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~ Sabbath School Lesson

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~ QUARTERLY
First Quarter, 1943
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST REFORM·MOVEMENJ
GENf~
I'.. . _.:::::'l"\'
3031 FRANKLIN tlLVD.
CR>iHRENCE
- PH. 457-4558
SACRAMENTO, CALIf'. 95818 U. S. A.

Christ's
Object Lessons
(Continued.)

Religious Liberty Publishing Associotion

42 Prospect Rood, Summer Hill
N.S.W., Australia
 Lesson No. I-Sabbath, January 2, 1943
THE SOWER AND HIS SEED
QUESTIONS
1. \Vhat means did Jesus emilloy in His teaching and for
what purpose? Matt. 13 :34, 35.
NOTE: "Natural things were the medium for the
spiritual; the things of nature and the life-experience" of His
hearers were connected with the truths of the written word.
Leading thus from the natural to the spiritual kingdom,
Christ's parables are links in the chain of truth that unites
man with God, and earth with heaven."-"Christ's Object
Lessons," pp. 17, 18.
2. To whom did Jesus especially explain the deeper meaning
of the parables? Mark 4:34.
3. 'Vhat parable <lid Jesus first make known to His hearers?
Matt. 13:1-9.
4. Who represents the sower and what seed does he sow?
Whom does the good seed represent? Matt. 13:37; Luke
8:11.

NOTE: "Christ had come, not as a king, but as a sower;

not for the overthrow of kingdoms, but for the scattering of
seed; not to point His followers to earthly triumphs and
national greatness, but to a harvest to be gathered after
patient toil, and through losses and disappointments."
"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 35.
5. What divine attrdbutes <loes the good [jeed possess" for
those who receive it? Jolm 5:24; 6:63.
NOTE: "He who by faith receives the word is receiving
the very life and character of God."-"Christ's Object Les-
sons," p. 38.
6. With what does Jesus compare the hearts of many?
Matt. 13 :4, 19.
7. With what are those compared who receive the word but
do not gTOW spiritually? Matt. 13:5, 6, 20, 21.
 4

NOTE: "Many who make a profession of religion are

stony-ground hearers. Like the rock underlying the layer of
earth, the selfishness of the natural heart underlies the soil
of their good desires and aspirations. The love of self is not
subdued. They have not seen the exceeding sinfulness of
sin, and the heart has not been humbled under a sense of
guilt. This class may be easily convinced, and appear to be
bright converts, but they have only a superficial religion ...
He who lives to himself is not a Christian."-"Christ's Object
Lessons," pp. 46, 49.
8. How does Jesus illustrate those' who ido not bear fruit?
Luke 8:7, 14.
9. What happens to the seed that falls on good gr01Uld?
Matt. 13:23.
10. Under what conditions is fruit brought forth? Luke
8:15.
NOTE: "None who receive God's word are exempt from
difficulty and..itrial; but when affliction comes, the true
Christian does not become restless, distrustful, or despondent.
Though we can not see the definite outcome of affairs, or
discern the purpose of God's providences, we are not to cast
away our confidence. Remembering the tender mercies of
the Lord, we should cast our care upon Him, and with pati-
ence wait for His salvation."-"Christ's Object Lessons,"
pp. 60, 61.
11. How is the growth of the seed further illustrated to us?
Mark 4:26-28.
NOTE: "The husbandman who 'putteth in the sickle,
because the harvest is come,' can be no other than Christ. It
is He who at the last great day will reap the harvest of the
earth. But the sower of the seed represents those who labor
in Christ's stead. The seed is said to 'spring and grow up,
he knoweth not how, and this is not true of the Son of God.
Christ does not sleep over His charge, but watches it day
and night. He is not ignorant of how the seed grows."-
"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 62, 63.
 5
12. Which fruit does the Lord desire to see in His children?
Gal. 5:22.

13. When will the Lord of the harvest come? Mark 4:29.

NOTE: "It is the privilege of every Christian, not only to

loolr for, but to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Were all who profess His name bearing fruit to His glory,
how quickly the whole world wculd be sown with the seed of
the gospel. Quickly the last great harvest would be ripened,
and Christ would come to gather the precious grain."-
Christ's Object Lessons," p. 69.

Lesson NOI. 2-Sabbath, January 9, 1943

THE TARES AND THE HARVEST

QUESTIONS

1. With what parable does Jesus compare the kingdom of

heaven? Matt. 13:24-30.

2. How did the disciples show their special inte.rest in this

parable? Matt. 13:36.

3. How many sowers are repres6Ilted in this parable? What

is the difference between them? Matt. 13 :24, 25.

4. Who is represent-ed by the field, the good seed, and the

tares? Matt. 13 :38.

NOTE: "We must understand this as signifying the

church of Christ in the .world. The parable is a description
of that which pertains to the kingdom of God, His work for
the salvation of men, and this work is accomplished through
the church ... The good seed represents those who are born
of the word of God, the truth. The tares represent a class
who are the fruit or embodiment 'of error, of false principles
... Neither God nor His angels ever sowed a seed that wculd
produce a tare. The tares are always sown by Satan, the
enemy of God and man."-"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 70,
·71.
 6
5. What was seen after a certain time when the seed had
sprung up? What surprising question did the servants ask
the householder? Matt. 13:26, 27.
6. After the householder had answered their q",estion, what
did they desire to dOl? Were they permitted! to carry out
their plan? Why not? Matt. 13 :28, 29.
7. 'Vhen will the final separation of the wheat from the tares
be accomplished Matt. 13 :40-43.

8. What will then happen to the tares, and what will be the
reward of those .who constitute the wheat? Matt.
13:40-43.
9. As what will the Lord app~ar when He comes to reap the
harvest of the earth? Who shall come with Him? Rev.
14:14-16; Matt. 13:39 last par-to
10. Does this parable teaCh, as so many' believe, that there
should be no separation of tares from the wheat! 'in the
church before the coming of Christ? What has Christ
plainly taught? Matt. 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5:13; Ps. 1:5.

NOTE: "Christ has plainly taught that those who persist

in open sin must be separated from the church; but He has
not committed to us the work of judging character and
motive."-"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 71.
11. How will the Lord accomplish the purification of 'His
church?
ANSWER: "Soon the battle will be waged fiercely be-
tween those who serve God and those who serve Him not.
Soon· everything that can be shaken will be shaken, that
those things that can not be shaken may remain."-Testi-
monies," Vol. 9, pp. 15, 16.
12. Will the Lord have a perfect church· ready. to meet Him
at His coming? Eph. 5 :27.
NOTE: "God is sifting His people. He will have a clean
and holy church."-"Testim.oriies," Vall, p. 99.
 7

Lesson No.3-Sabbath, January 16, 1943

"LIKE A GRAIN OF MUSTARD SEED"
QUESTIONS
1. With what parable does Jesus illustrate the spreading of
the gospel? Mark 4:30-32.
2. Which great truth is concealed in this pal'able? 1 Cor.
1:26-29; Luke 17:20 1.
HQW doe Isaiah the pI' phet picture the life of Christ?
Isa. 53:2, 3.
NOTlm "The Jews looked for the kingdom of God to be
established in the same way as the kingdoms of the world
... The kingdom of Christ in its beginning seemed humble
and insignificant. Compared with the earthly kingdoms it ap-
peared to be the least of all. By the rulers 'of this world
Christ's claim to be a king was ridiculed. Yet in the mighty
truths committed to His followers the kingdom of the gospel
possessed a divine life. And how rapid was its growth, how
widespread its influence! When Christ spoke this parable,
there were only a few Galilean peasants tOl represent the
new kingdom. Their poverty, the fewness of their numbers,
was urged over and over again as a reason why men should
not connect themselves with these simple-minded fishermen
who followed Jesus. But the mustard seed was to grow and
spread forth its branches throughout the world. When the
earthly kingdoms whose glory then filled the hearts of men
should perish, the kingdom of Christ would remain, a mighty
and far-reaching power."-"Christ's Object Lessons," pp.
77,78.
4. What was the result of Christ's labor', His sufferings,
death' amI resurrection? Isa. 53 :11, 12.
5. How great was the- number of those who confessed Christ
before the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pente-
cost? Acts 1:15.
u. But how great was the success of the gospel of Christ
after' the outpouring of the Spirit? Acts 2:41, 47; 4:4;
6:7.
 8

7. Which of the apostles was permitted to experience the

parable of the mustard seed? Acts 9:15; 17:6.
NOTE: "See the first bearers of the gospel into Europe.
How obscure, how hopeless, seemed the mission of Paul and
Silas, the two tent-makers, as they with their companions
took ship at Troas for Philippi. See 'Paul the aged,' in
chain$, preaching Christ in the stronghold of the Caesars."
-"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 78.
8. How did the work of refO'l'm begin in the dark ages? Dan.
11:33, 34; Rev. 3:1-4.

9. In which great work did the parable of the mustard seed

likewise find its fulfillment? 1 Peter 1 :25; Luke 21 :33.
NOTE: "See Martin Luther withstanding that mighty
church which is the masterpiece of the world's wisdom. See
him holding fast God's word against emperor and pope, de-
claring, 'Here I take my stand; I can do no otherwise. God
be my help.' See John Wesley preaching Christ and His
righteousness in the midst of formalism, and infidelity. See
one burdened with the woes of the heathen world, pleading
for the privilege of carrying to them Christ's message cf
love."-"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 78, 79.
10. What work is also compared to the mustard seed? Rev.
14:6-12; 18:1; 7:1-4.
NOTE: "And in this last generation the parable of the
mustard seed is to reach a signal and triumphant fulfillment.
The little seed will become a tree. The last message of warn-
ing and mercy is to go to, 'every nation and kindred and
tongue,' 'to take out of them a people for His name,' And the
earth shall be lightened with His glory."-"Christ's Object
Lessons," p. 79.

Lesson No.4-Sabbath, January 23, 1943

"LIKE UNTO LEAVEN"
QUESTIONS
1. With what further parable does Jesus compare the king:"
dom of God? Luke 13:20, 21.
 9
2. In what manner only can the leaven accomplish its work?
ANSWER: "The leaven-something wholly from with-
out-must be put into the meal before the desired change
can be wrought in it. So the grace of God must be received
by the sinner before he can be fitted for the kingdom of
glory.'.'-"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 96.
3. What meaning has the leaven of truth' in this pa.rable?
Rom. 5:5.
NOTE: "The renewing energy must come from God. The
change can be made only by the Holy Spirit. All who would
be saved high or low, rich or poor, must submit to the work-
ing of this power."-"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 96, 97.
4. To whom did Christ especially explain the working of the
Holy Spirit? JOIhn 3:5-8.
5. What else must we have in order that the Holy Spirit can
work successfully? Rom. 10:17.
6. What will the word of God, or the truth, do? John 8:32.
7. How does Christ explain this in His Mediatorial prayer?
John 17:17.
NOTE: "The Scriptures are the great agency in the
transformation of character."-"Christ's Object Lessons,"
p. 100.
8. How thoroughly must the leaven of truth do its work?
1 Thess. 5:23.
NOTE: "If studied and obeyed, the word of God works
in the heart, subduing every unholy attribute. The Holy
Spirit comes to convict of sin, and the faith that springs up
in the heart works by love to Christ, conforming us in body,
soul, and spirit, to His o,wn image."-"Christ's Object Les-
sons," p. 100.
9. Of which leaven does Jesus and also the apostle Paul tell
us to beware? Luke 12:1; 1 Cor. 5:8.
NOTE: "Among the Jews, leav~n was sometimes used as
 10
an emblem of sin. At the time of the Passover the people were
directed to remove all the leaven from their houses, as they
,vere to put away sin from their hearts. Christ warned His
disciples, 'beware ye of the. leaven of the Pharisees, which is
hypocrisy.' And the apostle Paul speaks of the 'leaven of
malice and wickedness'."-"Christ's Object t:essons," pp.
95, 96.

Lesson No.5-Sabbath, January 30, 1943

"HIDDEN TREASURE"
QUESTIONS

1. To what else does Jesus liken the kingdom of heaven?

Matt. 13 :44.
2. In this parable, what is signified by the field, and by the
treasure? John 5:39; Luke 24:25-27.
NOTE: "In the parable the field containing the treasure
represents the Holy Scriptures. And the gospel is the
treasure. The earth itself is not so interlaced with golden
veins and filled with precious things as is the word of God."
-"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 104.
3. What does the Lord counsel us 00 do if we expect to find
that for which we are looking? Isa. 34:16; Matt. 7:7.
4. What will he find who ploughs in the field of the word of
God? 2 Peter 1:19.

5. Where is the tlreasure hidden, and how must we search

fool' it? Provo 2:3-5.

NOTE: "Our salvation depends on a knowledge of the

truth contained in the Scriptures. It is God's will that we
should possess this. Search, a search the precious Bible
with hungry hearts. Explore God's word as the miner ex-
plores the earth to find veins of gold. Never give up the
search until you have ascertained your relation to God and
His will in regard to you."~"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 111.
 11

6. What must he do who wants to retaiin his new found

treasure? Matt. 10:38; Luke 14:26.
NOTE: "The finder of the treasure in the field was
ready to part with all that he had, ready to put forth un-
tiring labor, in order to secure the hidden riches. So the
finder of heavenly treasure will count no labor too great
and no sacrifice too dear, in order to gain the treasures
of truth."-"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 104.
7. \Vhat example shows that there is no other way to obtain
salva1lion? Matt. 19:16-25.
8. What testimony 'couId the disciples bear regarding them-
selves? What prOiIIlise was given them? Matt. 19 :27; 28.
9. Wherein do we find our greatest treasure? 1 John 1:7.
NOTE: "Christ gave His life to secure for us this in-
estimable treasure; but without regeneration through faith
in His blood, there is no remission of sins, no treasure for
any perishing soul."-"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 112, 113.
10. Where did only a few find this treasure in the days} of
Chr'ist? What is the condition in our time? Matt. 13:14,
15; Luke 18:8; Matt. 7:14.

Lesson No. 6.-Sabbath, February 6, 1943

"THE PEARL"
QUESTIONS

---
1. With what does Jesus <jompare the bl~ssings of His love?
Matt. 13:45, 46. tkt""A"'.c!"?f .
2. Who, in the first place, represents this costly pearl? Rev.
22:13; Heb. 13:8.
3. What is concealed.in this !J.~avenlY pe~rI? Co~3; 1 Cor.
1:30. Ho~l'NJ',o/J"o/'/;;,./a"'~7/-PJ-~'r.4<d:
NOTE: "All that can satisfy the needs and longings of
the human soul, for this world and for the world to come, is
found in Christ. Our Redeemer is the pearl so precious that
 12
in comparison all things else may be accounted loss."-
"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 115, 116.
4. Who is invited to receive the blessings of this heavenly
pearl? ~a~t. 11:2jl.~~d'doN<;/ac<,Y/)
II'r l!'1os£.h.r/4"ca,e ... .,~,. ....
5. What coun;;>cl does the Lord give even to tbe church of
Laodicea? Rev. 3:18.
6. In what way do many LlWdiceans despise the goodly
.pearl? Rev. 3:17.
7. At what time did the heavenly pearl shine the most glori-
ously? Acts 2 :32-38; 4 :32,33. - / ,,/ ~It .j /
~'I(.l'Vo~f{l ,.,.~-, 9~ f'/D~.
NOTE: "The light of heaven pencva-' ed t4l! dal'i{en~
minds of those who had been deceived by the enemies of
Christ. They now saw Him exalted to be 'a Prince and a
Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of
sins.' They saw Him encircled with the glory of heaven,
with infinite treasures in His hands to bestow upon all who
would turn from their rebellion . . . The Spirit of Christ
~nimated the ,Fhole con-&.regati0Ei for Jhey had fou~d the
pearl of great price,"-"Christ's Object Lesson," pp. 120, 121.

8. When shall the heavenly pearl again illuminate the whole

earth? Rev. 18:1.
NOTE: "These scenes are to be repeated, and with
greater power.. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the
day of Pentecost was the former rain, but the latter rain will
be more abundant. .The Spirit awaits our_demand" !y!d r~­
seption. Christ is again to be revealed jn His fullness by
the Holy Spirit's powe·r."-"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 121.
Phil. 3:7, 8./.....A(.:-~
9. What will many then say?
~ -L 7"-" 0-"'7)
Lesson No.7-Sabbath, February 13, 1943
"THE NET"
QUESTIONS
1. In what manner does the Lord shoW' the two different
classes of men? Matt. 13:47-50.
 13
'2. What is the meaning o-f the casting forth of the net?
Jer. 16:16 first part.
g. What kind of fish will be gathered in the gospel net?
Matt. 13:47.
NOTE: "The casting of the net is the preaching of the
gospel. This gathers both good and evil into the church.
When the mission of the gospel is completed, the Judgment
wi!! accomplish the work of separation. Christ saw how the
existence of false brethren in the church would cause the
way of truth to be evil spoken of. The world would revile
the gospel because of the inconsistent lives of false pro-
fessors. Even Christians would be caused to stumble as
they saw that many who bore Christ's name were not con-
trolled by His Spirit. Because these sinners were in the
church, men would be in danger of thinking that God ex-
cused their sins. Therefore Christ lifts the veil from the
future, and bids all to behold that it is character, not posi-
tion, which decides man's destiny."-"Christ's Object
Lessons," pp. 122, 123.
4. What cannot even the best of fishers accomplish? Matt.
13:48.
NOTE: "Even in her best estate, the church was not
composed wholly of the true, pure, and sincere. Our Saviour
taught that those ~hQ. Y>,,!1!ully in<!uI~n are not to be
received into the church; yet He connected with Himself men
who were. .Lw.Ll.l;,rl.u, "har'lc.t~ and granted them the benefits
of His teachings and example, that they might have an op-
portunity to see their errors and correct them. Among the
twelve apostles was a traitor."-"The Great Controversy,"
p. 43.
5. But what is the Lord's deSire in regard to those who are
only half-converted? Ezek. 33:11.
<6. What will take place at God's own appointed time? Mal.
3:17, 18.
'7. When will this work of final separation between the good
 14

and the evil be fully completed? Rev. 22:11.

NOTE: "Both the parable of the tares and that of the'
net plainly teach that there is no time when all the wicked
will turn to God. The wheat and the tares grow together
until the harvest. The good and the bad fish are together'
drawn ashore for a final separation. Again, these parables.
teach that there is to be no probation after the judgment."
-"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 123.
8. What will be done with the bad fish, or with those who-
have not become converted? Matt. 13 :50.
NOTE: "God does not desire the destruction of any.
Throughout the period of probationary time His Spirit is en-·
treating men to accept the gift of life. It is only those who'
reject His pleading that will be left to perish. God has de-
clared that sin must be destroyed as an evil ruinous to the
universe. Those who cling to sin will perish in its destruc-
tion."-"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 123.
9. Where will the good fish, or those who are truly converted,
find everlasting happiness? Isa. 35:10; Mal. 4:2.

Lesson No.8-Sabbath, February 20, 1943

"THINGS NEW AND OLD"
QUESTIONS
1. With what 'illustration did Jesus close His first parables?
Matt.. 13:51, 52.
2. Where do we find the great treasure house of truth? Isa.
34:16.
NOTE: "The great storehouse of truth is the word of
God,-the written word, the book of nature, and the book of
experience in God's dealing with human life. Here are the
treasures from which Christ's workers are to draw. In the
search after truth they are to depend upon God, not upon
human intelligences, the great men whose wisdom is foolish-
ness with God. Through His own appointed channels the
 15
Lord will impart a knowledge of Himself to every seeker."
-"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 125.
3. What did Jesus bring forth out of the treasure house in
f His sermon at Nazareth? Luke 4:16-22.

4. Vhich great truths did Christ present as something en-

tirely "new"? Matt. 5:3-10.
5. Which old truths did the disciples have to accept? Luke
24:25-27.
6.•1n what manner did the apostle Paul placl'! the plan I)f
redemption before the J,ews? Acts 28:23.
7. Of whom does the Old Testament testify? John 5:39;
Heb: 10:7.
8. ~~:;'hom does the New Testament bear witness? Heb.

( NOTE: "The Old Testament sheds light upon the New,

and the New upon the Old. Each is a revelation of the lory
of God in Christ. Both presen rutlis a will continually
revea new epths of meaning to the earnest seeker."-
"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 128.
9. Is it possible to separate the Old Testament from the
New? With which Testament did Christ defend Himself
against Satan, and against the Scribes and Pharisees?
Matt. 4:4, 7, 10; Luke 10:25-28.
10. Whom do we reject if we reject the Old Testament?
John 5:46, 47.
11. Can the law of God written in the Old Testament be
nullified through the New Covenant? Matt. 5:17, 18.
12. In what wonderful relationship doos the law stand
toward tb.e gospel?
ANSWER: "No man can rightly present the law of God
without the gospel, or the gospel without the law. The law
is the gospel embodied, and the gospel is the law unfolded.
The law is the root, the gospel is the' fragrant blossom and
fruit which it bears."-"Christ's Object Lessons, p 128.
 16
Lesson No. 9-Sabbath, February 27, 1943
"ASKING TO GIVE"
QUESTIONS
1. What parable did Christ relate to His disciples in regard
to prayer? Luke 11:5-8.
2. What request did one of His disciples make? Luke 11:1.
3. How did Jesus answer the request? Luke 11:2-4.
4. For whom did the friend in this parable petition Ius
neighbour? Luke 11:5, 6.
5. What caused the neighbour finaUy to grant the request of
his friend? Luke 11:8.
6. But what is the relationship of God and His childrfen?
Luke 11:9, 10.
NOTE: "But the selfish neighbour in the parable does not
represent the character of God. The lesson is drawn not by
comparison, but by contrast. A selfish man will grant an
urgent request, in order to rid himself of one who disturbs
his rest. But God delights to give. He is full of compassion,
and He longs to grant the requests of those who come unto
Him in faith. He gives to us that we may minister to others,
and thus become like Himself."-"Christ's Object Lessons,"
p. 141.
7. With what name can we address God? Matt. 6:9; 1 John
3:1; Eph. 3:14; 4:6.
NOTE: "In order to strengthen our confidence in God,
Christ teaches us to address Him by a new name, a name
entwined with the dearest associations of the human heart.
He gives us the privileges of calling the infinite God our
Father. This name, spoken to Him and of Him, is a sign of
our love and trust toward Him, and a pledge of His regard
and relationship to us. Spoken when asking His favour or
blessing, it is as music in His ears. That we might not think
it presumption to call Him by this name, He has repeated it
 17
again and again. He desires us to become familiar with the
appelation."-"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 141, 142.
8. What will an earthly father do if his children petition
him? Luke 11:11, 12.
S. \Vhat should be the motive of all our petitions? John
17:19.
10. But wben can the Lord not grant our petitions? Ps.
66:18.
11. \Vhat is necessary in order to receive the blessing that
God has in store for those who 'pray according to His will ?
John 13:34.

NOTE: "If we have in any way grieved or wounded

others, it is our duty to confess our fault, and seek for re-
conciliaticn. This is an essential preparation that we may
come before God in faith, to ask His blessing."-"Christ's
Object Lessons," p. 144.
12. V/hat is also a reason why the Lord can not answer our
prayers? Mal. 3:7-12.
13. What should be the motive of all our petitions, and
especially that of the Holy Spirit? Acts 5:32.
);fOTE: "So it is wi-th everyone of God's requirements.
All His gifts are promised on condition of obedience. God
has a heaven full of blessings for those who will co-operate
with Him. All who obey Him may with confidence claim the
fulfillment of His promises."-"Christ's Object Lessons,"
p. 145.

Lesson No. 10-Sabbath, Ma11ch 6, 1943

"TWO WORSHIPPERS"

QUESTIONS
1. What parable did Christ give us in regard to true wor-
ship? Luke 18:9-14.
 18
2. According to what standard did the Pharisee judge him-
self? Luke 18:11.
C;;. )NOTE: "He jUdges his character, not by the holy char-
aeter of God, but by the character of other men. His mind
is turned away from God to humanity. This is the secret of
his self-satisfaction."-"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 150,
151.
3. \\'hat does he recount in order to show that he is a
righteous man? Luke 18:12.
NOTE: "He proceeds to recount his good deeds . . . .
Whoever trusts in himself that he is righteous, will despise
others. As the Pharisee judges himself by other men, so he
judges other men by himself. His righteousness is estimated
by theirs, and the worse they are, the more righteous by
contrast he appears. His self-righteousness leads to accus-
ing. 'Other men' he condemns as transgressors of God's law.
Thus he is making manifest the very spirit of satan, the ac-
cuser of the brethren."-"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 151.

4. In what humble position does the publican appear before

God, and what ~s his prayer? Luke 18:13.
5. How did the publican go to his house, and how the Phari~
see? Luke 18:14.
6. What is especially an abomination to God'l Provo 16:5.

8. What is the testimony of a true Clllistian concerning

himself? Rom. 7:18; Gal. 6:14.
/
NOTE:t "The nearer we come to Jesus, and the more
clearly we discern the purity of His character, the more
 19
,clearly we shall discern the exceeding sinfulness -of sin, and
the less we shall feel lilke exalting ourselves. Those whom
.heaven recogni~es as holy ones ~ l~st to parade their
·own goodness.Y The apostle Peter became a faithful minister
.of Christ, and he was greatly honoured with divine light and
power; he had an active part in the upbuilding 'of Christ's
church; but Peter never forgot the fearful experience of his
humiliation; his sin was forgiven; yet well he knew that for
·the weakness of character which had caused his fall only the
.grace of Christ could avail. He found in himself nothing in
which to glory."-"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 160.
'9. \Vhen is our worsh1ip acceptable unto God? Isa. 66:2; Ps.
34:18; 51:17.
10. The testimony of what church is similar to: that of the
Pharisee? Rev. 3:17.
"11. But what can save the remnant of Laodicea? \ Rev.
3:18-20.
12. Which words of the Lord should we contlnually keep be-
fore us? Luke 14:11.

Lesson No. 11-Sabbath, March 13, 1943

"SHALL GOD NOT AVENGE HIS OWN?"
QUESTIONS'

1. In what parable is the perseverance of prayer placed be-

fore us? Luke 18:1-8.
.2 . How earnestly did the praying widow plead her case?
What position did the unjust judge take? Luke 18:3-5.
NOTE: "The judge who is here pictured had no regard
:for right, 3100t pity for suffering. The widow who pressed her
..case before him was persistently repulsed. Again and again
.she came to him, only to be treated with contempt, and to be
.driven from the judgment-seat. The judge kne'w that her
:Cause was righteous, and he could, have relieved her at once,
 20
but he would not. He wanted to show his arbitrary pcwer,
. and it gratified him to let her ask and plead and entreat in
vain ... To save his reputation, to avoid giving publicity to
his partial, one;sided judgment, he avenged the persevering
woman."-"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 164, 165.
3. What is the position of God toward His children in con-
trast to the unjust judge? Deut. 33:1; 32:9-11.
NOTE: "The unjust judge had no special interest in the
widow who importuned him for deliverance; yet in order to
rid himself of her pitiful appeals, he heard her plea, and de-
livered her from her adversary. But God loves His children
with infinite love. To Him the dearest obje.ct on earth is
His church."-"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 166.
4. Who is the great adv,ersary of God's children? Rev.
20:10; 1 Peter 5:8.
5. What will the children of God, who are being oppressed by
him, do? Luke 18:7; Ps. 50:15.
NOTE: "When trials arise that seem unexplainable, we
should not allo,w our peace to be spoiled. However unjust
we may be treated, let not passion arise. By indulging a
spirit of retaliation we injure ourselves. We destroy our own
confidence in God, and gri!lve the Holy Spirit. There is by
our side a witness, a heavenly messenger, who will lift up fact'
us a standard against the enemy. He will shut us in with
the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. Beyond this
Satan cannot penetrate. He can not pass this shield of holy
light. While the world is progressing in wickedness, none
of us need flatter ourselves that we shall have no difficulties.
But it is these very difficulties that bring us into the audi-
ence-chamber of the Most High. We may seek counsel of
One who is infinite in wisdom."-"Christ's Object Lessons,"
pp. 171, 172.
6. What will the prayer of faith avail us? Heb. 11:33, 34.
7. In what time will the Lord especially fulfill His promises?
Matt. 24:12.
 21
NOTE: "In this time of prevailing iniquity we may
know that the last crisis is at hand. When the defiance of
God's law is almost universal, when His people are oppressed
and afflicted by their fellow-men, the Lord will interpose."-
"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 178.
8. What will happen to those who have been unmerciful in
their treatment of God's children? James 2:13.
9. What do the children of God alr~y know in advance?
But what will happen in this time of trouble? Dan. 12:1;
Luke 18:8.
10. When will God deliver His children, and how great will
be their joy? Isa. 25:8; 35:10.

Lesson No. 12-Sabbath, March 20, 1943

"THIS MAN RECEIVETH SINNERS"
QUESTIONS

1. In what wonderful parable does Jesus illustrate His love

for this world? Luke 15:1-7.
2. How many sheep did go astray? What dlid the shephertl
do? Luke 15 :4.
NOTE: "In the parable the shepherd goes out to search
for one sheep,-the very least that can be numbered. So if
there had been but one lost soul, Christ would have died for
that one . . . The shepherd who discovars that one of his
sheep is missing, does not look carelessly upon the flock that
is safely housed, and say, 'I have ninety and nine, and it will
cost me too much trouble to go in search of the straying one.
Let him come back, and I will open the door of the sheep-
fold, and let him in.' No; no snoner does the sheep go astray
than the shepherd is filled with grief and anxiety. He counts
and recounts the flock. When he is sure that one sheep is
lost, he slumbers not. He leaves the ninety and nine within
the fold, and goes in search of the straying sheep. The darker
and more tempestuous the night, and the more perilous the

•
 22
way, the greater is the shepherd's anxiety, and the more
earnest his search. He makes every effort to find that one
lost sheep."-"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 187, 188.
3. What tend,er care is given to the sheep after it is found
again? Luke 15:5.
4. What will the shepherd do after he cOIIlles home with the
lost sheep? Luke 15 :6.
5. Who counted themselves among the lost sheep in the days
of Christ? Luke 15;1, 2.
6. What is also compared with the lost sheep? John 3:16.
NOTE: "By the lost sheep Christ represents not only
the individual sinner, but the one world that has apostatized,
and has been ruined by sin. This world is but an atom in
the vast dominions over which God presides; yet this little
fallen world-the one lost sheep is more precious in His sight
than are the ninety and nine that went not astray from the
fold. Christ, the loved Commander in the heavenly courts:
stooped from His high estate, laid aside the glory that He
had with the Father, in order to save the one lost world."-
"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 190, 191.
7. What has Jesus done for tins one lost sheep? Isa. 53:5, 6.

8. What other parable did Christ relate? How many pieces.

of silver were lost? \Vhat did the woman do to find it
again? Luke 15 :8.
9. How gl'eat was the joy after a successful search had been'
made? Lulre 15:9.
10. What will those be able to say in the: day of judgment
who have found the lost piece of silver? Isa. 8 :18.

11. What is in heaven after the lost sheep and the lost piece
00' silver have been found again? Luke 15:7-10.

12. \Vhen shall we fully wlderstand the va,lue of a soul?

Matt. 26 :36-42; 27 :46.
 23

NOTE: "The value of.a soul who can estimate? Would

you know its worth, go to Gethsemane, and there watch with
Christ through tho.se hours of anguish, when He sweat as it
were great drops of blood. Look upon the Saviour uplifted on
the cross. Hear that despairing cry, 'My God, My God, why
hast thou forsaken Me?' Look upon the wounded head, the
pierced side, the marred feet. Remember that Christ risked
all. For our redemption, heaven itself was imperiled. At the
foot of the cross, remembering that for one sinner Christ
would have laid down His life, you may estimate the value'
of a soul."-"Christ's Object Lessons,': p. 196.

Lesson No. 13-Sabbath, March 27, 1943

"LOST, AND IS FOUND"

QUESTIONS

1. In what touching way does Christ portray the parable of

the prodigal son? Luke 15:11-32.
2. What did the youngest son demand of his father, and
what did he do with the money? Luke 15:12, 13.
3. What experience was he forced to make while being far
away fliom lnme? Luke 15:14-16.
4. To what conviction did the prodigal son come as he
thouS'ht about his fa,ther and his fathe'r's house? Luke
15:17-19.
5. What position did the father take toward his son when he
saw him returning? LuI{e 15 :20.
0. What confession did the SOIl make to h'is father? Lulm
15:21.
7. What did the father do to show his happiness o,ver the
return of his lost son? Luke 15 :25-29.

8. But who disturbed the joy of the feast? What did the
elder son say to his father? Luke 15:25-29.

/'
 24
9. What class of people are represented by the elder son?
Isa. 65:5; Rev. 3:17.
NOTE: "By the elder son were represented the unre-
penting Jews 'of Christ's day, and also the Pharisees in every
age, who look with contempt upon those who they regard
as publicans and sinners. Because they themselves have
not gone to great excesses in vice, they are filled with self-
righteousness. Christ met these cavilers on their own
ground. Like the elder son in the parable, they had enjoyed
special privileges from God. They claimed to be sons in
•• God's house, but they had the spirit of hireling. They were
working, ·not from love, but from hope of reward. In their
eyes, God was an exacting taskmaster. They saw Christ
inViting publicans and sinners to receive freely the 'gift of
His grace-the gift which the rabbis hoped to secure only
by toil and penance-and they were offended. The prodigal's
return, which filled the Father's heart with joy, only stirred
them to jealousy."~"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 209.
10. Who is not known by him who does not love his brother?
1 John 4:8.
NOTE: "Though you will not join in the greeting to the
lost, the joy will go on, the restored, one will have his place
by the Father's side and in the Father's work. He that is
forgiven much, the same loves much. But you will be in
darkness without. For 'he that loveth not knoweth not God;
for God is love'."-"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 211.
11. How great is the joy of our heavenly Father also if
a lost soul will return to Him to-day? Zeph. 3:17.
12. What command will the Father then give? Zech. 3 :4, 5.

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