MEMORY VERSE: ‘That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ.’ Ephesians 1:12.
STUDY HELP: In Heavenly Places, page 318.
LESSON AIM: To study why we are to become righteous by faith in Jesus Christ.
‘There is no human being in the world but bears fruit of some kind, either good or evil; and Christ has made it possible for every soul to bear most precious fruit. Obedience to the requirements of God, submission to the will of Christ, will yield in the life the peaceable fruits of righteousness. The inhabitants of this world are dear to God’s family. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The Father permitted His only Son to suffer the penalty of sin; He gave the richest gift that heaven could bestow, that men and women might return from their rebellion to His law, and accept into their hearts and lives the principles of heaven. If men would acknowledge the Gift, and accept His sacrifice, their transgressions would be pardoned, and the grace of God would be imparted to them to help them to yield in their lives the precious fruits of holiness.’ Review & Herald, April 22, 1909.
1. What is God’s purpose for our lives as Christians? 1 Corinthians 10:31.
NOTE: ‘Let everyone who loves God seek to win those who have not yet confessed Christ. Every day they may exert a silent, prayerful influence, and co-operate with Jesus Christ, the missionary-in-chief to our world. Let every soul, man, woman, and youth, grow in excellence of character and devotion, in purity and holiness, and live with an eye single to the glory of God, that the enemies of our faith may not triumph. Let there be such a binding together in the bonds of our holy faith, that our united influence may be wholly on the Lord’s side, and may work for the transformation of those with whom we associate. Let it be made manifest that you have a living connection with God, and are ambitious for the Master’s glory, seeking to cultivate in yourselves every grace of character by which you may honour Him who gave His life for you. May the love of Christ exercise a constraining power to draw others into the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in.’ Fundamentals of Christian Education, page 293.
‘Christ’s wonderful sacrifice for the world testifies to the fact that man may be rescued from iniquity. If he will break with Satan and confess his sin, there is hope for him. Man, sinful, blinded, wretched, may repent and be converted, and day by day be forming a character like the character of Christ. Human beings may be reclaimed, regenerated, and may learn to live before the world precious, Christlike lives.’ Review & Herald, April 22, 1909.
2. When the Christian performs acts of love and sacrifice, what should be his purpose? Matthew 5:16.
NOTE: ‘The good works of God’s people have a more powerful influence than words. By their virtuous life and unselfish acts, the beholder is led to desire the same righteousness which produced so good fruit. He is charmed with that power from God which transforms selfish human beings into the divine image, and God is honoured, His name glorified.’ Testimonies, volume 2, page 443.