7. Indestructible Hope - August 6-12

Sabbath afternoon

Prayer Thought

The Lord desires us to appreciate the great plan of redemption, to realize our high privilege as the children of God, and to walk before Him in obedience, with grateful thanksgiving. He desires us to serve Him in newness of life, with gladness every day. He longs to see gratitude welling up in our hearts because our names are written in the Lamb's book of life, because we may cast all our care upon Him who cares for us. He bids us rejoice because we are the heritage of the Lord, because the righteousness of Christ is the white robe of His saints, because we have the blessed hope of the soon coming of our Saviour. {COL 299.2}

Memory Text

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. {Rom. 5:5}

Please visit this link for the Memory Verses Songs {click or copy-paste to your browser} https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUoH5dlPKDY

This week's SS Lesson will inspire us with the hope that had been laid by our Master teacher and Saviour. The foundation of our hope is in Christ who had been victorious over temptations and even death, he had won the battle and we'll be assured of triumph as well. It includes the requirements for the survival of every believer who has known God and has a closer walk with the Light of the world - JESUS CHRIST.

We now live the life of Christ by faith; but in the kingdom--the substance of our hope where "the evidence of things" is seen, we shall live by sight, "for now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face." I Cor. 13:12. The life which we now live is a battle and a march; a defeat and a victory; a struggle to overcome. This daily battle between the Spirit of God and the spirit of man, the apostle Paul sets forth, as follows: {6SC7-12: 2.2.2}

Outline of the Study

The Foundation of Hope

Sunday: The Big Picture (Knowing the End: Habakkuk) - Rev. 12:7; Rom 8:22; Hab. 1:1-17; 2:2, 3; Heb. 10:37; Rev, 18:2; Hab. 3:16-19

Monday: Who Our Father is (Knowing God: Job) - Job 2:9; 38; 39' 40:4, 5; 42:1-6

Hope in God

Tuesday: Our Father's Presence (His Presence) - Isa. 41:8-14

Wednesday: Our Father's Plan for Us (His Plans)- Ps. 137:1; Jer. 29:1-10. 11-14

Hope and the Crucible

Thursday: Our Father's Discipline - Heb. 12:5-13; 11; 12:1-13

Friday: The Further Study and Meditation

The Foundation of Hope

Sunday: The Big Picture (Knowing the End: Habakkuk) - Rev. 12:7; Rom 8:22; Hab. 1:1-17; 2:2, 3; Heb. 10:37; Rev, 18:2; Hab. 3:16-19

“For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." {Hab. 2:3}

Movements in the Old are Ensamples or Type

In the Old Testament is brought to view a religious Movement which is an "ensample," or type, of a counterpart in the New Testament. And just as God yesterday organized and led the one to emancipate His people from a cruel bondage to heathen masters, so also will He do with the other today. Likewise as He instructed the one, so will He instruct the other as to how to expect to be liberated and established in the land of their inheritance, the kingdom of freedom, peace, and plenty. In assurance of this, He declares: "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." 1 Cor. 10:11. And "there shall be an highway for the remnant of His people, which shall be left, from Assyria, Like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt." Isa. 11:16. {ABN3: 19.2}

Lapses of the Ministers and Leaders

But I failed to be convinced. When one falls down on besetments, repents and is forgiven, and then does the same thing over and over again, there is no soul rest in that: that is not what God has promised in the new covenant. Yet this is just where the difficulty and trouble lies with the Seventh-day Adventist's rest. It is a pity. The ministers are at fault, and yet the ministers themselves were never led into the true and living way by those who in turn brought them into the truth. {1SC10: 6.11}

"Spare Thy people, O Lord, and give not Thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?" (Joel 2:17.) {1SC10: 7.1}

The intervention of God - A Theocratic Government

As "God has promised that where the shepherds are not true He will take charge of the flock Himself" (Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 80; Testimonies to Ministers, p. 300; Jer. 3:17), and as the descendants of Jacob, again becoming a kingdom, appoint to themselves one head (Hos. 1:11), "David their king" (Hos. 3:5), "and seek the Lord their God," it is evident that the church in the time of the Loud Cry of the Third Angel's Message, Will Be A Theocracy. {TN8: 43.2}

"The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be." Gen. 49:10. {TN8: 43.3}

"Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." Isa. 32:1, 2. {TN8: 43.4}

DISCOURSES ON THE PRE-MILLENNIAL KINGDOM | 3 ANGELS' CRY (3angelscry.org)

Meat In Due Season - 6. The Establishment of the Kingdom of Glory (google.com)

Consider the Following

The book of Habakkuk begins with a complaint that sounds current: There’s violence, immorality, destruction, disputes, injustice… but God does nothing! (Habakkuk 1:2-4).

God’s response is quite worrisome: Everything is getting worse (Habakkuk 1:5-11). Isn’t it an answer we could hear today too?

Since Satan rebelled, the universe is at war, and it constantly gets worse. However, God has promised that Babylon (and evil) will be finally destroyed, and the people of God will be liberated (Habakkuk 2:8; Revelation 18:2).

Jesus will end evil. This is the “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13).

The Most Weak Be as David

"God has promised that where the shepherds are not true He will take charge of the flock himself.... In this time, the gold will be separated from the dross in the church. True godliness will be clearly distinguished from the appearance and tinsel of it. Many a star that we have admired for its brilliancy, will then go out in darkness.... Those who have been timid and self-distrustful, will declare themselves openly for Christ and His truth. The most weak and hesitating in the church will be as David -- willing to do and dare" (Testimonies, Vol. 5, pp. 80, 81) -- facts which, along with those which ensue, show that Nothing Can Hinder the Lord. {TN1: 32.3}

Monday: Who Our Father is (Knowing God: Job) - Job 2:9; 38; 39' 40:4, 5; 42:1-6

“Who [is] he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not." {Job 42:3}

Privileges to Learn Of the Great Teacher

And to a large degree theology, as studied and taught, is but a record of human speculation, serving only to darken "counsel by words without knowledge." Job 38:2. Too often the motive in accumulating these many books is not so much a desire to obtain food for mind and soul, as it is an ambition to become acquainted with philosophers and theologians, a desire to present Christianity to the people in learned terms and propositions. Not all the books written can serve the purpose of a holy life. "Learn of Me," said the Great Teacher, "take My yoke upon you, learn My meekness and lowliness." Your intellectual pride will not aid you in communicating with souls that are perishing for want of the bread of life. In your study of these books you are allowing them to take the place of the practical lessons you should be learning from Christ. With the results of this study the people are not fed. Very little of the research which is so wearying to the mind furnishes that which will help one to be a successful laborer for souls. {CT 380.4}

Now it is hard I know to let go some responsibilities and give others an opportunity to get hold with all the advantages and counsel of your knowledge to help them. Unless this is done they will ere long have to carry an unwieldy lead without the instruction and counsel which now it is their privilege to have.--Letter 64, 1886. {ChL 55.1}

Beware of Deceptive Morsels of Error

Corruptions of every type, similar to those existing among the antediluvians, will be brought in to take minds captive. The exaltation of nature as God, the unrestrained license of the human will, the counsel of the ungodly—these Satan uses as agencies to bring about certain ends. He will employ the power of mind over mind to carry out his designs. The most sorrowful thought of all is that under his deceptive influence men will have a form of godliness, without having a real connection with God. Like Adam and Eve, who ate the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, many are even now feeding upon the deceptive morsels of error. {CCh 323.7}

Satanic agencies are clothing false theories in an attractive garb, even as Satan in the Garden of Eden concealed his identity from our first parents by speaking through the serpent. These agencies are instilling into human minds that which in reality is deadly error. The hypnotic influence of Satan will rest upon those who turn from the plain word of God to pleasing fables. {CCh 324.1}

It is those who have had the most light that Satan most assiduously seeks to ensnare. He knows that if he can deceive them, they will, under his control, clothe sin with garments of righteousness, and lead many astray. {CCh 324.2}

The Intellectual Pride is not an Aid but a Danger (Books may deceive us)

And, to a great degree, theology, as studied and taught, is but a record of human speculation, serving only to "darken counsel by words without knowledge." Too often the motive in accumulating these many books is not so much a desire to obtain food for mind and soul, as it is an ambition to become acquainted with philosophers and theologians, a desire to present Christianity to the people in learned terms and propositions. {MH 442.3}

Not all the books written can serve the purpose of a holy life. "'Learn of Me'," said the Great Teacher," "'take My yoke upon you,' learn My meekness and lowliness." Your intellectual pride will not aid you in communicating with souls that are perishing for want of the bread of life. In your study of these books you are allowing them to take the place of the practical lessons you should be learning from Christ. With the results of this study the people are not fed. Very little of the research which is so wearying to the mind furnishes that which will help one to be a successful laborer for souls. {MH 442.4}

Consider the Following

God is shown in Heaven at the beginning of the book of Job. However, God does not appear on scene once the problems begin. He says nothing when Job’s friends talk about Him. He says nothing when Job requests a hearing.

God chooses to show Himself only after everyone has given their opinion on Him. However, He says nothing about Himself but asks questions instead. Dozens of questions that Job cannot answer.

Then Job acknowledges that he doesn’t really understand God (Job 42:3). Before God’s questions, his own questions seem insignificant. He is satisfied because now he knows God better (Job 42:5). Human hope can find security only in a Being much greater than ourselves.

Hope in God

Tuesday: Our Father's Presence (His Presence) - Isa. 41:8-14

"For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." Isaiah 41:13

The Union of the Three was the Strength of Those who are Persecuted in the Past

What was the strength of those who in the past have suffered persecution for Christ's sake? It was union with God, union with the Holy Spirit, union with Christ. Reproach and persecution have separated many from earthly friends, but never from the love of Christ. Never is the tempest-tried soul more dearly loved by His Saviour than when he is suffering reproach for the truth's sake. "I will love him," Christ said, "and will manifest Myself to him." John 14:21. When for the truth's sake the believer stands at the bar of earthly tribunals, Christ stands by his side. When he is confined within prison walls, Christ manifests Himself to him and cheers his heart with His love. When he suffers death for Christ's sake, the Saviour says to him, They may kill the body, but they cannot hurt the soul. "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness." John 16:33; Isaiah 41:10. {AA 85.1}

His Presence Enables the transformation of Character

It was in the mount with God that Moses beheld the pattern of that wonderful building which was to be the abiding place of His glory. It is in the mount with God--in the secret place of communion--that we are to contemplate His glorious ideal for humanity. Thus we shall be enabled so to fashion our character building that to us may be fulfilled His promise, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." 2 Corinthians 6:16. {Ed 258.4}

It was in hours of solitary prayer that Jesus in His earth life received wisdom and power. Let the youth follow His example in finding at dawn and twilight a quiet season for communion with their Father in heaven. And throughout the day let them lift up their hearts to God. At every step of our way He says, "I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, . . . Fear not; I will help thee." Isaiah 41:13. Could our children learn these lessons in the morning of their years, what freshness and power, what joy and sweetness, would be brought into their lives! {Ed 259.1}

Assurance of Eternal Life Insurance

We are offered an everlasting life-insurance policy that assures us a life which measures with the life of the infinite God. We are to make manifest that we are not working for earthly riches and honor, but for a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. When we have been offered so much, shall we not with every power of the being strive to be overcomers? If such an effort made men and women miserable, if it caused them to feel that they were under condemnation, we could not appeal so strongly to you to take up the cross and follow the Saviour. But we know that the effort to run with patience the race set before you will bring happiness into your face, the sparkle of glad satisfaction into your eyes, and nobility into your soul. In this light look at the Christian's race. Grasp the hand of the Infinite, reached down to save you. He says, “I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Remember that in God you have a mighty Helper. {PCP 31.2}

Fear Not! He will Help Us and Upholds Us

The heart of Infinite Love yearns after those who feel powerless to free themselves from the snares of Satan; and He graciously offers to strengthen them to live for Him. "Fear thou not," He bids them; "for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness." "I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye man of Israel; I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel." Isaiah 41:10, 13, 14. {PK 316.3}

Consider the Following

Isaiah foretold the Babylonian exile. The people of Israel felt abandoned by God in those moments.

When we’re facing difficulties, we may feel abandoned by God too. However, He is always by our side.

God's People as Mt. Zion which cannot be Removed

"They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people from henceforth even forever." "He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in His sight." Psalm 125:1-3; 72:14. {AA 86.1}

"The Lord of hosts shall defend them; . . . the Lord their God shall save them in that day as the flock of His people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon His land." Zechariah 9:15, 16. {AA 86.2}

Wednesday: Our Father's Plan for Us (His Plans)- Ps. 137:1; Jer. 29:1-10. 11-14

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." {Jer. 29:11}

This is the message that, in the light from the cross, may be read upon all the face of nature. The heavens declare His glory, and the earth is full of His riches. {Ed 101.4}

Focus on God's Promises

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33.

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:26.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:19-20.

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Matthew 24:14.

Fortified by Trials

God permits trials to assail His people, that by their constancy and obedience they themselves may be spiritually enriched, and that their example may be a source of strength to others. "I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil" (Jeremiah 29:11). The very trials that task our faith most severely and make it seem that God has forsaken us, are to lead us closer to Christ, that we may lay all our burdens at His feet and experience the peace which He will give us in exchange. {CC 45.5}

It is by close, testing trials that God disciplines His servants. He sees that some have powers which may be used in the advancement of His work, and He puts these persons upon trial; in His providence He brings them into positions that test their character and reveal defects and weaknesses that have been hidden from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to correct these defects and to fit themselves for His service. He shows them their own weakness, and teaches them to lean upon Him; for He is their only help and safeguard. Thus His object is attained. They are educated, trained, and disciplined, prepared to fulfill the grand purpose for which their powers were given them. . . . {CC 46.2}

Casting All our Cares Upon Him

One day alone is ours, and during this day we are to live for God. For this one day we are to place in the hand of Christ, in solemn service, all our purposes and plans, casting all our care upon Him, for He careth for us. "I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." "In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength" (Jeremiah 29:11; Isaiah 30:15).-- MB 101 (1896). {2MCP 472.5}

Let us not make ourselves miserable over tomorrow's burdens. Bravely and cheerfully carry the burdens of today. Today's trust and faith we must have. But we are not asked to live more than a day at a time. He who gives strength for today will give strength for tomorrow.-- ST, Nov 5, 1902. (HP 269.) {2MCP 473.1}

Strength for Every Trial.--Our heavenly Father measures and weighs every trial before He permits it to come upon the believer. He considers the circumstances and the strength of the one who is to stand under the proving and test of God, and He never permits the temptations to be greater than the capacity of resistance. If the soul is overborne, the person overpowered, this can never be charged to God, as failing to give strength in grace, but the one tempted was not vigilant and prayerful and did not appropriate by faith the provisions God had abundantly in store for him. Christ never failed a believer in his hour of combat. The believer must claim the promise and meet the foe in the name of the Lord, and he will not know anything like failure.--MS 6, 1889. {2MCP 473.2}

Consider the Following

Jeremiah wrote a letter to encourage the exiled in Babylon. They had lost heart, they thought they would never go back home. God told them not to lose heart, because:

(1) He was in control; their situation didn’t happen by chance (Jer. 29:4)

(2) He would work everything for good even in their troubles (Jer. 29:5-7)

(3) He would end the exile at the right moment (Jer. 29:8-10)

Our hope must be in God. He is in control of our past, our present, and our future.

Hope and the Crucible

Thursday: Our Father's Discipline - Heb. 11; 12:1-13

“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. {Heb. 12:6}

David Learned Wisdom from God's Dealings

David learned wisdom from God's dealings with him and bowed in humility beneath the chastisement of the Most High. The faithful portrayal of his true state by the prophet Nathan made David acquainted with his own sins and aided him to put them away. He accepted counsel meekly and humiliated himself before God. “The law of the Lord,” he exclaims, “is perfect, converting the soul.” Psalm 19:7. {CCh 97.1}

"If ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye . . . not sons." Hebrews 12:8. Our Lord has said: "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten." Revelation 3:19. "No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." Hebrews 12:11. Though bitter the discipline, it is appointed by a Father's tender love, "that we might be partakers of His holiness." {CCh 97.2}

System of Education to be Restored

"The education and training of the youth is an important and solemn work. The great object to be secured should be the proper development of character, that the individual may be fitted rightly to discharge the duties of the present life, and to enter at last upon the future, immortal life."--"Testimonies for the Church," Vol. 4, p. 418.

"The true object of education is to fit men and women for service by developing and bringing into active exercise all their faculties."--"Counsels to Teachers," p. 493.

"To bring man back into harmony with God, so to elevate and ennoble his moral nature that he may again reflect the image of the Creator, is the great purpose of all the education and discipline of life."--"Counsels to Teachers," p. 49.

"The system of education established in Eden centered in the family." Moreover, "The education centering in the family was that which prevailed in the days of the patriarchs."--"Education," p. 33. {3SC5,6: 10.2.1}

Consider the Following

In Greek, the word “discipline” is closely related to “learning.” God teaches us through discipline (Hebrews 12:6).

Paul shared the keys to turn discipline into hope:

(1) The example of the heroes of faith (Hebrews 12:1)

(2) The example of Jesus (Hebrews 12:2-3)

(3) God loves us, we are His children (Hebrews 12:5-7)

(4) We will take part in His holiness (Hebrews 12:10)

(5) Discipline bears “peaceable fruit” (Hebrews 12:11)

(6) He wills strengthen us and guide us (Hebrews 12:12-13)

Homes are Example of Right Order and Discipline

"In no way can the members of the church more effectively second the efforts of the managers in our institutions than by giving in their own homes an example of right order and discipline....Let there be no encouragement to sin, no evil speaking or evil surmising."--"Testimonies for the Church," Vol. 7, pp. 185-186.

"Satan has had great power over the minds of parents through their undisciplined children. The sin of parental neglect stands marked against many Sabbath-keeping parents. The spirit of gossip and tale-bearing is one of Satan's special agencies to sow discord and strife, to separate friends, and to undermine the faith of many in the truthfulness of our positions. Brethren and sisters are too ready to talk of the faults and errors that they think exist in others, and especially in those who have borne unflinchingly the messages of reproof and warning given them of God. {3SC7: 8.1.5}

Friday: The Further Study and Meditation

When however, you do not have to discipline, be serious, mean business, and do a good, sensible job of it. See that you do it so well that you will not have to do it over.

Today, as never before, youth are asserting a premature self-confidence, to such an extent even that they threaten to leave home if they are not granted their every wish. But do not compromise with them at this critical period, or they will finally force things to such an issue that they will eventually have to run away in order to make good their bluff. Do not give in. Tell them that if they want to go, you will help them to get started out openly and honorably, but that they need not shame-facedly and sneakingly run away.

Do not make them lose respect for you or for your religion. They do not need so much of the doctrines at first as they do the simple lessons of life religiously imprinted daily upon their minds. Make them love your religion by understanding it, seeing its truth and beauty. Never try to force them to take it; they will only hate it. {9SC1-12: 17.2.6-18.1.1 }

Questions to Ponder

1. How to explain the character of God to others and have hope in the crucibles we experience?

2. In what way that we could relate the destruction as hope for God's people? And what prophecy helps us understand and take a positive attitude when suffering comes?

3. When life goes wrong like what Job experienced, could we still praise the Lord? What would be our attitude towards God?

4. How could we identify the trials which will result in a blessing when we face them squarely and positively?

5. In Jeremiah 29:1-10, what lessons could we glean as hope lingers to remind us of God's promises?

6. Where do we get strength in times of trials and temptations assail us? Have you experienced hope amidst the crucibles?

7. Based on the passage above, {9SC1-12: 17.2.6-18.1.1}, what's your reaction when someone will tell you that "your negative attitude towards trials are signs of prematurity"? How could be checked in times of Satan's attack?

From the Pen of Inspiration

“The Lord can bring victory out of that which may seem to us discomfiture and defeat. We are in danger of forgetting God, of looking at the things which are seen, instead of beholding by the eye of faith the things which are unseen. When misfortune or calamity comes, we are ready to charge God with neglect or cruelty […] We need to learn that chastisement is a part of His great plan and that under the rod of affliction the Christian may sometimes do more for the Master than when engaged in active service.” E. G. W. (The Acts of the Apostles, cp. 45, p. 481)