MEMORY VERSE: ‘There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.’ 1 Corinthians 10:13.
STUDY HELP: Christ Triumphant, page 218.
LESSON AIM: To study how Jesus will deliver us from evil.
‘As the Elder Brother of our race [Jesus] knows the necessities of those who, compassed with infirmity and living in a world of sin and temptation, still desire to serve Him. He knows that the messengers whom He sees fit to send are weak, erring men; but to all who give themselves wholly to His service He promises divine aid. His own example is an assurance that earnest, persevering supplication to God in faith, faith that leads to entire dependence upon God, and unreserved consecration to His work, will avail to bring to men the Holy Spirit’s aid in the battle against sin.’ Acts of the Apostles, page 56.
1. What important question does Paul ask those who have been forgiven and justified? Romans 6:1.
NOTE: ‘Now, suppose that someone shall say, “Jesus has pardoned me and I have no need of the law any further. I will no longer live in obedience to the law.” The question may be asked, “Shall we continue to sin that grace may abound”? No. If one should steal the money out of my purse, and then come, and confessing the crime, ask me to forgive him, and I shall pardon him, and then he go and do the same thing again, does not this show that there is no change in his life? So it is with those who have asked God to forgive them and then gone right on transgressing His law. They say, “Lord, Lord,” but He says, “Depart from Me.” While I freely pardoned you, you were doing the same thing again. Your very course was leading others in the way of the transgressor. For this reason they were called the workers of iniquity. This very course of action was the means of leading others astray.’ Sermons & Talks, volume 1, page 16.
2. What answer does Paul give to his own question? Romans 6:2.
NOTE: ‘“If, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners,” transgressors of the law of Ten Commandments, does Christ sanction that? “God forbid.” Does He justify men in order that they may be free to transgress the law? “God forbid.” Does He save men from sin in order that they may continue in sin? “God forbid.” Do we believe in Jesus in order that we may continue to be sinners? “God forbid.” Do we “seek to be justified [made righteous] by Christ” in order that we may continue to sin? “God forbid.” And let all the people forever say Amen.’ A. T. Jones: Review & Herald, October 10, 1899.