Sabbath Afternoon - March 11, 2023

Reading for the Week

2 Chron. 20:1-22, 1 Chron. 21:1-14, 2 Pet. 3:3-12, 1 John 2:15-17, Rev. 13:11-17. 

Prayer Thought

We can hardly imagine circumstances more unfavorable to a religious life, and entailing greater sacrifice or opposition, than those in which these converts found themselves. Yet amidst difficulties and dangers they maintained their fidelity. Because of obstacles that seem insurmountable, the Christian may seek to excuse himself from obeying the truth as it is in Jesus;  but he can offer no excuse that will bear investigation. Could he do this he would prove God unjust in that He had made for His children conditions of salvation with which they could not comply.  {AA 466.2}  

He whose heart is fixed to serve God will find opportunity to witness for Him. Difficulties will be powerless to hinder him who is determined to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. In the strength gained by prayer and a study of the word, he will seek virtue and forsake vice. Looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of the faith, who endured the contradiction of sinners against Himself, the believer will willingly brave contempt and derision. And help and grace sufficient for every circumstance are promised by Him whose word is truth. His everlasting arms encircle the soul that turns to Him for aid. In His care we may rest safely, saying, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee." Psalm 56:3. To all who put their trust in Him, God will fulfill His promise.  {AA 467.1} 


Memory Text

Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the Most High:  And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.  {Ps. 50:14, 15}


This week's SS Lesson will dig more into the stages or steps to follow from the biblical principles that will enable us to hurdle tough moments in our lives. This includes the messages of warnings that would be the results of failures in living opposite to God's plan for us.


Study Outline

Sunday - March 12, 2023

Who will Defend Us in Tough Times - Putting God First 

2 Chron. 20:1-22; 


Monday - March 13, 2023

Who Could we Trust - Trust God, Not Your Own Resources

1Sam. 14:1-23; 1Chron. 21:1-14


Tuesday - March 14, 2023

What Could we Keep? - Time to Simplify? 

2Pet. 3:3-12 


Wednesday - March 15, 2023

What will be our Priorities?

Matt. 6:24; 1John 2:15-17; 2pet. 3:10-14


Thursday - March 16, 2023

How can we Prepare for Tough Times - When No One Can Buy or Sell 

Matt. 


Friday - March 17, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

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Sunday - March 12, 2023

Who will Defend Us in Tough Times - Putting God First 

2 Chron. 20:1-22

“[…] Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” (2 Chronicles 20:20)


Hope of Being Called - He Qualifies and Defend His People

He will defend his chosen followers against Satan's power and will subdue all their enemies. Through him, they will be conquerors and more than conquerors. Paul writes to the Ephesians, "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places."  {HM, July 1, 1897 par. 13}  


Personal Experience as God's Children

As children in the family of God, we need the wisdom and experience of mature Christians to direct, encourage, and defend us in times of danger, lead on to constant growth in grace, and seek daily attainments in the knowledge of the truth and true holiness.  {ST, October 23, 1879 par. 8}  

In the ministry of Christ and his apostles, those who were converted to the truth were brought into church relationship; and every stray, lost sheep that was found, was brought to the fold of the church, under the direction of the Master, through the under Shepherds, they might go in and out and find pasture. 


Moving Steadily Forward by Trusting Him

Putting our trust in God, we are to move steadily forward, doing His work with unselfishness, in humble dependence upon Him, committing to His providence ourselves and all that concerns our present and future, holding the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end, remembering that we receive the blessings of Heaven, not because of our worthiness, but because of Christ's worthiness and our acceptance, through faith in Him, of God's abounding grace.  {CH 238.1} 


Consider the Following

King Jehoshaphat was ready for war (2 Chronicles 17:2, 12-13). However, he was aware of his limitations. He couldn’t deal with the coalition that were threatening him (2 Chronicles 20:1-2).

He didn’t seek help from other people to face this crisis, but he turned to the only One who could actually help him: God (2 Chronicles 20:3-12).

This was not a decision driven by fear or defenselessness. Josaphat was used to serve God (2 Chronicles 17:3-4; 19:4). He knew that he could trust Him.

Do you have such a daily experience with God that will help you trust Him in moments of crisis?


Monday - March 13, 2023

Who Could we Trust - Trust God, Not Your Own Resources

1Sam. 14:1-23; 1Chron. 21:1-14

Put not your trust in princes, [nor] in the son of man, in whom [there is] no help. (Psalm 146:3)


Severe Trial Endured By God's Grace

Not in freedom from the trial, but in the midst of it, is Christian character developed. Exposure to rebuffs and opposition leads the follower of Christ to greater watchfulness and more earnest prayer to the mighty Helper. Severe trial endured by the grace of God develops patience, vigilance, fortitude, and a deep and abiding trust in God. It is the triumph of the Christian faith that it enables its followers to suffer and be strong; to submit, and thus to conquer; to be killed all day long, and yet to live; to bear the cross, and thus to win the crown of glory.  {AA 467.3} 


A Precious Trust

Children are committed to their parents as a precious trust, which God will one day require at their hands. We should give to their training more time, more care, and more prayer. They need more of the right kind of instruction. . . .  {AH 161.1}  

Remember that your sons and daughters are younger members of God's family. He has committed them to your care, to train and educate for heaven. You must render an account to Him for the manner in which you discharge your sacred trust.  {AH 161.2}  


The Secret of True Charm

Girls should be taught that the true charm of womanliness is not alone in beauty of form or feature, nor in the possession of accomplishments; but in a meek and quiet spirit, in patience, generosity, kindness, and a willingness to do and suffer for others. They should be taught to work, to study to some purpose, to live for some object, to trust in God and fear Him, and to respect their parents. Then as they advance in years, they will grow more pure-minded, self-reliant, and beloved. It will be impossible to degrade such a woman. She will escape the temptations and trials that have been the ruin of so many.  {CG 140.1}  


Consider the Following

David knew that no human could save him (Psalm 146:3). He learnt from Jonathan’s experience that God doesn’t need a powerful army to overcome His enemies (1 Samuel 14:6, 13, 23).

However, he was tempted by Satan and wanted to know how many soldiers he had (1 Chronicles 21:1-2). It was not prohibited, but David was showing that he was trusting his military strength more than God.

God is above all things. We must come to Him first before resorting to human resources.


Tuesday - March 14, 2023

What Could we Keep? - Time to Simplify? 

2Pet. 3:3-12 

[Seeing] then [that] all these things shall be dissolved, what manner [of persons] ought ye to be in [all] holy conversation and godliness, (2 Peter 3:11)


Steady Spiritual Growth

God expects those who bear the name of Christ to represent Him in thought, word, and deed. Their thoughts are to be pure and their words and deeds noble and uplifting, drawing those around them nearer to the Saviour.... In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in this world as watchmen and light bearers. To them has been entrusted the last message of mercy for a perishing world. On them is shining wonderful light from the Word of God. What manner of persons, then, ought they to be?  {HP 332.2}  

Our lives should show steady spiritual growth. But I have seen that which makes me tremble--men and women dwarfed in character, possessing the Word of God, which tells them what they must do in order to be saved, yet unsanctified and unholy. . . .  {HP 332.3}  


Personal Knowledge of the Atmosphere Surrounding his Soul

It is essential that all shall know what atmosphere surrounds their own souls, whether they are in co-partnership with the enemy of righteousness, and unconsciously doing his work, or whether they are yoked up with Christ, doing His work. . . .  {Mar 63.2}  

Satan would be pleased to have anyone and everyone become his allies in the work of weakening the confidence of brother in brother, and sowing discord among those who profess to believe the truth. Satan can accomplish his purpose most successfully through professed friends of Christ who are not walking and working in Christ's lines. . . .


Feel the Vital Forse of the Truth

Simplify the truth to your hearers so that small minds may comprehend it. Make your discourses plain, pointed, and solemn. Bring the people to a decision. Make them feel the vital force of truth. If any speak one word of flattery to you, rebuke them sharply. Tell them that Satan has troubled you with that for some time, and they need not help him in his work.  {1T 437.1}  


Consider the Following

David knew that no human could save him (Psalm 146:3). He learnt from Jonathan’s experience that God doesn’t need a powerful army to overcome His enemies (1 Samuel 14:6, 13, 23).

However, he was tempted by Satan and wanted to know how many soldiers he had (1 Chronicles 21:1-2). It was not prohibited, but David was showing that he was trusting his military strength more than God.

God is above all things. We must come to Him first before resorting to human resources.


Wednesday - March 15, 2023

What will be our Priorities?

Matt. 6:24; 1John 2:15-17; 2Pet. 3:10-14

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24)


Our Top Priority

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33.  {AG 21.1}  

The people who listened to the words of Christ were still anxiously watching for some announcement of the earthly kingdom. While Jesus was opening to them the treasures of heaven, the question uppermost in many minds was, How will a connection with Him advance our prospects in the world? Jesus shows that in making the things of the world their supreme anxiety they were like the heathen nations about them. . . .  {AG 21.2}  

"All these things," said Jesus, "do the nations of the world seek after" (Luke 12:30). . . . I have come to open to you the kingdom of love and righteousness and peace. Open your hearts to receive this kingdom, and make its service your highest interest. Though it is a spiritual kingdom, fear not that your needs for this life will be uncared for. . . .  {AG 21.3}  


Seeing the Signal Manifestation of God's Wrath

Infinite Wisdom saw that this signal manifestation of the wrath of God was necessary to guard the young church from becoming demoralized. Their numbers were rapidly increasing. The church would have been endangered if, in the rapid increase of converts, men and women had been added who, while professing to serve God, were worshiping mammon. This judgment testified that men cannot deceive God, that He detects the hidden sin of the heart, and that He will not be mocked. It was designed as a warning to the church, to lead them to avoid pretense and hypocrisy, and to beware of robbing God.  {AA 73.4}  


No Man can Serve Two Masters

“If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” The conscience is the regulative faculty, and if people allow their conscience to become perverted, they cannot serve God aright. Their object in life shows to the world whether they are Christians or in rebellion against God. Their whole life is a failure. It is distorted and double, and all the faculties are misdirected. The profession may be all right, but the faith is perverted, and this is revealed by the practice, which misleads others. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”Letter 128, 1897 (Manuscript Releases, vol. 13, pp. 154, 155). {CTr 64.6} 


Faithfully Serving the Lord

Between the worldly man and the one who is faithfully serving God, there is a great gulf fixed. Upon the most momentous subjects,--God and truth and eternity,--their thoughts and sympathies and feelings are not in harmony. One class is ripening as wheat for the garner of God, the other as tares for the fires of destruction. How can there be unity of purpose or action between them? "Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." "No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."--Should Christians Be Members of Secret Societies? pp. 3-10. (1892)  {Ev 620.2}  


Consider the Following

We will have to decide in some moment: either to serve God and lose our possessions, or to keep them and serve someone who’s not worthy to be served.

Our decision in that moment will depend on the decisions we make today (Matthew 6:24).

The apostle John said, “Do not love the world or the things in the world.” (1 John 2:15)

What’s bad in the “world” that moves us away from God (1 John 2:16)?


Thursday - March 16, 2023

How can we Prepare for Tough Times - When No One Can Buy or Sell 

Revelation 13:11-17; Dan. 12:1; Deut. 14:22, 23

And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.  (Revelation 13:17)


The Seal of the Living God - His Protection

Those that overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, will be the favored ones who shall receive the seal of the living God. Those whose hands are not clean, whose hearts are not pure, will not have the seal of the living God. Those who are planning sin and acting it will be passed by. Only those who, in their attitude before God, are filling the position of those who are repenting and confessing their sins in the great anti-typical day of atonement, will be recognized and marked as worthy of God’s protection. The names of those who are steadfastly looking and waiting and watching for the appearing of their Saviour—more earnestly and wishfully than they who wait for the morning—will be numbered with those who are sealed.  {Hvn 90.4} 

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Loyalty to God Which doesn't Break God's Law

The time is coming when we cannot sell at any price. The decree will soon go forth prohibiting men to buy or sell of any man save him that hath the mark of the beast.  {Mar 183.2}  

In the last great conflict of the controversy with Satan those who are loyal to God will see every earthly support cut off. Because they refuse to break His law in obedience to earthly powers, they will be forbidden to buy or sell.  {Mar 183.3}  

Religious powers, allied to heaven by profession, and claiming to have the characteristics of a lamb, will show by their acts that they have the heart of a dragon and that they are instigated and controlled by Satan. The time is coming when God's people will feel the hand of persecution because they keep holy the seventh day.  {Mar 183.4}  


Consider the Following

If we don’t subject to the powers governing the world in the end times but remain faithful to God, we will lose our jobs and our possessions (Revelation 13:14-17). However, we can be sure that God will take care of us (2 Thessalonians 3:3; Psalm 34:19).

How can we prepare for those moments?

Learning to trust God and to live relying on Him today. A good test is to be faithful with our tithes. If we fail in something so small, how could we remain faithful in the forthcoming crisis (Jeremiah 12:5)?


Friday - March 17, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

Micah 4:11, "Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion."  As soon as God's church as a body (not as individuals) escapes the clutches of the devil (for the unclean shall not enter in), and becomes earnest, filled with the Spirit of God, the wrath of the old enemy will be aroused, and will bring about the fulfillment of Rev. 12:17.  "And the dragon was wroth with the woman and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus." 

This time of trouble is also described by the Spirit of Prophecy.  Early Writings, pages 33, 34: "And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully....The wicked thought that we had brought the judgments upon them, and they rose up and took counsel to rid the earth of us, thinking that then the evil would be stayed.  In the time of trouble we all fled from the cities and villages, but were pursued by the wicked, who entered the houses of the saints with a sword." Also pages 282, 283.  "I saw the saints leaving the cities and villages and associating together in companies, and living in the most solitary places.  Angels provided them food and water, while the wicked were suffering from hunger and thirst.  Then I saw the leading men of the earth consulting together, and Satan and his angels busy around them.  I saw a writing, copies of which were scattered in different parts of the land, giving orders that unless the saints should yield their peculiar faith, give up the Sabbath, and observe the first day of the week, the people were at liberty after a certain time, to put them to death." Jeremiah also describes this troublous time.  "The shepherds with their flocks shall come unto her; they shall pitch their tents against her roundabout; they shall feed every one in his place." Jer. 6:3.  {SR1: 180.2-3}


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“Often the follower of Christ is brought where he cannot serve God and carry forward his worldly enterprises. Perhaps it appears that obedience to some plain requirement of God will cut off his means of support […] When we learn the power of His word, we shall not follow the suggestions of Satan in order to obtain food or to save our lives. Our only questions will be, What is God's command? and what His promise? Knowing these, we shall obey the one, and trust the other.” E. G. W. (The Desire of Ages, cp. 12, p. 121)


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