International S. S. Lessons.
"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." —Neh. 8:8 LESSON XIII.—SABBATH, SEPTEMBER 23, 1893. [Note.—The questions which follow are merely suggestive for the student on the leading points of the lesson; it is presumed that the thorough student will think of many more as he studies the subject. References, where verses alone are given, always refer to the lesson scripture printed above. All other references are given in book, chapter, and verse. The text printed is that of the Revised Version, not because it is especially preferred, but because it is not found in every family, as is the common version.] Review Questions.—(a) With what class in the church does our last lesson deal? (b) What are the duties of elders? (c) What injunction does he give the younger members? (d) What injunction is given to all? I. How to Resist the Devil.
Verses 7-9: "Casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. Be sober, be watchful; your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom withstand steadfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world." - Upon whom should we cast our cares?
- What assurance is given us?
- To what are we exhorted?
- Why should we be sober and vigilant?
- What is the devil called?
- How are we to resist him? Note 1.
- Do we stand alone in these afflictions?
Verses 10-14: "And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, stablish, strengthen you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. By Sylvanus, our faithful brother, as I account him, I have written unto you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God: stand ye fast therein. She that is in Babylon, elect together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Mark my son." - Who has called us?
- To what has he called us?
- Through whom does this call come?
- Through what experience do we all have to pass?
- What will he do for us through it all?
- To whom then will belong the glory?
- What does the apostle declare he has testified?
- What is the final benediction to all?
1. Whom resist.—The only way to resist the enemy is by faith in Christ. We cannot do it by watching Satan as we would a physical foe. If our eyes are fixed upon the enemy, we fall before him; and it is his greatest object to induce us to look at him. When Peter looked down upon the raging waves, he sank; when his eyes were on Christ, he safely walked the boiling billows. "Looking unto Jesus" is our only safety (Heb. 12: 2, 3); for faith puts him before us so that we do not have to meet the enemy; Christ meets him. Satan's accusations fall against Christ's righteousness, his craft against Christ's wisdom, his power against the mighty power of Christ, and by faith we are more than conqueror. We are not alone in trials; the children of God everywhere have them to meet, but Christ is able to succor all who trust him. Heb. 2: 18. 2. Called.—Let the heart rest on the great fact that God has called us, not to wrath (1 Thess. 5: 9), but to eternal glory (1 Peter 5: 10); Christ died that all might have it (John 3: 16; 20: 31); he accepted us according to the good pleasure of his will (Eph. 1: 5, 6); he has wrought us for immortality (2 Cor. 5: 4, 5); and he who has begun the good work is able to finish it till the day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1: 6). Why should we doubt God? God himself has undertaken the work which it is his will, his good pleasure, to finish. Shall we not make his will ours? The sufferings and trials we meet will not hinder him. Satan will say that we are killed all the day long like sheep for the slaughter, but faith says, because Christ says, that in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. Rom. 8: 36-39. Word Thoughts.—Casting (v. 7), a casting on God once for all. A holy carelessness, yielding all to him; for he cares for us, and can help us.—Watchful (v. 8), a reference to the experience of the apostles. See Matt. 26: 40, 41.—Adversary (ho antidikos), from anti, against, and dikē, lawsuit. Only used here of Satan in the New Testament.—The Devil, ho diabolos. The word refers to Satan, never to the demons, or angels of Satan. When referring to Satan it is always in the singular with the definite article, when to men, the definite article is wanting, as in John 6: 70. "Devils," plural, is from daimon.—Lion.—"Christ is called a lion because of his courage; Satan, because of his ferocity. The one lion comes to conquer, the other to hurt."—Walketh about. The Arabs called Satan "the busy one."—Withstand (v. 9), better than resist. Not to strive against, but to be firm against its attack.—Steadfast, to stand firm, compact, as a body of men, to stand like a rock.—Perfect (v. 10), margin restore. From that suffering God shall himself perfect, restore, stablish, and strengthen. It is a promise to the suffering ones. God will do all this, even to settle us upon the rock. See Luke 22: 32.—Silvanus (v. 12), supposed to be Silas. See Acts 15: 22, 27, 32, etc.; 1 Cor. 1: 19; 1 Thess. 1: 1; 2 Thess. 1: 1.—Our faithful brother, literally, the faithful brother, one noted for his faithfulness.—Unto you. Not "brother unto you," as in common version, but "written unto you," as in R. V.—Account (common version, "suppose"). The word means "a settled persuasion, or assurance."—Babylon (v. 13), without doubt Babylon on the Euphrates.—Peace (v. 14). Peace is the fruit of the gospel, and Peter brings the gospel in this epistle. See 1: 23-25.