‘The multitude of counsellors’  

MEMORY VERSE: ‘Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.’ Proverbs 11:14.

STUDY HELP:  Counsels to Writers & Editors, pages 43-51.

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Colossians 2:1-8.

LESSON AIM: To study how, by counselling together, God’s people may be preserved from false teachings.  

Introduction  

‘The evils of self-esteem and an unsanctified independence, which most impair our usefulness, and which will prove our ruin if not overcome, spring from selfishness. “Counsel together” is the message which has been again and again repeated to me by the angel of God. By influencing one man’s judgment, Satan may endeavour to control matters to suit himself. He may succeed in misleading the minds of two persons; but when several consult together, there is more safety.’ Counsels to Parents, Teachers & Students, page 92.  

‘Where two or three are gathered’  

1.        Upon what promise of Christ may God’s people rely? Matthew 18:20.

NOTE: ‘If Christians would associate together, speaking to each other of the love of God, and of the precious truths of redemption, their own hearts would be refreshed, and they would refresh one another. All should have something to say for the Lord, for by so doing they will be blest. A book of remembrance is written of those who do not forsake the assembling of themselves together, but speak often one to another. The remnant are to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. We should not come together to remain silent; those only are remembered of the Lord who assemble to speak of His honour and glory and tell of His power; upon such the blessing of God will rest, and they will be refreshed.’ The Faith I Live By, page 246.  

2.        What principle should God’s people follow in evaluating new ideas presented to them? Isaiah 8:20.

NOTE: ‘Our brethren should be willing to investigate in a candid way every point of controversy. If a brother is teaching error, those who are in responsible positions ought to know it; and if he is teaching truth, they ought to take their stand at his side. We should all know what is being taught among us; for if it is truth, we need it. We are all under obligation to God to know what He sends us. He has given directions by which we may test every doctrine, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” [Isaiah 8:20.] If the light presented meets this test, we are not to refuse to accept it because it does not agree with our ideas. No one has said that we shall find perfection in any man’s investigations; but this I do know, that our churches are dying for the want of teaching on the subject of righteousness by faith in Christ, and on kindred truths. No matter by whom light is sent, we should open our hearts to receive it with the meekness of Christ. But many do not do this. When a controverted point is presented, they pour in question after question, without admitting a point when it is well sustained. O, may we act as men who want light! May God give us His Holy Spirit day by day, and let the light of His countenance shine upon us, that we may be learners in the school of Christ.’ Gospel Workers, pages 300-301.