Sabbath Afternoon - April 20, 2024

Scripture Reading for the Week:
Daniel 7:23-25; Revelation 12:6; Revelation 12:14; Jude 1:3-4; Revelation 2:10; Acts 5:28-32; Psalms 19:7-11; 1 John 5:11-13. 


Thought for Meditation:
 The Word of God is to be our guide. About the truths that this Word contains there is no guesswork. Let us not leave this unerring guide in order to seek for something new and strange. . . . There are many such doctrines that have not for their foundation, "It is written." They are but human suppositions. It was with the word "It is written" that Christ met every temptation of Satan in the wilderness, and armed with this weapon, He could say to the enemy, "Thus far shalt thou come, and no farther."  {TMK 210.2}  

We cannot with safety accept the opinions of any man, however learned, unless they are in harmony with the words of the Great Teacher. The opinions of erring men will be presented for our acceptance, but God's Word is our authority, and we are never to accept human teaching without the most conclusive evidence that it agrees with the teaching of God's Word. We are to know that we do know that we are standing on the platform of eternal truth--the Word of the living God.  {TMK 210.3}  


Memory Text:

“ ‘And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life’ ” (John 3:14-15). 


This week's SSLesson will trace back the history of how God's people had been persecuted, and their faithfulness was manifested through the advocacy they are fighting for. This includes the principles of truth that are related to our struggles in standing firm for the truth.

Study Outline:

The Truth in Question

Sunday - April 21, 2024

Persecuted Yet Triumphant - Times of Persecution

Daniel 7:23-25; Revelation 12:6; Revelation 12:14; Psalms 46:1-11; Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6. 


Monday - April 22, 2024

Light Vanquishes the Darkness - Fidelity in the Pursuit.

Jude 1:1, 3-4; Revelation 2:10.  


The Defense of the Truth

Tuesday - April 23, 2024

Courage to Stand - Sharing the Bible: The Waldenses

Acts 5:28-32; Ephesians 6:10-12; Revelation 3:11. 


Wednesday - April 24, 2024

The Morning Star of the Reformation - The Star of the Reform: John Wycliffe

Psalms 19:7-11; Psalms 119:140; Psalms 119:162; Jeremiah 15:16; 2 Timothy 2:1-3.


Thursday - April 25, 2024

Cheered by Hope - Strengthened by Faith: John Huss and Others

Hebrews 2:14-15; John 14:19;  John 5:24; John 11:25-26; John 5:11-13; Mark 8:36. 


Friday - April 26. 2024

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration

____________________________________________________________________________________________

The Truth in Question

Sunday - April 21, 2024

Persecuted Yet Triumphant - Times of Persecution

Daniel 7:23-25; Revelation 12:6; Revelation 12:14; Psalms 46:1-11; Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6. 

“He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times and half a time” (Daniel 7:25)


Amid the Gloom of the Dark Ages

A striking illustration of Rome's policy toward those who disagree with her was given in the long and bloody persecution of the Waldenses, some of whom were observers of the Sabbath. Others suffered in a similar manner for their fidelity to the fourth commandment. The history of the churches of Ethiopia and Abyssinia is especially significant. Amid the gloom of the Dark Ages, the Christians of Central Africa were lost sight of and forgotten by the world, and for many centuries they enjoyed freedom in the exercise of their faith. But at last Rome learned of their existence, and the emperor of Abyssinia was soon beguiled into an acknowledgment of the pope as the vicar of Christ. Other concessions followed. An edict was issued forbidding the observance of the Sabbath under the severest penalties. But papal tyranny soon became a yoke so galling that the Abyssinians determined to break it from their necks. After a terrible struggle, the Romanists were banished from their dominions, and the ancient faith was restored. The churches rejoiced in their freedom, and they never forgot the lesson they had learned concerning the deception, the fanaticism, and the despotic power of Rome. Within their solitary realm they were content to remain, unknown to the rest of Christendom.  {GC88 577.3} 


The Same Hatred Led the Persecution of the Disciples 

This prophecy has been fulfilled in a marked manner, and it will be fulfilled in a yet more marked manner; for the carnal mind is still at enmity with the law of God, and will not be subject to its commands. Every indignity, reproach, and cruelty that Satan can instigate human hearts to devise has been visited upon the followers of Jesus; and the world is no more in harmony with the principles of Christ today than it was in ages past. The same hatred that prompted the cry, "Crucify him! crucify him!" the same hatred that led to the persecution of the disciples, still works in the children of disobedience. The same spirit that in the Dark Ages consigned men and women to prison, to exile, and to the stake, that conceived the exquisite tortures of the Inquisition, produced the massacre of St. Bartholomew, and kindled the fires of Smithfield, is still at work with malignant energy in unregenerate hearts.  {RH, February 9, 1911 par. 20} 


Consider the Following

— The period of persecution is announced in three different ways: “time, times and half a time” (Dan. 7:25; 12:7; Rev. 12:14); 1,260 days (Rev. 11:3; 12:6); 42 months (Rev. 11:2; 13:5). All expressions indicate a single period: 1,260 days.

— Under the principle of “day for year” (Ez. 4:6; Num. 14:34), this period of persecution spans 1,260 years of history: from 538 to 1798.

— As prophesied, God prepared a place to help the faithful church: the wilderness, that is, places sparsely inhabited (Rev. 12:6, 14).

— In the time of difficulties and persecution, faithful believers stood firm in defense of the truth, taking refuge in the love and care of God (Ps. 46:1-3).


Monday - April 22, 2024

Light Vanquishes the Darkness - Fidelity in the Pursuit.

Jude 1:1, 3-4; Revelation 2:10.  

“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 1:3)


The Angels are Workers, Ministers of God to the Children of Men

The angels are workers; they are ministers of God to the children of men. Those slothful servants who look forward to a heaven of inaction have false ideas of what constitutes heaven. The Creator has prepared no place for the gratification of sinful indolence. Heaven is a place of interested activity; yet to the weary and heavy laden, to those who have fought the good fight of faith, it will be a glorious rest; for the youth and vigor of immortality will be theirs, and against sin and Satan they will no longer have to contend. To these energetic workers a state of eternal indolence would be irksome. It would be no heaven to them. The path of toil appointed to the Christian on earth may be hard and wearisome, but it is honored by the footprints of the Redeemer, and he is safe who follows in that sacred way.  {CG 353.2} 


People of the World Hate the Bible

We must bring our religion to the Bible standard. We must not place ourselves where we claim wisdom to welcome or reject God’s words at pleasure. Never let the world think that the Christian and the world are the same in mind and judgment. There is a line drawn between the eternal God and the church on one side and the world on the other. There is no unity between the two. One chooses the way of the Lord, the other the ways of Satan. There will always be found a necessity to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. . . . {CTr 151.5} 

People of the world hate the Bible because it will not let them sin just as they please and carry along with them their hereditary and cultivated traits of character. They want their own ideas to be cherished as the mind of God. They oppose the Word of God for the same reason that the Jews cried “Away with Christ!”because He rebuked their sins and laid bare their iniquities.—Letter 16, 1888 (Manuscript Releases, vol. 21, p. 169). {CTr 151.6} 


Laborers Together with God will Contend Most Earnestly

No one has a true message fixing the time when Christ is to come or not to come. Be assured that God gives no one authority to say that Christ delays His coming five years, ten years, or twenty years. “Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.”. . . {CTr 343.5} 

All who are laborers together with God will contend most earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. They will not be turned from the present message, which is already lightening the earth with its glory. Nothing is worth contending for but the glory of God. The only rock that will stand is the Rock of Ages. The truth as it is in Jesus is the refuge in these days of error.—Letter 32, 1896. {CTr 343.6} 


Satan's Milder Form of Deception 

Satan therefore decided that he must come in a milder form. He had already corrupted the doctrines of the Bible, and traditions which were to ruin millions were taking deep root. Restraining his hate, he decided not to urge on his subjects to such bitter persecution, but lead the church to contend for various traditions, instead of for the faith once delivered to the saints. As he prevailed on the church to receive favors and honors from the world, under the pretense of receiving benefits, she began to lose favor with God. Shunning to declare the straight truths which shut out the lovers of pleasure and friends of the world, she gradually lost her power.  {EW 226.2}  


The Power of the Holy Spirit will be Imparted to His Church

The church is not now the separate and peculiar people she was when the fires of persecution were kindled against her. How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed! I saw that if the church had always retained her peculiar, holy character, the power of the Holy Spirit which was imparted to the disciples would still be with her. The sick would be healed, devils would be rebuked and cast out, and she would be mighty and a terror to her enemies.  {EW 227.1}  


Consider the Following

— Once it gained political power, the Roman Church began to become corrupt and use its power to demand that everyone comply with its religious precepts, many of which had been perverted.

— To prevent the masses from rebelling against his authority, he took from them the most precious thing: the Word of God.

— But faithful arose who, guided by biblical teachings and following the advice of Judas, fought vigorously to defend their faith (Jude 1:3).

The Defense of the Truth

Tuesday - April 23, 2024

Courage to Stand - Sharing the Bible: The Waldenses

Acts 5:28-32; Ephesians 6:10-12; Revelation 3:11. 

“Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings’ ” (Acts 5:29)


Firmly Maintain the Principle "Thus saith the Lord"

This principle we in our day are firmly to maintain. The banner of truth and religious liberty held aloft by the founders of the gospel church and by God’s witnesses during the centuries that have passed since then, has, in this last conflict, been committed to our hands. The responsibility for this great gift rests with those whom God has blessed with a knowledge of His Word. We are to receive this Word as supreme authority. We are to recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment, and teach obedience to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with the claims of God, we must obey God rather than human beings. God’s Word must be recognized as above all human legislation. A “Thus saith the Lord” is not to be set aside for a “Thus saith the church” or a “Thus saith the state.” The crown of Christ is to be lifted above the diadems of earthly potentates. . . . {BLJ 61.3} 


We Ought to Obey God Rather Than Men 

The adherents of truth are now called upon to choose between disregarding a plain requirement of God's Word or forfeiting their liberty. If we yield the Word of God and accept human customs and traditions, we may still be permitted to live among men, to buy and sell, and have our rights respected. But if we maintain our loyalty to God it must be at the sacrifice of our rights among men, for the enemies of God's law have leagued together to crush out independent judgment in matters of religious faith and control the consciences of men. . . .  {LDE 141.2}  

The people of God will recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment and will by precept and example teach obedience to it as a sacred duty so long as its authority is exercised within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with the claims of God we must choose to obey God rather than men. The Word of God must be recognized and obeyed as an authority above that of all human legislation. "Thus saith the Lord" is not to be set aside for a "Thus saith the church or the state."  The crown of Christ is to be uplifted above all the diadems of earthly potentates.--HM Nov. 1, 1893.  {LDE 142.1} 


Go, Stand and Speak all the Words of Life

But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” Acts 5:29, {CTr 304.1} 

In most of the religious controversies, the foundation of the trouble is that self is striving for the supremacy. About what? About matters that are not vital points at all, and that are regarded as such only because people have given importance to them. See Matthew 12:31-37; Mark 14:56; Luke 5:21; Matthew 9:3. {CTr 304.2} 

But let us follow the history of the men whom the Jewish priests and rulers thought so dangerous because they were bringing in new and strange teaching on almost every theological subject. The command given by the Holy Spirit, “Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of life,” was obeyed by the apostles. . . . {CTr 304.3} 


Standard-Bearers Walked in the Lines of the Work of God 

If those who in the past have been standard-bearers in the work of God had walked in the lines that He has marked out, they would better have honored Him and would have had increased usefulness. Some whose voices are now silent in death might have lived to warn, entreat, and advise. If those who in past years had been entrusted with large responsibilities had heeded the warnings and entreaties of the Spirit of God, they would now be walking before Him in strength and efficiency. When men educate others to rely on them and trust in them, when, by pen or voice, they dictate to others as to what they should do, they are teaching others to make flesh their arm, to give glory to human beings rather than to God.  {8T 145.2} 


Consider the Following

— Peter Waldo (1140-1218), a wealthy French businessman who renounced his wealth to preach Christ, founded the “Poor of Lyon” movement, known as “Waldenses.”

— What characterized the Waldenses?

(1) They were the first to have the Bible available in their own language (until then, it was only available in Latin, Greek or Hebrew).

(2) Since it was a forbidden book, they copied it in caves, hiding from the papists who besieged them.

(3) They always carried biblical portions with them that, at opportune moments, they shared with others, giving them hope and encouragement in the Lord.

(4) They preserved the biblical truths they knew for centuries. They were known for their fidelity and devotion.

(5) Entire villages were converted both in the south of France and in the north of Italy, Piedmont.

(6) Most of these villages were razed to the ground by the Papacy, and their inhabitants massacred.

Wednesday - April 24, 2024

The Morning Star of the Reformation - The Star of the Reform: John Wycliffe

Psalms 19:7-11; Psalms 119:140; Psalms 119:162; Jeremiah 15:16; 2 Timothy 2:1-3.

But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. (Prov. 4:18)


Increasing Light will Shine Upon Us Unto the Perfect Day

A spirit of Phariseeism has been coming in upon the people who claim to believe the truth for these last days. They are self-satisfied. They have said, "We have the truth. There is no more light for the people of God." But we are not safe when we take a position that we will not accept anything else than that upon which we have settled as truth. We should take the Bible, and investigate it closely for ourselves. We should dig in the mine of God's word for truth. "Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart." Some have asked me if I thought there was any more  light for the people of God. Our minds have become so narrow that we do not seem to understand that the Lord has a mighty work to do for us. Increasing light is to shine upon us; for "the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."  {RH, June 18, 1889 par. 4} 

 

Progress Onward and Upward, Keeping in View the Heavenly Pattern 

You are not laying up your treasure in Heaven, and becoming rich toward God. Self and selfish interest are eating out true godliness from your soul. You are bowing to the God of this world. Your heart is alienated from God. An inspired writer says, "The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."  {PH099 19.2}  

The steps of a Christian may appear at times feeble and faltering, yet in his conscious weakness he leans upon the mighty One for support. He is sustained, and is surely making progress onward and upward towards perfection. He is gaining new victories daily, and coming nearer and nearer to the standard of perfect holiness. His eye is not downward to the earth, but upward, keeping in view the heavenly pattern.  {PH099 19.3}  


Consider the Following

— John Wycliffe (1324-1384) dedicated much of his life to translating the Bible into English. What motivated her to do this? Two reasons: Christ had transformed him through the Word; and wanted to share the love of Christ with others.

— Of course, this brought him into conflict with the official Church. Thanks to his contacts with high officials in England, John avoided death at the hands of the Church.

— In 1428 the reformer's remains were burned, and his ashes were thrown into the river. His scattered ashes became a symbol of his legacy.

— The small light of truth that John Wycliffe lit reached Bohemia, where John Hus took his legacy. In this way, the truth made its way until the dawn of the reform. The day was beginning to lighten.

Thursday - April 25, 2024

Cheered by Hope - Strengthened by Faith: John Huss and Others

Hebrews 2:14-15; John 14:19;  John 5:24; John 11:25-26; John 5:11-13; Mark 8:36. 

“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:12)


Good Works and Real Interest in the Advancement of the Cause By the Spirit of God

God works through human instrumentalities; and whoever shall awaken the consciences of men, provoking them to good works and a real interest in the advancement of the cause of truth, does not do it of himself, but by the Spirit of God which worketh in him. Pledges made under these circumstances are of a sacred character, being the fruit of the work of the Spirit of God. When these pledges are canceled, Heaven accepts the offering, and these liberal workers are credited for so much treasure invested in the bank of heaven. Such are laying up a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.  {4T 473.1}  


The Just Shall Live by Faith

The apostle Peter had had a long experience in the things of God. His faith in God's power to save had strengthened with the years, until he had proved beyond question that there is no possibility of failure before the one who, advancing by faith, ascends round by round, ever upward and onward, to the topmost round of the ladder that reaches even to the portals of heaven.  {AA 533.1}  

The faith that strengthened Habakkuk and all the holy and the just in those days of deep trial was the same faith that sustains God's people today. In the darkest hours, under circumstances the most forbidding, the Christian believer may keep his soul stayed upon the source of all light and power. Day by day, through faith in God, his hope and courage may be renewed. "The just shall live by his faith." . . .  {CC 242.4}  

Our desires and interests should be lost in His will. These experiences that test faith are for our benefit. By them it is made manifest whether our faith is true and sincere, resting on the word of God alone, or whether depending on circumstances, it is uncertain and changeable. Faith is strengthened by exercise. We must let patience have its perfect work, remembering that there are precious promises in the Scriptures for those who wait upon the Lord. {CCh 305.5} 


Consider the Following

— After John Wycliffe, other reformers arose:

(1) John Huss (1370-1415)

(2) Jerome (1360-1416)

(3) Tyndale (1494-1536)

(4) Hugh Latimer (1490-1555)

— What gave them courage to carry out their reforms and face problems and death?

(1) They believed in the promises of Christ

(2) The strength of Christ was enough for them to overcome the trials

(3) They found joy in participating in the sufferings of Christ

(4) His faithfulness was a powerful testimony to the world

(5) They looked beyond the present, towards the glorious future

(6) They knew that death was a defeated enemy

(7) They held fast to the promises of God's Word

— John Hus was imprisoned and eventually burned at the stake. From prison he wrote: “how merciful God has been to me, and how admirably he has sustained me.”

— Just as God's promises sustained his people in the past, they sustain us today.


Friday - April 26. 2024

Insights and Further Study

Among the Jews there were yet steadfast souls, descendants of that holy line through whom a knowledge of God had been preserved. These still looked for the hope of the promise made unto the fathers. They strengthened their faith by dwelling upon the assurance given through Moses, "A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you." Acts 3:22. Again, they read how the Lord would anoint One "to preach good tidings unto the meek," "to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives," and to declare the "acceptable year of the Lord." Isaiah 61:1, 2. They read how He would "set judgment in the earth," how the isles should "wait for His law," how the Gentiles should come to His light, and kings to the brightness of His rising. Isaiah 42:4; 60:3.  {DA 34.2} 

The dying words of Jacob filled them with hope: "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come." Genesis 49:10. The waning power of Israel testified that the Messiah's coming was at hand. The prophecy of Daniel pictured the glory of His reign over an empire which should succeed all earthly kingdoms; and, said the prophet, "It shall stand forever." Daniel 2:44. While few understood the nature of Christ's mission, there was a widespread expectation of a mighty prince who should establish his kingdom in Israel, and who should come as a deliverer to the nations.  {DA 34.3}  


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“All who in that evil day would fearlessly serve God according to the dictates of conscience, will need courage, firmness, and a knowledge of God and His word; for those who are true to God will be persecuted, their motives will be impugned, their best efforts misinterpreted, and their names cast out as evil. Satan will work with all his deceptive power to influence the heart and becloud the understanding. […] The stronger and purer the faith of God's people, and the firmer their determination to obey Him, the more fiercely will Satan strive to stir up against them the rage of those who, while claiming to be righteous, trample upon the law of God. It will require the firmest trust, the most heroic purpose, to hold fast the faith once delivered to the saints” EGW (The Acts of the Apostles, pg. 431.1)




SS-Q2-L4-Standing-for-the-Truth-April-20-26-2024.pdf