God Requires Faithfulness

1.For what purpose did Christ sanctify himself? .
2.By what means are we to be sanctified? .
3.What is it to sanctify anything? .
4.When a person is thus sanctified, what work will be wrought in him? .
5.Upon what will his mind dwell? .
6.What was the law respecting the sanctifying of a man's substance to the Lord? .
7.If he chose to exchange that which he had sanctified, how much was he to add to it?—
8.Could that which had been sanctified be taken back, and no equivalent be given? .
9.Does the Lord require men to devote their substance to his service, and make offerings to him? .
10.Under what circumstances do men usually make vows? .
11.When God delivers his people from trouble, are they not under obligations to pay their vows? .
12.When a vow or promise was made to give unto God, what was the offering called? .
13.When a man questions the vow he has made, and appropriates it otherwise, what does it become to him? .
14.When such promises are not regarded, what is such a sacrifice called? .
15.What judgment is threatened against those who disregard such vows? .
16.Who among the apostles made a consecration of his possessions? .
17.What shows that twenty-six years later Barnabas labored with his hands to support himself? ; .
18.What other persons consecrated a certain possession? .
19.In keeping back part of the price, what sin did they commit? .
20.What was the result of this sin? .
21.What will give us confidence to ask God to deliver us in the time of trouble? .
22.Are such acts as keeping back part of our vow any less sinful to-day?
23.Are any of us guilty of the same sin?

Notes

"The brief but terrible history of Ananias and Sapphira is traced by the pen of inspiration for the benefit of all who profess to be the followers of Christ. With others, Ananias and his wife Sapphira had the privilege of hearing the gospel preached by the apostles. The power of God attended the word spoken, and deep conviction rested upon all present. The softening influence of the grace of God had the effect upon their hearts to cause them to release their selfish hold upon their earthly possessions. While under the direct influence of the Spirit of God, they made a pledge to give to the Lord certain lands; but when they were no longer under this heavenly influence, the impression was less forcible, and they began to question and draw back from fulfilling the pledge which they had made. They thought that they had been too hasty, and wished to reconsider the matter. Thus a door was opened by which Satan at once entered, and gained control of their minds.

"This case should be a warning to all to guard against the first approach of Satan. Covetousness was first cherished; then, ashamed to have their brethren know that their selfish souls grudged that which they had solemnly dedicated and pledged God, deception was practiced. They talked the matter over together, and deliberately decided to withhold a part of the price of the land. When convicted of their falsehood their punishment was instant death. They knew that the Lord, whom they had defrauded, had searched them out; for Peter said: 'Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? while it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.'

"God, in his wise plans, has made the advancement of his cause dependent upon the personal efforts of his people, and upon their free-will offerings. By accepting the co-operation of man in the great plan of redemption, he has placed a signal honor upon him. The minister cannot preach except he be sent. The work of dispensing light does not rest upon ministers alone. Every person, upon becoming a member of the church, pledges himself to be a representative of Christ by living out the truth he professes. The followers of Christ should carry forward the work which he left for them to do when he ascended into Heaven."

Bible texts in this lesson

John 17:19 · John 17:17 · Exodus 19:23 · Exodus 19:12 · Exodus 19:13 · 2 Corinthians 10:5 · Philippians 4:8 · Leviticus 27:14-19 · Leviticus 27:28 · Leviticus 27:29 · Psalms 76:11 · Psalms 66:13 · Psalms 66:14 · Psalms 56:12 · Psalms 56:13 · Deuteronomy 23:21-23 · Proverbs 20:25 · Ecclesiastes 5:1 · Ecclesiastes 5:2 · Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 · Acts 4:36 · Acts 4:37 · 1 Corinthians 9:6 · 1 Corinthians 9:7 · 1 Corinthians 9:12 · 2 Thessalonians 3:8 · 2 Thessalonians 3:9 · Acts 5:1 · Acts 5:2-4 · Acts 5:5-10 · Psalms 50:14 · Psalms 50:15

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