2. The Crucibles That Come - July 2-8
Sabbath afternoon
Prayer Thought
And finding how difficult a task it was to refute the arguments drawn from the prophetic periods, many discouraged the study of the prophecies, teaching that the prophetic books were sealed, and were not to be understood. Multitudes, trusting implicitly to their pastors, refused to listen to the warning; and others, though convinced of the truth, dared not confess it, lest they should be "put out of the synagogue." The message which God had sent for the testing and purification of the church, revealed all too surely how great was the number who had set their affections on this world rather than upon Christ. The ties which bound them to earth were stronger than the attractions heavenward. They chose to listen to the voice of worldly wisdom, and turned away from the heartsearching message of truth.--The Great Controversy, p. 380. (1888) {Ev 198.1}
Memory Text
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. {1Peter 4:12, 13}
This week's SS Lesson will discover the origin of suffering and all the trying circumstances in our lives which even Christ suffered on the cross. It also includes the consequences of our own choices, actions, and words.
Outline of the Study
Sunday: Surprises Crucibles of Christians 1Pet. 4:12-19
Monday: Crucibles of Satan 1Pet. 5:8-11
Tuesday: Crucibles of Sin Rom. 1:18-32
Wednesday: Purification Crucibles of Salvation Jer. 9:7-10
Thursday: Maturity Crucibles of Protection 2Cor. 12:7-10
Friday: The Further Study and Meditation
Sunday: Crucibles of Christians 1Pet. 4:12-19
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.” (1 Peter 4:12)
Perilous Times will Come for God's Church
Looking forward with prophetic vision to the perilous times into which the church of Christ was to enter, the apostle exhorted the believers to steadfastness in the face of trial and suffering. "Beloved," he wrote, "think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you." {AA 524.1}
Trial is part of the education given in the school of Christ, to purify God's children from the dross of earthliness. It is because God is leading His children that trying experiences come to them. Trials and obstacles are His chosen methods of discipline, and His appointed conditions of success. He who reads the hearts of men knows their weaknesses better than they themselves can know them. He sees that some have qualifications which, if rightly directed, could be used in the advancement of His work. In His providence He brings these souls into different positions and varied circumstances, that they may discover the defects that are concealed from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to overcome these defects and to fit themselves for service. Often He permits the fires of affliction to burn, that they may be purified. {AA 524.2}
Fiery Trial - We're Partakers of Christ's Sufferings
Therefore "beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified.... For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God." (1 Pet. 4:12-14, 17.) {1SC9: 4.6}
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, Who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Pet. 5:6-11.) {1SC9: 4.7}
Consider the Following
Following Christ comes with difficulties. Remaining faithful when sin attacks, defending the truth above falseness, testifying that Jesus is the Savior of the world… When we do these things, enemies may try to harm us to silence our testimony.
We live among a dispute between good and evil, between God and Satan. Therefore, we shouldn’t be surprised if we face trouble when we openly stand on God’s side.
Monday: Crucibles of Satan 1Pet. 5:8-11
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Watch and Pray, the Master's Command
"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." (I Pet. 4:7.) {4SC4-9: 3.1.6}
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he day devour." (I Pet. 5:8.)
"Those who are watching for the Lord, are purifying their souls by obedience to the truth." "The Desire of Ages," p. 634.
The Master commanded us to "watch and pray." We may have the theory of the message so perfect that our hearers are made enthusiastic by our large knowledge of the Scriptures, but does that indicate that we are watching "in all things," enduring "afflictions," doing "the work of an evangelist," and making "full proof of our "ministry" as the apostle Paul exhorts us to do (see II Tim. 4:5): or praying, as the Master gave command for us to do? The wisest man who ever lived, wrote, by Inspiration, that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." {4SC4-9: 3.1.9}
To know our spiritual standing, it is well for us to consider some of the things which the Master desires us to watch for. As we are cognizant of the fact that Satan is determined to have us as his victims, then we must heed the first instruction given in the sermon on the mount--that we "be not deceived." Therefore, our first duty is to make as thorough a study, by the use of both the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy, of the devices and points of attack which he will use in his warfare to defeat us, as he makes in his study of our weaknesses as points of vantage from which to assail us. {4SC4-9: 3.1.10}
Be Vigilant and Work in Christ's Lines
All self-uplifting works out the natural result--making character of which God cannot approve. Work and teach; work in Christ's lines, and then you will never work in your own weak ability, but will have the co-operation of the divine. {CT 283.1}
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." Verse 8. He is on the playground, watching your amusements, and catching every soul whom he finds off guard, sowing his seeds in human hearts, and gaining control of human minds. He is present in every exercise in the schoolroom. Those students who allow their minds to be deeply excited over games are not in the best condition to receive the instruction, the counsel, the reproof, most essential for them. {CT 283.2}
Consider the Following
Satan is an active and real enemy. He wants to cause damage. His work is palpable all around us (death, suffering, immorality, falsehood…).
He’s especially interested in making us sin or destroying us if we don’t. He tries to do so by any means.
What can we do about it? Exercising self-control, being alert, withstanding the temptations, standing firm in our faith (1 Peter 5:8-9).
God has promised to restore us, and to make us strong, firm, and steadfast in this battle (1 Peter 5:10). Remember that Satan has already been defeated (Luke 10:18; Romans 16:20; Revelation 12:11). Our victory is assured as long as we cling to Jesus.
Tuesday: Crucibles of Sin Rom. 1:18-32
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,” (Romans 1:18)
The enemy wants God's people to be Ignorant
Because the purification is now the Church's only hope, the Devil is doing all in his power, through the medium of idolized men (apparently no less pious than the priests who crucified the Lord), to suppress knowledge of it, and to create fear, prejudice hatred, and confusion against the Voice of God, and to blacken the character of His agencies. Moreover, the Enemy's exalted zealots, so well satisfied that they have need of nothing, are already in spite of Heaven's commands to the contrary, casting out of the churches anyone who investigates God's "Message to the Laodiceans," or who conforms to it. What, O, what has the Denomination degenerated into? What exceeding folly, too, for it to assume to dictate to its members whose writings they should read and whose they should not read, as if they had neither mind nor conscience of their own, and as if God either could not or would not convict then through their own intellects, but must depend on the intellects of the ministers who by such folly are unconsciously assuming to take God's place! Their very act of not only discouraging but even prohibiting the reading of the publications, is in itself a strong evidence that the publications contain the Truth for this time, and that the Enemy wants God's people to be ignorant of It. One can scarcely conceive of any other design so well calculated to make of God's people mental and spiritual invalids and, in consequence, to keep them in submissive ignorance of the fact that the plan of salvation demands that they be enlightened Christians, able to see with their own eyes and to know with their own hearts what is what and who is who. {JL1: 6.2}
Consider the Following
Sin always has side effects (Galatians 6:7). God might remove the consequences of our sins, but He usually doesn’t, so we can understand how harmful and offensive our sins are.
We shouldn’t expect to sin and then be unharmed, or to think that “God will understand my current situation and deliver me from my sin’s consequences.” Transgressing the moral and health laws brings suffering, a self-imposed crucible.
Romans 1:21-32 explains the process of sin: (1) we stop thinking about God (v. 21); (2) we trust our own wisdom (v. 22); (3) we worship earthly things (v. 23); (4) God let us follow our own way (v. 28); (5) sin appears (v. 29-32).
Wednesday: Crucibles of Salvation Jer. 9:7-10
Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Behold, I will refine them and try them; for how shall I deal with the daughter of My people?’” (Jeremiah 9:7)
Refinement of God's People
"Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord. And many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee." (Zech. 2:10, 11.) "Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem [the church without reference to location], and to pray before the Lord." (Zech. 8:22.) "Therefore thy gates shall be open continually: they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces [margin, wealth] of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought." (Isa. 60:11.) "And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, it is My people: and they shall say, the Lord is my God." (Zech. 13:8, 9.) {SR2: 264.1}
Feeble Among them Shall be as David and the House of David Shall be as God
"And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.... In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them." (Zech. 12:3, 8.) "And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God." (Zech. 13:8, 9.) {SR2: 287.2}
Salvation Not for few only, but to the Great Multitude as well
Moreover, while the Early Writings says: "But few have chosen to accept it," the same author in The Great Controversy, p. 665, classifies the great multitude of Revelation 7:9 as a company separate from the martyrs and others who are to be resurrected, making it impossible to conclude that the "great multitude" are the resurrected. {1SC10: 8.8}
Now the question is, if we conclude from the statement in Early Writings, p. 281, and from Matt. 20:16 that only a few are to be saved, what shall we do with Isa. 60:11, 22, Zech. 2:11; 13:8, 9, and The Great Controversy, p. 665? {1SC10: 8.9}
No candid Bible student could from the above statements arrive at any conclusion which would lead him to base his interpretation of the subject on one scripture and wholly ignore the other, but would rather seek to make his final analysis in such a way as to be in perfect harmony with all inspired writings or else confess that he does not have the light on the Scriptures. {1SC10: 8.10}
Consider the Following
Beyond the consequences of our sin, God is worried about the sin itself, especially the sins that we refuse to confess.
When we don’t confess our sin, God let us go through the crucible, so we acknowledge our sin and feel the need for salvation.
— The crucible begins when God makes us focus our attention on our sin (sometimes in painful ways)
— We feel deep pain because we are aware of our sin
— The process becomes harsher as we must decide to quit the sin that we are embracing
Thursday: Crucibles of Protection 2Cor. 12:7-10
“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.” (2 Corinthians 12:7)
Diligently Studying the Scriptures
The Enemy will certainly do all in his power to make all believe that the scriptures treated of herein are erroneously interpreted, and that the Testimonies are "taken out of their setting." Already he has firmly planted in the minds of both laity and ministry the fiction that there is "no necessity for more truth and greater light" (Gospel Workers, p. 300), and that the Spirit of Prophecy so declares! Both of these lies, of course, he planted in the minds of the people years ahead, in the effort to beguile God's elect into tossing away their "pearl of great price." Matt. 13:46. The only defense and protection for anyone, therefore, will be not to let him control the mind: humans are not horses for riders to control with bits in their mouths. Let each vigorously assert his God-given right and responsibility to put every enemy claim to the acid test, and to respectfully demand that the Recruiter's enemies produce something better, or at least as good, in the place of what It brings from the Scriptures, or else that they becomingly lapse into "golden" silence and start diligently studying the Scriptures. Oblige them to produce chapter and verse, page and paragraph, proving the authenticity of the often-quoted statements, "We have enough truth to carry us through to the end;" "We have all the light we need." Of course no such proof will be forthcoming, for no such statements are to be found within the pages of Inspiration. Rather the very contrary is the fact, as is evidenced in the terrible Laodicean rebuke for their erroneous thinking. (See Testimonies, Vol. 3, pp. 252, 253). {WHR: 69.4}
Divine Principle which the government conforms to God's Word
History's sad record witnesses again and again to the inexorable fact that the power and security or any nation depend first on the faith which governmental conformity to God's Word warrants His people's having in their government, and second on the kind of treatment and protection that government accords them. That it is on this Divine principle that any government or people must stand, or else fall, is solidly attested by the following cases: {MSDSDA: 9.2}
Consider the Following
Sometimes God allows Satan to make us go through certain crucibles, so we are strengthened, thus becoming ready to withstand future temptations.
Paul understood that the “thorn” he was suffering had prevented him from exalting himself, and from giving in to pride and self-confidence.
In summary, not all the crucibles or trials we suffer are produced the same way or with the same intention. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to help us understand each case, and to act accordingly.
Friday: The Further Study and Meditation
But if you stand halting between two opinions, unreconciled to the humble work of God, your influence in connection with your husband's will be exerted in a wrong direction. How reads the word of God? Turn from the opinions of men to the law and to the testimony. Shut out every worldly consideration. Make your decision for eternity. Weigh evidence in this important time. We surely need not expect to escape trial and persecution in following our Saviour; for this is the salary of those who follow Him. He plainly declares that we shall suffer persecution. Our earthly interests must be subservient to the eternal. Listen to the words of Christ: "Then Peter began to say unto Him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed Thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My sake, and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life." Eternal interests are here involved. {2T 495.2}
Questions to Ponder
How could we view our difficulties in a positive way?
For what purpose does trials are allowed or permitted to come in human lives?
Is standing for Christ a precursor for suffering? Why and why not?
How seriously do we take this phrase, "Be sober, be vigilant; ... the devil is like a roaring lion"? What are the things you do when confronted with the darts of the enemy?
Have you experienced the immediate result of your mistakes or sins? How do you cope up with them? And what resolution you've made to avoid its recurrence?
Do you have your own, "thorn" as Paul had mentioned? How do you overcome them to be fruitful in spite of those disabilities?
Based on the passage above statement, {2T 495.2} How do you react to this?
From the Pen of Inspiration
“Those who hold fast their faith unto the end will come forth from the furnace of trial as fine gold seven times purified... When in trouble, remember that faith tried in the furnace of affliction is more precious than gold tried with fire.” E. G. W. (Christ Triumphant, July 11)
SSL-Q3-L2-The Crucibles that Come July 2-8.pdf