LESSON XIII.—SABBATH, MARCH 25, 1893.
By Editor
[For any modification in these lessons, and for the notes, the editor is responsible. For other notes and suggestions the student is referred to the lesson pamphlet, and to the S. S. Worker.] Lesson Scriptures and Suggestive Questions.
1. WHAT is the difference between the word of God and the word of man? "And for this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that, when ye received from us the word of the message, even the word of God, ye accepted it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also worketh in you that believe." 1 Thess. 2:13. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, and giveth seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isa. 55:8-11. 2. Why is Christ called the Word of God? "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that hath been made." John 1:1-3. 3. How is all Scripture given? "Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness." 2 Tim. 3:16. "For no prophecy ever came by the will of man; but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21. 4. Through whom has it been given? "God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners." Heb. 1:1. 5. Who has always done the speaking?—Id. 6. How was the work of creation accomplished? "By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap; he layeth up the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast." Ps. 33:6-9. 7. How is the true God distinguished from false gods? "But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, and an everlasting king; at his wrath the earth trembleth, and the nations are not able to abide his indignation. Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, these shall perish from the earth, and from under the heavens. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding hath he stretched out the heavens." Jer. 10:10-12. 8. Why has an effort been made to destroy faith in the literal interpretation of the first chapter of Genesis? 9. What relation is there between creation and redemption? Trace the parallel quite fully. 10. How may we make a practical application of the power of God's word as shown in miracles? 1. What names are given to the Holy Spirit? 2. To whom does it belong? 3. What are some of the leading operations of the Spirit? 4. How only can we keep the commandments of God?3035. What relation is there between the gift of righteousness and the gift of the Spirit? 6. In what specific results is the Spirit manifested in those who have received it? 7. What is meant by spiritual bondage? 8. What birth gives us freedom? 9. In view of all that we have learned in these lessons, can we not say, with a greater fullness of meaning than ever before, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things in Christ"?