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 XI.—SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1893. THE HEAVENLY INHERITANCE.
[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.] 1. Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. 2. According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. 3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4. Unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. 5. Who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold temptations. 7. That the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, might be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8. Whom not having seen ye love; on whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory; 9. Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 10. Concerning which salvation the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you; 11. Searching what time or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did point unto, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that should follow them. 12. To whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto you, did they minister these things, which now have been announced unto you through them that preached the gospel unto you by the Holy Ghost sent forth from heaven; which things angels desire to look into. Golden Text: "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." Col. 1: 12. - What office does Peter claim for himself in writing this epistle? Verse 1.
- To whom is his epistle addressed?
- What does he call these strangers in the next verse?
- How and unto what were they elected?
- What salutation does he send them? Verse 2.
- To whom does he ascribe praise? Verse 3.
- What has God done for us?
- Through what agency have we this hope?
- To what does this hope lay hold? Verse 4.
- What are the characteristics of this inheritance?
- Where is it now reserved?
- By what power are we now guarded? Verse 5.
- Unto what and to what time are we thus kept?
- What feeling does this hope awaken in the heart? Verse 6.
- What is sometimes the lot of God's people in this life?
- To what is the proof or trial of our faith compared? Verse 7.
- How does God desire it shall be found?
- What is the feeling of the true disciples toward their Lord? Verse 8.
- What is the end of their faith? Verse 9.
- Who prophesied of this faith? Verse 10.
- How did these prophets manifest a desire for a knowledge of this grace? Verses 10, 11.
- What power led them to testify?
- Of what did this Spirit testify through them?
- What was revealed to these prophets? Verse 12.
- How do angels feel about the plan of salvation?