4. Seeing the Goldsmith's Face - July 16-22

Sabbath afternoon

Prayer Thought

To be sanctified is to become a partaker of the divine nature, catching the spirit and mind of Jesus, ever learning in the school of Christ. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord." It is impossible for any of us by our own power or our own efforts to work this change in ourselves. It is the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, which Jesus said He would send into the world, that changes our character into the image of Christ; and when this is accomplished, we reflect, as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord. That is, the character of the one who thus beholds Christ is so like His, that one looking at him sees Christ's own character shining out as from a mirror. Imperceptibly to ourselves, we are changed day by day from our ways and will into the ways and will of Christ, into the loveliness of His character. Thus we grow up into Christ, and unconsciously reflect His image. {RC 20.3}

Memory Text

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord." {2Cor. 3:18}

Please visit this link for the Memory Verses Songs {click or copy-paste to your browser} https://youtu.be/C0UV0sVHDJ8

This week's SS Lesson will describe how God intervenes with the development of character amidst the fiery trials and conflicts which arise to make perfect and whole men of God in harmony with His will. It also includes the role of trials and suffering in the process of purification in the context of the Great controversy.

Outline of the Study

The Goal

Sunday: In His Image {Reflecting the Image of God} - Rom. 3:10-19; 8:29; Gen. 1:27; Job 1; Matt. 5:16; 1Cor. 4:9; Eph. 3:10

Monday: Faith Amid the Refining Fire {Being like Gold} - Job 23:1-10; Heb. 11:27

The Result

Tuesday: Jesus' Last Words {Developing our Character} - Matt. 25:1-12, 31-46

Wednesday: The Wise {Victory in Conflict} - Dan. 12:1-10; Rev. 22:11

Our Support

Thursday: Character and Community - Eph. 4:11-16

Friday: The Further Study and Meditation

The Goal

Sunday: In His Image {Reflecting the Image of God} - Rom. 3:10-19; 8:29; Gen. 1:27; Job 1; Matt. 5:16; 1Cor. 4:9; Eph. 3:10

“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29)

Purified, Reflecting the Image of Jesus

God calls upon you to believe. Heed His voice. Cease talking of the wrath of God and talk of His compassion and His abundant mercy. Jesus sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. The furnace in which you may be placed may be very hot, yet you will come forth as gold seven times purified, reflecting the image of Jesus. Have courage. Look up, believe, and you shall see of the salvation of God. {HP 119.5}

Conformed to His Image and Controlled by His Spirit

"This is the will of God," the apostle Paul wrote, "even your sanctification." 1 Thessalonians 4:3. The sanctification of the church is God's object in all His dealings with His people. He has chosen them from eternity, that they might be holy. He gave His Son to die for them, that they might be sanctified through obedience to the truth, divested of all the littleness of self. From them He requires a personal work, a personal surrender. God can be honored by those who profess to believe in Him, only as they are conformed to His image and controlled by His Spirit. Then, as witnesses for the Saviour, they may make known what divine grace has done for them. {AA 559.3}

Wonderful Manifestation of His Love

The standard by which to measure character is the royal law. The law is the sin detector. By the law is the knowledge of sin. But the sinner is constantly being drawn to Jesus by the wonderful manifestation of His love in that He humiliated Himself to die a shameful death upon the cross. What a study is this! Angels have striven, earnestly longed, to look into this wonderful mystery. It is a study that can tax the highest human intelligence, that man, fallen, deceived by Satan, taking Satan's side of the question, can be conformed to the image of the Son of the infinite God--that man shall be like Him, that, because of the righteousness of Christ given to man, God will love man, fallen but redeemed, even as He loved His Son. Read it right out of the living oracles. {LHU 150.2}

Consider the Following

In the beginning, God created humankind in His image (Genesis 1:27). However, sin has been disfiguring that image in humans for centuries.

One of the goals of the Gospel is to restore God’s image in us (Romans 8:29).

We live amidst a cosmic conflict. The whole universe and all heavenly beings are looking. They should see the reflection of the character of Jesus in us (1 Corinthians 4:9; Ephesians 3:10).

To Restore the Moral Image of God

Our work is to restore the moral image of God in man through the abundant grace given us of God by Jesus Christ. . . . Oh, how much we need to know Jesus and our heavenly Father that we may represent Him in character! {AG 229.6}

The soul that is transformed by the grace of Christ will admire His divine character. . . . The less we see to esteem in ourselves, the more we shall see to esteem in the infinite purity and loveliness of our Saviour. A view of our sinfulness drives us to Him who can pardon; and when the soul, realizing its helplessness, reaches out after Christ, He will reveal Himself in power. The more our sense of need drives us to Him and to the Word of God, the more exalted views we shall have of His character, and the more fully we shall reflect His image. {AG 229.7}

Monday: Faith Amid the Refining Fire {Being like Gold} - Job 23:1-10; Heb. 11:27

“But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10)

Patient Endurance Vindicated Character

According to his faith, so was it unto Job. "When He hath tried me," he said, "I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10. So it came to pass. By his patient endurance he vindicated his own character, and thus the character of Him whose representative he was. And "the Lord turned the captivity of Job: . . . also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. . . . So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning." Job 42:10-12. {Ed 156.1}

On the record of those who through self-abnegation have entered into the fellowship of Christ's sufferings, stand--one in the Old Testament and one in the New--the names of Jonathan and of John the Baptist. {Ed 156.2}

Providence of God Furnishes Training to Develop Characters

The conflicts of earth, in the providence of God, furnish the very training necessary to develop characters fit for the courts of heaven. We are to become members of the royal family, the sons of God, and "all things work together for good" to those who love God, and submit themselves to His will. {OHC 316.3}

Our God is an ever-present help in every time of need. He is perfectly acquainted with the most secret thoughts of our heart, with all the intents and purposes of our souls. When we are in perplexity, even before we open to Him our distress, He is making arrangements for our deliverance. Our sorrow is not unnoticed. He always knows much better than we do, just what is necessary for the good of His children, and He leads us as we would choose to be led if we could discern our own hearts and see our necessities and perils, as God sees them. But finite beings seldom know themselves. They do not understand their own weakness. . . . God knows them better than they know themselves, and He understands how to lead them. . . . {OHC 316.4}

God's Presence will Cleanse and Sanctify the Soul

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17. No man can of himself cast out the evil throng that have taken possession of the heart. Only Christ can cleanse the soul temple. But He will not force an entrance. He comes not into the heart as to the temple of old; but He says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him." Revelation 3:20. He will come, not for one day merely; for He says, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; . . . and they shall be My people." "He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." 2 Corinthians 6:16; Micah 7:19. His presence will cleanse and sanctify the soul, so that it may be a holy temple unto the Lord, and "an habitation of God through the Spirit." Ephesians 2:21, 22. {DA 161.2}

Look to Jesus - the Author and Finisher of our Faith

God wants His children to be strong in His strength. There is no such thing as being strong in our own strength. Let our churches keep their souls low in the meekness and lowliness of Christ. When trial comes, do not think that some strange thing has happened unto you, but hear the voice of God saying in your test and trial, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. God desires you to hear His voice amid the cloud. It is a voice of peace and not of war, telling you to look to Jesus, who is the Author and Finisher of your faith, a Saviour able and willing and longing to save to the uttermost all who come to God by Him. He declares, I am touched with the feeling of their infirmities. Those who put their trust in Him will never be confounded. The shepherd's crook, which stops you from turning into strange paths, is not an evil; it is a mercy. Thus God would draw you away from evil to good. The refining fire must purify the gold and silver from all dross, that those who claim to be Christians may offer to God an offering in righteousness. {21MR 28.1}

Consider the Following

God affirmed that Job was a “blameless and upright” man (Job 1:1). Then the enemy sowed doubts by questioning Job’s motivation (Job 1:9-11).

Job was on the brink of desperation. He couldn’t understand why all those tragedies were happening, but he understood he was being tested. He was sure that process would make him shine like gold eventually, that he would be perfected.

Our true character is shown in the most difficult trials, and it’s refined by them. In those critical moments, God improves aspects of our character that wouldn’t be visible otherwise.

The Result

Tuesday: Jesus' Last Words {Developing our Character} - Matt. 25:1-12, 31-46

“But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’” (Matthew 25:9)

The Difference between the Wise and Foolish Virgins

Though five of these virgins are represented as wise and five as foolish, all had lamps. They had all been convicted that they must prepare for the coming of the bridegroom, and all had gained a knowledge of the truth. There was no apparent difference between the wise and the foolish until the cry was made, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him;" but the true state of things was then developed. The wise had taken precautions to carry oil with them in their vessels, so that their lamps that were beginning to burn dimly might be replenished with oil; but the foolish had not provided for this emergency, and now they made an earnest, distressed petition to those who were wise. "And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out." They had neglected to prepare themselves to meet the bridegroom, and now turned to those who had provided themselves with oil. "But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you; but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves." {RH, September 17, 1895 par. 2}

Lay up Treasures in Heaven Not on Earth

It is time for those who have large possessions to cut down the principal, that God's work may be extended in foreign lands. "Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth." That which we give to the cause of God becomes our own forever. Says Christ, "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven." These alone, of all that we possess, are really ours. All that we lay up on earth, we must leave at last. It is only what we give for Christ that we can take with us into the eternal world. Jesus bids us, "Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations." {RH, December 6, 1887 par. 14}

Consider the Following

The difference between the two groups of virgins was the supply of oil (Matthew 25:1-4). The first meaning of the oil is the Holy Spirit, but it could also be interpreted as the character.

We will be victorious in conflict if we develop our character through a close relationship with Jesus.

Jesus affirmed that our character is shown in the way we treat others (Matthew 25:34-36).

Wednesday: The Wise {Victory in Conflict} - Dan. 12:1-10; Rev. 22:11

“Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.” (Daniel 12:10)

Prophesied Purification - the Cleansing of the Sanctuary = in the House of God

Here Inspiration itself explains that no one, not even Daniel himself could possibly understand the book before the time of the end. And too, while the wicked were to continue doing wickedly, many were to be purified, made white and tried; that is, the purification of the church, the cleansing of the Sanctuary (Dan. 8:14), was to take place during the time of the end. In the words of the prophet Malachi the cleansing of the Sanctuary is preceded by this announcement: {2TG42: 30.1}

Mal. 3:1-3 -- "Behold, I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' sope: and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness."

Rather than say "Sanctuary," Inspiration in this instance says "Temple." And rather than say "cleansing," It uses the terms refining and purifying. The Apostle Peter, though, chooses to call the cleansing of the Sanctuary, "Judgment" in the "house of God": {2TG42: 30.2}

1 Peter 4:17, 18 -- "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?"

The Book Sealed to the Time of the End

A large portion of Christendom agree that we are living in the last days of this world's history. When Jesus was asked by his disciples for the signs of His return to earth again, and of the end of the world, one of the many signs He gave was; "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)." (Matthew 24:15.) It is evident from the words of the Master that the book of Daniel contains information regarding the signs of the times and of the end of the world. The prophecies of Daniel were of little worth to the disciples and the early Christian church, for Daniel says the book was sealed to the time of the end. (Dan. 12:4.) And since the book is now open it is evident that we are living in the time of the end. (Rev. 22:6-10.) But the book was to be open to one class of people and shut to another, for He added, "Many shall be purified and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." (Dan. 12:10.) Therefore, it is important that we should be free from all wickedness and obedient to the divine requirements, if we would understand and receive the blessings contained in the book. {SR2: 27.6}

Many Shall be Purified - And Michael Shall Stand Up to Deliver His People

It is necessary that we comment first on the 10th verse of Daniel 12, for it brings out the fact that at the time this Scripture is revealed, "Many shall be purified and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand." Therefore, it is necessary that we repent from all sin and separate ourselves from every false way, thus having our vision clear, so that we can understand. {SR2: 145.2}

"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." (Daniel 12:1.) The name "Michael," means "who is like God." "Christ is the express image of the Father," and the great Prince of His people. Thus the title signifies Christ. At this time, Christ (Michael) shall stand up for His people, and every one shall be delivered who is found written in "The Book." Thus God's people need not fear in the time of trouble. {SR2: 145.3}

Consider the Following

In Daniel and Revelation, we see that humankind will be divided into two groups in the End Time: the pure and the wicked, those who understand and those who don’t (Daniel 12:10; Revelation 22:11).

According to Jeremiah, that time will be “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7). Once the time of grace ends, the redeemed will have reached final victory and will be refined and purified. Meanwhile, the wicked will persist in their rebellion against God.

Please copy-paste to a browser and study further the explanation of Dan. 12:10!

Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary - 13. From Dust to Stars (google.com)

https://sites.google.com/view/meatindueseason/21-jacobs-time-of-trouble?authuser=1

Our Support

Thursday: Character and Community - Eph. 4:11-16

“till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;” (Ephesians 4:13)

Direct Fulfillment of Prophecy in our Time

No longer wait, therefore, but now "ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field." Zech. 10:1; Joel 2:28. {TN14: 43.1}

The urgent lesson here to be learned is that those who are ever-progressing, keeping pace with the march of Truth, are the only real Christians. And though even the most advanced of these have not yet reached the high standard (the full growth) set for them by the Lord, yet Inspiration in this latest feast of butter and honey (the latter rain), proffers character-building material to all. As a result of this, thousands of faithful ones at first (Rev. 7:3-8; 14:1, 5) and millions at last (Rev. 7:9; Mic. 4:1-3; Isa. 60:5, 6) will having finally matured for harvest, actually achieve the Lord's standard, and come "in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Eph. 4:13. What a bountiful harvest of full grown Christians to be garnered in! {TN14: 43.2}

Bible Knowledge is Heaven's Way to Salvation and Eternity

Eph. 4:11-14 -- "And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." Inspiration makes it plain that God's plan is that the Church should ever be growing both in knowledge and perfection till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.

Since the Church has not yet attained the standard set forth in this verse of Scripture, it is obvious that she needs to have greater knowledge of Bible religion than she has at the present time. {1TG51: 6.2}

Being far from having reached such unity of faith, of knowledge, and perfection, we see the need as clear as crystal: We as Christians need to start growing, otherwise the season of such growth will pass and we shall be left but dwarfs, not having advanced far enough to be eligible for a home in the Kingdom. Then shall it come to pass that all such unmatured Christians shall bitterly cry out, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." Jer. 8:20.

Bible knowledge you see, is Heaven's way to salvation and eternity, but the modern minister's way is to keep men ignorant of what is taught outside their own circles, so they may have men under their control.

That Truth is growing, and that we should keep pace with It, we shall now read:

Consider the Following

Obviously, developing our character is an individual work. However, what about the character of the community? Can the Church develop and perfect its character?

The character of the Church is the sum and collaboration of every member’s character.

This character is refined when we work together to help others. This is also a powerful testimony for all heavenly beings (Ephesians 3:10).

Friday: The Further Study and Meditation

Those who fail to keep pace with the Truth as Inspiration unfolds It, can never, of course, come to "the unity of the faith," and to a full "knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Such will forever be "children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men,..." Eph. 4:13, 14.

Plainly, then, religion itself is something living and unfolding, but the tragedy is that not all are keeping pace with it.

Let us look into this vital subject even more concretely. Truth, you know, kept unfolding and growing even after Moses' death. The Jews, though, killed the prophets and did not advance any further than where Moses left them. In fact, they ever retrogressed. And so they are where they are today because they failed to change their course even though prophet after prophet was sent to keep them from the pit into which they were fast falling. Even Christ Himself failed to awaken them to the dreadfulness of their situation. Only a comparatively few saw the red light, the danger, and returned to the Lord. {1TG51: 8.3}

Questions to Ponder

1. What was the role of temptation, suffering, and trial in the process of the purification of the church?

2. What is our understanding of the very image of God to be reproduced in a man? How do we achieve such a goal as we're also confronted with challenges in the development of Christian character?

3. Based on Monday's lesson, what can we say about the trials of Job? What would be our reaction when confronted with similar events that assail us?

4. In the separation of the goat and sheep, the wise and the foolish, what are the processes and criteria exerted?

5. How do the trials and sufferings of God's people in Biblical times happening today?

6. On what principles will God measure His people in the time of purification of the church? What should we do to be ready for such an event in the church - the Ezek. 9?

7. Based on the passage above {1TG51: 8.3}, how do we relate with Christ's prayer for unity among believers and those who haven't kept pace with the radiance of light?

From the Pen of Inspiration

“When trials come to us, let us not dwell upon the greatness of the difficulties and feel that we cannot have joy in the Lord. It is true we will have changes of feelings. There will come to us times of discouragement and depression. But shall we live by feeling or by faith? When our brethren and friends speak unadvisedly, and cause us grief, let us not be cast down. Let us remember that we are in a world of trial and grief, of sorrow and disappointment. When these experiences come to us, they should drive us to Christ. If they do not, we meet with loss.” E. G. W. (The Upward Look, August 26)

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