May 1931
228 Vs. 18, 19. In what way .or ways does Paul say we can»“serve Christ” ? Will a life that is acceptable to God always be approved of men? What things should we follow after? Vs. 20, 21. How may “the work of God” be overthrown? If Christianity does not consist of externals, why may not each Christian disregard the scruples of others on such questions as ceremonial observance of feasts, etc.? Is it ever right to do that which will cause a brother to stumble? Is the question of a Christian’s relation to strong drink, the theater, the dance, etc., one in which his influence up on others may be disregarded? V. 22. Is a strong Christian’s enlight ened faith given him for display? Is that man happy who maintains a good con science ? V. 23. If one is in doubt about any question of conduct, what should he do? Is it ever safe to go contrary to the con science ? sfc * * P ractical P oints 1. This lesson does not teach that a Christian should show tolerance toward errror (cf. Gal. 1 :8). It is concerned on ly with secondary questions of Christian practice. 2. Ceremonialism was exaggerated by the weak. Liberty was emphasized by the strong. The apostle demanded that both classes should exercise Christian charity and patience. 3. Weakness is not wickedness. Be charitable toward the weak; rebuke and separate from the wicked (2 Cor. 6:14- 18). 4. The strong Christian has a . good foundation in the doctrine of liberty in Christ (Gal. 5:1). Virile Christian char acter cannot be built upon a foundation half heathen and half Christian. 5. Christianity does not destroy indi vidualism ; each must think for himself. It stresses individual liberty in Christ, safeguarded by a proper communism with love as the cohesive element. 6. There is no place in Christianity for harsh judgment of one another, for all are on the same level at the bar of God who is the only Judge. 7. Conscience is not always a safe guide. It needs enlightenment by the Spirit through Word of God. Yet a weak, unenlightened conscience may not be viol'* . 3 6 vh lcut sin. 8. 1nat nich is called a lawful as- sertieii c ? Christian liberty, when care- lullv ar i honestly analyzed, may turn out to, be ia\ery to one’s own desires. ' ;9. Christianity always awakens a keen seh-e of right and wrong. : .. Chnsi cared for the weak Chris- ran enough to die for him. If you are Christ’s, your attitude toward your weak brother should be determined in the light of Calvary. 11. When considering the Christian’s relation to such matters as strong drink, the theater, the dance, etc., the first quesf tion to decide is : Are these things harm ful in themselves to every one? If they, are injurious, it is the Christian’s duty to have nothing to do with them. Even if one can persuade himself that there is no danger lurking in any of them, the law of love toward the weak brother who will be hurt by another’s example comes into play. No matter how innocent and
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anything which would make others do something wrong. —o— June 28, 1931 Jesus th e World’s Saviour Golden T e x t : “For God so loved the world, that he gave h is' only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). * * * A pproac S to the L esson 'T H E lessons of the past quarter have been taken from the latter half of the Gospel of Luke (chapters 13 to 24). They are occupied with the events of the clos ing period of the earthly ministry of Christ. The lessons of the previous quar ter gave Luke’s account of the prepara tion for Christ’s ministry and His doings during the period of His popularity. Lesson 1. “Jesus Teaches Humility.” Lk. 14:7-14; 18 :15-17. Golden Text, Lk. 14:11. Jesus taught humility, first, to ambi tious guests, giving them a double rule: (1) self-exaltation always brings humilia tion; and (2) humility ever leads to ex altation. Then He taught humility to self-seeking hosts, urging them not to seek present “recompense” (v. 12), but to desire eternal reward (v. 14). Finally, He used a child as a concrete example of humility and teachableness. Lesson 2. “The Prodigal Son.” Lk. 15:11-24. Golden Text, Lk. 15:10. The story of the prodigal may be divi ded into three parts: (1) leaving home (11-16) ; (2) longing for home (17-19); (3) returning home (20-24). At home, he had plenty but was not content. Leav ing home, he came to penury and recog nized his folly. ‘ Returning home with penitence and confession, he found for giveness, restoration, and joy. The prod igal is a type of the whole human race that has gone astray (Isa. 53:6). Every sinner may repent and return to God. Lesson 3. “The Rich Man and Laz arus.” Lk. 16:19-31. Golden Text, Matt. 6:29. We find here a study in contrasts (19- 23). Before death, there was a striking difference between the rich man and Laz arus, and there was as great a difference after death; but the conditions were re versed. In Hades, the tormented man prayed (24-31). His plea for relief was denied because it was unreasonable, and also because it came too late. His plea for his brethren was likewise refused be cause they had already been sufficiently warned (27-29), and a miracle would not convince them (30, 31). The story is aimed at the rich Pharisees who trusted in their riches. Among other important lessons, it teaches that eternal destinies are fixed in this life. Lesson 4. “How to Pray.” Lk. 18:1- 14. Golden Text, Lk. 11:1. The lesson should be studied in the light of the context. The parable was given to correct false ideas about the manifestation of Messiah’s kingdom. Typically, the widow represents the church whose Lord is absent in heaven. In her sorrows and suffering of injustice, she appeals to God to right her wrongs. If an unjust judge can be persuaded to grant the request of a widow, God will surely
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harmless a thing may seem to be, let it alone if your indulgence will hurt a broth er for whom Christ died. * * * G olden T ext I llustration A professing Christian sold a bale of poor hay to a certain colonel. When the colonel rebuked him, the church member whined, “I am a soldier, too.” “You!” ejaculated the colonel in a tone of disgust. “What kind of a soldier are you?” - “I am a soldier of the cross,” said the skinflint, with a detestable flourish of the hand. “That may be,” said the colonel, “but you’ve been on a furlough ever since I knew you.” * * * Helping O thers (Health Emphasis) Romans 14:13-21 Memory Verses—“ And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him” (Lk. 2:40). Approach. —Now that the Saviour has gone back to heaven, He expects His dis that help to keep us well. We will make two lists, “Things to Do” and “Things Not to Do.” Things to Do Eat meat, fruit, and vegetables—they are the body-building foods. Drink lots of milk and water—milk makes the bones and teeth strong, and water keeps the digestive machinery clean. Eat at regular times—a machine must be used regularly to be kept in order. Go to bed early and get plenty of sleep K-your body builds up the weak places while you sleep. Bathe often and keep your nails and teeth clean—dirt brings disease. Work hard and play hard—parts of a machine, that are not used, wear out or rust off so that they can’t be used. Things Not to Do Don’t eat too much candy and cake. Don’t drink tea and coffee, and never use alcoholic drinks or smoke tobacco. Don’t eat between meals. Etc. Then, too, Jesus wants His disciples to think kind thoughts and to be kind to others and to be most careful not to do < W o * ciples and friends to te ll people H is story. L esson S to r y .— In order to do any work well, we must, first of all keep our selves healthy •and strong. Let us write down on the blackboard all of the things that we can think of
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