Sabbath Afternoon

Prayer Thought

In the epistle to the Hebrews is pointed out the single-hearted purpose that should characterize the Christian's race for eternal life: "Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." Hebrews 12:1, 2. Envy, malice, evil thinking, evilspeaking, covetousness--these are weights that the Christian must lay aside if he would run successfully the race for immortality. Every habit or practice that leads into sin and brings dishonor upon Christ must be put away, whatever the sacrifice. The blessing of heaven cannot attend any man in violating the eternal principles of right. One sin cherished is sufficient to work degradation of character and to mislead others. {AA 312.1}

Memory Text: Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2, KJV).

This week's SS Lesson will describe the role of faith in a Christian race and how Jesus as the author and perfecter will act in the realization of the plan of redemption. It will also explain that life without its author is nothing and worthless but with Him who hath sacrifice and give everything it would be desirable.

OUTLINE OF THE STUDY

SUNDAY - The Righteous will Live by Faith

Heb. 3:19; 4:14; 9:15-26, 28; 10:5-10; 23, 25, 35-39; Rev. 13:10; 14:12; Hab. 1:12-17; 2:2-4; Rom. 1:16, 17; Gal. 3:11; 2Tim. 2:13.

MONDAY - By Faith Abraham

Heb. 11:1-19; Gen. 21:12, 13; 12-21, 22; Rom. 4:17-20

TUESDAY - Moses: Believing in the Unseen

Heb. 11:20-28; 10:32-35; 13:3

WEDNESDAY - By Faith Rahab and the Rest

Heb. 11:31, 32, 35-38; Jos. 2:9-11

THURSDAY - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our Faith

Heb. 12:1-3; 10:5-14, 37; 11:39,40; Rev. 20:4; 2Tim. 2;13; Phil. 2:5-8

FRIDAY - Further Study and Meditation

SUNDAY - The Righteous will Live by Faith

Heb. 3:19; 4:14; 9:15-26, 28; 10:5-10; 23, 25, 35-39; Rev. 13:10; 14:12; Hab. 1:12-17; 2:2-4; Rom. 1:16, 17; Gal. 3:11; 2Tim. 2:13;

“For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” (Hebrews 10:37-38)

The Righteousness of God by Faith

Hear him, years afterward, still declaring, "For to me to live is Christ." Philippians 1:21. And again: "I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, . . . that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings." Philippians 3:8-10. {AA 128.1}

Boundary Line of Divine Grace

It is an admitted fact among Bible students that churches are symbolized by "women." Pure woman -- pure church, as in Jeremiah 6:2, Revelation 12:1; vile woman -- corrupt church, as in Revelation 17:4,5. Isaiah says, there are "seven" women. The number comprises these same churches. They say, "We will eat our own bread." That is, they want to have their own way; they care not for God's way (Word). "We will wear our own apparel", that is, they want their own plans in preference to God's plans or His righteousness. Thereby, they clothed themselves with self-righteousness. Their aim is to be called by the one man's name; that is, by the name of Christ (Christians) to take away their reproach. People have come to suppose they can do most anything under the guise of Christianity and get away with it. God will let them continue their course until they, like Belshazzar, have passed the boundary line of divine grace, and then He will call them to account. {SR2: 98.3}

Will you, brother, will you sister, adorn yourself with the righteousness of Christ? Or will you wait a little longer, until after the harvest is past? Someone shall utter the following words in great disappointment: "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." (Jeremiah 8:20.) Shall you, or shall I? {SR2: 147.4}

It was called the day of atonement -- judgment, the cleansing of the sanctuary or purification of the church -- the separation of the tares from the wheat. There we behold the Great Judge (God the Father), the Advocate (the Lamb -- Jesus Christ the righteous), a jury (the twenty-four elders -- clothed with the righteousness of Christ -- white robes); a representation of those who are to be judged (the four beasts) the light and truth which they have kept (the seven lamps), the reward which is to be granted to those who are judged (sea of glass), and the book containing the names of all the righteous. beginning with Adam and on to the close of probation -- the end of the gospel (seven seals). "And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals." (Rev. 5:1.) Because the book contains the names of all who are sealed with the seal of God (His truth) it is called the book of seals, also the Lamb's book of life. {SR2: 199.2}

Consider the following

Jesus—“He who is coming”—will surely come back (Acts 1:11). He has promised it and will do it. Do you believe it?

If you do, God encourages you to cling to your faith. If your faith ever falters, review this list of men and women who looked to the reward (Hebrews 11:26). They were faithful people who now rest, waiting to receive the promise with us.

God made a promise, and He is faithful. Our faith comes of His faithfulness. This is not about isolated acts of faith, but about a life of faith (Revelation 2:10).

Please visit this site for a deeper understanding of the Seven Seals mentioned where Christ’s Righteousness is the core. Click or copy-paste to a browser.

Meat In Due Season - An Exposition of Biblical-Prophetic Interpretation on Rev. 4-8 (google.com)

Meat In Due Season - Righteousness by Faith (google.com)

MONDAY - By Faith Abraham

Heb. 11:1-19; Gen. 21:12, 13; 12-21, 22; Rom. 4:17-20

“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,” (Hebrews 11:17)

Abraham, the Father and Symbol of Faith

Abraham, the father of the faithful, is the symbol of faith; Isaac, the symbol of Spirit of truth (as the Bible says he was born after the Spirit); Jacob the symbol of grace, (for as he was a sinful man, had it not been for the grace of God, he could not have prevailed.) The Exodus movement is the symbol for baptism, for we read in 1 Cor. 10:2, "And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea." The wilderness life is the symbol of the sanctuary question at the end of the 2300 days; it was in the wilderness that the heavenly sanctuary was described by the earthly. "The promised land" is a symbol of the Sabbath rest. In the promised land they were to rest had they driven out the heathen but because of national pride and disbelief, they failed to obtain the promised rest. The disobedience of Israel in the promised land is a symbol of our failing to obey God at the present time. {SR1: 123,2}

The Faith of Abraham - Justified by Faith

Though this most important subject is the simplest of all Biblical truths, it has been widely confused, and largely misunderstood. The example of one man's experience in the things of God and his justification by faith, should clear the widespread confusion, and remove the veil which has been drawn over the eyes of the faithful. "To that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all. (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations), before Him Whom he believed, even God, Who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were." (Rom. 4:16, 17.) {SR2: 298.1}

Abraham’s Seed - Heirs According to the Promise

When the method pursued by Abraham is followed, then, and then only, can any one of us be justified, there is no other way. "And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Gal. 3:29.) "If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham." (John 8:39.) Let us take notice of Abraham's faith, experience and justification. "Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. Look unto Abraham your father." (Isa. 51:1,2.) {SR2: 298.2}

Consider the following

Sarah could not bear a child; the evidence was sound. However, she fought logic and believed because she trusted the One who had made the promise. God never lies.

An elderly woman bore a child from a man “as good as dead” (Hebrews 11:12). Then God asked Abraham to sacrifice the child He had given them. Abraham had to stand on his faith, a faith based on the promises God had already fulfilled.

Abraham thought: “After all, wasn’t this child born almost dead? Isn’t it easy for God to raise a dead child back to life?” (Hebrews 11:17-19)

Believing in God is to believe in the impossible. Thanks to Him, the impossible happens.

"At that moment, we stand, in His sight, not in ours, "as white as snow." Isa. 1:18. This does not mean, however, that we now count ourselves to have reached perfection, and that we are no longer subject to sin, "for a just man falleth seven times and riseth up again." Prov. 24:16. {6SC7-12: 2.1.4}

TUESDAY - Moses: Believing in the Unseen

Heb. 11:20-28; 10:32-35; 13:3

“By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:27)

Engaged in God’s Great Work

Unlike the brazen serpent, he has virtue and power in himself to heal the suffering, repenting, believing sinner. Christ says of himself, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life."

Many honestly believe that they are doing God's work, or at least helping in it. But if they will examine their daily accomplishments, their motives, their aims and purposes, some will find that they are not working for God, but that they are either killing time, or working for self. Actually, now as in Moses' time, there are occasions when one is at a loss to know whether saints or devils are busily engaged in God's great work. Stop, listen, think. Check up on yourselves. It will be well worth your time and your energy. Find out who you are, what you are, and where you are. {1TG9: 13.2}

Childlike Faith in God’s Word

"Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the friend of God." (James 2:23.) By simply doing the things that God asked of him he obtained this record: "Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws." "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." (Gen. 26:5, 4.) Having childlike faith in the Word, and doing all God has said, is the only sanctification and righteousness that is Christ's. Such are the children of Abraham, and to them is the promise. They openly declare that the blood of Christ has the power to save them from the bondage of sin, and from the condemnation of the law. They shall inherit the land for ever and ever. These are the Israel of God. There are no others, and this only is righteousness and sanctification by faith. {SR2: 300.1}

Righteousness by faith is, therefore, the doing of deeds which only in faith bear the evidence of righteousness,--the substance sustaining the hope of something which does not now appear. For example, if, like Abraham, we do without delay all that God has revealed to us, even though we see ourselves unrighteous as did Isaiah when he saw the Lord (Isa. 6:5), then the moment we repent of, and forsake, our evil deeds, we accept, by faith, the unseen reality that the Lord has cleansed us from them. At that moment, we stand, in His sight, not in ours, "as white as snow." Isa. 1:18. This does not mean, however, that we now count ourselves to have reached perfection, and that we are no longer subject to sin, "for a just man falleth seven times and riseth up again." Prov. 24:16. {6SC7-12: 2.1.4}

Consider the following

The life of Moses was full of acts of faith since his birth (Hebrews 11:23-28).

We can learn the following from his experience:

Our sight must be fixed on Jesus, without losing sight of the reward

We may have to bear scorn because of our faith in Jesus

We must not cling to material possessions

We can expect miracles in our lives

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1. {OFC 151.1}

Faith is not the ground of our salvation, but it is the great blessing—the eye that sees, the ear that hears, the feet that run, the hand that grasps. It is the means, not the end. If Christ gave His life to save sinners, why shall I not take that blessing? My faith grasps it, and thus my faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. Thus resting and believing, I have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. {OFC 151.2}

WEDNESDAY - By Faith Rahab and the Rest

Heb. 11:31, 32, 35-38; Jos. 2:9-11

“By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.” (Hebrews 11:31)

Sharing in the Blessings of the Covenant

The advancing hosts of Israel found that a knowledge of the mighty workings of the God of the Hebrews had gone before them, and that some among the heathen were learning that he alone was the true God. In wicked Jericho the testimony of a heathen woman was, "The Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath." Joshua 2:11. The knowledge of Jehovah that had thus come to her, proved her salvation. By faith "Rahab perished not with them that believed not." Hebrews 11:31. And her conversion was not an isolated case of God's mercy toward idolaters who acknowledged His divine authority. In the midst of the land a numerous people--the Gibeonites--renounced their heathenism and united with Israel, sharing in the blessings of the covenant. {PK 369.2}

A Saving Faith with Peace

"By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. {1TG31: 12.3}

In the deliverance of Israel from Egypt a knowledge of the power of God spread far and wide. The warlike people of the stronghold of Jericho trembled. "As soon as we had heard these things," said Rahab, "our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for Jehovah your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath" Joshua 2:11.--PP 369 (1890).{DG 36.2}

Consider the following

Joshua was a devout man who faithfully served God all his life. On the contrary, Rahab didn’t have any notable virtue. However, Paul mentioned her when recalling Jericho’s conquest, and not Joshua (Hebrews 11:31). Why?

Because Rahab is an example of faith to all those who believe without seeing. She heard, believed, and obeyed. He chose God without hesitation.

We could say the same of all the heroes that Paul didn’t have the time to mention. Many of them decided to follow God no matter the consequences, “not accepting deliverance.” (Hebrews 11:35)

THURSDAY - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our Faith

Heb. 12:1-3; 10:5-14, 37; 11:39,40; Rev. 20:4; 2Tim. 2;13; Phil. 2:5-8

“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,” (Hebrews 12:2)

Great a Cloud of Witnesses

"Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." {ST, April 27, 1904 par. 9}

Father’s Love- Sweet Melodies of Salvation

Though they originated many centuries ago, their sweet melodies of salvation from the Father's love, onward through the avenue by the human race, have reached our own time without the loss of a single sounding note. These divinely appointed symbols were to reveal the Author of love to the human family in all ages. {SR1: 225.1}

Organized and Led by the Author of Scriptures

In both the Old and the New Testaments, there is brought to view a religious movement organized and led by the Author of the Scriptures, the first of which is an "ensample," or type, of the second. Both of these movements called God's people out of a state of bondage, with specific instruction as to how those comprising the organization might free themselves from slavery, and inherit a land of freedom, peace, and plenty. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." I Cor. 10:11. {6SC1-6: 10.1.11}

Consider the following

How can we keep our faith strong? By clinging to Jesus. Paul mentioned two of His qualities related to our race of faith.

The author of our faith

He is the only One who has reached the end of the race

His perfect life allows us to join the race of faith

He is the raison d’être of our faith. He gives it to us (Phlp. 2:13)

The perfecter of our faith

He gave up everything for us

He never sinned

His sight was fixed on the joy ahead

He bore incomprehension and abuse

By our faith in Him, we follow His example, fix our eyes on Him, faithfully move forward, and trust His promises.

FRIDAY - Further Study and Meditation

Jesus came down to our world that He might give us a living example, that we might know how to live and how to keep the way of the Lord. He was the image of the Father. His beautiful and spotless character is before us as an example for us to imitate. We must study and copy and follow Jesus Christ, then we shall bring His loveliness and beauty into our character. In doing this we are standing before God through faith, winning back by conflict with the powers of darkness the power of self-control, the love of God that Adam lost.—Manuscript 6a, 1886 (Sermons and Talks, vol. 1, pp. 31-34). {CTr 43.6}

Questions to Ponder:

1. Why faith is so important recognizing that it results from God’s faithfulness to His promises?

2. How did faith comes to us and hope in the things unseen emerge in?

3. What essential ingredients in maintaining our trust in His promises and strengthening our bond with each other with the cords of God’s Love?

4. Do we have easier life when we surrender our lives to God? How could we describe our struggles by exercising our faith to Him?

5. For what reason that, inspite of many difficulties, we still hang on our trust in His Providences?

6. We believe that faith is a gift from God {Rom. 12:3}, Is our role important and has merits for our salvation? How do we act out our trust in Him?

7. Based on the passage above, which says, Jesus is our example. In what manner could Jesus be the author and perfecter of our faith?

From the Pen of Inspiration

“Aim to be faithful students in the school of Christ, learning daily to conform your life to the divine Pattern. Set your faces heavenward, and press toward the mark for the prize of your high calling in Christ Jesus. Run the Christian race with patience […] Draw nigh to God; and if you are desirous of taking the first upward step, you will find his hand stretched out to help you.” E. G. W. (The Youth’s Instructor, May 30, 1895)