Walla College church, College Place, Washington.

79 Monday, November 26 God Keeps His Promise

take the full responsibility and LOGOS blame for its lostness, while chap­ Rom. 11:25,26 ter 11 shows how God will ulti­ mately keep His promise to save In Romans 10 and 11, as in Israel. chapter 9, Paul shares with the In Romans 10:1 Paul expresses believers in Rome his heartfelt his heartfelt concern for his fellow burden concerning the eternal Jews and points out in verse 2 destiny of his own people, the where they have failed: “They Jews. The context is still the have a zeal of God, but not accord­ great theme of Romans, righteous­ ing to knowledge.” The question ness by faith, but the issue he dis­ is, In what sense did they lack cusses in these chapters is God’s knowledge? Paul has already al­ fairness in regard to the promise luded to the answer in Romans He made to Israel. 2:28, 29, but he elaborates on it The question that Paul raises in more detail in chapter 9: ‘Tor in Romans 9:6 is this: Does the they are not all Israel, which are fact that not all Jews will be of Israel” (verse 6). It is of utmost saved mean that God has failed to importance that every Christian keep His promise? At the end of discover where the Jews went his discussion Paul answers that wrong, for their sad history has God keeps His promise and, there­ been recorded for our benefit, fore, “all Israel shall be saved” “upon whom the ends of the world (11:26). However, what does the are come” (1 Cor. 10:11). apostle mean by “all Israel”? The answer to this question, as well Israel’s Failure as the arguments he presents in The Jews failed, in the first Romans 10 and 11, is of great sig­ place, to see God’s purpose in nificance to all Christians. giving them three fathers— Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Their God’s Promise to Israel mistake was to identify God’s God gave Israel three fathers: chosen people with the natural de­ Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. To scendants of these three men (i.e., these men and their descendants Israel according to the flesh [see He promised salvation. Neverthe­ Rom. 9:6-13]). God’s real reason less, at the end of His earthly mis­ for giving Israel these three sion Jesus declared to Israel: fathers was to use them as pat­ “Your house is left unto you deso­ terns or prototypes of those who late” (Matt. 23:38). This naturally truly constitute His chosen people raises the question of Romans 9:6: (see Matt. 8:10-12; 22:31, 32). In Has God failed to keep His prom­ other words, Abraham represents ise? At issue is the fairness of faith in God’s promised salvation God. The argument of chapter 10 in Christ (see Rom. 4:11-13; Gal. is that the Jewish nation must 3:6-9, 27-29); Isaac symbolizes the

by Jack Sequelra Jack Sequelra pastors the Walla Walla City church, Walla Walla, Wash­ ington. 80 new birth (see 4:28; John 3:3-7); been withdrawn from the Jews; and Jacob signifies the persever­ he is the living proof: ‘Tor I also ance of the saints (see Gen. 32:24- am an Israelite, of the seed of 28; Matt. 10:22; and Heb. 10:35- Abraham, of the tribe of Ben­ 39). jamin” (verse 1). He then points Second, failure to see the true out that throughout history God significance of the three fathers has always had a faithful rem­ led the Jews to an even greater nant among the Jews (see verses failure, and that was their lack of 2-5), thus implying the existence understanding of the gospel itself. of hope for the individual Jew. As They perverted the promise of sal­ for Israel’s rejection of the gospel, vation through Abraham’s seed God was able to turn their failure (i.e., Christ [see Gal. 3:16]), which into good. It opened the way for they were to receive by faith, to the good news of salvation to go legalism, or salvation by inheri­ to the Gentiles (see verses 6-11), tance and works. This is the main even though God never intended thrust of Romans 10: ‘Tor they salvation to be limited to the being ignorant of God’s righteous­ Jews (see Gen. 12:3; 17:2-5). ness, and going about to establish The acceptance of the gospel their own righteousness, have not by the Gentiles in turn will make submitted themselves unto the the Jews jealous, which Paul feels righteousness of God. For Christ will cause some Jews to recon­ is the end of the law for righteous­ sider their backsliding and return ness to every one that believeth” to God in repentance. The wonder­ (verses 3, 4). ful news is that if God can graft Third, the Jews stubbornly re­ the wild olive branch (i.e., the jected every attempt made by God Gentiles) to the good olive tree to rectify the problem. The result (i.e., the faithful of literal Israel), was that they persisted in their surely He is able to regraft the legalism, which eventually led natural branches (i.e., the once un­ them deliberately to reject God’s faithful but now repentant Jews) promised salvation in Christ. back to the mother tree (see Rom. Paul points this out in verses 13- 11:11-24). 20, concluding in verse 21 with a The bottom line of Paul’s argu­ solemn reference to Isaiah 65:2: ment is that both Jews and Gen­ “But to Israel he saith, All day tiles are guilty of sin and un­ long I have stretched forth my belief, and salvation is entirely a hands unto a disobedient and gift, based on God’s unconditional gainsaying people.” The implica­ love and mercy; this excludes all tion is clearly that their rejection human boasting. God desires no of the gospel was willful and that, Jew, or Gentile for that matter, to therefore, they must take the full be lost. responsibility and blame for their Paul concludes this eleventh lostness. chapter with a song of praise, in which he marvels at the uncondi­ God Keeps His Promise tional love of God in offering sin­ Proceeding to Romans 11, Paul ful humankind, both Jews and assures his readers that the gift Gentiles, the unsearchable riches of salvation in Christ has not of His grace (see verses 33-36).

81 Tuesday, November 27 The Demands of Salvation

will face even greater expecta­ TESTIMONY tions as they contrast themselves Key Text: Rom. 10:16 with the world. The Spirit of Prophecy states: “Their minds A life in Christ should be a joy­ need to be uplifted, their views of ful experience. Personal salvation life to be broadened. They need to should be evident in the choices we be aroused from the lethargy of make and the lifestyle we choose. worldly dreaming. But the idea of doing good works In addition, all of us need to ex­ tends to make people uneasy, be­ ercise the power of choice. Ellen cause it places expectations and White makes the following com­ even demands on our behavior. ment on the use of our potential: Ellen White comments specifi­ “God has given every human cally of young people: “What they being a brain. . . . We are to edu­ need is that which stimulates and cate and train every power of strengthens rather than weakens. mind and body—the human mech­ .. . [They] are called to endure anism that Christ has bought—in hardness, as good soldiers.” order that we may put it to the She goes on to discuss the ex­ best possible use. We are to do all pectations Daniel and his compan­ we can to strengthen these ions successfully met: “They had powers; for God is pleased to have learned to sacrifice the earthly to us become more and still more the spiritual, to seek the highest efficient colaborers with Him. good. And they reaped the re­ God’s work needs our intellect, ward. Their habits of temperance yet God gives us each the ability and their sense of responsibility to make our own free choices, to as representatives of God called develop individually according to to noblest development the our own particular and unique powers of body, mind, and soul. talents. He does not want us to Clearly God had definite expec­ conform to the demands of the tations of His followers in the world, yet we cannot totally sepa­ past. As Daniel 1:19 and Ellen rate ourselves from the world White point out, the king of Baby­ without impairing our ability to lon “found none like Daniel, witness. We must find balance, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.” and that comes only from a vital Other biblical characters who met relationship with Jesus Christ. God’s demands include Moses, Abraham, David, and Noah. 1. Education, p. 295. 2. Ibid., p. 55. As God’s people approach the 3. Ibid., p. 85. end of time on this earth, they 4. Selected Messages, book 1, p. 100.

by Donna Jeider Donna Jeider is a senior psychology major at Walla Walla College, Col­ lege Place, Washington.

82 Wednesday, November 28 Is God Really Fair?

“The word ‘end’ (telos) has a EVIDENCE double sense; it may mean Key Text: Rom. 9:30,31 [either] ‘goal’ or ‘termination.’ On the other hand, Christ is the goal Bob trains intensively for the at which the law aimed in that cross-country. Bill wins with a He is the embodiment of perfect regimen of Haagen-Dazs and righteousness. . . . On the other Paco’s Pizza. Hilary is a home­ hand (and this is the primary work savant, but it’s TV-Terri force of Paul’s words), Christ is who gets the grades. Life isn’t the termination of the law in the fair! Take Romans 9:30, 31, for in­ sense that. . . life and righteous­ stance: ‘What then shall we say? ness are available through faith That the Gentiles, who did not in Christ; therefore no one need pursue righteousness, have ob­ attempt any more to win these tained it, a righteousness that is blessings by means of the law.” by faith; but Israel, who pursued Paul also explains Christ’s role a law of righteousness, has not at­ in our salvation: “If you confess tained it” (NIV). with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ Did God change the rule book at and believe in your heart that halftime? Look at Exodus 20:3-17. God raised him from the dead, Keep the commandments and live. you will be saved” (10:9, NIV). Look again, especially at the “The resurrection was the con­ preamble to the Decalogue: “I am firmation of Christ’s claims, the the Lord your God, who brought divine seal on His sacrifice. .. . you out of Egypt, out of the land of As contrasted with righteousness slavery” (verse 2, NIV). God pre­ by law [verse 5], righteousness by faces the Ten Commandments faith depends upon what Christ with a statement of grace. He is has done and can do rather tlmn the Redeemer! It was not anything upon what we are able to do. the Israelites did that left In chapter 11 Paul explains Pharaoh’s army treading water. that God has not rejected the Israel was saved by grace. At Sinai Jews as individuals, even though God is saying, “Keep My laws be­ as a nation they did reject Him. cause you have been saved.” The concept of a “remnant chosen In the New Testament Paul by grace” (verse 5, NIV) emerges spells out the relationship be­ as God’s plan for the descendants tween Christ and the law: “Christ of Abraham. is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for every­ 1. F. F. Bruce, The Epistle of Paul to the Romans: An Introduction and Commentary (Leicester, England: one who believes” (Rom. 10:4, Inter-Varsity Press, 1963), p. 203. NIV). 2. The SDA B b le Commentary, vol. 6, p. 598.

by John C. Cress John C. Cress Is the chaplain of Walla Walla College, College Place, Washington. 83 Thursday, November 29 Human Response to God’s Grace

In Romans 10 Paul makes it clear HOW-TO that righteousness by faith and Key Text: Heb. 2:1-4 righteousness by works of the law are two opposing systems of salva­ Although God offers salvation, tion (see verses 3-10). already an accomplished fact in Christ, as a gift to undeserving 4. Realizing that salvation by sinners, He nevertheless requires grace excludes boasting, we must a positive response from us so forgo pride. Pride greatly con­ that He may make His salvation tributed to the downfall of the effective in us. The reason for Jews, and Seventh-day Adventists this is twofold: (1) God is love, are in danger of making the same and love does not coerce (see mistake (see 2:17-29). Matt. 23:37, 38; Rom. 1:21-28); and (2) since God created How to Relate to the Jews humans with free will, only Despite Their History those who receive the gift of sal­ Our study of Romans 10 and vation in faith can enjoy it (see 11 has much to say to us about John 3:16-18, 36; Rom. 5:17). the attitude we should have In the light of Israel’s history toward the Jews. and failures recorded for our bene­ fit (see 1 Cor. 10:11, 12), we can 1. We must reject anti-Semitic learn some important lessons. feelings. Since Jews and Gentiles do not differ with respect to un­ How to Avoid Israel’s Mistakes belief and the sin problem (see 1. We must recognize that we 3:23; 11:30-32), we have no right are sinners. The failure to do so to treat Jews with contempt. was one of the primary problems “There, but for the grace of God, of the Jews (see Rom. 2:1, 17-24). go I.”

2. We must realize that salva­ 2. Realizing that God’s love is tion is only in Christ through unconditional and that salvation God’s grace alone. We cannot con­ is still His desire for the Jews, we tribute one iota toward our salva­ must do all we can to reach the tion but must receive it by faith Jews with the gospel. as a gift from God (see 3:21-28; Eph. 2:8, 9). 3. We must sense a special ob­ ligation to carry the gospel to the 3. We must not mix salvation Jews, since they brought it to the by faith with salvation by works. Gentiles initially.

by Jack Sequeira Jack Sequeira pastors the Walla Walla City church, Walla Walla, Wash­ ington. 84 Friday, November 30 If God Is God

you will never enter the kingdom OPINION of heaven” (Matt. 18:3, NIV). Key Text: Rom. 11:1 -6,22 What is it about little children He admired? Their childishness (petti­ “How long do you hesitate be­ ness)? No. What is the primary tween two opinions? If YHWH is fact about children? Is it not their God, follow Him; but if Baal is vulnerability? Little children God, follow him.” understand their dependence and Note the personal name in Eli­ are not ashamed of it. jah’s appeal. God is not an idea, Israel failed as a nation be­ but a personal being. Baal really cause the people became proud of should be Man because Baal is their achievements, proud of who man’s creation. So Elijah’s chal­ they were in themselves. They lenge can be paraphrased like wanted to make a name for them­ this: “If God is God, follow Him; selves, to find a place among the but if Man is God, follow him.” nations. One of the most difficult parts Submitting to God takes prac­ of the late-twentieth-century tice. Daniel practiced submission. Christian life is its context. Even Three times a day! He stopped to faithful Christians are not im­ talk with God and acknowledge mune to slipping into the thought his dependence on Him. He loved forms and the practices of our being dependent. time. A popular twentieth-century And so Paul urges us: “Do not value is self-reliance. We hold the conform any longer to the pattern key to personal success. In this of this world, but be transformed view, human beings are essen­ by the renewing of your mind. tially good (god?), and what we Then you will be able to test and need to do is to release the good­ approve what God’s will is—his ness (godness?) in ourselves, and good, pleasing, and perfect will” our potential is unlimited. (Rom. 12:2, NIV). The biblical world, by contrast, Drink at the sources that lead emphasizes human creatureli- you to Him! Experiment! Taste ness, limitedness, and depend­ and see! ence. The way to wholeness is to find our place as creature before REACT our Creator. The main task is to 1. Whatever your occupation, realize (make real) our depend­ what is God calling you to be for ence on Him. Him? Jesus said, “Unless you change 2. What is your Christian voca­ and become like little children, tion?

by Henning Guldhammer Henning Guldhammer is associate pastor of the Walla Walla College church, College Place, Washington. 85 Lesson 10, December 2 - 8 Straight Talk About Responsibility

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Rom. 12:2, NIV). Sunday, December 2 Righteous Revenge

less insistency of my own anger, INTRODUCTION of my desire for righteous re­ Scripture: Rom. 12,13 venge. Give me a teacup of water, and I’m likely to grip by the nos­ My enemies are bad people. trils and spoon-drown my unfor­ The worst, in fact. They’ve done tunate antagonist. And feeding an some awful things to me, often, enemy anything I’ve prepared, as and with apparent and inappro­ requested in verse 20, could only priate glee. be construed as an act of venge­ My enemies make me angry, ance, expressly forbidden in verse sometimes livid, even red-faced. 19. They represent a wide range of So where does that leave me? wickedness, all unique and un­ Angry, alone, red-faced, livid, mar­ known at the time the heavenly tyred, abused, but discovering stenographic pool transcribed the and digesting the second half of Scriptures. The Bible stubbornly verse 20: “For by so doing you refuses to take the bad-to-the-mar- will heap burning coals upon his row rottenness of my adversaries head” (RSV). Finally, language I into practical account: “Beloved, can identify with, active, cathar­ never avenge yourselves, but tic, vengeful in a positive, scrip­ leave it to the wrath of God; for it tural sort of way. is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I That can be a life-altering will repay, says the Lord’ ” (Rom. change of focus, easy to talk 12:19, RSV). Obviously written about, difficult to implement. But before Machiavelli. the world’s reservoirs of revenge So what’s a hotblooded, venge­ could, if harnessed, represent ful mammal like me to do? enormous stores of positive Not a moment too late verse 20 energy ready to be channeled for smiles sweetly and graciously righteous purposes. Imagine the offers up some typically unrealis­ possibilities, even for American tic advice: “If your enemy is hun­ foreign policy. “U.S. Fighters gry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give Drop Christian Tracts Near Khad- him drink” (RSV). dafy’s Tent,” the headlines scream. Thank you very much, good “Do not be overcome by evil, Pastor Paul. Now I’m hopelessly but overcome evil with good” trapped between your sancti­ (verse 21, RSV). Typical of Paul monious sermon and the relent­ to bury the lead.

by Gary Tetz Gary Tetz is director of college relations at Walla Walla College, College Place, Washington.

87 Monday, December 3 Clothes Make the Man (or Woman)

that. After all, he received in his LOGOS own body the vicious results of Rom. 12,13 leadership gone bad. No, Paul was not one to sit by The apostle Paul suggesting be­ passively and allow injustice. Nor haviorism? What is this anyway? should we. It is curious to note, Surely with all the notice given to however, the camp we end up in the book of Romans during the Re­ when we do not concern ourselves formation, we would not expect to with the environment in which see behavioral lists in this theol­ we live. And a misguided concept ogy of righteousness by faith. Yet of eschatology—the end of here they are—how-to’s on all things—is largely at fault. manner of behavioral issues. The danger of focusing on a They instruct us to be kind, to horrific ending of the world is, feed our enemies, to pay our first, that we feel pleased when debts, and even to pay our taxes. things get bad. It’s a kind of spir­ A list—partial anyway—of the itual masochism. And when condi­ Ten Commandments follows. Do tions start to improve in the we take this to be a switch for world, we tend to become inse­ Paul? Is he now opting for a be­ cure, wondering whether the end havioral form of righteousness? is really coming, after all. He says, “Let us behave decently” The second danger of this apo­ (Rom. 13:13, NIV). What does all calyptic glee is that we experience this behaviorism have to do with a disincentive to address the righteousness by faith? needs and problems in the world. But before we get to that ques­ Why, after all, would we want to tion, let’s look at another. A quick improve conditions around us reading of the first few verses of when we base our assurance of chapter 13 could bring us to some the Second Coming on things’ get­ difficult positions. Are we ready ting worse than they have ever to accept at uncritical face value been before? the comment that God establishes It is a grim picture. And it all authorities and allows them to places us in the midst of the camp exist? of “consumptive eschatologists”— What about Herod, Pilate, those without concern or care for Caesar, or others who have devas­ the world, since it is all going to tated God’s people? What about ruin anyway. Hitler? Was he God’s anointed? Paul’s appeal is the opposite of Surely we must realize the un­ this doom-and-gloom scenario. In tenable nature of such a broad ap­ fact, he refers to the coming of plication. Paul would not say the end of things as the motiva­

by Gary Patterson Gary Patterson is the administrative assistant to the North American Di­ vision president, and a former senior pastor at the Walla Walla College church, College Place, Washington. 88 tion for these good deeds. We per­ come back. Sounds pretty silly, form them, neither from fear of doesn’t it? At the outset, we know the results of misbehavior, though that isn’t going to happen. The he makes this point in verse 3, earth is wearing out like an old nor as an attempt to gain favor garment. And people are oppress­ with God or the authorities. ing people on every hand. Rather, these noble behaviors Our mission is to do something are the result of something. The about it. To be an island of love in reason for keeping the command­ a sea of indifference. To be a ments is love. The reason for flower of hope in a desert of righting social wrong is love. The despair. To be a beacon of reason for paying taxes (if we can guidance in a night of lostness. wrap our mind around this one) is So, is Paul doing the behavior love. The reason for caring for the bit? Certainly! After all, that is environment that God has given the whole point of righteousness is love—and on and on. by faith. What good is faith if it “He who loves his fellow man does not result in righteousness? has fulfilled the law” (verse 8, It would be a powerless sham. It NIV), Paul says. What does ful­ would verify the charges of filling the law mean in this con­ Lucifer that human beings cannot text? It means we have kept it. keep God’s law of love. We have done it. Paul does not Paul sums up the whole point in countenance antinomianism here, verse 14: “Clothe yourselves with even to the paying of taxes. the Lord Jesus Christ” (NIV). His The application is clear. Unar­ use of the metaphor of clothing is guable. Fulfilling the law in love interesting. Clothing, after all, is means keeping the Ten Command­ something we put on the outside. ments. It means living in har­ Jesus used this imagery in the il­ mony with our community. It lustration of the wedding garment. means caring for the earth. It The idea is not merely to cover means making our environment a something unacceptable under­ better place. neath but to become someone But what if everybody did different. Something new. Maybe that? Maybe the world would be­ it really is true that clothes make come so good that Jesus wouldn’t the man (or woman).

89 Tuesday, December 4 Caring Enough to Confront

His will toward us. Praise His TESTIMONY dear name for this precious gift!” Key Text: Rom. 13:8-10 Rejecting the world and making ourselves a sacrifice is a Skip this page. Go ahead. You precious gift? Listen to the rest: really don’t want to hear about it “Sister B’s grasp must be broken again. “Do not be conformed to from this world before she can this world” (Rom. 12:2, NKJV). have a true, safe hold of the bet­ This verse turns up many ter world. times in Testimonies for the OK. So we’re feeling guilty. It’s Church. You know, those stories the same old question: How can we that make us squirm and wonder really reject the world when we’re what Ellen White would say to us full-blooded human beings living if she were still alive: “Sister B in the middle of it? But notice that loves this world. She has not sepa­ Romans 13 deals with politics, rated, in her affections, from the taxes, and all kinds of worldly world, and given herself unre­ stuff. And verse 10 gives the law: servedly to God, as He requires. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; He will not accept half a sacrifice. therefore love is the fulfilling of the All, all, all, is God’s, and we are law” (RSV). The verse doesn’t say required to render perfect service. to love our Christian neighbor, just Says Paul: ‘I beseech you there­ to love our neighbor. Is this reject­ fore, brethren, by the mercies of ing the world? God, that ye present your bodies And Ellen White says, “The a living [not dying] sacrifice, holy, law of God, from its very nature, acceptable unto God, which is is unchangeable. It is a revelation your reasonable service. And be of the will and character of its not conformed to this world: but Author. God is love, and His law be ye transformed by the renew­ is love. Its two great principles ing of your mind, that ye may are love to God and love to man. prove what is that good, and ac­ ‘Love is the fulfilling of the law.’ ceptable, and perfect, will of Does this change our reading God.’ nl Poor Sister B. What a of Romans 12:2? God doesn’t say strong rebuke! And even worse, to lock ourselves away from the what can she do to satisfy the re­ sinful world, but instead pleads quirements? with us to make a difference by Strangely, Mrs. White con­ being in it. We should not coni­ tinues as if these requirements form, but confront in love. were some sort of joy. “What a privilege is thus allowed us, to 1. Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 694. prove for ourselves, experimen­ 2. tbid. 3. Ibid. tally, the mind of the Lord and 4. The Great Controversy, p. 467.

by Cynthia Westerbeck Cawthra Cynthia Cawthra is a senior English and music major at Walla Walla Col­ lege, College Place, Washington.

90 Wednesday, December 5 The Great Escape

In the table below, John Stott EVIDENCE helps us to see how acts of mercy Key Text: Rom. 13:8 should include strategies for jus­ tice. “If we start feeding hungry Social and political action looks people, things won’t get worse, beyond persons to structures. It and if things don’t get worse, not only rehabilitates prison in­ Jesus won’t come.” mates but also reforms the prison This epitomizes the philosophy system. This action not only minis­ of the “great escape.” In view of ters to the poor with acts of the imminent return of Jesus to mercy, but also works to reform this planet, many say that social the economic and political system or political action is largely a victimizing the poor. waste of time. Fellowshipping with each other After all, when a house is burn­ in the church is more comfortable ing down, what is the point of than getting our hands dirty in vacuuming or rearranging the fur­ an apathetic and hostile environ­ niture? The escapist thinks the ment. But if we take Paul’s mes­ only thing we should really engage sage in Romans seriously, our in is the rescue of the perishing. agenda will include both evan­ How involved should the Chris­ gelism and social responsibility. tian be in social and political The “great escape” mentality is change? While treating symptoms, an excuse, not a solution, and it should the Christian tackle the only continues to delay the Sec­ causes of this world’s injustices? ond Advent.

Social Service Social Action

• Relief of human need • Removal of causes of human need • Philanthropic activity • Political and economic activity • Ministry to individuals • Transformation of the structure and families of society • Works of mercy • Quest for justice

*John Stott, Involvement: Being a Responsible Christian in a Non-Christian Society (New York: Fleming H. Revell Co.. 1905), p. 31.

by Ed Boyatt Ed Boyatt Is associate director of thè Department of Education for thè North Pacific Union Conference.

91 Thursday, December 6 T ransf ormers

write the book report so that you HOW-TO have time to proofread it before Key Text: Rom. 12:2 you turn it in. In other words, “work hard and do not be lazy” I remember being introduced (verse 11, TEV). by my cousin Kurt to a Trans­ former, a robot that he trans­ 3. Consider privately giving an formed into a flashy race car with article of clothing that you don’t a couple of clicks. I understand use much to someone who really that Transformers were quite the needs it. Make sure it is some­ rage at the time. And that is thing nice, something you what pops into my mind when I wouldn’t be ashamed to wear. In read Romans 12:2. Complete other words, “whoever shares change. Utter transformation. with others should do it gener­ Romans 12 and 13 describe our ously” (verse 8, TEV). actions when the Holy Spirit transforms us: “Do not think of 4. Ask God to continue to bless yourself more highly than you the person who seems to have should. . .. Whoever shares with everything that money can buy others should do it generously; and who continually lords it over . . . whoever shows kindness to you. In other words, “ask God to others should do it cheerfully.. . . bless those who persecute you— Love one another” (12:3-11, TEV). yes, ask him to bless, not to What does transformation re­ curse” (verse 14, TEV). ally mean? How does it apply to the kind of man or woman I am 5. Even though you may not be right now? Keeping in mind that one of the student association of­ to transform means to go against ficers who get the glory for the ac­ present inclinations, I have a few tivities they direct, get involved in suggestions for transformation in the little detail work that is impor­ a college setting. tant but not so obvious. In other words, “do not be proud, but ac­ 1. Talk to the “class nerd.” cept humble duties” (verse 16, Make a friendly overture to the TEV). student who always has some­ If this sounds like a tall order, thing inappropriate to say. Help remember that the Holy Spirit is him to feel that he fits in. In the transformer. His work may other words, “love one another take a bit more time than turning warmly as Christian brothers” a robot into a race car does, but (verse 10, TEV). when you finally give up and let God run your life, these transfor­ 2. Keep up with your assign­ mations will be some of the most ments. Do the reading for the thrilling, liberating things you class that doesn’t have quizzes; can imagine. Give it a try!

by Julie Scott Julie Scott raises money for Walla Walla College, College Place, Wash­ ington. 92 Friday, December 7 Activating the Inactive

the world around it. OPINION Read Romans 12 and 13. In ac­ Key Text: Rom. 13:12 tive language Paul promotes ac­ tive Christianity. He calls us to I walked into his living room offer ourselves as living sacrifices, and found him dreamily watching to allow ourselves to be trans­ TV. I say “dreamily” because he formed in order to do God’s will, was sleeping. He was lying on his to hate evil, to have zeal, to main­ stomach with his chin propped up tain spiritual fervor, to share with on his hands, snoring into the TV the needy, and to do what is screen, which was desperately try­ right. How should the church be ing to awaken him. My friend active? didn’t have the energy for even a strenuous half hour of TV watch­ 1. It can provide opportunities ing. (forums, informal discussions, In general, Americans are etc.) for its members to wrestle lazy. Fewer than 8 percent of with socioreligious issues. American adults exercise at least 20 mijiutes three or four days a 2. It can encourage its in­ week. If breathing weren’t invol­ dividual members to take an inter­ untary, some of us would suffo­ est in their society and participate cate. I’m afraid this love of inac­ in its functions. tivity has spilled over into the church. 3. It can promote volunteering. In regard to social or political Can we help curb illiteracy? What issues the SDA Church seems to else can we do for the homeless? hibernate. We’re so wary of keep­ How can we meet the needs of the ing church and state separate orphan, the single parent, the that our pastors often avoid speak­ poor person, the alcoholic? ing about the world in which we Shouldn’t our love be visible in ac­ live. Today’s society faces many tion as well as theology? complex issues—abortion, Why do we balk at tackling euthanasia, pornography, apart­ life’s major issues and problems? heid, and discrimination—yet our Are we too afraid of dissension? church shies away from discuss­ Sometimes in our quest for unity ing them. we seem to avoid controversial The SDA Church is strong in subjects. its commitment to strengthen the Romans 13 says it’s time to inner life of its members. That’s wake up and put on the armor o f great! We need to be strong on light. Those are action words. the inside if we are to make a difference on the outside. Yet our * Susan Hauser, Oregonian, Oct. 19, 1989, sec. B, spiritual strength needs to affect p. 1.

by Mike Cook Mike Cook teaches Bible at Portland Adventist Academy, Portland, Oregon. 93 Lesson 11, December 9-15 Liberty on a Tightrope

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“If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord” (Rom. 14:8, NIV). Sunday, December 9 An Open Letter to Chuck and Linda

not condemn Chuck, for God has INTRODUCTION accepted him. Scripture: Rom. 14 So stop passing judgment on each other. Instead, Chuck, make To: Chuck Roast, Linda Loma up your mind not to put any stum­ Usaville Church Leaders bling block in Linda’s way. Don’t From: Elder A. Paul judge her, and don’t strut around Fm distressed. Something’s proud of your broad-mindedness. wrong at your church. I hear that If someone like Linda regards some church members are inac­ something as sinful, then for her tive, that financial support, the it’s sinful. If Linda is distressed index of a church’s health, has because of what you eat, you’re no diminished, and that young longer acting in love. Stop waving people are leaving your ranks. those hamburgers in her face! Do Christianity is powerful be­ not by your eating destroy Linda, cause the Creator has perfectly for whom Christ died. matched it to the human mind. On the other hand, Chuck— The test of true Christianity is Linda, are you listening?—do not terrifyingly simple: If you follow allow what you consider good to true Christian principles, your be spoken of as evil. Linda, no church grows strong. If you do more pious comments about not, your church declines. Have Chuck’s decaf coffee! For, Chuck you fallen into legalism? If so, and Linda, the kingdom of God is then you’ve made ego-gratification not a matter of eating and drink­ your god, you’ve lost the Christ in ing, but of righteousness, peace, Christianity, and you’ve led your and joy in the Holy Spirit. Stop ar­ church astray. You must immedi­ guing about diet, and start caring ately correct this problem. for those troubled kids in your First, learn to accept someone church. You need to start by whose faith you consider weak, listening to them, but you’ll never without passing judgment on pe­ really be able to listen as long as ripheral matters. I speak of food you’re busy preening your own here, but it’s merely symbolic of a “holy” egos by fuming about each legalistic attitude. Chuck, because other’s shortcomings. you’re broad-minded, you eat Try to do what leads to peace everything—your diet is a celebra­ and mutual spiritual growth, and tion of the taste buds. You, Linda, stop wasting your time and are narrowly scrupulous, so you energy in silly legalistic disputes. eat very plain food, consumed as Whatever you believe about these fuel for the body, nothing more. things, keep them between your­ Chuck, you must not look down self and God. Both you and your on Linda, and Linda, you must church will be blessed.

by Gary Wiss Gary Wiss is professor of English at Walla Walla College, College Place, Washington. 95 Monday, December 10 Love and Disagreement in the Family of God

These two voices have been LOGOS heard in the church since Paul’s Rom. 14 day. Both are Christians. Both are serving God from the heart. Weak believer: I believe that Both are concerned for the God has clear and unchanging church. But they disagree on how standards of behavior, and it is a Christian should behave. How important for all of us to live up is it possible for these two believ­ to these standards. I am troubled ers to live together in Christian when I see people who claim to fellowship? That is the question love God doing worldly things. Paul addresses in Romans 14. Some members eat meat, attend theaters, and wear jewelry. Some The Situation in Paul’s ride their bicycles on Sabbath, Church and others go swimming. I am dis­ Let’s look at the situation in tressed when I see people in our Paul’s church. It’s a model for church who claim to love God what has happened in the church going so openly against His will. ever since. No doubt the examples How can these careless, worldly would change from age to age, people call themselves Christians? maybe even from place to place, Strong believer: I have been a or from generation to generation. Christian for many years and But for Paul’s audience the issue have rejoiced in the freedom of was eating meat. The concern was the gospel. Over the years I have not over health or nutrition, but grown closer to God and have rather over food offered to idols. deepened my understanding of For the longtime Christian, for His nature and His will. I live whom the old pagan gods had no every day in His presence and hold, the question was of little look forward to His second com­ consequence. Food was food. If ing. I am concerned at the empha­ someone had chanted some magic sis some people in the church words over it, that didn’t affect place upon external points of be­ the taste. havior. Some people are so But for the new convert from wrapped up in their minutiae paganism, for whom the rituals of that they don’t understand the offering had deep meaning, the gospel at all. You would think, case was different. Eating food listening to them, that the gospel offered to idols was like idolatry. is food and drink and apparel and They might try to convince them­ entertainment. How can these un­ selves that the gods didn’t really thinking legalists call themselves exist and that the ceremonies Christians? were meaningless, but still the

by Beverly Beem Beverly Beem is chair of the Department of English at Walla Walla Col­ lege, College Place, Washington.

96 pull of the old ways was strong. To the Weak Believer That is the situation Paul de­ Paul also admonishes the weak scribes. We have two groups of believers. He advises them not to people in the church called the judge the strong, who know some­ strong and the weak. The strong thing about Christian liberty that believers rejoice in the freedom of they don’t. The strong too are the gospel and know that service serving God with their heart, and to God does not rest in the obser­ it is not up to the weak to judge vance of a thousand rules de­ them or belabor them with the signed to keep them from the weak’s ideas of right and wrong. possibility of committing a sin. The strong are far along in their To Both Groups service to God and know the Neither group has the right to difference between God’s will and judge the other or categorize their human regulations. fellow believers as “good Chris­ The weak believers are caught tians” or “bad Christians” based up in scrupulosity, and depend on on their own ideas of what is their list of do’s and don’ts to proper. Both groups, Paul says, keep them from sin. They don’t are acting in good conscience. understand how other church Who are we to judge the motives members can be so careless. Don’t of another? Those who eat do so they know they are on the road to for the glory of God; those who re­ idolatry! To the weak, these rules frain do so for the glory of God. are a hedge against evil. And Who appointed us a judge be­ sometimes it is difficult for them tween them? Both groups are re­ to understand the difference be­ sponsible to God alone. Who are tween this hedge against evil and we to pass judgment on the ser­ evil itself. vant of another? Is it possible for these two Part of Paul’s solution to this groups to live in peace? They dilemma is acceptance. We accept must. They are both part of the others with different views, family of God. And it is this whether they be weaker or family relationship that leads us stronger. They are our brothers to the solution to the problem. and sisters in Christ. Christ loved them and died for them, and this To the Strong Believer makes them of ultimate value. Paul first addresses the strong Most of all, we accept them be­ believers. He admonishes them to cause Christ accepts them, and welcome the ones weak in faith, He is their only judge. not to argue with them or try to Because what we do is done reform them, but to love them. before God, we must act thought­ The strong are not to despise the fully. “Let every one be fully con­ weak. They are not to look down vinced in his own mind,” says on them in condescension because Paul (verse 5, RSV). We are not they are dependent on the to take lightly our decisions of crutches of arbitrary regulations. lifestyle. We are required to Neither are they to flaunt their think them through and be con­ freedoms in the face of those who vinced of the rightness of our ac­ might not understand their mo­ tions. Whatever we do, we do it tives or who might be offended. A for God. child is not to be despised because The key principle here, in mod­ he is weaker than his elders. em parlance, is “Mind your own Rather, he is to be nourished and business.” Whether we are among loved, and in time he will grow to the strong or the weak, God has be strong. not commissioned us to straighten 97 out anyone else. Minding our own Both groups are called to love. business is a hard principle for Paul directs us from the question those of us who see clearly God’s of what is legal to what is loving. will for us and everyone else. But All of us live our lives before God this, says Paul, is the secret of and are judged only by Him. But peace in God’s family. It demon­ we also live in a community of strates what Jesus meant when people whom God loves. The He said, “By this all men will strong are not to offend the weak know that you are my disciples, if by putting stumbling blocks in you have love for one another” their way. Neither are the weak (John 13:35, RSV). to judge the strong and hit them The theme of Romans 14 is over the head with their false love. It is not the poetical exposi­ scruples. Love teaches both tion of love found in 1 Corinthi­ groups how to live together in ans 13; rather, it is a practical ap­ peace. plication of love within the family of God. It is easy to love when If Paul were writing Romans everyone is lovable; harmony is a 14 today, what examples would he cinch when everyone agrees with use to make his point? us. Love comes to its test in a con­ As you examine your own Chris­ flict of conscience—not between tian experience, in what ways do good and evil or truth and error, you consider yourself to be a but between two good saints in strong believer? In what ways a the church who are both fully per­ weak believer? suaded in their own mind that How can the church help its they are right. weak believers become strong?

98 Tuesday, December 11 Judge Not...

have one’s errors pointed out. TESTIMONY None should make the experience Key Text: Rom. 14 more bitter by needless censure. No one was ever reclaimed by re­ “Remember that you are never proach; but many have thus been on vantage ground when you are repelled, and have been led to steel ruffled and when you carry the bur­ their hearts against conviction. A den of setting right every soul who tender spirit, a gentle, winning comes near you. If you yield to the deportment, may save the erring, temptation to criticize others, to and hide a multitude of sins. point out their faults, to tear down “It is in the order of God that what they are doing, you may be persons of varied temperament sure that you will fail to act your should associate together. When own part nobly and well.” this is the case, each member of “No man, whatever his ex­ the household should sacredly re­ perience, whatever his position, is gard the feelings and respect the to feel that he accomplishes a won­ rights of the others. By this means derful work when he fashions and mutual consideration and forebear- shapes the mind of any human ance will be cultivated, prejudices being after his own mind and will be softened, and rough points teaches him to voice the senti­ of character smoothed. Harmony ments he may express.” may be secured, and the blending “There is many a brave soul of the varied temperaments may sorely pressed by temptation, be a benefit to each----- almost ready to faint in the con­ “Any negligence of acts of flict with self and with the powers politeness and tender regard on of evil. Do not discourage such a the part of brother for brother, one in his hard struggle. Cheer any neglect of kind, encouraging him with brave, hopeful words words in the family circle, parents that shall urge him on his way. with children and children with Thus the light of Christ may parents, confirms habits which shine from you.” make the character unchristlike. “It is not always that we are But if these little things are per­ brought in contact with social formed, they become great things. Christians, those who are amiable . . . They breathe a sweet perfume and mild. Many have not received in the life whichascends to God a proper education; their charac­ as holy incense. ters are warped, they are hard

and gnarled, and seem to be 1. My Life Today, p. 335. crooked in every way. While we 2. Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, pp. 427, help these to see and correct their 428. 3. Ibid., p. 576. defects, we must be careful not to 4. Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 72. become impatient and irritable. 5. The Ministry of Healing, p. 166. “It is always humiliating to 6. The Adventist Home, p. 427.

by Sylvia Nosworthy Sylvia Nosworthy is associate professor of English at Walla Walla Col lege, College Place, Washington. 99 Wednesday, December 12 A Law: “Not Free Not to Love”

Christ. When we dissolve the con­ EVIDENCE nection between law and love, Key Text: Matt. 22:39 the law becomes superficial and useless. . . . When we follow Today “law” has a bad name. Paul and Luther connecting law In our society it is a painful, and love, the law will make us potent club that frightens people better citizens and at the same into doing what they would never time prepare the way for our re­ do if left to themselves. alization that Jesus, the Christ, That is not what ‘law” means in is our Lord and Savior.”1 God’s world, a fact clearly Obeying God’s law of love does understood by Old Testament writ­ not make everyone think alike, but ers. The psalmist understood: “Oh, it does mean we will live for Christ how I love thy law! It is my medita­ and not for ourselves, according to tion all the day” (Ps. 119:97, RSV). a modem theologian: “If both the Jesus reminded His audience that weak and the strong, those who ab­ Moses understood; when He stated stain and those who do not, take that the law meant “You shall love their positions “in Christ,’ then your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. grounds for the superiority of one 22:39, RSV), He was echoing Leviti­ group over another cannot exist.” cus 19:18. The strong are not superior to In Romans 14 Paul points out the weak; they are actually that both the strong and the weak dangerous if they persuade their Christian need to obey the law of weaker brothers and sisters to vio­ love. The strong need to learn that late their conscience. And it is a walking in love means not hurting sin to cause someone else to sin. our brother, and the weak need to God’s law says the strong and the realize that the law of love, prop­ weak must find unity in love. For erly understood, points us to Paul, even freedom has its limits: Christ, not our own efforts. “One is free to love; one is not free In his study of the lifestyle not to love. chapters of Romans, George

Forell reemphasizes what Paul 1. George Wolfgang Forell, The Christian Lifestyle: R e­ was trying to get across: “Only if flections on Romans 12-15 (Philadelphia; Fortress we take the law seriously, Press. 1975), p. 39. 2. Burton H. Throckmorton, Jr., Adopted in Love: Con­ namely, see it in the light of temporary Studies in Romans (New York: The Sea- love, can it accomplish its most bury Press, 1977), p. 102. important task, to drive us to 3. toid., p. 104.

by Terrle Dopp Aamodt Terrle Dopp Aamodt Is associate professor of English and history at Walla Walla College, College Place, Washington. 100 Thursday, December 13 Living the Joyful Life

sors expect of students’ perform­ HOW-TO ance. Key Text: Rom. 14:17 2. “Accept him whose faith is The message of Romans 14 weak, without passing judgment seems especially timely for on disputable matters” (verse 1, Adventist young people today. In NIV). The unfortunate truth an age when church standards about being educated persons is and traditional lifestyles are com­ that we are encouraged to pass ing into question, Scripture pro­ judgment—on everything. We are vides a balance to voices that taught to examine thoroughly, an­ wish to discard the specifics of Ad­ alyze minutely, dissect carefully, ventist practice. until there is little room for tolera­ Is Sabbath observance impor­ tion or acceptance. Romans 14 tant? Should total abstinence urges us to let go of our judging from drinking wine be revised to ways when dealing with others, to moderation? Are all meats actu­ stop focusing on the externals. ally clean, and, thus, should di­ etary restrictions be removed 3. “Let us therefore make every from our beliefs? effort to do what leads to peace Lifestyle questions become sig­ and to mutual edification” (verse nificant for educated young adults 19, NIV). Although some may who attend college, graduate, and want to use Romans 14 as proof set up their own family. When the that specifics of lifestyle don’t mat­ influences of the non-Christian ter anymore, Paul’s advice ap­ world press in, how well do the ac­ pears to be just the opposite. He cepted Adventist practices hold up? reminds believers to be especially Romans 14 can appear both un­ careful in what they do: “Do not settling and reassuring in its an­ by your eating destroy your swers to questioners of the Adven­ brother for whom Christ died” tist faith. Three messages seem (verse 15, NIV). The stumbling- particularly strong. block argument increases our re­ sponsibility to be true to our con­ 1. "Each one should be fully victions while demonstrating convinced in his own mind" (verse incredible acceptance and care 5, NIV). A primary goal of college toward others. is to teach people to think for Romans 14 calls us to focus on themselves. Examining evidence, important issues to personal and reading broadly, discussing corporate belief, for “the kingdom openly—all are activities designed of God is not a matter of eating to help students settle into truth and drinking, but of righteous­ on a subject. God expects no less ness, peace and joy in the Holy of our mind than college profes­ Spirit” (verse 17, NIV).

by Susan Gardner Susan Gardner Is associate professor of English and college writing coordinator at Walla Walla College, College Place, Washington. 101 Friday, December 14 Pigs

angry, and that’s something she OPINION wasn’t very often. Let me say first Key Text: Rom. 14:17 that we weren’t vegetarians. We raised cattle, chickens, turkeys, When I was a child, I felt sheep, and goats, and all these strongly the call to witness for my animals chipped in to supplement faith. And I knew that I was sup­ our diet in some way. But I was posed to witness to my “neigh­ sympathetic with, and perhaps a bors.” Now, my family’s neighbors little in awe of, people who were raised pigs. Our neighbors were more strict. To me, the people kind people who often fed my who used soya milk and carob brothers and me wonderful, pork- had evolved further than I had free, farm meals. They helped us toward sanctification. with our fanning and frequently That’s true. But my mother re­ would visit us children in the sented the muscular witness of evenings when our parents were some of our church members who at work. But they raised pigs and insisted that only certain foods be ate them, too; so I knew that at served at town potlucks or at the end of time they would be catered meals, or that the ingre­ goners. dients of all foods be known so I felt that I would probably that the presence of substances be a goner as well, because I like lard or vinegar would not couldn’t get myself to tell them sully the lips of the pure. that they should get rid of those My mom felt that the church pigs. Pigs are unclean beasts— members who grilled the corrupt, foul, and smelly beasts— townspeople about their recipes but I never got the courage to were really pushing it to call this tell my neighbors this. For one witnessing. So she would often thing, I couldn’t figure out what help herself to offending items they could do with their pigs. and tell me this was her witness. What did one do with a pig once “The kingdom of heaven,” she it was bom? Selling it would said, “is not meat and drink, but spread the evil. Giving it to char­ righteousness and peace and joy ity was like sending a food bomb in the Holy Ghost.” Now I was a to CARE. Turning all the living little confused at first, but less pigs into pets seemed far­ and less as time went on. fetched. So I had a little witness­ I see that people have different ing crisis. voices in their witness. But it At about that same time in my does seem fair to ask whether the life I observed that my mother church can afford such divergent had a witnessing crisis of her voices, or whether one witness for own. This crisis made her a little the kingdom should be strongest.

by Dan Lamberton Dan Lamberton is assistant professor of English at Waila Walla College, College Place, Washington.

102 Stricken by his wife's death in a rock- climbing accident, Dr. Frank Kelly fled from the society he despised and the God he blamed. His flight spanned continents, and the untamed wilderness became his home. Frank Kelly hid. But can a man hide from God? The Last Mountain, by Lincoln Steed, is a riveting drama of the stubborn human spirit and God's stubborn love. Don't miss it! Available now at your Adventist Book Center. 192 pages. Cloth, US$11,95/Cdn$14.95. Prices subject to change without notice. From Pacific Press Lesson 12, December 16-22 Talking About Walking

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:13, NIV). Sunday, December 16 Paul’s Life Our Life?

talks about accepting one INTRODUCTION another, instructing one another, Key Text: Rom. 15:13 proclaiming the gospel, and pray­ ing for one another. No way! That He was frequently imprisoned must be impossible. I cannot ac­ and was flogged more severely cept Anne’s using her dreadful than any of us, hopefully, will dress at every worship. Arid I ever experience. Bandits, country­ know that the elder of the church men, Gentiles, and false brothers wouldn’t accept my instructing constantly brought him trouble. him! By the way, Christ would He did not always get enough never tell me to do what I’m not food or sleep. And besides, he felt able to do, would He? daily the pressure of his own con­ When following a road, we al­ cern for all the churches. Good old ways have the possibility of fall­ Paul! Always on the move, never ing into the ditch on either side. giving himself time for rest and a Some people manage to stumble well-deserved vacation. Head- into both of them. Even though shaking physicians at his time the road may seem perfectly and now might have told him he straight, people still discover the wouldn’t last long if he continued ditches. Christ’s and Paul’s mes­ at such a pace. They would tell sage to us may be clear, but we him there are limits as to how far can still easily draw the wrong we can go in helping people at our conclusions. own expense. Nevertheless, in Ro­ Verse 2 says we should do mans 15 Paul cites his life as an what is best for our neighbor. illustration of the ideal Christian What is best for our neighbor—al­ lifestyle! ways to interfere in his business Isn’t it daring to point to one’s or to leave him entirely to his own life, saying, “Look, this is own decisions and choices? And good! Do as I do!” What makes what does it mean to accept one Paul think he is better than any­ another, just as Christ accepted body else? It would have sur­ us (see verse 7)? Maybe it means prised him to hear us ask him joining all others calling them­ that. He would rather have said, selves Christian, accepting their ‘What makes me think I can live faith and glorifying God “with one my life just for myself, caring only heart and mouth” (verse 6, NIV)? for my own needs?” A good ques­ Or does it mean that we should tion. Paul did not point to his own accept every fellow church mem­ life to highlight good deeds. He ber as he is, including all his presented Jesus as the accom- faults? What did Christ accept? plisher in his life. What is a Christian lifestyle Jesus says He will give us a really like, according to Romans spirit of unity. Sounds interest­ 15? This week we will, hopefully, ing, but is it possible? Romans 15 find an answer to this question.

by Berit Klausen Berit Klausen is a third-year theology student at Newbold College, Eng' land. 105 Monday, December 17 True Christian Behavior

them to do certain things. The LOGOS text seems to imply that Paul in­ Rom. 15 cludes himself in their number. While the “strong” have the inner In the fourteenth chapter of the freedom of movement, they are Epistle to the Romans the apostle nevertheless under the obligation, Paul deals with an apparently un­ not to please themselves, but to reserved display of liberal atti­ help carry the doubts and disabili­ tudes in the church at Rome. What ties, embarrassments and qualms, some perceived to be their freedom of their fellow believers without in the gospel of Jesus Christ had, the same inner freedom. The aim in fact, become an offense to fellow then is to meet halfway the believers. The apostle desires them thoughts and feelings of a fellow to understand that their liberty believer and to be considerate in should be firmly rooted in Chris­ the matter of conduct and opinion. tian responsibility and mutual re­ spect and, above all, connected to What was the freedom o f action the sacred obligation of being a that caused offense in the church good example. at Rome'! Romans 15 is evidence that What freedom of action causes Paul feels he has not said enough offense in your own church and in on this important point, and he your peer group? pursues the matter further. He Why is it not always appro­ does so first by underlining the priate to insist on your own point fact that Christians, by virtue of of view? How would you relate to their calling, live with their eyes “unbelievers” in this respect? fixed on Christ and take on board as their regulator for daily living Verse 3 contains the epistle’s the promises and exhortations of first reference to the example of Scripture (see verses 1-13). And Jesus. The statement “Christ did second, by underlining the fact not please himself’ sums up His that Christians go about their earthly ministry and suffering. daily duties under the guidance of Oddly enough, Paul does not give the Spirit and to the joy of the examples from the life of Jesus; in­ Lord (see verses 14-33). stead, he quotes from the Old Testament: “The insults which What Is True Christian Be­ are hurled at you fall on me” (Ps. havior? (read Rom. 15:1-6) 69:9, TEV). “We who are strong in the faith His use of this text shows how ought to help the weak to carry important it is for Christians to their burdens” (verse 1, TEV). recognize that Jesus is the true Those who are strong in the meaning of the Old Testament faith sometimes have the as­ and to know that His suffering is surance that their faith permits the key element in God’s eternal

by Erich Metzing Erich Metzing is a lecturer in theology at Newbold College, England.

106 plan of salvation. All the re­ I f (b) is valid, discuss modern proaches leveled at God fall on parallels to Paul’s “Jewish and Jesus. If for my sake He was Gentile Christians” in the context willing to bear untold suffering, o f your church. how shameful it is if I cannot bring myself to give up my free­ Consider the following. Paul’s dom in such an unimportant mat­ discussion of Jews and Gentiles ter as the exercise of my right in has special significance in the pres­ what I eat. ent context. The inference is that Verse 4 justifies his quotation. unhappy divisions existed on the In view of what Christ has done, basis of the traditional back­ Paul admonishes Christians to grounds of Jewish and Gentile open their hearts to one another Christians. To the “weak” he as Christ has done for them. points out the fallacy of claiming divine right where God has given Christ Is the Saviour of All none, and to the “strong” he notes (read Rom. 15:7-13) the moral error of allowing their “May God, the source o f hope, inner freedom to become a stum­ fill you with all joy and peace by bling block to the weak. Both means o f your faith in him, so groups need guidance to the feet of that your hope will continue to Jesus, who came as their mutual grow by the power o f the Holy Saviour. In verse 13, the key text Spirit” (verse 13, TEV). for this section, Paul embraces Paul begins here a discussion both groups impartially and holds about the fact that Christ is the out the wonderful fullness of bless­ Saviour of both Jews and Gen­ ing in which their differences tiles. He does this by pointing out vanish into nothingness. first that Jesus became a servant of the Jews for the sake of God’s What Paul Has Tried to Accom­ faithfulness to the promises made plish (read Rom. 15:14-21) to the fathers. And second, that “My brothers: I myself feel sure He became a minister to the Gen­ that you are full of goodness, that tiles to demonstrate God’s good­ you have all knowledge, and that ness, and that the Gentiles have you are able to teach one another” come to glorify God for His mercy (verse 14, TEV). in calling them, as well. Paul does Paul intends nothing that he this by referring to Old Testa­ has said previously to call in ques­ ment texts that foreshadow the tion the spiritual maturity of the mission to the Gentiles and their Roman Christians. It seems to be joy of salvation. an act of Christian courtesy for Compare verse 9 with Psalm him to regard fellow believers as 18:49; verse 10 with Deuteronomy Christian unless he has valid rea­ 32:43; verse 11 with Psalm 117:1; son to believe otherwise. Thus, and verse 12 with Isaiah 11:10. persuaded of their genuine spiritu­ ality, he expects them to be hon­ In what terms does Paul speak est and open with one another. about Jews and Gentiles in the In this frame of mind he present context: (a) as believers speaks of a certain boldness with and unbelievers; (b) as Jewish which he reminded them of knowl­ and Gentile Christians in the edge they already possessed. He same church at Rome? does so because of the grace God What difference does the distinc­ gave him to minister to the Gen­ tion in (a) and (b) make, and what tiles, so that God will accept might be the implications ? Who are them, too, and sanctify them the weak; who are the strong? through the Holy Spirit. 107 Why does Paul emphasize his goes there is uncertain and unim­ commission to the Gentiles as an portant. Little does he know at this act of God’s grace? time that he will indeed see Rome, What does servant-leadership but not as he anticipates (two mean for you! years of house arrest, during which time he meets with friends and In this passage Paul speaks writes many of his epistles). with attractive tenderness about Now, however, he plans to visit the spiritual state of the Roman Jerusalem with gifts of material Christians. With a sense of gra­ support from the Gentile churches cious courtesy he justifies his cor­ in Greece for the poor Christians rective attitude as their coun­ in Jerusalem (see Acts 11:27-30 selor, and without a trace of [mention of an earlier collection]; spiritual pride or prevarication he 19:21; 24:17; and 1 Cor. 16:1-4). speaks of his personal feelings He anticipates fierce hostility and longings. Paul comes across from the unbelieving Jews, and here, and perhaps even more so now he puts his trust in the in the next section, as a truly Roman believers to pray for him great man unafraid to show his and with him, not halfheartedly, feelings. His openness and trans­ but earnestly. parent honesty put him in contact with others and keep him open to Why were the Greek churches their sympathies however humble under obligation to support the they may be. Jewish Christians in Jerusalem'? What implications does this have? Paul Speaks of His Future May a pastor ask his congrega­ Plans (read Rom. 15:22-33) tion for personal encouragement “I urge you, brothers, by our and positive support in his work? Lord Jesus Christ and by the love How easy or difficult is it for you that the Spirit gives: join me in to express your weakness and ask praying fervently to God for me. for support? Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that In this last section we see Paul my service in Jerusalem may be as always—a loving pastor who acceptable to God’s people there” cares for his people and desires to (verses 30, 31, TEV). meet them. He is no enthusiast in­ Paul displays here a fine toxicated with ambitious spiritual courtesy of pastoral love and con­ visions, but a mentally balanced cern. For years he has hoped to man with a beautiful treasure in visit the Roman Christians, whom trust. He can show his strengths he plans to meet on his intended as well as his weaknesses and re­ journey to Spain. Whether he ever main a great man.

108 Tuesday, December 18 Apostolic Model

Rome. His love for non-Christians TESTIMONY overrode his own personal gratifi­ Key Text: 1 John 3:18 cation. Ellen White suggests that “un­ Love cannot long survive less we daily cultivate the pre­ without expression. Like faith, cious plant of love, we are in love without good works can danger of becoming narrow, un­ degenerate into a lifeless body of sympathetic, bigoted, and critical, sentimental words. Paul, our apos­ esteeming ourselves righteous tolic model, identifies several when we are far from being ap­ aspects of Christian love in ac­ proved of God. Some are uncour- tion. He urges the strong to bear teous, abrupt, and harsh. They the weakness of the weak and not are like chestnut burs: they prick to please themselves (see Rom. whenever touched. These do incal­ 15:1). He advises all to seek to culable harm by misrepresenting please their neighbors and be of our loving Saviour.” spiritual benefit to them (see Two important principles we verse 2), since Jesus did not can learn from Paul’s experience please Himself (see verse 3). He are (1) that Christian love is un­ asks Christians genuinely to ac­ selfish, and (2) that love always cept one another as Christ has ac­ reaches out to those ignorant of cepted them (see verse 7). it. How can we obtain such love? In the first three verses of Ro­ We can catch it by falling in love mans 15 Paul emphasizes the un­ with Jesus, who so loved us that selfishness of Christian love in ac­ He dedicated His life to us. ‘We tion. In his life we see self-denying love because he first loved us” efforts to spread the gospel of love (1 John 4:19, NIV). to those ignorant of it (see verse 20). Paul had desired to visit Rome REACT for many years, but the nature of 1. What are the characteristics his ministiy in the region between of Christian love in 1 Corinthians Jerusalem and Illyricum had pre­ 13:4-8? vented him (see verses 22,23). His 2. How does Christian love be­ priority was to take the gospel of have, and how does it differ from love to non-Christians. He did not the popular view of love? seek to satisfy his desire to visit an already Christianized church in * Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 605.

by Jerome Knight Jerome Knight is a third-year theology student at Newbold College, Eng­ land. 109 Wednesday, December 19 Hypocritical Christianity

Christ Jesus” (verses 5, 6, NIV). EVIDENCE Even by today’s standards first- Key Text: Rom. 15:5,6 century Rome was a city. By the standards of the time it was huge. As Christmastime approaches, From all over Europe, North what will be most people’s view of Africa, and Asia Minor people Christianity? While many may flocked to Rome. And the church in think of Mother Teresa, the Salva­ Rome reflected the city’s cosmopoli­ tion Army, or even ADRA, many tan nature. In Romans Paul sends more will have other things in greetings to a long list of friends. mind. They will think of white We find among them believers Christians who hate all blacks, or from Greece, Palestine, Persia, and black Christians who hate all Asia Minor, as well as Italy. whites. They will think of TV But just as is true today, shar­ evangelists, making millions ing a new faith was not enough to while committing the sins they overcome differences. In chapter condemn. They will think of 14 we find that some believers “Christians” in Lebanon, engaged condemned others for eating in a war to the death with different foods, honoring or not Muslims. They will think of honoring certain Jewish festival Catholics and Protestants in days, and, in fact, living differ­ Northern Ireland, bombing each ently. We similarly condemn other and justifying their actions those who live differently from us, from the gospel. They will think or who belong to a different race, of church organizations in which and hide our prejudices behind a some members refuse even to con­ cloak of piety. sider whether abortion is ever But tihis is wrong. Paul knew justifiable, while other members that as long as we accept Jesus refuse even to consider whether and His sacrifice for us, other con­ an unborn baby is a human being. siderations are less important. Altogether too many people We should seek to build our neigh­ will perceive Christianity as a bors up (see 15:2), not tear them hypocritical and bitterly divided down. And we know from the par­ religion. And they will be right. able of the good Samaritan that It is an age-old problem, per­ all people are our neighbors. haps, that has afflicted Christian­ While we must follow certain ity from the ascension of Christ immutable principles if we are to until today. But in Romans 15 live a truly Christian life, Christ Paul offers us the solution: “May crucified should be our sole the God who gives endurance and model. “Accept one another, then, encouragement give you a spirit just as Christ accepted you, in of unity among yourselves . . . so order to bring praise to God” that with one heart and mouth (verse 7, NIV). This is the mes­ you may glorify . . . our Lord sage of Romans 15.

by David Trim David Trim is a second-year history student from Australia studying at Newbold College, England. 110 Thursday, December 20 Bearing the Burdens of the Weak

the weak with not pleasing our­ HOW-TO selves and with edifying our weak Key Text: Rom. 15:13 brothers and sisters. The poet John Donne noted that “no man Today our most valuable pos­ is an island.” Paul challenges the sessions are time, money, educa­ reader to realize his responsibility tion, career, home, vacations, on a wider realm—his neighbor, and relationships. However, if cir­ as well as himself. The element of cumstances arise that challenge corporateness is strong, and this our use of these, we become un­ corporateness includes our posses­ comfortable. In the “fast lane” of sions. Consequently, we have a life we have no time for others, duty to our brothers to look after we set aside our money for per­ their interests. sonal investments, we attain an Corporateness also develops education for personal success, the body of believers (see verse 5), we pursue a career for financial whose maturity leads to unity. security, we fail to make our This maturing of the believers house “home,” we save our vaca­ mentally, emotionally, physically, tion for our own enjoyment, and socially, and spiritually is satisfy­ we confine our relationships to ing. Sin has damaged all human­ the few. ity in these realms, but the body How then does a young Advent­ of believers can help in restora­ ist accept the counsel of Paul in tion. Paul reminds the believer Romans 15:1? Adventists desire that Jesus is his ultimate source upward mobility. So should I then of strength, yet he also receives bear the burdens of my weaker nourishment as a part of the body brother? I am sorry, Paul, but I of believers. don’t think that’s for me. You see, Finally, the chapter rests on I am a yuppie working at the ex­ the hope of Christ (see verse 13). clusive London Stock Exchange, He invites the God of hope into and I have been told I have great our life. Our possessions cannot potential. I can’t bear the burdens satisfy and quell the disturbances of the weak—I haven’t got time. within our mind. Yet God’s hope In this world we have to learn to is what our mind seeks. This hope survive and help ourselves. should abound through the power Does Paul’s counsel have any of the Holy Ghost. Our hope relevance for today? The answer should be, not a route for es­ appears to rest on Christ’s ex­ capism, but a means of confront­ ample of selflessness, which is to ing problems and making deci­ become our motivation. Paul sions by the power of the Holy equates bearing the burdens of Ghost.

by David Savalani David Savalani is a postgraduate student studying for an M.A. in religion at Newbold College, England. 111 Friday, December 21 How Strong Are Your Shoulders?

But how, in practical terms, OPINION does one “bear” another’s weak­ Key Text: Rom. 15:1 ness? After all, moral weakness is not a suitcase, not a tangible Contemporary Christianity is object to lift and carry. Essen­ too often an individual experience tially, bearing means talking to in which the Christian “works the discouraged, bringing their out” his salvation in complete problems to God in prayer. It isolation, hidden from the view of means holding the hand of a his fellow Christians. While we young man dying from AIDS. It cannot deny that the relationship means washing the cracked and between God and the believer is dirty feet of a stranger. It means intensely personal, we must also embracing the man or woman realize that the church is a com­ caught in adultery, and pointing munity, a community that com­ him or her to the forgiveness forts those who grieve and en­ and salvation of Christ. It means courages those who despair, a opening our arms in love to the community that lifts up its fallen sinner, rather than crossing and participates with Christ in re­ them in judgment. storing them to what He means This reaction is vital because them to be. failure tends to isolate the fallen. Paul makes exactly this point They believe themselves cut off in Romans 15:1. We who are from God and the church. They strong “ought to bear with the fail­ feel shame and perhaps sense re­ ings of the weak,” he says, and jection. The church is responsible not simply “please ourselves” to break down these barriers. We (NIV). The relationship between must grasp hands whether or not fellow Christians is not that of they are extended to us. the spectator, the distant and dis­ The concept of the church as a interested observer. community means toleration, In the word bear Paul ex­ shared responsibility, and, per­ presses a completely different real­ haps most important, involvement ity. Instead of distance, there with one another. The falling must be involvement. We must away of just one of us diminishes dirty our hands. We must wipe the whole. We must, therefore, tears. Responsibility for weak­ bear one another’s burdens and ness, for human failure, is not the failings. The Christian journey is domain of the fallen, but that of not a lonely struggle. We are not the community as a whole. We left to fight our dragons in isola­ must carry, shoulder, and sustain tion. We have the supreme gift of our brothers and sisters. Their Christ’s victory and the support of failure is our failure. the Christian community.

by John Wilcox John Wilcox is a third-year English and history major at Newboid Col- lege, England. 112 INDONESIA 163 million (Unreached People) Have not heard of Christ!

“Even a child is known by his doings . . .

Be involved in GLOBAL STRATEGY! Give a double offering on 13th Sabbath

". . . and your old men shall dream dreams." CLOSED DOORS MAY SOON OPEN!

Perhaps an English Language School/ Medical Clinic in an unentered cityl PRAY FOR ALL OF KOREA Your generous GLOBAL STRATEGY 13th Sabbath offering on Dec. 29, 1990, will be appreciated. Lesson 13, December 23 - 29 You May Kiss the Bride

“I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them” (Rom. 16:17, NIV). Sunday, December 23 Choosing for Life

lege that will change. There you INTRODUCTION will encounter a spectrum of Scripture: Rom. 16:17 people, many claiming to be Chris­ tians, but adhering to such a vari­ It was his first time at an Ad­ ance of standards that you may ventist college, and Tim wondered become bewildered. But, son, I how his concept of Adventism have faith in your ability to do would compare to the other young the right thing. Keep in mind people’s on campus. The city in your struggles in high school to which he had been born and do what you felt was right, and al­ reared had lacked Adventist though the way will not be easy, I peers, and the awareness that he trust that you will have the would soon meet 1,500 other col­ strength to maintain your stand­ lege-age students of his own re­ ards and make friends who will ligion filled Tim with both delight help you to grow spiritually.” and apprehension. Friendships are important in de­ Before he had left home and termining a Christian lifestyle. started toward college, Tim had Friends can imperceptibly alter discussed with his father the pros our moral standards and religious and cons of attending a school positions. In Romans 16:17 Paul ac­ filled with other Adventists. Tim’s knowledged this aspect of friend­ father had instructed him to be ship when he warned the Christi­ aware of fellow Adventists who ans in Rome about those within might hold beliefs different from the church who had created dissen­ his own. sion. Tim’s father also addressed “Son,” his father had said to this aspect of friendship when he him, “the influences you will face warned his son about the variety of on your religious stand at college beliefs he would encounter at an will be different from those you Adventist college. dealt with here at high school, Few people can claim to be in­ where none of your friends held dependent of others. Friendships the same beliefs as you did. Your have enormous power to alter our way here was straightforward, lifestyle. It is important for us as and although you had no support Christians to follow Paul’s advice from friends of your own age and in Romans. While not closing our religion, you used the Bible as minds to new and perhaps useful your guide and strove to do what ideas, we should choose our friend­ you felt was right.” ships carefully and recognize His father continued, “At col­ their impact upon us.

by Kevin Deane Kevin Deane is a second-year history student at Newbold College, Eng­ land. 115 Monday, December 24 Partners in Salvation

dence. He was full of joy over the LOGOS believers (see verse 19). He under­ Rom. 16:17 stood positive reinforcement. He sent personal greetings, not cold Paul and Friends formalities. He wanted the mem­ “I commend to you our sister bers to enjoy good fellowship and Phoebe, a servant o f the church. to greet one another. In some cul­ . . . Give her any help she may tures “a hearty handshake all need from you, for she has been a around” (verse 16, Phillips) is prob­ great help to many people, includ­ ably a better translation than a ing me” (Rom. 16:1, 2, NIV). “holy kiss.” Paul wrote the book of Romans to explain the gospel to the How was the first-century churches in Rome he hoped to church a model for us in the twen­ visit (see 15:22-24). At this stage tieth century? the Christians met as a house church (see 16:5). How did Paul How to Handle Temptation— know so many people in a city he Shun the Schismatics had never visited (he mentioned “1 urge you, brothers, to watch at least 26 by name)? Good roads out for those who cause divisions and a postal system linked Rome and put obstacles in your way that to the rest of the empire. Since are contrary to the teaching you Christians traveled and wrote, have learned” (Rom. 16:17, NIV). Paul naturally knew of believers How should we react when he had never met and friends who someone comes along with a mes­ had traveled to Rome. sage that he claims is “new light” We cannot identify most of essential for the church? The first Paul’s friends, though a few test is the congruence of the mes­ names occur elsewhere in the sage to biblical teaching. Often New Testament. Let’s look at the false teacher claims that he is them. Paul apparently entrusted restoring lost truth or bringing Phoebe, whose name means “radi­ new. But does it build up or tear ant,” with the letter to Rome. So down the teachings of the church? much for his supposed low view of The second test is the effect of women. Then he named Priscilla the message on the church. False before her husband. We have met teachers bring divisions and stum­ them in Acts 18 and 19 and in bling blocks (skandalon), from 1 Corinthians 16. which we get “scandal.” Read We can almost see Paul’s mind Galatians and Colossians for in­ at work as he recalled the good stances of wrong teachings’ work and friendship of this and damaging the church. that person. Paul emphasized the The third test is the character good points. He expressed confi­ of the teacher. The motive of the

Hugh Ounton Hugh Dunton works as librarian and teaches church history as well as marriage and family dynamics at Newbold College, England. 116 false teacher is self-interest. His (John 2:25), but He did not share method is smooth talk and his wickedness. He knew what flattery. He seeks the naive and wickedness was (Nazareth had a gullible, claiming special light for reputation!), but it never entered special people. into Him. Once we recognize a What should members do with garbage can for what it is, we do false teachers? Paul said to shun not need to investigate its con­ them, leave them alone, once we tents. recognize them for what they are. Paul echoed Genesis 3:15 in This may seem hard, but Paul promising the downfall of evil and made it clear that these teachers the victory of God’s people. serve their own interests, not Christ’s or His people’s. If we re­ What will my priorities be if I fuse to continue to listen, some am to be “wise about what is will say that we have turned our good, and innocent about what is back on truth. Some will ask us evil” (Rom. 16:19, NIV)"! how we can sensibly condemn their message when we haven’t Thank God for Victory taken enough time to listen. We “To the only wise God be glory should have something better to forever through Jesus Christ! offer those attracted by false Amen” (Rom. 16:27, NIV). teachers. Whether they come with Paul ended the letter in a little “liberal” doctrine, claiming to free hymn of praise to God. To get the us from old-fashioned standards, sense of his long sentence, we or whether they try to tie us up need to jump from “now to him” with some form of legalism, Paul to “be glory forever.” The words said, “Shun them.” between tell what God has done for us through Jesus, so that we Does showing love to all con­ too are led to give Him glory. Of flict with avoiding their evil? Can course, God has wealth and we be kind to false teachers while power, but His true glory is His refuting their teaching? character. John said of Jesus, W e have seen his glory, .. . full of Prepare for Victory grace and truth” (John 1:14, NIV). “The God of peace will soon God is able to “establish” crush Satan under your feet” (Rom. 16:25, NIV), or to (Rom. 16:20, NIV). “strengthen” (RSV), us by the Knowledge grows exponen­ good news of Jesus Christ. That tially, specialties subdivide, and good news is not some after­ disciplines find it harder to talk thought on God’s part, but a plan to each other. As educated people, from the foundation of the world, we feel we have to keep up with now made clear through the what’s going on in the world, so prophecies fulfilled in Jesus. what did Paul mean by being “in­ We will see God’s gloiy in nocent about what is evil” (verse people who demonstrate the love 19, NIV)? He did not endorse and power of God. Our salvation naïveté, for he said the naive are cost the life of Jesus; salvation the very ones who get caught by calls us to put our life at God’s dis­ false teachers. “In regard to evil posal. Sacrifice? Yes, in the short be infants, but in your thinking term, but who really values a be adults” (1 Cor. 14:20, NIV). victory won without effort? Paul also said, ‘We are not un­ aware of his [Satan’s] schemes” How will our choice o f lifework (2 Cor. 2:11, NIV). and lifestyle reflect our belief that Jesus “knew what was in man” Jesus is coming soon? 117 Tuesday, December 25 Guidelines for Choosing Friends

rate themselves from God.” TESTIMONY Ellen White warned her read­ Key Text: 2 Cor. 6:14-17 ers: “In our institutions, where many are laboring together, the in­ Recent statistics reveal that fluence of association is very great. the average American changes his . . . And just in proportion to the job 12 times in his working life. strength of the friendship, will be One consequence of these numer­ the amount of influence which ous changes is the opportunity to friends will exert over one another make new friends and colleagues. for good or for evil. All will have as­ This places the Christian in a try­ sociates, and will influence and be ing situation—whom to choose as influenced in their turn.” a friend. Does the Christian have “Do not yield your religious any guidelines for making claims and privileges in order to friends? In today’s lesson we shall gratify the wishes of your uncon­ consider some of Ellen White’s ad­ secrated friends and relatives. vice regarding the formation of You are called to take your posi­ new friendships. tion for the truth, even if it She said that when we form a should be in direct opposition to friendship, we should exercise those who are closely connected “great caution . . . lest an inti­ with you. macy be contracted with one However, although Ellen White whose example it would not be cautioned us regarding our interac­ safe to imitate; for the effect of tion with non-Christian friends, such an intimacy is to lead away she also urged us to be a witness to from God, from devotion, and them: “Personal, individual effort [from] the love of the truth. It is and interest for your friends and positively dangerous . . . to be inti­ neighbors will accomplish more mate with friends who have not a than can be estimated.” religious experience.”1 “The very example and deport­ Similarly in 1906 she cau­ ment as well as the words of the tioned those forming friendships: Christian should be such as to “Many professed Christians think, awaken in the sinner a desire to like Solomon, that they may unite come to the Fountain of life. with the ungodly, because their in­ fluence over those who are in the 1. Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 42. (Italics supplied.) wrong will be beneficial; but too 2. Fundamentals o f Christian Education, p. 500. often they themselves, entrapped 3. Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 587. (Italics supplied.) 4. Ibid., p. 117. and overcome, yield their sacred 5. Welfare Ministry, p. 93. faith, sacrifice principle, and sepa­ 6. Messages to Young People, p. 424.

by Rick Slann Rick Slann is studying for an M.A. degree in pastoral ministry at New- bold College, England. 118 Wednesday, December 26 The True Friendship

Epistle to the Romans itself, as EVIDENCE well as the list of 26 names in Key Text: Rom. 16:17 this chapter, reminds us that we may preserve and strengthen our Leslie Weatherhead tells a friendships through letters when story of two friends during a war. we cannot be physically present When one was injured and could with our friends. not get back to the trenches, the In our key text Paul implies other went out to get him against that we must be careful in our his commander’s orders. He re­ choice of associates. When we turned mortally wounded, and his care for others, as Paul cared for friend, whom he had carried back, his friends, we help one another was dead. to grow. However, if our friend­ The commander asserted, “It ships destroy our spiritual well­ was not worth it.” being, we need to uproot them, The dying man responded, just as we pull weeds from our “But it was worth it, sir, because garden. Sometimes we have a when I got to him he said, ‘Jim, I need for wise, firm, and loving knew you’d come.’ ”* discipline in our relationships. This story illustrates friend­ This does not suggest that we ship. The experience of any word should totally avoid dangerous is usually deeper than its defini­ society. However, we can avoid tion. In our society the word subjecting ourselves to evil friend sometimes confuses us influences without refusing more than it clarifies the nature help to those in need and dis­ of a relationship, because we tress. make friends with animals, Paul concludes the Epistle to plants, trees, stars, and even the Romans with words of high rocks. No wonder we sometimes praise to God. Jesus Christ, his say humorously that “diamonds best friend, is the subject of are a girl’s best friend.” However, his life and the pearl of all we all know that friendship in­ friendship. And this same Jesus volves loyally, caring, under­ can be our friend today and standing, honesty, trust, and forever. other positive virtues. Like the hero in Weather- Romans 16 shows us Paul as a head’s story, Jesus was mortally friend. We see his horizontal rela­ wounded for His friends. While he tionships with others and his ver­ was dying on the cross, His words tical relationship with God. We echoed: “It was worth it.” see him, not as a cold scholar in­ terested primarily in the profes­ sors of his time, but as a warm ‘ Leslie Weatherhead, Prescription for Anxiety (Nash­ ville: Abingdon Press, 1956); quoted in Muriel James person who treasures and remem­ and Louis M. Savary, The Heart of Friendship (New bers every friend he makes. The York: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1978), p. 1.

by Branislav Mirilov Branislav Mirilov is a graduate in theology from Newbold College, Eng­ land. 119 Thursday, December 27 Choosing Our Friends

with every person. Christ taught HOW-TO us by His life to accept and love Key Text: Rom. 16:17 everyone, but even He had special friends like Mary, Martha, and Romans 16 deals with the all- Lazarus and His disciple John. important theme of human rela­ The apostle Paul advises us tionships. As human beings we consciously to avoid anyone who often find it hard to relate to one tempts us to sin and who consti­ another as we should, for our tutes a threat to our relationship differences in character and per­ with God. We should not feel sonality can lead to friction. The guilty about this. God has many study of Romans 16 brings up ways to reach humanity, and we three important points that we should not feel personally re­ should bear in mind concerning sponsible for the salvation of human relationships. everyone we meet.

1. We need friends. Paul’s long 3. We should make God our list of greetings shows that many most important friend. Paul ends people were important to him as the book of Romans as he begins friends. We do not live in a it—by glorifying God. God should vacuum; we all need friends to always be at the beginning and share our good and bad times. We the end of everything we do. should make a special effort to Friends are important. Indeed, nurture those relationships that God made us social beings and help us in our Christian life. gave us the gift of friendship, but Friends can make or break us, we should never let anything be­ and we should choose them care­ come more important to us than fully. He is. We should nurture our friendship with Him daily. A time 2. We do not have to be friends may come when all our friends for­ with everyone. Often as a Christian sake us, but God will still be we feel that we should like every­ there for us. We should rely most one. When we come across some­ of all on Him. one to whom we feel no special at­ traction, we feel guilty, especially REACT if he is a Christian too. However, 1. How should we relate to a the very word friend means some­ desperately lonely person to one who is special to us. whom no one (ourselves included) As a Christian we should not pays any special attention? be rude or unpleasant to anyone, 2. Should we completely cut off but we need not go out of our way troublemakers in the church in to nurture a special relationship order to preserve unity?

by Elizabeth Ridley Elizabeth Ridley teaches English as a foreign language at Newbold Col­ lege, England. 120 Friday, December 28 “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”

sonally, and could not refrain OPINION from sending them his cordial Key Text: Rom. 16 greetings. Throughout his entire ministry he actively mixed with Mark Twain supposedly once people, showing them love, com­ questioned why all the Christians passion, and tender regard. he knew wanted to go to heaven, “In today’s busy world, the since they couldn’t get along with value of Christian fellowship is their fellow Christians down here sometimes overlooked by God’s on earth. Though the great Ameri­ people. This is indeed a spiritual can satirist and novelist made his tragedy. When believers share point humorously, it was nonethe­ their problems and experiences, less serious. If we think that our they are strengthened and relationship to fellow Christians uplifted. Many people in great isn’t important, we are sadly mis­ pain or sorrow have testified that taken. In John 13:35 Jesus said the kind words, the greetings and that the one way others know the prayers of fellow Christians that we are His disciples is our were a pillar of strength in the love and care for one another. time of crisis. Believers should cul­ That Paul loved and cared for tivate fellowship with one an­ his friends and co-workers is evi­ other. It will add delight to the dent in Romans 16. In this chap­ Christian experience in times ter “Paul specifically greets when all goes well, and will be a twenty-eight different individuals. means in God’s hands to give The fact that he had so many strength and support in the hour friends in a city he had never vis­ of need.”* ited gives us an index to the kind of man he was. Christian people REACT loved him dearly. The ones men­ 1. Prom what you know of tioned here undoubtedly lived in Paul, would you choose him as a Rome, but had met Paul in some close friend? As a pastor? Why? other place. Aquila and Priscilla 2. What are the benefits of one­ had risked their lives for him ness that real Christian fellow­ (verses 3, 4), and the mother of a ship and caring in the church man named Rufus (verse 13) bring about? must have treated the apostle as if he were her son. The apostle ‘ Richard W. De Haan, The World on Trial: Studies in greatly appreciated these friends, Romans (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, longed to speak to them per­ 1970), pp. 188, 189.

by Graham Bingham Graham Bingham is editor of COLLEGIATE QUARTERLY.

121 BANGLADESH - 107 million (Unreached People)

Who will help open the unentered areas of the Far East?

LET’S JOIN HANDS

Be involved in GLOBAL STRATEGY! Give a double offering on 13th Sabbath

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Lesson 1: Prayer of Faith Scripture: 1 Sam. 1-3 Theme: How did the following individual relationships affect Israel’s relationship with God: Hannah and Elkanah, Hannah and God, Hannah and Samuel, Eli and Samuel, Samuel and God, Samuel and his sons (see 1 Sam. 8:1-7)? How did Israel’s relationship with God affect these in­ dividual relationships?

Lesson 2: The Ark Taken and Returned Scripture: 1 Sam. 4—7:15 Theme: The Israelites undertook their campaign against the Philis­ tines without consulting God through either the high priest or a prophet, thus showing that their relationship with God was lax at best. As their cause began to fail, they realized their error but continued to show total misunderstanding of their relationship with God. They treated the ark, and thus by implication God’s law, as if it were magic and could save them. Neither was true, and they lost not only the battle but also the ark. The Philistines, obtaining their understanding of God from Israel, also misjudged God. The Israelites needed a Saviour, but their relationship with God was not repaired, and several years later they turned to man (the monarchy), not God.

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