MEMORY VERSE: ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ Philippians 1:6.
STUDY HELP: Acts of the Apostles, pages 557-567.
LESSON AIM: To study how God enables us to become obedient to Him.
‘God wishes us to have the mastery over ourselves. But He cannot help us without our consent and co-operation. The divine Spirit works through the powers and faculties given to man. Of ourselves, we are not able to bring the purposes and desires and inclinations into harmony with the will of God; but if we are “willing to be made willing,” the Saviour will accomplish this for us, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5.’ Acts of the Apostles, page 482.
1. What is the problem faced by those who wish to become obedient to God? Romans 7:19. Compare John 8:34.
NOTE: ‘You know how sin reigned. Everyone here knows how sin has reigned. Some may know even yet how it reigns. When sin reigned, the reign was absolute, so that it was easier to do wrong than it was to do right. Isn't that the truth? When sin reigned, it was easier to do wrong than it was to do right. We longed to do right; but “the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” Romans 7:19. That is the reign of sin. Then when sin reigned, it was easier to do wrong than it was to do right.’ A. T. Jones: Review & Herald, July 25, 1899.
2. How did Paul express his desperation at being the servant of sin? Romans 7:24.
NOTE: ‘By sin we have been severed from the life of God. Our souls are palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of living a holy life than was the impotent man capable of walking. There are many who realise their helplessness, and who long for that spiritual life which will bring them into harmony with God; they are vainly striving to obtain it. In despair they cry, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?” Romans 7:24, margin.’ Desire of Ages, pages 562-563.