3. The Birdcage - July 9-15

Sabbath afternoon

Prayer Thought

Do not think that the Christian life is free from temptation. Temptations will come to every Christian. Both the Christian and the one who does not accept Christ as his leader will have trials. The difference is that the latter is serving a tyrant, doing his mean drudgery, while the Christian is serving the One who died to give him eternal life. Do not look upon trial as something strange, but as the means by which we are to be purified and strengthened. “Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations,” James admonishes; “knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2, 3).

In the future life we shall understand things that here greatly perplex us. We shall realize how strong a helper we had and how angels of God were commissioned to guard us as we followed the counsel of the Word of God.

To all who receive Him, Christ will give power to become the sons of God. He is a present help in every time of need. Let us be ashamed of our wavering faith. Those who are overcome have only themselves to blame for their failure to resist the enemy. All who choose can come to Christ and find the help they need. {OFC 161.1, 2}

Memory Text

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: {1Peter 1:6}

This week's SS Lesson will describe how God deals with human family with the intrusion of sin and suffering as ingredients to experience as part of learning in His school. It includes God’s intervention for the deliverance of His people from the bondage of darkness into His marvelous light for those who believe and fear Him.

How many blessings we lose because we slight and overlook the blessings we daily receive, yearning for that which we have not. Common mercies which thickly strew our pathway are forgotten and undervalued. We may learn lessons from the humble things of God in nature. The flower in dark and humble places responds to all the rays of light it can get, and puts forth its leaves. The caged bird sings in the prison cage, in the sunless tenement, as if in the lordly, sunny dwelling. God knows whether we will make a wise and saving use of His blessings; He will never give them to us to abuse. God loves the thankful heart, trusting implicitly in His words of promise, gathering comfort and hope and place from them; and He will reveal to us still greater depths of His love. {OHC 10.3}

Outline of the Study

How are we Tested?

Sunday: To the Promised Land via a Dead End {Led to a dead end} Exo. 14

Monday: Bitter Waters {Tested when in need} Exo. 15:22-27; 17:1-7

Tuesday: The Great Controversy in the Desert {Exposed to temptation} Luke 4:1-13

Why are we Tested?

Wednesday: An Enduring Legacy {To Strengthen our Faith} - 1Pet. 1:6, 7-9

Thursday: Trial by Fire {To Strengthen our Confidence} Prov. 3; Jer. 29:13; Rom. 8:28; 2Cor. 12:9; Heb. 13:5

Friday: The Further Study and Meditation

How are we Tested

Sunday: To the Promised Land via a Dead End {Led to a dead end} Exo. 14

“For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, ‘They are bewildered by the land; the wilderness has closed them in.’” (Exodus 14:3)

People who Claim Great Light but are not Sanctified are Dangerous People

Christ’s sermon on the mount was designed to enter into our everyday life. The commandments are so broad that they take hold of even our thoughts. But how few take heed to the words of our Saviour! Consequently we shall have objections to meet. Some will claim that they are wholly led by the Spirit, and consequently they have not much use for the law of God or any portion of God’s Word. Those who claim great light and are not sanctified through the truth are dangerous people, but they can be easily tested. “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:20. . . . {CTr 240.2}

We must expect to be assailed by the powers of darkness, but if we successfully resist, then there will be rejoicing in heaven. The souls of human beings are valued by the heavenly host. . . . We must not be under anyone’s banner but Christ’s.—Manuscript 45, 1886. {CTr 240.3}

Song in the Last Great Crisis

Song of the Angels Now--"Whoso offereth praise," says the Creator, "glorifieth Me." Psalm 50:23. All the inhabitants of heaven unite in praising God. Let us learn the song of the angels now, that we may sing it when we join their shining ranks. Let us say with the psalmist, "While I live, will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being." "Let the people praise Thee, O God; let all the people praise Thee." Psalm 146:2; 67:5.--PP 289, 290. {VSS 461.1}

Time of Trouble: Voices Rise in Triumph

A marvelous change has come over those who have held fast their integrity in the very face of death. They have been suddenly delivered from the dark and terrible tyranny of men transformed to demons. Their faces, so lately pale, anxious, and haggard, are now aglow with wonder, faith, and love. Their voices rise in triumphant song: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof." Psalm 46:1-3.--GC 638, 639

Consider the Following

God delivered Israel from Egypt, but He didn’t want to follow an easy path because “they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” (Exodus 13:17). He led them to a dead end instead. They were surrounded by mountains and the sea ahead (Exodus 14:3). Why?

(1) To show His saving power (Exodus 14:13)

(2) As a proof for the unbelievers (Exodus 14:18)

— And what about the people of Israel? They also had something to learn. They needed to believe that God was with them, and that He could save them from any circumstance or issue they would face.

— We should submit our mind and heart to God, especially in times of hardship. We must be willing to let Him teach us (Exodus 14:31).

Magnifies the Lord

Let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified. Psalm 40:16. {AG 105.1}

As witnesses for Christ, we are to tell what we know, what we ourselves have seen and heard and felt, If we have been following Jesus step by step, we shall have something right to the point to tell concerning the way in which He has led us. We can tell how we have tested His promise, and found the promise true. We can bear witness to what we have known of the grace of Christ. This is the witness for which our Lord calls, and for want of which the world is perishing. {AG 105.2}

Monday: Bitter Waters {Tested when in need} Exo. 15:22-27; 17:1-7

“Is the Lord among us or not?” (Exodus 17:7)

Prayers Seem not Being Considered but He Persevered

Important lessons are presented to us in the experience of Elijah. When upon Mt. Carmel he offered the prayer for rain, his faith was tested, but he persevered in making known his request unto God. . . . Had he given up in discouragement at the sixth time, his prayer would not have been answered, but he persevered till the answer came. We have a God whose ear is not closed to our petitions; and if we prove His word, He will honor our faith. He wants us to have all our interests interwoven with His interests, and then He can safely bless us; for we shall not then take glory to self when the blessing is ours, but shall render all the praise to God. God does not always answer our prayers the first time we call upon Him; for should He do this, we might take it for granted that we had a right to all the blessings and favors He bestowed upon us. Instead of searching our hearts to see if any evil was entertained by us, any sin indulged, we should become careless, and fail to realize our dependence upon Him, and our need of His help. {CC 212.2}

Built of Hewn Stones: A Spiritual Temple

The Jewish temple was built of hewn stones quarried out of the mountains; and every stone was fitted for its place in the temple, hewed, polished, and tested before it was brought to Jerusalem. And when all were brought to the ground, the building went together without the sound of ax or hammer. This building represents God's spiritual temple, which is composed of material gathered out of every nation, and tongue, and people, of all grades, high and low, rich and poor, learned and unlearned. These are not dead substances to be fitted by hammer and chisel. They are living stones, quarried out from the world by the truth; and the great Master Builder, the Lord of the temple, is now hewing and polishing them, and fitting them for their respective places in the spiritual temple. When completed, this temple will be perfect in all its parts, the admiration of angels and of men; for its Builder and Maker is God. Let no one think that there need not be a stroke placed upon him. {CCh 287.5}

Consider the Following

After the crossing of the Red Sea, God led Israel to dry lands. When they were out of water, they found some in Marah. But that water was not drinkable (Exodus 15:22-23).

After making the water drinkable, God led them to a dry place again. Some thought God wanted to kill them with thirst! (Exodus 17:1-3)

Shouldn’t Christians expect God to supply our basic needs (Luke 12:29-30)?

God wanted them to realize their current situation, and to remember that He was always taking care of them. They had to understand they needed God, that they could do nothing without Him (John 15:5).

Tuesday: The Great Controversy in the Desert {Exposed to Temptation} Luke 4:1-13

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1)

Jesus was Tempted as we Are

After His baptism, He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness and was tempted of the devil. Christ commenced the work of redemption just where the ruin began, and the future welfare of the world depended on that battle fought by the Prince of life in the wilderness. Thanks be to God that He came off victorious, passing over the same ground where Adam fell and redeeming Adam’s disgraceful failure. Satan left the field of battle a conquered foe. This victory is an assurance to us that through divine help we may come off victorious in our behalf on our own account in the conflict with the enemy. . . . {CTr 215.4}

Victory in Temptation Through Christ

Satan assailed Christ with his strongest temptations in the wilderness. Jesus was "forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days He did eat nothing; and when they were ended, He afterward hungered. And the devil said unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread." Shall the Son of God, the world's Redeemer, take up with the doubt, and prove to the apostate that He is indeed the Son of God, the Prince of heaven? Satan sought to engage Him in controversy; but should He concede to the demands of the rebel, nothing for the good of man or the glory of God would be gained. Jesus did not produce any evidence or bring forth any arguments. He did not repeat to Satan that which the rebel already knew of his exalted position as the loved Commander of heaven, who was worshipped and adored by the angelic hosts. What evidence would avail in the case before Him? Jesus knew that all evidence would be worthless to break the power of rebellion in Satan's heart, and He dealt with the tempter as his followers are to deal with him through all time. {BEcho, December 1, 1893 par. 1}

Led by the Spirit in the Wilderness

In going into the wilderness, Christ was led by the Spirit of God. He did not invite temptation. He wanted to be alone, that he might contemplate His mission and work.

By prayer and fasting He was to brace Himself for the bloodstained path He must travel. But Satan knew where the Saviour had gone; so he went there to tempt Him.

As Christ left the Jordan, His face was lighted with the glory of God. But after He entered the wilderness, this glory disappeared.

The sins of the world were upon Him, and His face showed such sorrow and anguish as man had never felt. He was suffering for sinners.

Adam and Eve in Eden had disobeyed God by eating of the forbidden fruit. Their disobedience had brought sin and sorrow and death into the world. {SJ 43.1-6}

Consider the Following

Sometimes we’re tempted by our own “evil desire” (James 1:14). Other times, God puts is in a place or situation where we may be tempted.

In the second case, God is testing us. He’s putting us in a “crucible” to purify us (or to burn if we give in to the temptation).

In those situations, we must cling to God’s promises (1 Corinthians 10:13) and face the temptation like Jesus did (Luke 4:1-13).

Why are we Tested?

Wednesday: An Enduring Legacy {To Strengthen our Faith} 1Pet. 1:6, 7-9

“that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:7)

We are to Be Tested and Proved

The Lord will have a tried people. We are to be tested and proved, to see whether we are worthy of an entrance into the city of God, to have right to the tree of life. If we gain eternal life, we gain everything; and if we lose it, we lose everything; it would be better for us had we never been born than to lose heaven. It is only as we depend upon the strength and righteousness of Christ that we can stand the testing of God. We shall have to educate the mind, and again and again bring to our remembrance the fact that Christ has his hand upon us. With his own divine lips he has said, "Without me ye can do nothing," but through Christ we can do all things. It is not for us to mark out the way in which we shall walk; but if we take everything that comes to us as in the providence of God, even our tribulation will work patience, and we need not sink in discouragement while we look by faith to Jesus. When the fogs and mists rise here in Oakland, you cannot see the sun, but you do not despair of ever seeing the sun again. You know that behind the clouds the sun is still shining. And by and by the mists roll back, and the sun shines forth, and gladdens the hearts of men by its radiant beams. Then why should we despair when our spiritual sky is clouded? Can we not have faith that the Sun of Righteousness is still shining? Can we not say, "I know that my Redeemer liveth"? We should let our faith penetrate the darkness. It is Satan that casts his dark shadow between our souls and God so that we may not see Jesus; but by living faith we may keep him in view, and let nothing interpose between the soul and God. Then you will be in a position where you can rejoice in tribulation. {ST, March 28, 1892 par. 3}

We Should not put our Trust in Men

There are reasons why we should not put our trust in men who are placed in positions of large responsibility. It is often difficult for them to maintain a humble and teachable spirit. They suppose that their position gives them the power to control their fellows, and they flatter themselves, as did Peter, that they will not fall under temptation. When in the hour of His trial Christ declared to His disciples that they would all forsake Him, Peter answered, "Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now? I will lay down my life for Thy sake. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down they life for My sake? Verily, verily I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow till thou hast denied me thrice." Throughout His trial Christ preserved His humility. Peter's self-confident assertion was tested, and he failed to endure the test. He denied his Lord in the hour of temptation. {LLM 284.3}

Consider the Following

We are sojourners (1 Peter 1:1; 2:11; Hebrews 11:16). We are a minority, and we’re often mocked and persecuted. God allows it to strengthen our faith.

How do trials strengthen our faith?

(1) They help us to keep our faith focused on the goal

(2) They help us to trust God every step of the way

(3) They let the Lord clean everything in us that’s an obstacle in our walk of faith

Thursday: Trial by Fire {To Strengthen our Confidence} Prov. 3; Jer. 29:13; Rom. 8:28; 2Cor. 12:9; Heb. 13:5

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. (Hebrews 10:35)

Direct Privilege of Calling the Infinite God our Father

In order to strengthen our confidence in God, Christ teaches us to address Him by a new name, a name entwined with the dearest associations of the human heart. He gives us the privilege of calling the infinite God our Father. This name, spoken to Him and of Him, is a sign of our love and trust toward Him, and a pledge of His regard and relationship to us. Spoken when asking His favor or blessing, it is as music in His ears. That we might not think it presumption to call Him by this name, He has repeated it again and again. He desires us to become familiar with the appellation. {COL 141.4}

Strengthening their Confidence in His Words

Christ drew the hearts of his hearers to him by the manifestation of his love, and then, little by little, as they were able to bear it, he unfolded to them the great truths of the kingdom. We also must learn to adapt our labors to the condition of the people, —to meet men where they are. While the claims of the law of God are to be presented to the world, we should never forget that love—the love of Christ— is the only power that can soften the heart, and lead to obedience. All the great truths of the Scriptures center in Christ; rightly understood, all lead to him. Let Christ be presented as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, of the great plan of redemption. Present to the people such subjects as will strengthen their confidence in God and in his word, and lead them to investigate its teachings for themselves. And as they go forward, step by step, in the study of the Bible, they will be better prepared to appreciate the beauty and harmony of its precious truths. {GW92 301.2}

Consider the Following

John the Baptist was imprisoned for defending the truth. It looked like God had forgotten him. How could you keep your confidence in God in a situation like that?

By faith. Remembering God’s promises. Trusting Him and everything He has written in His Word: Proverbs 3:1, 5, 7, 12; Jeremiah 29:13; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 13:5.

Friday: The Further Study and Meditation

God's workmen must have breadth of character. They must not be men of one idea, stereotyped in their manner of working. They must be able to vary their efforts, to meet the needs of the people under different circumstances and conditions. God would have his servants, old and young, continually improving, learning better how to minister to the wants of all. They should not settle down contented, thinking that their ways are perfect, and that others must work just as they do. {GW92 301.3}

Those who are appointed to open the work in new fields should be careful that their defects are not exalted as virtues, thus retarding the work of God. It is testing truths that we are bringing before the people, and in every effort these truths should be presented in their real beauty. The laborer should not throw about the truth the peculiarities of his own character, or manner. Keep self in the background; let it be lost sight of in Jesus. Let the work of God bear the impress of the divine. {GW92 302.1}

Questions to Ponder

1. What example could you cite, that God allows trials even He knew great suffering will be its result?

2. Why does God bring His people into depth trials, when He can transform them instantly?

3. For what purpose does God permit men to suffer the persecution, and let them trust not their own but hoping for His great promises, He gave?

4. What lesson could we glean from Marah and Rephidim experience?

5. How can we overcome temptations which beset our ways and darken our paths?

6. What assurance could we remember when confronted with such terrible temptations which sometimes discourage us to pursue our course?

7. Based on the passage above, {GW92 301.3 and 302.1} How do we set ourselves on the background if our character is under attack?

From the Pen of Inspiration

“In mercy to us, He does not always place us in the easiest places; for if He did, in our self-sufficiency we would forget that the Lord is our helper in time of necessity […] disappointment and trial are permitted to come upon us that we may realize our own helplessness, and learn to call upon the Lord for aid, as a child, when hungry and thirsty, calls upon its earthly father.” E. G. W. (Reflecting Christ, December 5)

“Do not look upon trial as something strange, but as the means by which we are to be purified and strengthened […]

In the future life we shall understand things that here greatly perplex us. We shall realize how strong a helper we had and how angels of God were commissioned to guard us as we followed the counsel of the Word of God.” E. G. W. (In Heavenly Places, September 7)

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