Jesus Prepares You
LESSON III
JESUS PREPARES YOU
JESUS PREPARES YOU
The Law of Humility in Action
1. How did Jesus emphasize the importance of humility?
"I can of mine own self do nothing." John 5:30.
2. How important is it that we assume Christ's attitude:
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Philippians 2:5-8.
3. Why is it essential for soul-winners to come down, in attitude, to the level of those for whom they labor?
"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." Hebrews 2:14, 15.
II. First Lesson to be Learned by Soul-winners
1. How did Peter express his humility, and with what result?
"I am a sinful man, 0 Lord," exclaimed Peter. Luke 5:8.
"Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men," replied Jesus. Verse 10.
4. How was the apostle Paul highly honored by the Lord?
V. How the Humble Soul-winner Acts
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there
be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8.
2. How important is it that we assume Christ's attitude:
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Philippians 2:5-8.
3. Why is it essential for soul-winners to come down, in attitude, to the level of those for whom they labor?
"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." Hebrews 2:14, 15.
II. First Lesson to be Learned by Soul-winners
1. How did Peter express his humility, and with what result?
"I am a sinful man, 0 Lord," exclaimed Peter. Luke 5:8.
"Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men," replied Jesus. Verse 10.
2. When Isaiah caught a real picture of Christ, and of self, how did he express his humility,, and with
what result?
"Woe is me: for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips," Isaiah exclaimed. Isaiah 6:5.
Then God said, "Go." Isaiah 6:9.
3. When Daniel recognized the presence of God, how did he show his humility, and with what result?
"My comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength," declared Daniel. Daniel 10:8.
And the answer came back, "0 Daniel, a man greatly beloved." Daniel 10:11.
III. Humility–A Condition of Success
1. When God looks for channels of blessing, to what class does He turn?
"Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: . . . but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." Isaiah 66:1, 2.
"The Lord can work most effectually through those who are most sensible of their own insufficiency, and who will rely upon Him as their leader and source of strength. He will make them strong by uniting their weakness to His might, and wise by connecting their ignorance with His wisdom."Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 553.
"The first thing to be learned by all who would become workers together with God is the lesson of self- distrust; then they are prepared to have imparted to them the character of Christ."Desire of Ages, p. 250.
"The tenor of the Bible is to inculcate distrust of human power and to encourage trust in divine power."Patriarchs and Prophets," p. 717.
"Only through realizing our own weakness and looking steadfastly unto Jesus can we walk securely."Desire of Ages, p. 382.
"The most childlike disciple is the most efficient in labor for God. The heavenly intelligences can co- operate with him who is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save souls." Desire of Ages, p. 436.
"You who feel the most unworthy, fear not to commit your case to God."Christ's Object Lessons, p. 177. 2. What did Jesus say of the high standing of John the Baptist?
"Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist." Matthew 11:11.
3. What spirit of self-distrust characterized John's life? "Whose shoes I am not worthy to bear." Matthew 3:11.
"John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. . . . He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:27-30.
"Those who have had the deepest experience in the things of God, are the farthest removed from pride or self-exaltation. They have the humblest thoughts of self, and the most exalted conceptions of the glory and excellence of Christ. They feel that the lowest place in His service is too honorable for them."Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 223.
"Woe is me: for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips," Isaiah exclaimed. Isaiah 6:5.
Then God said, "Go." Isaiah 6:9.
3. When Daniel recognized the presence of God, how did he show his humility, and with what result?
"My comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength," declared Daniel. Daniel 10:8.
And the answer came back, "0 Daniel, a man greatly beloved." Daniel 10:11.
III. Humility–A Condition of Success
1. When God looks for channels of blessing, to what class does He turn?
"Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: . . . but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." Isaiah 66:1, 2.
"The Lord can work most effectually through those who are most sensible of their own insufficiency, and who will rely upon Him as their leader and source of strength. He will make them strong by uniting their weakness to His might, and wise by connecting their ignorance with His wisdom."Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 553.
"The first thing to be learned by all who would become workers together with God is the lesson of self- distrust; then they are prepared to have imparted to them the character of Christ."Desire of Ages, p. 250.
"The tenor of the Bible is to inculcate distrust of human power and to encourage trust in divine power."Patriarchs and Prophets," p. 717.
"Only through realizing our own weakness and looking steadfastly unto Jesus can we walk securely."Desire of Ages, p. 382.
"The most childlike disciple is the most efficient in labor for God. The heavenly intelligences can co- operate with him who is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save souls." Desire of Ages, p. 436.
"You who feel the most unworthy, fear not to commit your case to God."Christ's Object Lessons, p. 177. 2. What did Jesus say of the high standing of John the Baptist?
"Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist." Matthew 11:11.
3. What spirit of self-distrust characterized John's life? "Whose shoes I am not worthy to bear." Matthew 3:11.
"John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. . . . He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:27-30.
"Those who have had the deepest experience in the things of God, are the farthest removed from pride or self-exaltation. They have the humblest thoughts of self, and the most exalted conceptions of the glory and excellence of Christ. They feel that the lowest place in His service is too honorable for them."Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 223.
"I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord ... such an one caught up to the third heaven." 2
Corinthians 12:1, 2.
5. How did this greatest of New Testament missionaries view himself?
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." 1 Timothy 1:15.
6. How great a prophet was Moses?
"And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face." Deuteronomy 34:10.
7. And yet how meek was he?
"Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth." Numbers 12:3.
8. What spirit of the Master is to be learned?
"Come unto me, . . . and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart." Matthew 11:28-30.
"It is love of self that brings unrest."Desire of Ages, p. 330.
9. What will bring true rest to the soul?
“My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." Exodus 33:14.
IV. How Self-Renunciation Is Acquired
1. Is it possible for us to empty ourselves of self?
"0 Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." Jeremiah 10:23.
"But no man can empty himself of self."Christ's Object Lessons, p. 161. 2. What is our part in getting rid of self?
"Yield yourselves unto God." Romans 6:13.
"We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will be, 'Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, un-Christlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul."Christ's Object Lessons, p. 161.
3. How often must this surrender of self be made to God?
"I die daily." 1 Corinthians 15:31, last part.
"It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward it is to be renewed. All our good works are dependent on a power outside of ourselves. Therefore there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the soul before Him. Only by constant renunciation of self and dependence on Christ can we walk safely."Christ's Object Lessons, p. 161.
5. How did this greatest of New Testament missionaries view himself?
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." 1 Timothy 1:15.
6. How great a prophet was Moses?
"And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face." Deuteronomy 34:10.
7. And yet how meek was he?
"Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth." Numbers 12:3.
8. What spirit of the Master is to be learned?
"Come unto me, . . . and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart." Matthew 11:28-30.
"It is love of self that brings unrest."Desire of Ages, p. 330.
9. What will bring true rest to the soul?
“My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." Exodus 33:14.
IV. How Self-Renunciation Is Acquired
1. Is it possible for us to empty ourselves of self?
"0 Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." Jeremiah 10:23.
"But no man can empty himself of self."Christ's Object Lessons, p. 161. 2. What is our part in getting rid of self?
"Yield yourselves unto God." Romans 6:13.
"We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will be, 'Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, un-Christlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul."Christ's Object Lessons, p. 161.
3. How often must this surrender of self be made to God?
"I die daily." 1 Corinthians 15:31, last part.
"It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward it is to be renewed. All our good works are dependent on a power outside of ourselves. Therefore there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the soul before Him. Only by constant renunciation of self and dependence on Christ can we walk safely."Christ's Object Lessons, p. 161.
V. How the Humble Soul-winner Acts
1. How will humility cause the soul winner to relate himself to others?
"Honour all men." 1 Peter 2:17.
"Let each esteem other better than themselves." Philippians 2:3. "Speak evil of no man." Titus 3:2.
"If they would cherish true humility, the Lord could do much more for His people; but there are few who can be trusted with any large measure of responsibility or success without becoming self-confident, and forgetful of their dependence upon God. This is why, in choosing the instruments for his work, the Lord passes by those whom the world honors as great, talented, and brilliant. They are too often proud and self-sufficient. They feel competent to act without counsel from God."Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 553, 554.
VI. Guidance Is Promised
1. When we thus renounce self, what great promise has God given to us?
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." Proverbs 3:5-7
"Every one must now search the Bible for himself upon his knees before God, with the humble, teachable heart of a child, if he would know what the Lord requires of him." Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 214.
2. What was it that made the disciples adequate?
"When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth." John 16:13.
"The Holy Spirit did for them that which they could not have accomplished for themselves in a lifetime."Acts of the Apostles, pp. 39, 40.
"Morning by morning, as the heralds of the gospel kneel before the Lord and renew their vows of consecration to Him, He will grant them the presence of His Spirit, with its reviving, sanctifying power. As they go forth to the day's duties, they have the assurance that the unseen agency of the Holy Spirit enables them to be 'laborers together with God."Acts of the Apostles, p. 56.
3. What is God's promise to all who distrust self and rely wholly upon Him?
"The Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth." Jeremiah 1:9.
4. What is God's command?
"Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say." Exodus 4:12.
Reflection
Since nothing is so offensive to God as pride and self-sufficiency, is it your determination, with the author, to keep self low at the foot of the cross, and make the following rule your own?
"Let each esteem other better than themselves." Philippians 2:3. "Speak evil of no man." Titus 3:2.
"If they would cherish true humility, the Lord could do much more for His people; but there are few who can be trusted with any large measure of responsibility or success without becoming self-confident, and forgetful of their dependence upon God. This is why, in choosing the instruments for his work, the Lord passes by those whom the world honors as great, talented, and brilliant. They are too often proud and self-sufficient. They feel competent to act without counsel from God."Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 553, 554.
VI. Guidance Is Promised
1. When we thus renounce self, what great promise has God given to us?
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." Proverbs 3:5-7
"Every one must now search the Bible for himself upon his knees before God, with the humble, teachable heart of a child, if he would know what the Lord requires of him." Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 214.
2. What was it that made the disciples adequate?
"When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth." John 16:13.
"The Holy Spirit did for them that which they could not have accomplished for themselves in a lifetime."Acts of the Apostles, pp. 39, 40.
"Morning by morning, as the heralds of the gospel kneel before the Lord and renew their vows of consecration to Him, He will grant them the presence of His Spirit, with its reviving, sanctifying power. As they go forth to the day's duties, they have the assurance that the unseen agency of the Holy Spirit enables them to be 'laborers together with God."Acts of the Apostles, p. 56.
3. What is God's promise to all who distrust self and rely wholly upon Him?
"The Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth." Jeremiah 1:9.
4. What is God's command?
"Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say." Exodus 4:12.
Reflection
Since nothing is so offensive to God as pride and self-sufficiency, is it your determination, with the author, to keep self low at the foot of the cross, and make the following rule your own?
posted by Michael A. Redwine at Monday, September 25, 2017
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