‘The unity of the faith’  

MEMORY VERSE: ‘Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.’ Philippians 2:2.

STUDY HELP:  Last Day Events, pages 90-93.

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 15:1-29.

LESSON AIM: To study how to preserve unity when facing new teachings.  

Introduction  

‘There are a thousand temptations in disguise prepared for those who have the light of truth; and the only safety for any of us is in receiving no new doctrine, no new interpretation of the Scriptures, without first submitting it to brethren of experience. Lay it before them in a humble, teachable spirit, with earnest prayer; and if they see no light in it, yield to their judgment; for “in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”’ Last Day Events, page 91.  

‘Who hath bewitched you?’  

1.        How did Paul express his dismay at those who turn away from the truth? Galatians 3:1.

NOTE: ‘Men and women will arise professing to have some new light or some new revelation whose tendency is to unsettle faith in the old landmarks. Their doctrines will not bear the test of God’s Word, yet souls will be deceived. False reports will be circulated, and some will be taken in this snare. We cannot be too watchful against every form of error, for Satan is constantly seeking to draw men from the truth. We must make it appear essential to be united, not that we are to require others to come to our ideas, but if all are seeking the meekness and lowliness of Christ they will have the mind of Christ. Then there will be unity of spirit. I urge those who claim to believe the truth to walk in unity with their brethren. Do not seek to give to the world occasion to say that we are extremists, that we are disunited, that one teaches one thing, and one another. Avoid dissension.’ Last Day Events, pages 91-92.  

2.        How did Paul express his condemnation of those who preach an alternative gospel? Galatians 1:9.

NOTE: ‘Those who engage in the work of God’s cause today will meet just such trials as Paul endured in his work. By the same boastful and deceptive work Satan will seek to draw converts from the faith. Theories will be brought in that it will not be wise for us to handle. Satan is a cunning worker, and he will bring in subtle fallacies to darken and confuse the mind and root out the doctrines of salvation. Those who do not accept the Word of God just as it reads, will be snared in his trap.     Today we need to speak the truth with holy boldness. The testimony borne to the early church by the Lord’s messenger, His people are to hear in this time: “Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8).’ Selected Messages, book 2, page 52.