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Advent Lessons

Lesson 5 · January 28, 1893

Power of God's Word—Continued

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1. Questions on Eph. 4:20-24

  1. 1.Whom had "the faithful in Christ Jesus" learned?
  2. 2.How had they been taught the truth?
  3. 3.What were they to put off?
  4. 4.How were they to be renewed?
  5. 5.What were they to put on?
  6. 6.What contrast is drawn between "the old man" and "the new man"?

2. Questions on Col. 3:8-11

  1. 1.What evil habits, here mentioned, are to be discarded?
  2. 2.What reason is given for this exhortation?
  3. 3.What description is given of "the new man"?
  4. 4.Is any distinction of race or condition recognized after this change?
  5. 5.Who is all and in all?

3. Questions on Ps. 51:6-10

  1. 1.Where does God desire truth?
  2. 2.Under what figures does David ask for cleansing?
  3. 3.From whom does he seek comfort?
  4. 4.What request does he make concerning his sins and his iniquities?
  5. 5.How can he have a clean heart, a right spirit?

Notes

Man was originally created in God's image (), "perfect in his being and in harmony with God," but his nature became changed through transgression. The whole purpose of the plan of salvation is that the image of God may be restored in the soul and the creature again be in harmony with the Creator. Sin has brought enmity (), but God's purpose is peace () through Christ (). But the heart is the source of evil (), which separates from God (), and man cannot of himself change it () and do good (). There must be a death of the body of sin (), a burial (verse 4), and a new life unto God (verse 11) through Christ. A complete change is wrought (), which is nothing less than creation (, Revised Version, margin). Then good works can be done () through the power working in us (), which is God in Christ (), and which is the same power that gives life to the dead (). Thus redemption is simply "a new creation," and the gospel is the same creative power manifested in salvation (). But we have learned that this creative power is in God's word (lesson 3), and it is equally true whether applied to the creation of a world or a new heart. Through faith in his promises our natures may be changed () by the power of his word. Our ground of hope is that our Creator is our Redeemer (read and 44), and he is our Strength () and our Salvation (). When he speaks righteousness in place of sin (), and "is declaring righteous" the ungodly (, Young's translation), we are to believe in the power of his word supplying the fact. "God makes a man righteous by counting him so. This is the divine paradox of justification by faith."

Suggestive Questions

  1. 1.Why was it impossible for an angel to redeem the world?
  2. 2.What institution reminds us of God's creative power?
  3. 3.Is it surprising that one who "exalteth himself above all that is called God" should attempt to establish a rival institution?
  4. 4.To whom does the Sabbath mean the most?
  5. 5.How may the Sabbath be a constant encouragement to us in Christian experience?

Bible texts in this lesson

Ephesians 4:20-24 · Colossians 3:8-11 · Psalms 51:6-10 · Genesis 1:27 · Romans 8:7 · Jeremiah 29:11 · Ephesians 2:14 · Mark 7:21-23 · Isaiah 59:2 · Job 14:4 · Jeremiah 13:23 · Romans 6:6 · 2 Corinthians 5:17 · Galatians 6:15 · Ephesians 2:10 · Colossians 1:29 · Philippians 2:13 · Ephesians 1:19 · Ephesians 1:20 · Romans 1:16 · 2 Peter 1:4 · Isaiah 43 · Isaiah 26:4 · Isaiah 12:2 · Romans 3:25 · Romans 4:5

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