Christs Object Lessons Seeds of Wisdom Part 01 PDF

Seeds of
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Bible Study Series

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Christ’s Object Lessons
Wisdom
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About this Project
Christ’s Object Lessons was written by E.G. White and originally published in
1900 by Pacific Press Publishing Company. The subject matter is the parables of
Christ–His method of revealing spiritual insight through practical life examples.
Its Bible-based, Christ-centered, life-changing content has led a multitude to a
greater understanding of the kingdom of heaven. Seeds of Wisdom is the first in
a series of three Bible study guides. The other guides in this series are Growing
in Wisdom (#2) and Harvest of Wisdom (#3). Since each guide is based on a
unique set of parables, they can be utilized in sequence, out of sequence, or
independently.
2nd Edition
Seeds of Wisdom
Christ’s Object Lessons Bible Study Series
Copyright (C) 2000 by Revelation Publications. All rights reserved world-

wide. The book, Christ’s Object Lessons, is public domain in the English
language, but this Bible study format is not.
Conditions Allowing Distribution

For the purpose of sharing with others, we make these study guides available
to everyone at wholesale prices. For more information, and to see our other
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to do so royalty-free. This material may be photocopied but not stored by any
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notice must remain in each successive copy. We would also like to encourage
other publishers, conferences, church divisions, or organizations located outside
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prior approval must be obtained in writing from the publisher before translation
or duplication of this guide is done.
www.RevelationPublications.com
[email protected] 800-952-4457
Text adapted as commentary from Christ’s Object Lessons by E.G. White

Questions and compilation by Merlin Beerman
Editor - V.C. Darmody
Cover Illustration - Artist John Steele
Cover Illustration Copyright (C) Pacific Press, Nampa ID
Lesson Illustrations 1-8 Copyright (C) Darrell Tank
Lesson Illustrations 9-15 Copyright (C) Lela Franzman
Printed in the U.S.A.
ISBN 978-1-934924-08-2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
An Invitation to the Reader ......................................................... 4
Suggestions for Individual Study ................................................ 5
Suggestions for Group Study ........................................................ 6
Why Christ Taught in Parables ..................................................... 7
Lessons
1. The Sower Went Forth to Sow ..................................................... 13
2. Infertile Soil ................................................................................. 22
3. Among the Thorns ....................................................................... 28
4. The Preparation and Harvest of Good Soil .................................. 34
5. First the Blade, then the Ear ........................................................ 40
6. The Lesson of the Tares ................................................................ 46
7. Like a Grain of Mustard Seed ..................................................... 51
8. Seeds of Wisdom ......................................................................... 55
9. Like Unto Leaven ........................................................................ 63
10. Hidden Treasure ........................................................................... 69
11. The Pearl ....................................................................................... 79
12. The Net ........................................................................................ 85
13. Things New and Old ..................................................................... 87
14. Asking to Give ............................................................................. 97
15. Two Worshipers .......................................................................... 107
Supporting Materials
Answer Key .............................................................................. 119
Certificate of Excellence ............................................................ 125
Inspirational Material Order Form ............................................. 128

AN INVITATION TO THE READER
We are glad you have received The Seeds of Wisdom Bible Study
Series. It is our prayer that you will go through these lessons
and draw closer to Christ; the One who offers you friendship,
peace, and eternal life.
If there is an address in the box below, this guide is offered to

you as a gift from a Bible school. Your school may utilize this
guide in one of two possible ways.
The guide may or may not contain an answer section in the

back, but when there is one, you may refer to it to verify your
answers. Upon completion, if you wish to have your certificate
validated, remove and send only your certificate to the address
below for signature by an instructor.
If an address is present but your guide does not contain an

answer section; then, upon completion, you may send your
entire completed guide for verification and have your certificate
signed.
In either situation, all you have mailed to us will be returned

with additional free study materials. If at any time you have
additional Bible questions, you may send them, and an instructor
will respond.
You may have been a Christian all your life, or this may be your
first opportunity to learn about the wonderful love of Jesus; in
either case, this time you spend in the Word of God will be a
rich blessing. May the Lord fill you with peace as you seek to
know Him better.
FOR MORE STUDY MATERIALS WRITE:
5
SUGGESTIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL STUDY
(1) PRAY FOR Each time you study, pray for discernment and
GUIDANCE the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Approach your
study with an open mind. Avoid preconceived
ideas that may have a negative influence on
your search for truth.
(2) READ THE Read each question slowly taking extra time to
QUESTION contemplate and understand it. This will result
in the greatest benefit from your study.
(3) FIND THE Use any Bible to look up the reference text listed
ANSWER below the answer space. Read the reference
and surrounding texts to gain an understanding
of their context. Write a concise answer on the
blanks provided in your study guide. If you
want to confirm your answer you may look it
up in the answer section located in the back.
For a deeper understanding, read and compare

the reference text and related texts in multiple
versions of Scripture. Use a concordance, column
references, and a dictionary to look up unfamiliar
words and search for other related texts.
(4) CONTEMPLATE Reread the question and answer, then read the
THE RESULTS commentary. Contemplate the significance of
what you have just studied and ask for wisdom
from the Lord to help you know how to
apply it to your life.
(5) CONTINUE It is our prayer that you will continue to study

TO STUDY God’s Word. We encourage you to contact your
source for this guide and obtain other
inspirational materials that will aid in your
spiritual growth.
6
SUGGESTIONS FOR GROUP STUDY
(1) ASSIGN A It is important to appoint an individual to lead your

LEADER study group. This may be a pastor, church leader, or
a shared responsibility among the group members.
This individual’s responsibility is to keep the
discussion objective and encourage participation.
(2) PREDETERMINE Make a group decision whether to include outside

STUDY METHODS materials in your study sessions. As a rule, study
time will be the most fruitful when the focus is on
Biblical references.
(3) PRE-STUDY Encourage each member of your group to study

THE LESSON the lesson prior to meeting. This will result in the
greatest benefit to each individual as well as
enhancing his/her ability to participate in discussion.
(4) BEGIN WITH Each time you meet always invite the Lord to be
PRAYER present in your study session and the Holy Spirit to
be your guide.
(5) READ QUESTION The group leader may read or appoint another
member of the group to read the questions.
(6) READ ANSWER The group leader can ask for volunteers to give the
& COMMENTARY answer and related commentary. When time allows,
ask for answers derived from various translations
to increase participation and understanding.
(7) DISCUSSION The most benefit will be gained if the leader does
not lecture the group but rather leads it. Each
member of the group should be encouraged to
participate in the capacity he/she is comfortable.
One member of the group should not dominate the
discussion. Encourage sensitivity to the feelings
and opinions of others even in disagreement.
(8) TESTIMONY Have a time at the beginning or end of your session

for brief testimonies. This can be general or limited
to the subject matter being studied.
7
Why Christ Taught
in Parables
In Christ’s parable teaching the same The Scripture says, “All these things
principle is seen as in His own mission spake Jesus unto the multitude in
to the world. That we might become parables; . . . that it might be fulfilled
acquainted with His divine character which was spoken by the prophet,
and life, Christ took our nature and saying, I will open My mouth in
dwelt among us. Divinity was revealed parables; I will utter things which
in humanity; the invisible glory in the have been kept secret from the found-
visible human form. Men could learn ation of the world.” Matthew 13:34,35.
of the unknown through the known; Natural things were the medium for
heavenly things were revealed through the spiritual; the things of nature and
the earthly; God was made manifest the life-experience of His hearers were
in the likeness of men. So it was in connected with the truths of the written
Christ’s teaching: the unknown was word. Leading thus from the natural to
illustrated by the known; divine truths the spiritual kingdom, Christ’s parables
by earthly things with which the are links in the chain of truth that unites
people were most familiar. man with God, and earth with heaven.
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Seeds of Wisdom - Christ’s Object Lessons Bible Study Series
In His teaching from nature, Christ teachings of nature as well as of the

was speaking of the things which His Bible in a new aspect, and made them
own hands had made, and which had a new revelation.
qualities and powers that He Himself
had imparted. In their original perfect- Jesus plucked the beautiful lily, and
ion all created things were an expression placed it in the hands of children and
of the thought of God. To Adam and youth; and as they looked into His own
Eve in their Eden home nature was youthful face, fresh with the sunlight
full of the knowledge of God, teeming of His Father’s countenance, He gave
with divine instruction. Wisdom spoke the lesson, “Consider the lilies of the
to the eye and was received into the field, how they grow [in the simplicity
heart; for they communed with God of natural beauty]; they toil not, neither
in His created works. As soon as the do they spin; and yet I say unto you,
holy pair transgressed the law of the that even Solomon in all his glory was
Most High, the brightness from the not arrayed like one of these.” Then
face of God departed from the face of followed the sweet assurance and the
nature. The earth is now marred and important lesson, “Wherefore, if God
defiled by sin. Yet even in its blighted so clothe the grass of the field, which
state much that is beautiful remains. today is, and tomorrow is cast into the
God’s object lessons are not obliterated; oven, shall He not much more clothe
rightly understood, nature speaks of you, O ye of little faith?”
her Creator.
In the sermon on the mount these words
In the days of Christ these lessons had were spoken to others besides children
been lost sight of. Men had well-nigh and youth. They were spoken to the
ceased to discern God in His works. multitude, among whom were men and
The sinfulness of humanity had cast women full of worries and perplexities,
a pall over the fair face of creation; and sore with disappointment and
and instead of manifesting God, His sorrow. Jesus continued: “Therefore
works became a barrier that concealed take no thought, saying, What shall
Him. Men “worshiped and served the we eat? or, What shall we drink? or,
creature more than the Creator.” Thus Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
the heathen “became vain in their (for after all these things do the
imaginations, and their foolish heart Gentiles seek:) for your Heavenly Father
was darkened.” Romans 1:25, 21. So in knoweth that ye have need of all these
Israel, man’s teaching had been put in things.” Then spreading out His hands
the place of God’s. Not only the things to the surrounding multitude, He said,
of nature, but the sacrificial service “But seek ye first the kingdom of
and the Scriptures themselves–all given God, and His righteousness; and all
to reveal God–were so perverted that they these things shall be added unto you.”
became the means of concealing Him. Matt.6:28-33.
Christ sought to remove that which
obscured the truth. The veil that sin Thus Christ interpreted the message
has cast over the face of nature, He which He Himself had given to the
came to draw aside, bringing to view lilies and the grass of the field. He
the spiritual glory that all things were desires us to read it in every lily and
created to reflect. His words placed the every spire of grass. His words are
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Why Christ Taught in Parables
full of assurance, and tend to confirm nature, He secured their attention and
trust in God. impressed their hearts. After-ward,
as they looked upon the objects that
So wide was Christ’s view of truth, illustrated His lessons, they recalled the
so extended His teaching, that every words of the divine Teacher. To minds
phase of nature was employed in that were open to the Holy Spirit, the
illustrating truth. The scenes upon significance of the Saviour’s teaching
which the eye daily rests were all unfolded more and more. Mysteries
connected with some spiritual truth, so grew clear, and that which had been
that nature is clothed with the parables hard to grasp became evident.
of the Master.
Jesus sought an avenue to every heart.
In the earlier part of His ministry, Christ By using a variety of illustrations, He
had spoken to the people in words so not only presented truth in its different
plain that all His hearers might have phases, but appealed to the different
grasped truths which would make them hearers. Their interest was aroused by
wise unto salvation. But in many hearts figures drawn from the surroundings of
the truth had taken no root, and it had their daily life. None who listened to
been quickly caught away. “Therefore the Saviour could feel that they were
speak I to them in parables.” He said; neglected or forgotten. The humblest,
“because they seeing see not; and the most sinful, heard in His teaching
hearing they hear not, neither do they a voice that spoke to them in sympathy
understand. . . . For this people’s heart and tenderness.
is waxed gross, and their ears are dull
of hearing, and their eyes they have And He had another reason for teaching
closed.” Matt. 13:13-15. in parables. Among the multitudes
that gathered about Him, there were
Jesus desired to awaken inquiry. He priests and rabbis, scribes and elders,
sought to arouse the careless, and Herodians and rulers, world-loving,
impress truth upon the heart. Parable bigoted, ambitious men, who desired
teaching was popular, and command- above all things to find some accusation
ed the respect and attention, not only against Him. Their spies followed His
of the Jews, but of the people of other steps day after day, to catch from His
nations. No more effective method of lips something that would cause His
instruction could He have employed. condemnation, and forever silence the
If His hearers had desired a knowledge One who seemed to draw the world
of divine things, they might have after Him. The Saviour understood
understood His words; for He was the character of these men, and He
always willing to explain them to the presented truth in such a way that they
honest inquirer. could find nothing by which to bring
His case before the Sanhedrim.
Again, Christ had truths to present
which the people were unprepared In parables He rebuked the hypocrisy
to accept or even to understand. For and wicked works of those who
this reason also He taught them in occupied high positions, and in
parables. By connecting His teaching figurative language clothed truth of
with the scenes of life, experience, or so cutting a character that had it been
10
spoken in direct denunciation, they It was Christ who directed the

would not have listened to His words, education of Israel. Concerning the
and would speedily have put an end to commandments and ordinances of
His ministry. But while He evaded the the Lord He said, “Thou shalt teach
spies, He made truth so clear that error them diligently unto thy children,
was manifested, and the honest in heart and shalt talk of them when thou
were profited by His lessons. Divine sittest in thine house, and when thou
wisdom, infinite grace, were made plain walkest by the way, and when thou
by the things of God’s creation. Through liest down, and when thou risest up.
nature and the experiences of life, men And thou shalt bind them for a sign
were taught of God. “The invisible things upon thine hand, and they shall be
of Him since the creation of the world,” as frontlets between thine eyes.
were “perceived through the things that And thou shalt write them upon
are made, even His everlasting power the posts of thy house, and on thy
and divinity.” Rom. 1:20, R. V. gates.” Deuteronomy 6:7-9. In His
own teaching, Jesus showed how
In the Saviour’s parable teaching is this command is to be fulfilled–how
an indication of what constitutes the the laws and principles of God’s
true “higher education.” Christ might kingdom can be so presented as to
have opened to men the deepest truths reveal their beauty and preciousness.
of science. He might have unlocked When the Lord was training Israel
mysteries which have required many to be the special representatives of
centuries of toil and study to penetrate. Himself, He gave them homes among
He might have made suggestions the hills and valleys. In their home
in scientific lines that would have life and their religious service they
afforded food for thought and stimulus were brought in constant contact with
for invention to the close of time. But nature and with the word of God. So
He did not do this. He said nothing to Christ taught His disciples by the lake,
gratify curiosity, or to satisfy man’s on the mountainside, in the fields and
ambition by opening doors to worldly groves, where they could look upon the
greatness. In all His teaching, Christ things of nature by which He illustrated
brought the mind of man in contact His teachings. And as they learned of
with the Infinite Mind. He did not Christ, they put their knowledge to
direct the people to study men’s use by cooperating with Him in His
theories about God, His word, or His work.
works. He taught them to behold Him
as manifested in His works, in His So through the creation we are to
word, and by His providence. become acquainted with the Creator.
The book of nature is a great lesson
Christ did not deal in abstract theories, book, which in connection with the
but in that which is essential to the Scriptures we are to use in teaching
development of character, that which others of His character, and guiding
will enlarge man’s capacity for knowing lost sheep back to the fold of God.
God, and increase his efficiency to do As the works of God are studied, the
good. He spoke to men of those truths Holy Spirit flashes conviction into
that relate to the conduct of life, and the mind. It is not the conviction that
that take hold upon eternity. logical reasoning produces; but unless
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Why Christ Taught in Parables
the mind has become too dark to know of nature, Christ makes His presence
God, the eye too dim to see Him, the real to us, and speaks to our hearts of
ear too dull to hear His voice, a deeper His peace and love.
meaning is grasped, and the sublime,
spiritual truths of the written word are And Christ has linked His teaching,
impressed on the heart. not only with the day of rest, but with
the week of toil. He has wisdom for
In these lessons direct from nature, him who drives the plow and sows the
there is a simplicity and purity that seed. In the plowing and sowing, the
makes them of the highest value. All tilling and reaping, He teaches us to
need the teaching to be derived from see an illustration of His work of grace
this source. In itself the beauty of in the heart. So in every line of useful
nature leads the soul away from sin labor and every association of life, He
and worldly attractions, and toward desires us to find a lesson of divine
purity, peace, and God. Too often truth. Then our daily toil will no longer
the minds of students are occupied absorb our attention and lead us to
with men’s theories and speculations,
forget God; it will continually remind
falsely called science and philosophy.
They need to be brought into close
us of our Creator and Redeemer. The
contact with nature. Let them learn thought of God will run like a thread
that creation and Christianity have of gold through all our homely cares
one God. Let them be taught to see and occupations. For us the glory of
the harmony of the natural with the His face will again rest upon the face
spiritual. Let everything which their of nature. We shall ever be learning
eyes see or their hands handle be made new lessons of heavenly truth, and
a lesson in character building. Thus the growing into the image of His purity.
mental powers will be strengthened, Thus shall we “be taught of the Lord”;
the character developed, the whole and in the lot wherein we are called,
life ennobled. we shall “abide with God.” Isa.54:13;
1Cor. 7:24.
Christ’s purpose in parable teaching
was in direct line with the purpose
of the Sabbath. God gave to men the
memorial of His creative power, that
they might discern Him in the works of
His hand. The Sabbath bids us behold
in His created works the glory of the
Creator. And it was because He desired
us to do this that Jesus bound up His
precious lessons with the beauty of
natural things. On the holy rest day,
above all other days, we should study
the messages that God has written
for us in nature. We should study the
Saviour’s parables where He spoke
them, in the fields and groves, under
the open sky, among the grass and
flowers. As we come close to the heart
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13
The Sower Went
Forth to
Sow
Lesson
1
The first four lessons of this series are Husbandman for His people. Like a
based on Matthew 13: 1-9; 13:18-23; sower in the field, He came to scatter the
Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15. heavenly grain of truth. And His parable
teaching itself was the seed with which
(1) WHAT GREAT MYSTERIES DID the most precious truths of His grace
CHRIST ILLUSTRATE WITH THE were sown. Because of its simplicity
PARABLE OF THE SOWER? the parable of the sower has not been
valued as it should be. From the natural
seed cast into the soil, Christ desires to
lead our minds to the gospel seed, the
sowing of which results in bringing
Matthew 13:11 man back to his loyalty to God. He
who gave the parable of the tiny seed is
By the parable of the sower, Christ the Sovereign of heaven, and the same
illustrates the things of the kingdom laws that govern earthly seed sowing
of heaven, and the work of the great govern the sowing of the seeds of truth.
14
(2) WITH WHOM DID CHRIST upon stony places, where they had not
SHARE THE BLESSINGS OF HIS much earth; and forthwith they sprung
PARABLES? up, because they had no deepness of
earth: and when the sun was up, they
were scorched; and because they had no
root, they withered away. And some fell
Luke 8:4 among thorns; and the thorns sprung
up, and choked them: but other fell into
By the Sea of Galilee a company had good ground, and brought forth fruit,
gathered to see and hear Jesus–an eager, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold,
expectant throng. The sick were there, some thirtyfold.”
lying on their mats, waiting to present
their cases before Him. It was Christ’s
God-given right to heal the woes of (4) WHY DID THE MULTITUDE
a sinful race, and He now rebuked NOT REALIZE WHO WAS SPEAK-
disease, and diffused around Him life ING TO THEM?
and health and peace.
As the crowd continued to increase,

the people pressed close about Christ
until there was no room to receive John 1:10
them. Then, speaking a word to the
men in their fishing boats, He stepped Christ’s mission was not understood
into the boat that was waiting to take by the people of His time. The manner
Him across the lake, and bidding His of His coming was not in accordance
disciples push off a little from the with their expectations. The Lord Jesus
land, He spoke to the multitude upon was the foundation of the whole Jewish
the shore. economy. Its imposing services were
of divine appointment. They were
(3) WHAT PARABLE DID CHRIST designed to teach the people that at the
SHARE THAT DAY BY THE SEA? time appointed One would come to
whom those ceremonies pointed. But
the Jews had exalted the forms and
ceremonies and had lost sight of their
object. The traditions, maxims, and
Matthew 13:3 enactments of men hid from them the
lessons which God intended to convey.
Beside the sea lay the beautiful plain of These maxims and traditions became
Gennesaret, beyond rose the hills, and an obstacle to their understanding and
upon hillside and plain both sowers and practice of true religion. And when
reapers were busy, the one casting seed the Reality came, in the person of
and the other harvesting the early grain. Christ, they did not recognize in Him
Looking upon the scene, Christ said– the fulfillment of all their types, the
substance of all their shadows. They
“Behold, the sower went forth to sow; rejected the antitype, and clung to their
and as he sowed, some seeds fell by types and useless ceremonies. The Son
the wayside, and the birds came and of God had come, but they continued to
devoured them” (R.V.); “some fell ask for a sign. The message, “Repent
15
The Sower Went Forth to Sow
ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at not to understand it. To the multitude
hand,” they answered by demands for it involved in still greater mystery the
a miracle. Matt. 3:2. The gospel of purpose of the new teacher, whose
Christ was a stumbling block to them words had so strangely moved their
because they demanded signs instead of hearts and so bitterly disappointed
a Saviour. They expected the Messiah their ambitions. The disciples them-
to prove His claims by mighty deeds selves had not understood the parable,
of conquest, to establish His empire but their interest was awakened. They
on the ruins of earthly kingdoms. came to Jesus privately and asked for
This expectation Christ answered in an explanation.
the parable of the sower. Not by force
of arms, not by violent interpositions, (7) WHAT PROMISE IS GIVEN TO
was the kingdom of God to prevail, but THOSE WHO SEEK TRUTH WITH
by the implanting of a new principle in A SINCERE HEART?
the hearts of men.
(5) WHAT WAS THE EARTHLY

MISSION OF CHRIST?
John 8:32
This was the desire which Christ

Matthew 13:37 wished to arouse, that He might give
Christ had come, not as a king, but them more definite instruction. He
as a sower; not for the overthrow of explained the parable to them, as He
kingdoms, but for the scattering of will make plain His word to all who
seed; not to point His followers to seek Him in sincerity of heart. Those
earthly triumphs and national great- who study the word of God with hearts
ness, but to a harvest to be gathered open to the enlightenment of the Holy
after patient toil and through losses and Spirit, will not remain in darkness as to
disappointments. the meaning of the word. “If any man
willeth to do His will,” Christ said, “he
(6) WHY WAS CHRIST’S MISSION shall know of the teaching whether it
AND THE MESSAGE HE SHARED be of God, or whether I speak from
NOT UNDERSTOOD BY ALL? Myself.” John 7:17, R.V. All who come
to Christ for a clearer knowledge of
the truth will receive it. He will unfold
to them the mysteries of the kingdom
of heaven, and these mysteries will be
understood by the heart that longs to
know the truth. A heavenly light will
shine into the soul temple, and will be
Luke 8:10 revealed to others as the bright shining
of a lamp on a dark path.
The Pharisees perceived the meaning
of Christ’s parable, but to them its ( 8 ) W H AT D I D T H E S O W E R
lesson was unwelcome. They affected IN THE PARABLE DO WHICH
16
ILLUSTRATES WHAT CHRIST DID not knowing whither he went.” Heb.

TO SAVE THE LOST? 11:8. So to the apostle Paul, praying
in the temple at Jerusalem, came the
message from God, “Depart; for I will
send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.”
Acts 22:21. So those who are called to
unite with Christ must leave all, in order
Mark 4:3 to follow Him. Old associations must
be broken up, plans of life relinquished,
In the East the state of affairs was earthly hopes surrendered. In toil and
so unsettled, and there was so great tears, in solitude, and through sacrifice,
danger from violence that the people must the seed be sown.
dwelt chiefly in walled towns, and the
husbandmen went forth daily to their (10) WHAT DID CHRIST COME TO
labor outside the walls. So Christ, the THIS WORLD TO SOW?
heavenly Sower, went forth to sow. He
left His home of security and peace, left
the glory that He had with the Father Mark 4:14
before the world was, left His position
upon the throne of the universe. He
went forth, a suffering, tempted man;
went forth in solitude, to sow in tears, John 1:17
to water with His blood, the seed of life
for a world lost. Christ came to sow the world with
truth. Ever since the fall of man, Satan
(9) IN LIKE MANNER, WHAT DOES has been sowing the seeds of error.
CHRIST ASK OF HIS SERVANTS? It was by a lie that he first gained
control over men, and thus he still
works to overthrow God’s kingdom in
the earth and to bring men under his
power. A sower from a higher world,
Christ came to sow the seeds of truth.
He who had stood in the councils of
God, who had dwelt in the innermost
sanctuary of the Eternal, could bring
to men the pure principles of truth.
Ever since the fall of man, Christ had
been the Revealer of truth to the world.
Matthew 28:19 By Him the incorruptible seed, “the
word of God, which liveth and abideth
His servants in like manner must go forever,” is communicated to men. 1
forth to sow. When called to become a Peter 1:23. In that first promise spoken
sower of the seed of truth, Abraham was to our fallen race in Eden, Christ was
bidden, “Get thee out of thy country, and sowing the gospel seed. But it is to His
from thy kindred, and from thy father’s personal ministry among men and to the
house, unto a land that I will show work which He thus established that the
thee.” Genesis 12:1. “And he went out, parable of the sower especially applies.
17
(11) WHAT WAS THE “SEED” (13) WHAT WAS THE FOCUS
CHRIST SOWED THAT REVEALS OF CHRIST’S TEACHING AND
TRUTH? PREACHING?
Matthew 13:20
John 5:39
John 17:17
The teachers of Israel were not
The word of God is the seed. Every sowing the seed of the word of God.
seed has in itself a germinating Christ’s work as a teacher of truth
principle. In it the life of the plant was in marked contrast to that of the
is enfolded. So there is life in God’s rabbis of His time. They dwelt upon
word. Christ says, “The words that I traditions, upon human theories and
speak unto you, they are Spirit, and speculations. Often that which man
they are life.” John 6:63. “He that had taught and written about the
heareth My word, and believeth on word, they put in place of the word
Him that sent Me, hath everlasting itself. Their teaching had no power
life.” John 5:24. In every command to quicken the soul. The subject of
and in every promise of the word of Christ’s teaching and preaching was
God is the power, the very life of the word of God. He met questioners
God, by which the command may with a plain, “It is written.” “What
be fulfilled and the promise realized. saith the Scriptures?” “How readest
He who by faith receives the word is thou?” At every opportunity, when
receiving the very life and character an interest was awakened by either
of God. friend or foe, He sowed the seed of
the word. He who is the Way, the
(12) WHAT IS THE RESULT WHEN Truth, and the Life, Himself the
THE SEED OF GOD’S WORD living Word, points to the Scriptures,
MATURES IN THE HEART? saying, “They are they which testify
of Me.” And “beginning at Moses
and all the prophets,” He opened to
His disciples “in all the Scriptures
the things concerning Himself.” John
5:39; Luke 24:27.
2 Corinthians 3:18
(14) HOW MUCH OF THE BIBLE
Every seed brings forth fruit after SHOULD WE ACCEPT AS
its kind. Sow the seed under right INSPIRED INSTRUCTION IN
conditions, and it will develop its RIGHTEOUSNESS?
own life in the plant. Receive into the
soul by faith the incorruptible seed
of the word, and it will bring forth a
character and a life after the similitude
of the character and the life of God. 2 Timothy 3:16
18
In our day, as of old, the vital truths The Bible has been robbed of its power,
of God’s word are set aside for human and the results are seen in a lowering of
theories and speculations. Many the tone of spiritual life. In the sermons
professed ministers of the gospel do from many pulpits of today there is
not accept the whole Bible as the not that divine manifestation which
inspired word. One wise man rejects awakens the conscience and brings
one portion; another questions another life to the soul. The hearers can not
part. They set up their judgment as say, “Did not our heart burn within us,
superior to the word; and the Scripture while He talked with us by the way, and
which they do teach rests upon their while He opened to us the Scriptures?”
own authority. Its divine authenticity is Luke 24:32. There are many who are
destroyed. Thus the seeds of infidelity crying out for the living God, longing
are sown broadcast; for the people for the divine presence. Philosophical
become confused and know not what theories or literary essays, however
to believe. There are many beliefs that brilliant, cannot satisfy the heart. The
the mind has no right to entertain. In assertions and inventions of men are of
the days of Christ the rabbis put a no value. Let the word of God speak to
forced, mystical construction upon the people. Let those who have heard
many portions of Scripture. Because only traditions and human theories
the plain teaching of God’s word and maxims hear the voice of Him
condemned their practices, they tried whose word can renew the soul unto
to destroy its force. The same thing is everlasting life.
done today. The word of God is made
to appear mysterious and obscure in (16) WHAT MESSAGE DID CHRIST
order to excuse transgression of His SHARE AND IS OUR PRIVILEGE
law. Christ rebuked these practices TO ALSO PROCLAIM?
in His day. He taught that the word
of God was to be understood by all.
He pointed to the Scriptures as of
unquestionable authority, and we
should do the same. The Bible is to be
presented as the word of the infinite Matthew 4:23
God, as the end of all controversy and
the foundation of all faith. Christ’s favorite theme was the paternal
tenderness and abundant grace of God;
(15) WHAT WARNING ARE WE He dwelt much upon the holiness of His
GIVEN CONCERNING THE PHI- character and His law; He presented
LOSOPHIES OF MAN? Himself to the people as the Way, the
Truth, and the Life. Let these be the
themes of Christ’s ministers. Present
the truth as it is in Jesus. Make plain the
requirements of the law and the gospel.
Tell the people of Christ’s life of self-
denial and sacrifice; of His humiliation
and death; of His resurrection and
ascension; or His intercession for them
2 Peter 3:17 in the courts of God; of His promise, “I
19
will come again, and receive you unto of science, and is made to appear
Myself.” John 14:3. uncertain and untrustworthy. Thus the
seeds of doubt are planted in the minds
Instead of discussing erroneous theories, of the youth, and in time of temptation
or seeking to combat the opponents of they spring up. When faith in God’s
the gospel, follow the example of word is lost, the soul has no guide, no
Christ. Let fresh truths from God’s safeguard. The youth are drawn into
treasure house flash into life. “Preach paths which lead away from God and
the word.” “Sow beside all waters.” “Be from everlasting life.
instant in season, out of season.” “He
that hath My word, let him speak My To this cause may in great degree be
word faithfully. What is the chaff to the attributed the widespread iniquity in
wheat? saith the Lord.” “Every word of our world today. When the word of
God is pure. . . . Add thou not unto His God is set aside, its power to restrain
words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be the evil passions of the natural heart is
found a liar.” 2 Tim. 4:2; Isa. 32:20; Jer. rejected. Men sow to the flesh, and of
23:28; Prov. 30:5, 6. the flesh they reap corruption.
(17) WHAT IS THE POTENTIAL (18) WHEN THE SUPPOSITIONS

DANGER IN NON-BIBLICALLY OF MAN ARE BELIEVED ABOVE
BASED EDUCATION? THE WORD OF GOD WHAT WILL
BE THE RESULT?
Galatians 6:8
Proverbs 16:25
And here, too, is the great cause of
“The sower soweth the word.” Here mental weakness and inefficiency. In
is presented the great principle which turning from God’s word to feed on
should underlie all educational work. the writings of uninspired men, the
“The seed is the word of God.” But mind becomes dwarfed and cheapened.
in too many schools of our day God’s It is not brought in contact with deep,
word is set aside. Other subjects broad principles of eternal truth. The
occupy the mind. The study of infidel understanding adapts itself to the
authors holds a large place in the comprehension of the things with
educational system. Skeptical senti- which it is familiar, and in this devotion
ments are interwoven in the matter to finite things it is weakened, its
placed in school books. Scientific power is contracted, and after a time it
research becomes misleading, because becomes unable to expand.
its discoveries are misinterpreted
and perverted. The word of God is (19) WHAT SHOULD BE THE
compared with the supposed teachings FOCUS OF EDUCATION?
20
(20) BEFORE LEADING OTHERS

TO CHRIST, WHAT SHOULD OUR
OWN TESTIMONY BE?
2 Timothy 2:15
The work of every teacher should

be to fasten the mind of the youth
upon the grand truths of the word
of Inspiration. This is the education 1 John 1:2
essential for this life and for the life
to come. But the teacher of sacred truth can
impart only that which he himself
And let it not be thought that this will knows by experience. “The sower
prevent the study of the sciences, or sowed [his] seed.” Christ taught the
cause a lower standard in education. truth because He was the truth. His
The knowledge of God is as high as own thought, His character, His life-
heaven and as broad as the universe. experience, were embodied in His
There is nothing so ennobling and teaching. So with His servants: those
invigorating as a study of the great who would teach the word are to make
themes which concern our eternal it their own by a personal experience.
life. Let the youth seek to grasp these They must know what it is to have
God-given truths, and their minds will Christ made unto them wisdom and
expand and grow strong in the effort. righteousness and sanctification and
It will bring every student who is a redemption. In presenting the word
doer of the word into a broader field of of God to others, they are not to make
thought, and secure for him a wealth of it a suppose-so or a maybe. They
knowledge that is imperishable. should declare with the apostle Peter,
“We have not followed cunningly
The education to be secured by searching devised fables when we made known
the Scriptures is an experimental unto you the power and coming of
knowledge of the plan of salvation. our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-
Such an education will restore the image witnesses of His majesty.” 2 Peter
of God in the soul. It will strengthen and 1:16. Every minister of Christ and
fortify the mind against temptation, and every teacher should be able to say
fit the learner to become a co-worker with with the beloved John, “The life was
Christ in His mission of mercy to the manifested, and we have seen it, and
world. It will make him a member of the bear witness, and show unto you that
heavenly family; and prepare him to share eternal life which was with the Father,
the inheritance of the saints in light. and was manifested unto us.” 1 John 1:2.
21
I am grateful to Jesus for through the enlightenment of

coming to earth to share the Holy Spirit.
the “mysteries of heaven”
through the blessings of His Circle: Yes Undecided
parables.
Circle: Yes Undecided As the seed of the Word of God

enters the soil of my heart I
pray it will root deeply. May
It is my desire to be among it grow to bear fruit for the
those whose ears are open to cause of Christ in unselfish
hear the “heavenly grain of service for others.
truth” that He came to sow.
It is my decision not to put Circle: Yes Undecided
the traditions of man above
the Word of God.
It is my prayer to experience
Circle: Yes Undecided wisdom, righteousness, and
sanctification in my life by the
grace of Jesus so that I can be a
It is my desire to have eyes true witness. It is my desire that
open to see the meaning of the testimony of my life will cast
God’s Word and apply it to light on the pathway of others.
my life. I desire a greater
knowledge of truth revealed Circle: Yes Undecided

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22
Infertile Soil
Lesson
2
(1) UPON WHAT DOES OUR because it does not meet your ideas.
ETERNAL DESTINY DEPEND? The question of greatest importance to
you is, How do you treat My message?
Upon your reception or rejection of it
your eternal destiny depends.
Matthew 13:9 (2) WHAT DANGEROUS EFFECT

DOES THE DECEITFULNESS OF
That with which the parable of the sower SIN HAVE ON THE HEART?
chiefly deals is the effect produced on
the growth of the seed by the soil into
which it is cast. By this parable Christ
was virtually saying to His hearers, It
is not safe for you to stand as critics of
My work, or to indulge disappointment Hebrews 3:13
23
Infertile Soil
Explaining the seed that fell by the endeavor to impress hearts with the
wayside, He said, “When any one word of God, the enemy is on the alert
heareth the word of the kingdom, and to make the word of no effect. With an
understandeth it not, then cometh the earnestness equaled only by his malice,
wicked one, and catcheth away that he tries to thwart the work of the Spirit
which was sown in his heart. This is he of God. While Christ is drawing the
which received seed by the wayside.” soul by His love, Satan tries to turn
away the attention of the one who is
The seed sown by the wayside moved to seek the Saviour. He engages
represents the word of God as it falls the mind with worldly schemes. He
upon the heart of an inattentive hearer. excites criticism, or insinuates doubt
Like the hard-beaten path, trodden and unbelief. The speaker’s choice of
down by the feet of men and beasts, language or his manner may not please
is the heart that becomes a highway the hearers, and they dwell upon these
for the world’s traffic, its pleasures defects. Thus the truth they need, and
and sins. Absorbed in selfish aims which God has graciously sent them,
and sinful indulgences, the soul is makes no lasting impression.
“hardened through the deceitfulness of
sin.” Heb. 3:13. The spiritual faculties (4) WHAT IMPACT DOES THE
are paralyzed. Men hear the word, but WORDS WE SPEAK HAVE ON
understand it not. They do not discern OUR LIVES AND THE LIVES OF
that it applies to themselves. They do OTHERS?
not realize their need or their danger.
They do not perceive the love of
Christ, and they pass by the message
of His grace as something that does not Proverbs 14:25
concern them.
(3) HOW DOES SATAN TAKE

ADVANTAGE OF A HARDENED
HEART?
Matthew 12:37
Satan has many helpers. Many who

Mark 4:15 profess to be Christians are aiding the
tempter to catch away the seeds of truth
As the birds are ready to catch up from other hearts. Many who listen to
the seed from the wayside, so Satan the preaching of the word of God make
is ready to catch away the seeds of it the subject of criticism at home. They
divine truth from the soul. He fears sit in judgment on the sermon as they
that the word of God may awaken would on the words of a lecturer or
the careless, and take effect upon the a political speaker. The message that
hardened heart. Satan and his angels should be regarded as the word of the
are in the assemblies where the gospel Lord to them is dwelt upon with trifling
is preached. While angels of heaven or sarcastic comment. The minister’s
24
character, motives, and actions, and underlies the soil of their good desires
the conduct of fellow members of the and aspirations. The love of self is
church, are freely discussed. Severe not subdued. They have not seen the
judgment is pronounced, gossip or exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the
slander repeated, and this in the hearing heart has not been humbled under a
of the unconverted. Often these things sense of its guilt. This class may be
are spoken by parents in the hearing of easily convinced, and appear to be
their own children. Thus are destroyed bright converts, but they have only a
respect for God’s messengers, and superficial religion.
reverence for their message. And
many are taught to regard lightly (6) WHAT PHRASE IN THIS VERSE
God’s word itself. DESCRIBES HOW WE SHOULD
RECEIVE GOD’S WORD INTO
Thus in the homes of professed OUR HEART?
Christians many youth are educated to
be infidels. And the parents question
why their children are so little interested
in the gospel, and so ready to doubt the
truth of the Bible. They wonder that James 1:21
it is so difficult to reach them with
moral and religious influences. They It is not because men receive the word
do not see that their own example has immediately, nor because they rejoice
hardened the hearts of their children. in it, that they fall away. As soon as
The good seed finds no place to take Matthew heard the Saviour’s call,
root, and Satan catches it away. immediately he rose up, left all, and
followed Him. As soon as the divine
(5) HOW LONG DOES THE word comes to our hearts, God desires
SEED SOWN IN THE STONY us to receive it; and it is right to accept it
GROUND OF UNSURRENDERED with joy. “Joy shall be in heaven over
SELF LAST? one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:7.
And there is joy in the soul that
believes on Christ. But those who in
the parable are said to receive the word
immediately, do not count the cost.
They do not consider what the word
of God requires of them. They do not
bring it face to face with all their habits
Matthew 13:21 of life, and yield themselves fully to
its control.
The seed sown upon stony ground finds
little depth of soil. The plant springs up (7) WHAT IS THE ROOT THAT
quickly, but the root cannot penetrate KEEPS OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE
the rock to find nutriment to sustain NOURISHED?
its growth, and it soon perishes. Many
who make a profession of religion
are stony-ground hearers. Like the
rock underlying the layer of earth,
the selfishness of the natural heart Romans 1:17
25
Infertile Soil
The roots of the plant strike down deep left Jesus, they are ready to say, “This
into the soil, and hidden from sight is an hard saying; who can hear it?”
nourish the life of the plant. So with John 6:60.
the Christian; it is by the invisible union
of the soul with Christ, through faith, (9) WHAT IS ESSENTIAL FOR
that the spiritual life is nourished. But OUR LIVES TO BE IN HARMONY
the stony-ground hearers depend upon WITH GOD?
self instead of Christ. They trust in their
good works and good impulses, and
are strong in their own righteousness.
They are not strong in the Lord, and John 15:4
in the power of His might. Such a one
“hath not root in himself”; for he is not There are very many who claim to serve
connected with Christ. God, but who have no experimental
knowledge of Him. Their desire
(8) WHAT IS THE RESPONSE OF to do His will is based upon their
THOSE WITH SHALLOW ROOTS own inclination, not upon the deep
WHEN EXPOSED TO THE HEAT conviction of the Holy Spirit. Their
OF AFFLICTION? conduct is not brought into harmony
with the law of God. They profess
to accept Christ as their Saviour, but
they do not believe that He will give
Matthew 13:20, 21 them power to overcome their sins.
They have not a personal relation with
The hot summer sun, that strengthens a living Saviour, and their characters
and ripens the hardy grain, destroys reveal defects both hereditary and
that which has no depth of root. So he cultivated.
who “hath not root in himself,” “dureth
for a while”; but “when tribulation or
(10) IF WE TRULY LOVE CHRIST,
persecution ariseth because of the word,
TO WHAT EXTENT, WILL WE
by and by he is offended.” Many receive
SUBMIT OURSELVES TO HIM?
the gospel as a way of escape from
suffering, rather than as a deliverance
from sin. They rejoice for a season,
for they think that religion will free
them from difficulty and trial. While
life moves smoothly with them, they
may appear to be consistent Christians. Mark 12:30
But they faint beneath the fiery test of
temptation. They cannot bear reproach It is one thing to assent in a general
for Christ’s sake. When the word of way to the agency of the Holy Spirit,
God points out some cherished sin, or and another thing to accept His work as
requires self-denial or sacrifice, they a reprover calling to repentance. Many
are offended. It would cost them too feel a sense of estrangement from God,
much effort to make a radical change in a realization of their bondage to self and
their life. They look at the present sin; they make efforts for reform; but
inconvenience and trial, and forget the they do not crucify self. They do not
eternal realities. Like the disciples who give themselves entirely into the hands
26
of Christ, seeking for divine power to

do His will. They are not willing to be
molded after the divine similitude. In
a general way they acknowledge their Ephesians 3:17
imperfections, but they do not give up
their particular sins. With each wrong Love must be the principle of action.
act the old selfish nature is gaining Love is the underlying principle of
strength. God’s government in heaven and earth,
and it must be the foundation of the
The only hope for these souls is to Christian’s character. This alone can
realize in themselves the truth of make and keep him steadfast. This
Christ’s words to Nicodemus, “Ye must alone can enable him to withstand trial
be born again.” “Except a man be born and temptation.
from above, he can not see the kingdom
of God.” John 3:7, 3. (13) HOW WILL OUR LOVE FOR
CHRIST BE REVEALED?
(11) WHAT DOES CHRIST ASK
OF THOSE WHOM HE HAS
DELIVERED?
Matthew 10:39
And love will be revealed in sacrifice.
Luke 1:74, 75 The plan of redemption was laid in
sacrifice–a sacrifice so broad and deep
True holiness is wholeness in the and high that it is immeasurable. Christ
service of God. This is the condition of gave all for us, and those who receive
true Christian living. Christ asks for an Christ will be ready to sacrifice all for
unreserved consecration, for undivided the sake of their Redeemer. The thought
service. He demands the heart, the of His honor and glory will come before
mind, the soul, the strength. Self is not anything else.
to be cherished. He who lives to himself
is not a Christian. (14) WITH LOVE FOR CHRIST
AS OUR MOTIVE, WHAT WILL
BECOME THE FOCUS OF OUR
(12) AS WE ABIDE IN CHRIST
LIVES?
AND HE IN US, WHAT WILL
BECOME THE FOUNDATION OF
OUR CHARACTER AND GUIDE OF
OUR ACTIONS?
1 Peter 4:10
27
Infertile Soil
If we love Jesus, we shall love to live

for Him, to present our thank offerings
to Him, to labor for Him. The very labor It is my prayer for the soil
will be light. For His sake we shall of my heart to be fertile. I
covet pain and toil and sacrifice. We realize that upon this my
shall sympathize with His longing for eternal life depends.
the salvation of men. We shall feel the
same tender craving for souls that He Circle: Yes Undecided
has felt.
(15) HOW MANY MASTERS May the roots of my faith grow

CAN WE SERVE? deep and nourish the union
of my soul to Christ. May
reliance on Christ and not
on myself keep me steadfast
in His righteousness.
Circle: Yes Undecided
When the heat of tribulation

and persecution comes I pray
for it to strengthen and ripen
the “grains of truth” in my
heart.
Luke 16:13
This is the religion of Christ. Anything
short of it is a deception. No mere
theory of truth or profession of I give my life in unreserved
discipleship will save any soul. We consecration to the will
do not belong to Christ unless we are of God. I pray that His
His wholly. It is by halfheartedness principles of love will be the
in the Christian life that men become foundation of my undivided
feeble in purpose and changeable in service to Him.
desire. The effort to serve both self
and Christ makes one a stony-ground Circle: Yes Undecided
hearer, and he will not endure when
the test comes upon him.

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28
Among the
Thorns
Lesson
3
(1) WHAT HAPPENS TO THE former life of sin are not left behind, if
SEED IN AN UNSURRENDERED the attributes of Satan are not expelled
HEART? from the soul, the wheat crop will be
choked. The thorns will come to be the
crop, and will kill out the wheat.
(2) TO WHAT DEGREE DOES GOD

DESIRE OUR SANCTIFICATION?
Matthew 13:22
The gospel seed often falls among thorns

and noxious weeds; and if there is not
a moral transformation in the human
heart, if old habits and practices and the 1 Thessalonians 5:23
29
Among the Thorns
Grace can thrive only in the heart that

is being constantly prepared for the
precious seeds of truth. The thorns of
sin will grow in any soil; they need no
cultivation; but grace must be carefully
cultivated. The briers and thorns are 1 Peter 5:7
always ready to spring up, and the “The cares of this world.” No class is free
work of purification must advance from the temptation to worldly care. To the
continually. If the heart is not kept poor, toil and deprivation and the fear of
under the control of God, if the Holy want bring perplexities and burdens. To the
Spirit does not work unceasingly to rich come fear of loss and a multitude of
refine and ennoble the character, the old anxious cares. Many of Christ’s followers
habits will reveal themselves in the life. forget the lesson He has bidden us learn
Men may profess to believe the gospel; from the flowers of the field. They do not
but unless they are sanctified by the trust to His constant care. Christ cannot
gospel their profession is of no avail. carry their burden, because they do not cast
If they do not gain the victory over it upon Him. Therefore the cares of life,
sin, then sin is gaining the victory over which should drive them to the Saviour
them. The thorns that have been cut off for help and comfort, separate them
but not uprooted grow apace, until the from Him.
soul is overspread with them.
(5) WHAT DANGER IS PRESENT
(3) WHAT THREE PITFALLS DID WHEN ETERNAL ENDEAVORS
CHRIST WARN CAN CHOKE THE BECOME SUBORDINATE TO THE
SPIRITUAL SEED WITHIN US? PURSUIT OF WORLDLY GAIN?
Matthew 16:26
Mark 4:19
Many who might be fruitful in God’s
Christ specified the things that are service become bent on acquiring
dangerous to the soul. As recorded wealth. Their whole energy is absorbed
by Mark He mentions the cares in business enterprises, and they feel
of this world, the deceitfulness of obliged to neglect things of a spiritual
riches, and the lusts of other things. nature. Thus they separate themselves
Luke specifies the cares, riches, from God. We are enjoined in the
and pleasures of this life. These are Scriptures to be “not slothful in
what choke the word, the growing business.” Rom. 12:11. We are to
spiritual seed. The soul ceases to labor that we may impart to him who
draw nourishment from Christ, and needs. Christians must work, they
spirituality dies out of the heart. must engage in business, and they can
do this without committing sin. But
(4) HOW CAN WE AVOID BEING many become so absorbed in business
OVERCOME WITH CARES OF THIS that they have no time for prayer, no
LIFE? time for the study of the Bible, no time
30
to seek and serve God. At times the

longings of the soul go out for holiness
and heaven; but there is no time to
turn aside from the din of the world to Deuteronomy 8:18
listen to the majestic and authoritative
utterances of the Spirit of God. The “The deceitfulness of riches.” The love
things of eternity are made subordinate, of riches has an infatuating, deceptive
the things of the world supreme. It is power. Too often those who possess
impossible for the seed of the word worldly treasure forget that it is God
to bring forth fruit; for the life of the who gives them power to get wealth.
soul is given to nourish the thorns of They say, “My power and the might of
worldliness. mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.”
Deut. 8:17. Their riches, instead of
(6) WHAT IS THE KEY TO FRUIT- awakening gratitude to God, lead to the
FUL CHRISTIAN MINISTRY? exaltation of self. They lose the sense
of their dependence upon God and their
obligation to their fellow men. Instead
of regarding wealth as a talent to be
employed for the glory of God and the
John 15:5 uplifting of humanity, they look upon
it as a means of serving themselves.
And many who are working with a Instead of developing in man the
very different purpose, fall into a like attributes of God, riches thus used are
error. They are working for others’ developing in him the attributes of
good; their duties are pressing, Satan. The seed of the word is choked
their responsibilities are many, and with thorns.
they allow their labor to crowd out
devotion. Communion with God (8) WHAT IS THE DANGEROUS
through prayer and a study of His EFFECT OF SELF-INDULGENT
word is neglected. They forget that FULFILLMENT OF LUST?
Christ has said, “Without Me ye can do
nothing.” John 15:5. They walk apart
from Christ, their life is not pervaded
by His grace, and the characteristics
of self are revealed. Their service
is marred by desire for supremacy, 1 Peter 2:11
and the harsh, unlovely traits of the
unsubdued heart. Here is one of the “And pleasures of this life.” There is
chief secrets of failure in Christian danger in amusement that is sought
work. This is why its results are often merely for self-gratification. All
so meager. habits of indulgence that weaken the
physical powers, that becloud the
(7) WHAT SHOULD WE REMEM- mind, or that benumb the spiritual
BER WHEN TEMPTED WITH THE perceptions, are “fleshly lusts, which
“DECEITFULNESS OF RICHES?” war against the soul.”
“And the lusts of other things.” These

are not necessarily things sinful in
31
Among the Thorns
themselves, but something that is dwarfed. The high and noble aims of
made first instead of the kingdom of life are lost sight of. The privilege of
God. Whatever attracts the mind from being sons of God, heirs of eternity, is
God, whatever draws the affections bartered for worldly gain.
away from Christ, is an enemy to
the soul. (10) WHAT PRINCIPLE SHOULD
PA R E N T S F O L L O W W H E N
(9) WHAT RESPONSIBILITY DOES SEEKING THE HAPPINESS OF
GOD GIVE PARENTS IN THE THEIR CHILDREN?
SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE OF THEIR
CHILDREN?
Matthew 6:33
Proverbs 22:6 Many parents seek to promote the

happiness of their children by gratifying
When the mind is youthful and vigorous their love of amusement. They allow
and susceptible of rapid development, them to engage in sports, and to attend
there is great temptation to be ambitious parties of pleasure, and provide them
for self, to serve self. If worldly with money to use freely in display and
schemes are successful, there is an self-gratification. The more the desire
inclination to continue in a line that for pleasure is indulged, the stronger it
deadens conscience, and prevents a becomes. The interest of these youth is
correct estimate as to what constitutes more and more absorbed in amusement,
real excellence of character. When until they come to look upon it as the
circumstances favor this development, great object of life. They form habits of
growth will be seen in a direction idleness and self-indulgence that make
prohibited by the word of God. it almost impossible for them ever to
become steadfast Christians.
In this formative period of their
children’s life, the responsibility of (11) WHAT PRINCIPLE SHOULD
parents is very great. It should be BE THE FOCUS OF CHURCH
their study to surround the youth with FUNCTIONS?
right influences, influences that will
give them correct views of life and
its true success. Instead of this, how
many parents make it their first object
to secure for their children worldly
prosperity. All their associations are
chosen with reference to this object.
Many parents make their home in
some large city, and introduce their Psalms 89:7
children into fashionable society. They
surround them with influences that Even the church, which should be
encourage worldliness and pride. In the pillar and ground of the truth, is
this atmosphere the mind and soul are found encouraging the selfish love of
32
pleasure. When money is to be raised religious aspirations are chilled; their

for religious purposes, to what means spiritual life is darkened. All the nobler
do many churches resort? To bazaars, faculties of the soul, all that link man
suppers, fancy fairs, even to lotteries, with the spiritual world, are debased.
and like devices. Often the place set
apart for God’s worship is desecrated It is true that some may see their folly
by feasting and drinking, buying, and repent. God may pardon them. But
selling, and merrymaking. Respect for they have wounded their own souls,
the house of God and reverence for His and brought upon themselves a lifelong
worship are lessened in the minds of peril. The power of discernment, which
the youth. The barriers of self-restraint ought ever to be kept keen and sensitive
are weakened. Selfishness, appetite, the to distinguish between right and wrong,
love of display, are appealed to, and is in a great measure destroyed. They
they strengthen as they are indulged. are not quick to recognize the guiding
voice of the Holy Spirit, or to discern
(12) WHERE DOES THE PURSUIT the devices of Satan. Too often in time
OF CARNAL PLEASURE LEAD? of danger they fall under temptation,
and are led away from God. The end of
their pleasure-loving life is ruin for this
world and for the world to come.
Romans 8:5, 6 (13) WHAT SOLEMN WARNING

IS GIVEN AGAINST WORLDLY
The pursuit of pleasure and amusement LUSTS?
centers in the cities. Many parents
who choose a city home for their
children, thinking to give them greater
advantages, meet with disappointment,
and too late repent their terrible mistake.
The cities of today are fast becoming
like Sodom and Gomorrah. The many 1 Timothy 6:9
holidays encourage idleness. The
exciting sports–theatergoing, horse Cares, riches, pleasures, all are used
racing, gambling, liquor-drinking, and by Satan in playing the game of life
reveling–stimulate every passion to for the human soul. The warning is
intense activity. The youth are swept given, “Love not the world, neither the
away by the popular current. Those things that are in the world. If any man
who learn to love amusement for its love the world, the love of the Father is
own sake open the door to a flood of not in him. For all that is in the world,
temptations. They give themselves up the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the
to social gaiety and thoughtless mirth, eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the
and their intercourse with pleasure Father, but is of the world.” 1 John
lovers has an intoxicating effect upon 2:15, 16. He who reads the hearts of
the mind. They are led on from one men as an open book says, “Take heed
form of dissipation to another, until to yourselves, lest at any time your
they lose both the desire and the hearts be overcharged with surfeiting
capacity for a life of usefulness. Their and drunkenness and cares of this life.”
33
Among the Thorns
Luke 21:34. And the apostle Paul by

the Holy Spirit writes, “They that
will be rich fall into temptation and I choose to follow Christ and
a snare, and into many foolish and pray for wisdom not to allow
hurtful lusts, which drown men in the love of earthly riches
destruction and perdition. For the and pleasures of this life
love of money is the root of all evil; to become barriers to my
which, while some coveted after, relationship with Him.
they have erred from the faith, and
pierced themselves through with Circle: Yes Undecided
many sorrows.”
I pray for wisdom to train
my children in a heavenly
pattern. It is my desire
It is my prayer that, by the to surround them with
sanctifying power of Christ, influences that lead to peace,
the attributes of Satan will happiness, and the correct
be expelled from my soul. views of life.
Circle: Yes Undecided Circle: Yes Undecided

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34
The Preparation
and Harvest
of Good
Soil
Lesson
4
(1) WHAT DETERMINES THE its work in our hearts and lives, the
FERTILITY OF THE SOIL? reason is to be found in ourselves. But
the result is not beyond our control.
True, we cannot change ourselves;
but the power of choice is ours, and
it rests with us to determine what we
will become. The wayside, the stony-
ground, the thorny-ground hearers need
Deuteronomy 30:17 not remain such. The Spirit of God
is ever seeking to break the spell of
Throughout the parable of the sower, infatuation that holds men absorbed in
Christ represents the different results of worldly things, and to awaken a desire
the sowing as depending upon the soil. for the imperishable treasure. It is by
In every case the sower and the seed resisting the Spirit that men become
are the same. Thus He teaches that if inattentive to or neglectful of God’s
the word of God fails of accomplishing word. They are themselves responsible
35
The Preparation and Harvest of Good Soil
for the hardness of heart that prevents little of real heart-to-heart work. There
the good seed from taking root, and is need of personal labor for the souls
for the evil growths that check its of the lost. In Christlike sympathy we
development. should come close to men individually,
and seek to awaken their interest in the
(2) IF WE SUBMIT, WHAT TASK great things of eternal life. Their hearts
CAN CHRIST ACCOMPLISH IN may be as hard as the beaten highway,
THE GARDEN OF OUR HEARTS? and apparently it may be a useless
effort to present the Saviour to them;
but while logic may fail to move, and
argument be powerless to convince,
the love of Christ, revealed in personal
Jeremiah 4:3 ministry, may soften the stony heart, so
that the seed of truth can take root.
The garden of the heart must be
cultivated. The soil must be broken up by (4) WHAT BASIC PRINCIPLE OF
deep repentance for sin. Poisonous, THE CHRISTIAN LIFE SHOULD
Satanic plants must be uprooted. The WE AS SOWERS TEACH AS WE
soil once overgrown by thorns can be SHARE THE GOSPEL?
reclaimed only by diligent labor. So
the evil tendencies of the natural heart
can be overcome only by earnest effort
in the name and strength of Jesus. The
Lord bids us by His prophet, “Break
up your fallow ground, and sow not
among thorns.” “Sow to yourselves in
righteousness; reap in mercy.” Jer. 4:3; Galatians 2:20
Hosea 10:12. This work He desires to
accomplish for us, and He asks us to So the sowers have something to do that
cooperate with Him. the seed may not be choked with thorns
or perish because of shallowness of
(3) AS SOWERS FOR CHRIST, soil. At the very outset of the Christian
HOW CAN WE BE MOST EFFEC- life every believer should be taught its
TIVE IN REACHING HARDENED foundation principles. He should be
HEARTS? taught that he is not merely to be saved
by Christ’s sacrifice, but that he is to
make the life of Christ his life and the
character of Christ his character. Let all
be taught that they are to bear burdens
and to deny natural inclination. Let
them learn the blessedness of working
Isaiah 58:10 for Christ, following Him in self-denial,
and enduring hardness as good soldiers.
The sowers of the seed have a work Let them learn to trust His love and to
to do in preparing hearts to receive cast on Him their cares. Let them taste
the gospel. In the ministry of the word the joy of winning souls for Him. In
there is too much sermonizing, and too their love and interest for the lost, they
36
will lose sight of self. The pleasures of of the mercy and love of God. He has
the world will lose their power to attract a sincere desire to know the truth,
and its burdens to dishearten. The that he may obey it. The good heart
plowshare of truth will do its work. is a believing heart, one that has
It will break up the fallow ground. It faith in the word of God. Without
will not merely cut off the tops of the faith it is impossible to receive the
thorns, but will take them out by the roots. word. “He that cometh to God must
believe that He is, and that He is a
(5) WHAT WILL THE SEEDS SOWN rewarder of them that diligently seek
IN GOOD GROUND YIELD? Him.” Heb. 11:6.
(7) WHAT EFFORT MUST THE

OWNER OF THE SOIL MAKE
BEFORE THE SEED OF THE
Mark 4:8 GOSPEL CAN MATURE?
The sower is not always to meet with

disappointment. Of the seed that fell
into good ground the Saviour said,
This “is he that heareth the word, and
understandeth it; which also beareth
fruit, and bringeth forth, some an Matthew 13:23
hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
“That on the good ground are they, The Pharisees of Christ’s day closed
which, in an honest and good heart, their eyes lest they should see, and their
having heard the word, keep it, and ears lest they should hear; therefore
bring forth fruit with patience.” the truth could not reach their hearts.
They were to suffer retribution for their
willful ignorance and self-imposed
(6) WHOM DID CHRIST COME blindness. But Christ taught His
TO CALL TO REPENTANCE? disciples that they were to open their
minds to instruction, and be ready to
believe. He pronounced a blessing upon
them because they saw and heard with
eyes and ears that believed.
(8) IN WHAT MANNER SHOULD
Mark 2:17 THE SEED BE RECEIVED?
The “honest and good heart” of
which the parable speaks, is not a
heart without sin; for the gospel is to
be preached to the lost. Christ said,
“I came not to call the righteous,
but sinners to repentance.” He has 1 Thessalonians 2:13
an honest heart who yields to the
conviction of the Holy Spirit. He The good-ground hearer receives the
confesses his guilt, and feels his need word “not as the word of men, but as
37
it is in truth, the word of God.” Only Merely to hear or to read the word is not
he who receives the Scriptures as the enough. He who desires to be profited
voice of God speaking to himself is a by the Scriptures must meditate upon
true learner. He trembles at the word; the truth that has been presented to
for to him it is a living reality. He opens him. By earnest attention and prayerful
his understanding and his heart to thought he must learn the meaning of
receive it. Such hearers were Cornelius the words of truth, and drink deep of
and his friends, who said to the apostle the spirit of the holy oracles.
Peter, “Now therefore are we all here
present before God, to hear all things God bids us fill the mind with great
that are commanded thee of God.” thoughts, pure thoughts. He desires us
Acts 10:33. to meditate upon His love and mercy,
to study His wonderful work in the
(9) IN WHOM DOES THE KNOW- great plan of redemption. Then clearer
LEDGE AND WISDOM OF TRUTH and still clearer will be our perception
FIND FERTILE SOIL? of truth, higher, holier, our desire
for purity of heart and clearness of
thought. The soul dwelling in the pure
atmosphere of holy thought will be
transformed by communion with God
Psalms 19:7 through the study of Scriptures.
A knowledge of the truth depends not (11) WHAT WILL RESULT FROM
so much upon strength of intellect MEDITATION ON GOD’S WORD?
as upon pureness of purpose, the
simplicity of an earnest, dependent
faith. To those who in humility of
heart seek for divine guidance, angels Luke 8:15
of God draw near. The Holy Spirit is
given to open to them the rich treasures “And bring forth fruit.” Those who,
of the truth. having heard the word, keep it, will
bring forth fruit in obedience. The word
The good-ground hearers, having of God, received into the soul, will be
heard the word, keep it. Satan with manifest in good works. Its results will
all his agencies of evil is not able to be seen in a Christlike character and
catch it away. life. Christ said of Himself, “I delight
to do Thy will, O My God; yea, Thy
(10) AS WE COMMUNE WITH GOD law is within My heart.” Psalm 40:8. “I
THROUGH BIBLE STUDY, HOW seek not Mine own will, but the will of
WILL THE HIGHEST PERCEPTION the Father which hath sent Me.” John
OF TRUTH BE GAINED? 5:30. And the Scripture says, “He that
saith he abideth in Him ought himself
also so to walk, even as He walked.”
1 John 2:6.
(12) WHAT IS THE PRAYER OF

1 Timothy 4:15 A “GOOD-GROUND” HEARER?
38
(14) WHAT DEVELOPS THE FRUIT

OF “PATIENCE” THAT IS SO VITAL
IN CHRISTIAN GROWTH?
Psalms 119:33
The word of God often comes in

collision with man’s hereditary and Romans 5:3
cultivated traits of character and his
habits of life. But the good-ground Through conflict the spiritual life is
hearer, in receiving the word, accepts strengthened. Trials well borne will
all its conditions and requirements. develop steadfastness of character and
His habits, customs, and practices are precious spiritual graces. The perfect
brought into submission to God’s word. fruit of faith, meekness, and love often
In his view the commands of finite, matures best amid storm clouds and
erring man sink into insignificance darkness.
beside the word of the infinite God.
With the whole heart, with undivided (15) WHAT IS OUR PART IN
purpose, he is seeking the life eternal, THE PROCESS OF CHRISTIAN
and at the cost of loss, persecution, or GROWTH?
death itself, he will obey the truth.
(13) FOR A GODLY LIFE TO BE

FRUITFUL WHAT IS ESSENTIAL?
Hebrews 10:22
Luke 8:15
“The husbandman waiteth for the
And he brings forth fruit “with precious fruit of the earth, and hath
patience.” None who receive God’s long patience for it, until he receive the
word are exempt from difficulty early and latter rain.” James 5:7. So the
and trial; but when affliction comes, Christian is to wait with patience for the
the true Christian does not become fruition in his life of the word of God.
restless, distrustful, or despondent. Often when we pray for the graces of
Though we can not see the definite the Spirit, God works to answer our
outcome of affairs, or discern the prayers by placing us in circumstances
purpose of God’s providences, we to develop these fruits; but we do not
are not to cast away our confidence. understand His purpose, and wonder,
Remembering the tender mercies of and are dismayed. Yet none can develop
the Lord, we should cast our care these graces except through the process
upon Him, and with patience wait for of growth and fruit bearing. Our part
His salvation. is to receive God’s word and to hold
39
it fast, yielding ourselves fully to its

control, and its purpose in us will be
accomplished. Circle: Yes Undecided
(16) IF WE LOVE CHRIST AND I am thankful that truth
RECEIVE HIS WORD IN GOOD contained in the testimony of
GROUND, WHAT WILL RESULT? God’s Word is available to all
who diligently seek it. I am
thankful it makes wise even
the simple.

Matthew 13:23
I choose to meditate upon, and
“If a man love Me,” Christ said, “he accept God’s Word as truth.
will keep My words; and My Father By this communion with the
will love him, and we will come unto Lord I am looking forward to
him, and make our abode with him.” the fruit He has promised it
John 14:23. The spell of a stronger, a will bring.
perfect mind will be over us; for we
have a living connection with the source Circle: Yes Undecided
of all-enduring strength. In our divine
life we shall be brought into captivity to I pray that as I grow in Christ
Jesus Christ. We shall no longer live the I may be a sower of His seed.
common life of selfishness, but Christ I desire to share the fruit
will live in us. His character will be of Christlike sympathy by
reproduced in our nature. Thus shall we personal ministry to others.
bring forth the fruits of the Holy Spirit
-”some thirty, and some sixty, and some Circle: Yes Undecided
an hundred.”
I pray for the patience to
“hold fast” in faith as I
encounter the tribulations
I long for open ears that of life.
hear the Holy Spirit speak to
my heart and make it fertile Circle: Yes Undecided
for the fruit of repentance.
May my life be a testimony
Circle: Yes Undecided to my friends, family, and
neighbors that demonstrates
It is encouraging to me that seed sown in fertile soil that
Christ came to sow seeds produces fruit a hundred
in the hearts of sinners; fold.
not saints. It is my prayer
that my heart will be “good Circle: Yes Undecided
ground.“
40
First the Blade,
Then the
Ear
Lesson
5
This lesson is based on Mark 4:26-29.
The parable of the sower excited much

questioning. Some of the hearers Mark 4:26
gathered from it that Christ was not to
establish an earthly kingdom, and many
were curious and perplexed. Seeing
their perplexity, Christ used other Mark 4:29
illustrations, still seeking to turn their
thoughts from the hope of a worldly The husbandman who “putteth in the
kingdom to the work of God’s grace sickle, because the harvest is come,”
in the soul. can be no other than Christ. It is He who
at the last great day will reap the harvest
(1) WHO DOES THE SOWER of the earth. But the sower of the seed
AND REAPER OF THIS PARA- represents those who labor in Christ’s
BLE REPRESENT? stead. The seed is said to “spring and
41
First the Blade, then the Ear
grow up, he knoweth not how,” and night, the seed will yield no returns.
this is not true of the Son of God. The showers of rain must be sent to
Christ does not sleep over His charge, give moisture to the thirsty fields, the
but watches it day and night. He is not sun must impart heat, electricity must
ignorant of how the seed grows. be conveyed to the buried seed. The
life which the Creator has implanted,
(2) WHAT IS OUR RESPONSIBIL- He alone can call forth. Every seed
ITY AS SOWERS? grows, every plant develops, by the
power of God.
(4) WHO PROVIDES THE NECES-

SARY ELEMENTS AND POWER OF
LIFE FOR GROWTH OF SPIRITUAL
Ecclesiastes 11:6 SEEDS?
The parable of the seed reveals that

God is at work in nature. The seed
has in itself a germinating principle,
a principle that God Himself has Isaiah 61:11
implanted; yet if left to itself the seed
would have no power to spring up.
Man has his part to act in promoting
the growth of the grain. He must
prepare and enrich the soil and cast in
the seed. He must till the fields. But
there is a point beyond which he can Hosea 14:1, 5
accomplish nothing. No strength or
wisdom of man can bring forth from As in the natural, so in the spiritual
the seed the living plant. Let man put sowing; the teacher of truth must seek
forth his efforts to the utmost limit, to prepare the soil of the heart; he must
he must still depend upon One who sow the seed; but the power that alone
has connected the sowing and the can produce life is from God. There is
reaping by wonderful links of His own a point beyond which human effort is
omnipotent power. in vain. While we are to preach the
word, we can not impart the power
(3) WHO PROVIDES THE ELE- that will quicken the soul, and cause
MENTS AND POWER OF LIFE FOR righteousness and praise to spring forth.
GROWTH OF PHYSICAL SEEDS? In the preaching of the word there must
be the working of an agency beyond
any human power. Only through the
divine Spirit will the word be living
and powerful to renew the soul unto
Genesis 1:11 eternal life. This is what Christ tried to
impress upon His disciples. He taught
There is life in the seed, there is that it was nothing they possessed in
power in the soil; but unless an themselves which would give success
infinite power is exercised day and to their labors, but that it is the miracle-
42
working power of God which gives The good seed may for a time lie
efficiency to His own word. unnoticed in a cold, selfish, worldly
heart, giving no evidence that it has
(5) WHAT PRINCIPLE IS THE taken root; but afterward, as the Spirit
HARVEST OF OUR SEED SOWING of God breathes on the soul, the hidden
BASED UPON? seed springs up, and at last bears fruit
to the glory of God. In our lifework
we know not which shall prosper,
this or that. This is not a question for
us to settle. We are to do our work,
and leave the results with God. “In
the morning sow thy seed, and in the
evening withhold not thine hand.” Eccl.
Psalms 4:5 11:6. God’s great covenant declares
that “while the earth remaineth, seed-
The work of the sower is a work of time and harvest . . . shall not cease.”
faith. The mystery of the germination Gen. 8:22. In the confidence of this
and growth of the seed he cannot promise the husbandman tills and
understand. But he has confidence sows. Not less confidently are we in the
in the agencies by which God causes spiritual sowing to labor, trusting His
vegetation to flourish. In casting his assurance, “So shall My word be that
seed into the ground, he is apparently goeth forth out of My mouth; it shall
throwing away the precious grain that not return unto Me void, but it shall
might furnish bread for his family. But accomplish that which I please, and it
he is only giving up a present good for shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent
a larger return. He casts the seed away, it.” “He that goeth forth and weepeth,
expecting to gather it manyfold in an bearing precious seed, shall doubtless
abundant harvest. So Christ’s servants come again with rejoicing, bringing his
are to labor, expecting a harvest from sheaves with him.”
the seed they sow.
(7) WITH WHAT CAN THE SPIRI-
(6) BASED ON FAITH, WHAT TUAL DEVELOPMENT OF CHRIS-
PROMISE CAN THE SOWERS OF TIAN LIFE BE COMPARED?
GOD’S WORD CLAIM?
Isaiah 53:2
Psalms 126:6
The germination of the seed represents
the beginning of spiritual life, and the
development of the plant is a beautiful
figure of Christian growth. As in
nature, so in grace; there can be no life
without growth. The plant must either
Isaiah 55:11 grow or die. As its growth is silent and
43
First the Blade, then the Ear
imperceptible, but continuous, so is wings.” Malachi 4:2. We shall “grow as

the development of the Christian life. the lily.” We shall “revive as the corn,
At every stage of development our life and grow as the vine.” Hosea 14:5, 7.
may be perfect; yet if God’s purpose for By constantly relying upon Christ as our
us is fulfilled, there will be continual personal Saviour, we shall grow up into
advancement. Sanctification is the Him in all things who is our head.
work of a lifetime. As our opportunities
multiply, our experience will enlarge, (9) WHAT IS THE OBJECTIVE
and our knowledge increase. We shall IN THE SOWING OF SPIRITUAL
become strong to bear responsibility, SEEDS?
and our maturity will be in proportion
to our privileges.
(8) BY WHAT SOURCE IS THE

WORK OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH
ACCOMPLISHED? Mark 4:8
The wheat develops “first the blade,

then the ear, after that the full corn in the
ear.” The object of the husbandman in
the sowing of the seed and the culture
of the growing plant is the production
Zechariah 4:6 of grain. He desires bread for the
hungry, and seed for future harvests.
The plant grows by receiving that So the divine Husbandman looks for a
which God has provided to sustain its harvest as the reward of His labor and
life. It sends down its roots into the sacrifice. Christ is seeking to reproduce
earth. It drinks in the sunshine, the Himself in the hearts of men; and He
dew, and the rain. It receives the life- does this through those who believe in
giving properties from the air. So the Him. The object of the Christian life
Christian is to grow by cooperating is fruit bearing–the reproduction of
with the divine agencies. Feeling our Christ’s character in the believer, that
helplessness, we are to improve all it may be reproduced in others.
the opportunities granted us to gain a
fuller experience. As the plant takes (10) FOR WHOM DOES THE
root in the soil, so we are to take deep PLANT PRODUCE FRUIT?
root in Christ. As the plant receives
the sunshine, the dew, and the rain,
we are to open our hearts to the Holy
Spirit. The work is to be done “not by
might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, Isaiah 55:10
saith the Lord of hosts.” If we keep
our minds stayed upon Christ, He will The plant does not germinate, grow,
come unto us “as the rain, as the latter or bring forth fruit for itself, but to
and former rain unto the earth.” Hosea “give seed to the sower, and bread to
6:3. As the Sun of Righteousness, He the eater.” So no man is to live unto
will arise upon us “with healing in His himself. The Christian is in the world
44
as a representative of Christ, for the because the harvest is come.” Christ

salvation of other souls. is waiting with longing desire for the
manifestation of Himself in His church.
(11) WHAT IS THE KEY TO FRUIT- When the character of Christ shall be
FULNESS? perfectly reproduced in His people,
then He will come to claim them as
His own.
It is the privilege of every Christian

John 15:5 not only to look for but to hasten
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
There can be no growth or fruitfulness (2 Peter 3:12, margin). Were all who
in the life that is centered in self. If profess His name bearing fruit to His
you have accepted Christ as a personal glory, how quickly the whole world
Saviour, you are to forget yourself, and would be sown with the seed of the
try to help others. Talk of the love of gospel. Quickly the last great harvest
Christ, tell of His goodness. Do every would be ripened, and Christ would
duty that presents itself. Carry the come to gather the precious grain.
burden of souls upon your heart, and
by every means in your power seek to
save the lost. As you receive the Spirit
of Christ–the Spirit of unselfish love I see how the germination
and labor for others–you will grow and of the seed represents our
bring forth fruit. The graces of the Spirit spiritual life, and how the
will ripen in your character. Your faith development of the plant is
will increase, your convictions deepen, a beautiful comparison to
your love be made perfect. More and Christian growth.
more you will reflect the likeness of
Christ in all that is pure, noble, and Circle: Yes Undecided
lovely.
I realize that Christ represents
(12) WHAT ARE THE FRUITS the Husbandman and His
THAT CHRIST WANTS TO SEE purpose in the sowing of
MANIFESTED IN HIS PEOPLE? seeds is so that fruit may be
harvested in our lives.
The fruits Christ wishes to

harvest in each of us are the
Galatians 5:22, 23 fruits of the Spirit and it is
my prayer to always abide in
This fruit can never perish, but will Christ so that these fruits will
produce after its kind a harvest unto be bountiful in my life.
eternal life.
“When the fruit is brought forth,
immediately he putteth in the sickle,
45
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46
The Lessons of
the Tares
Lesson
6
This lesson is based on the parable in
Matthew 13:24-30; 37-43.
“Another parable put He forth unto

them, saying, The kingdom of heaven
is likened unto a man which sowed Matthew 13:38
good seed in his field; but while men
slept, his enemy came and sowed tares
among the wheat, and went his way.
But when the blade was sprung up, Matthew 13:25
and brought forth fruit, then appeared
the tares also.” “The field,” Christ said, “is the
world.” But we must understand this
(1) IN THIS PARABLE, WHERE as signifying the church of Christ in the
WERE THE TARES SOWN? world. The parable is a description of
47
The Lesson of the Tares
that which pertains to the kingdom of In the East, men sometimes took
God, His work of salvation of men; and revenge upon an enemy by strewing
this work is accomplished through the his newly sown fields with the seeds
church. True, the Holy Spirit has gone of some noxious weed that, while
out into all the world; everywhere it is growing, closely resembled wheat.
moving upon the hearts of men; but it Springing up with the wheat, it injured
is in the church that we are to grow and the crop and brought trouble and loss
ripen for the garner of God. to the owner of the field. So it is from
enmity to Christ that Satan scatters
(2) LIST THE FIVE CHARACTERS his evil seed among the good grain of
IN THIS PARABLE AND WHAT the kingdom. The fruit of his sowing
THEY REPRESENT. he attributes to the Son of God. By
bringing into the church those who
bear Christ’s name while they deny
His character, the wicked one causes
that God shall be dishonored, the work
of salvation misrepresented, and souls
imperiled.
(4) HOW SHOULD THE CHURCH

TREAT THE MEMBERS WHO AP-
PEAR TO BE FALSE BELIEVERS?
Matthew 13:37-39
“He that sowed the good seed is the

Son of man. . . . The good seed are the
children of the kingdom; but the tares
are the children of the wicked one.” Matthew 13:29, 30
The good seed represents those who
are born of the word of God, the truth. Christ’s servants are grieved as they see
The tares represent a class who are the true and false believers mingled in the
fruit or embodiment of error, of false church. They long to do something
principles. “The enemy that sowed them to cleanse the church. Like the servants
is the devil.” Neither God nor His angels of the householder, they are ready to
ever sowed a seed that would produce a uproot the tares. But Christ says to
tare. The tares are always sown by Satan, them, “Nay; lest while ye gather up the
the enemy of God and man. tares, ye root up also the wheat with
them. Let both grow together until the
(3) WHAT IS THE RESULT OF harvest.”
FALSE CHRISTIANITY?
(5) WHY SHOULD CHRIST AND
NOT MORTALS BE THE JUDGE OF
A MAN’S CHARACTER?
Ecclesiastes 10:1
48
There is in the Saviour’s words another

lesson, a lesson of wonderful for-
bearance and tender love. As the tares
have their roots closely intertwined
with those of the good grain, so false
1 Samuel 16:7 brethren in the church may be closely
linked with true disciples. The real
character of these pretended believers
is not fully manifested. Were they to be
separated from the church, others might
be caused to stumble, who but for this
2 Chronicles 6:30 would have remained steadfast.
Christ has plainly taught that those The teaching of this parable is illustrated
who persist in open sin must be in God’s own dealing with men and
separated from the church, but He angels. Satan is a deceiver. When he
has not committed to us the work sinned in heaven, even the loyal angels
of judging character and motive. did not fully discern his character. This
He knows our nature too well to was why God did not at once destroy
entrust this work to us. Should we Satan. Had He done so, the holy angels
try to uproot from the church those would not have perceived the justice
whom we suppose to be spurious and love of God. A doubt of God’s
Christians, we should be sure to make goodness would have been as evil
mistakes. Often we regard as hopeless seed that would yield the bitter fruit of
subjects the very ones whom Christ sin and woe. Therefore the author of
is drawing to Himself. Were we to evil was spared, fully to develop his
deal with these souls according to our character.
imperfect judgment, it would perhaps
extinguish their last hope. Many who Through long ages God has borne the
think themselves Christians will at anguish of beholding the work of evil,
last be found wanting. Many will He has given the infinite Gift of Calvary,
be in heaven who their neighbors rather than leave any to be deceived by
supposed would never enter there. the misrepresentations of the wicked
Man judges from appearance, but one; for the tares could not be plucked up
God judges the heart. The tares and without danger of uprooting the precious
the wheat are to grow together until grain. And shall we not be as forbearing
the harvest; and the harvest is the end toward our fellow men as the Lord of
of probationary time. heaven and earth is toward Satan?
(6) WHAT GODLY TRAITS OF (7) WHAT DID JESUS CALL THESE
CHARACTER ARE GIVEN FOR AN FALSE REPRESENTATIVES OF
EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW? CHRISTIANITY?
Romans 15:5 Matthew 15:7
49
The Lesson of the Tares
The world has no right to doubt the

truth of Christianity because there are
unworthy members in the church, nor
should Christians become disheartened
because of these false brethren. How
was it with the early church? Ananias Matthew 13:39
and Sapphira joined themselves to the
disciples. Simon Magus was baptized. The tares closely resembled the wheat
Demas, who forsook Paul, had been while the blades were green; but when
counted a believer. Judas Iscariot the field was white for the harvest, the
was numbered with the apostles. The worthless weeds bore no likeness to the
Redeemer does not want to lose one wheat that bowed under the weight of
soul; His experience with Judas is its full, ripe heads. Sinners who make
recorded to show His long patience with a pretension of piety mingle for a
perverse human nature; and He bids us time with the true followers of Christ,
bear with it as He has borne. He has said and the semblance of Christianity is
that false brethren will be found in the calculated to deceive many; but in the
church till the close of time. harvest of the world there will be no
likeness between good and evil. Then
those who have joined the church, but
Notwithstanding Christ’s warning, men who have not joined Christ, will be
have sought to uproot the tares. To manifest.
punish those who were supposed to be
evildoers, the church has had recourse (9) AT WHAT EVENT WILL THE
to the civil power. Those who differed SEPARATION OF THE WHEAT
from the established doctrines have FROM THE TARES OCCUR?
been imprisoned, put to torture and
to death, at the instigation of men
who claimed to be acting under the
sanction of Christ. But it is the spirit
of Satan, not the Spirit of Christ, that
inspires such acts. This is Satan’s Malachi 3:18
own method of bringing the world The tares are permitted to grow
under his dominion. God has been among the wheat, to have all the
misrepre-sented through the church advantage of sun and shower; but in
by this way of dealing with those the time of harvest ye shall “return,
supposed to be heretics. and discern between the righteous
and the wicked, between him that
Not judgment and condemnation of serveth God and him that serveth Him
others, but humility and distrust of self, not.” Christ Himself will decide who
is the teaching of Christ’s parable. Not are worthy to dwell with the family
all that is sown in the field is good grain. of heaven. He will judge every man
The fact that men are in the church does according to his words and his works.
not prove them Christians. Profession is as nothing in the scale. It
is character that decides destiny.
(8) WHEN WILL THE HARVEST
OCCUR WHICH WILL DISTINGUISH (10) WHAT WILL BE THE FATE
THE TARES FROM THE WHEAT? OF THE “TARES”?
50
From this parable I realize

Satan has his representatives
in the church who claim to be
Christians.
I pray for wisdom of discern-

ment to recognize and avoid
these negative influences.
Matthew 13:42
The Saviour does not point forward
to a time when all the tares become I realize Christ is the Judge
wheat. The wheat and tares grow and He will separate the
“tares” from the “wheat” at
together until the harvest, the end of
the harvest.
the world. Then the tares are bound in
bundles to be burned, and the wheat is Circle: Yes Undecided
gathered into the garner of God. “Then
shall the righteous shine forth as the I pray that, by God’s grace
sun in the kingdom of their Father.” and mercy, I will not be counted
Then “the Son of man shall send forth among the “tares” when He
His angels, and they shall gather out of comes for the harvest.
His kingdom all things that offend, and
them which do iniquity; and shall cast Circle: Yes Undecided
them into a furnace of fire; there shall
be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”

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51
Like a Grain of
Mustard Seed
Lesson
7
This lesson is based on the parable in teacher could exalt Israel to universal
Matthew 13:31,32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke dominion. Without riches, power, or
13:18,19. honor, how was He to establish the new
kingdom? Christ read their thoughts
(1) TO WHAT DID CHRIST COM- and answered them: “Whereunto
PARE THE KINGDOM OF HEAV- shall we liken the kingdom of God?
EN? or with what comparison shall we
compare it?” In earthly governments
there was nothing that could serve for
a similitude. No civil society could af-
ford Him a symbol. “It is like a grain of
Luke 13:18, 19 mustard seed,” He said, “which, when
it is sown upon the earth, though it be
In the multitude that listened to Christ’s less than all the seeds that are upon
teaching there were many Pharisees. the earth, yet when it is sown, groweth
These noted contemptuously how few up, and becometh greater than all the
of His hearers acknowledged Him herbs, and putteth out great branches;
as the Messiah. And they questioned so that the birds of the heaven can
with themselves how this unpretending lodge under the shadow thereof.”
52
(2) WHAT PRINCIPLE IS CHRIST’S

KINGDOM AND HIS WORD
BASED UPON?
Mark 4:30, 31
As Jesus spoke this parable, the mustard

plant could be seen far and near, lifting
John 8:31, 32 itself above the grass and grain, and
waving its branches lightly in the air.
Birds flitted from twig to twig, and
sang amid the leafy foliage. Yet the
seed from which sprang this giant plant
1 John 2:29 was among the least of all seeds. At first
it sent up a tender shoot, but it was of
The germ in the seed grows by the strong vitality, and grew and flourished
unfolding of the life-principle which until it reached its present great size. So
God has implanted. Its development the kingdom of Christ in its beginning
depends upon no human power. So it is seemed humble and insignificant.
with the kingdom of Christ. It is a new Compared with earthly kingdoms it
creation. Its principles of development appeared to be the least of all. By the
are the opposite of those that rule rulers of this world Christ’s claim to be
the kingdoms of this world. Earthly a king was ridiculed. Yet in the mighty
governments prevail by physical force; truths committed to His followers
they maintain their dominion by war; the kingdom of the gospel possessed
but the founder of the new kingdom is a divine life. And how rapid was its
the Prince of Peace. The Holy Spirit growth, how widespread its influence!
represents worldly kingdoms under When Christ spoke this parable, there
the symbol of fierce beasts of prey; but were only a few Galilean peasants
Christ is “the Lamb of God, which taketh to represent the new kingdom. Their
away the sin of the world.” In His plan poverty, the fewness of their numbers,
of government there is no employment were urged over and over again as a
of brute force to compel the conscience. reason why men should not connect
The Jews looked for the kingdom of God themselves with these simpleminded
to be established in the same way as fishermen who followed Jesus. But
the kingdoms of the world. To promote the mustard seed was to grow and
righteousness they resorted to external spread forth its branches throughout
measures. They devised methods and the world. When the earthly kingdoms
plans. But Christ implants a principle. whose glory then filled the hearts of
By implanting truth and righteousness, men should perish, the kingdom of
He counter works error and sin. Christ would remain, a mighty and
far-reaching power.
(3) WHAT WAS THE MAGNITUDE
OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD ON ( 4 ) W H AT D E S C R I P T I O N I N
EARTH AT ITS INCEPTION? THIS VERSE CAN BE USED AS
A COMPARISON TO GROWTH
AND THE WORK OF GRACE
IN THE HEART?
53
Like a Grain of Mustard Seed
their companions took ship at Troas for

Philippi. See “Paul the aged,” in chains,
preaching Christ in the stronghold of
the Caesars. See the little communities
1 Peter 2:2 of slaves and peasants in conflict with
the heathenism of imperial Rome. See
So the work of grace in the heart Martin Luther withstanding that mighty
is small in its beginning. A word is church which is the masterpiece of the
spoken, a ray of light is shed into the world’s wisdom. See him holding fast
soul, an influence is exerted that is the God’s word against emperor and pope,
beginning of the new life; and who can declaring, “Here I take my stand; I can
measure its results? not do otherwise. God be my help.”
See John Wesley preaching Christ and
His righteousness in the midst of
(5) WHAT WAS PAUL’S TESTIMO- formalism, sensualism, and infidelity.
NY AND THE TESTIMONY OF THE See one burdened with the woes of
FIRST BEARERS OF THE GOSPEL the heathen world, pleading for the
THROUGHOUT HISTORY? privilege of carrying to them Christ’s
message of love. Hear the response
of ecclesiasticism: “Sit down, young
man. When God wants to convert the
heathen, He will do it without your
help or mine.”
Romans 1:16 (6) THROUGH WHOM WILL

SPIRITUAL LIGHT BE REVEALED
Not only is the growth of Christ’s IN THE LAST DAYS?
kingdom illustrated by the parable of
the mustard seed, but in every stage of
its growth the experience represented in
the parable is repeated. For His church
in every generation God has a special
truth and a special work. The truth
that is hid from the worldly wise and
prudent is revealed to the childlike and
humble. It calls for self-sacrifice. It has
battles to fight and victories to win. At
the outset its advocates are few. By the Acts 2:17
great men of the world and by a world-
conforming church, they are opposed The great leaders of religious thought
and despised. See John the Baptist, the in this generation sound the praises and
forerunner of Christ, standing alone to build the monuments of those who
rebuke the pride and formalism of the planted the seed of truth centuries ago.
Jewish nation. See the first bearers of the Do not many turn from this work to
gospel into Europe. How obscure, how trample down the growth springing
hopeless, seemed the mission of Paul and from the same seed today? The old cry
Silas, the two tent makers, as they with is repeated, “We know that God spake
54
unto Moses; as for this fellow [Christ and triumphant fulfillment. The little
in the messenger He sends], we know seed will become a tree. The last
not from whence he is.” John 9:29. As message of warning and mercy is to
in earlier ages, the special truths for this go to “every nation and kindred and
time are found, not with the ecclesiast- tongue” (Rev. 14:6-14), “to take out
ical authorities, but with men and of them a people for His name” (Acts
women who are not too learned or too 15:14; Rev. 18:1). And the earth shall
wise to believe the word of God. be lightened with His glory.
(7) WHO DOES GOD CALL TO

SHARE THIS SPIRITUAL LIGHT?
I am glad the Kingdom of
God is securely founded on
the principles of truth and
righteousness.
1 Corinthians 1:26 Circle: Yes Undecided
“For ye see your calling, brethren, how To hear and see the evidence
that not many wise men after the flesh, of growth and development of
not many mighty, not many noble, are God’s kingdom from secular
called; but God hath chosen the foolish and Biblical history sources
things of the world to confound the gives me confidence in the
wise; and God hath chosen the weak plan of salvation.
things of the world to confound the
things which are mighty. And base Circle: Yes Undecided
things of the world, and things which
are despised, hath God chosen, yea, I am thankful that the blessing
and things which are not, to bring to of sharing the gospel is given
naught things that are”1 Cor. 2:26; to “men and women who are
“that your faith should not stand in the not too learned or wise to
wisdom of men, but in the power of believe the Word of God.”
Go” 1 Cor. 2:5.
(8) WHO WILL RECEIVE THIS
LAST MESSAGE OF WARNING? I am looking forward to
the day of the triumphant
fulfillment of His kingdom; the
day when the message of the
gospel reaches “every nation
and kindred and tongue of
people.” Rev. 14:6.
Revelation 14:6 Circle: Yes Undecided
And in this last generation the parable

of the mustard seed is to reach a signal
55
Seeds of Wisdom
Lesson
8
(1) WHAT VALUABLE LESSONS From the work of seed sowing and
ARE TAUGHT IN THE PARABLES the growth of the plant from the seed,
OF THE SEEDS? precious lessons may be taught in the
family and the school. Let the children
and youth learn to recognize in natural
things the working of divine agencies,
and they will be enabled to grasp by
faith unseen benefits. As they come to
understand the wonderful work of God
Matthew 13:11 in supplying the wants of His great
family, and how we are to cooperate
with Him, they will have more faith in
God, and will realize more of His power
in their own daily life.
(2) WHO CREATES THE SEED AND
Matthew 13:35 GIVES IT THE POWER OF GROWTH?
56
apparently thrown away, a living plant.

And He supplies in due proportion all
that is required to perfect the harvest.
In the beautiful words of the psalmist:
“Thou visitest the earth, and waterest
it; Thou greatly enrichest it; The river
Genesis 1:11 of God is full of water; Thou providest
them corn when Thou hast so prepared
God created the seed, as He created the the earth. Thou waterest her furrows
earth, by His word. By His word He abundantly; Thou settlest the ridges
gave it power to grow and multiply. He thereof; Thou makest it soft with
said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, showers; Thou blessest the springing
the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree thereof. Thou crownest the year with
yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed Thy goodness; And Thy paths drop
is in itself, upon the earth; and it was fatness.” Ps. 65:9-11, R.V.
so. . . : And God saw that it was good.”
Gen. 1:11, 12. It is that word which still
(4) WHOSE COMMANDS DO THE
causes the seed to grow. Every seed that
ELEMENTS OF NATURE OBEY?
sends up its green blade to the sunlight
declares the wonderworking power of
that word uttered by Him who “spake,
and it was”; who “commanded, and it
stood fast.” Ps. 33:9.
(3) WHO, IN THE SAME MANNER,

CREATED US AND PROVIDES FOR
OUR NEEDS? Psalms 33:8, 9
The material world is under God’s

control. The laws of nature are obeyed
by nature. Everything speaks and
acts the will of the Creator. Cloud
and sunshine, dewand rain, wind and
storm, all are under the supervision
Matthew 6:30 of God, and yield implicit obedience
to His command. It is in obedience to
Christ taught His disciples to pray the law of God that the spire of grain
“Give us this day our daily bread.” bursts through the ground, “first the
And pointing to the flowers He gave blade, then the ear, after that the full
them the assurance, “If God so clothe corn in the ear.” Mark 4:28. These the
the grass of the field, . . . shall He not Lord develops in their proper season
much more clothe you?” Matt. 6:11, 30. because they do not resist His working.
Christ is constantly working to answer And can it be that man, made in the
this prayer, and to make good this image of God, endowed with reason
assurance. There is an invisible power and speech, shall alone be unapprecia-
constantly at work as man’s servant to tive of His gifts and disobedient to
feed and to clothe him. Many agencies His will? Shall rational beings alone
our Lord employs to make the seed, cause confusion in our world?
57
Seeds of Wisdom
(5) WHAT IS OUR PART TO ACT reliance on human inventions. There

TO RECEIVE PHYSICAL SUSTE- is too little confidence in the power
NANCE? which God stands ready to give. “We
are laborers together with God.” 1 Cor.
3:9. Immeasurably inferior is the part
which the human agent sustains; but if
he is linked with the divinity of Christ,
he can do all things through the strength
Genesis 3:19 that Christ imparts.
In everything that tends to the sustenance (7) HOW DO THESE VERSES

of man is seen the concurrence of DESCRIBE THE DIVINE ORDER
divine and human effort. There can OF GROWTH APPLICABLE IN
be no reaping unless the human hand SPIRITUAL TRAINING?
acts its part in the sowing of the
seed. But without the agencies which
God provides in giving sunshine and
showers, dew and clouds, there would
be no increase. Thus it is in every
business pursuit, in every department of
study and science. Thus it is in spiritual
things, in the formation of the character, Mark 4:28
and in every line of Christian work. We
have a part to act, but we must have the
power of divinity to unite with us, or
our efforts will be in vain.
(6) HOW DOES THIS VERSE DE-

SCRIBE OUR WORKING RELA-
TIONSHIP WITH GOD IN PHYSI-
CAL AND SPIRITUAL MATTERS?
Luke 2:52
The gradual development of the plant

from the seed is an object lesson in
child training. There is “first the blade,
then the ear, after that the full corn
in the ear.” He who gave this parable
1 Corinthians 3:9 created the tiny seed, gave it its vital
properties, and ordained the laws that
Whenever man accomplishes any-thing, govern its growth. And the truths which
whether in spiritual or in temporal lines, the parable teaches were made a living
he should bear in mind that he does it reality in His own life. In both His
through cooperation with his Maker. physical and His spiritual nature He
There is great necessity for us to realize followed the divine order of growth
our dependence on God. Too much illustrated by the plant, as He wishes
confidence is placed in man, too much all youth to do. Although He was the
58
Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, or their actions. Nor should they be
He became a babe in Bethlehem, and dressed in an expensive or showy
for a time represented the helpless manner. This encourages pride in them,
infant in its mother’s care. In childhood and awakens envy in the hearts of their
He did the works of an obedient child. companions.
He spoke and acted with the wisdom
of a child and not of a man, honoring (9) WHAT BIBLE PROMISE MAY
His parents and carrying out their TEACHERS AND PARENTS CLAIM
wishes in helpful ways, according to AS THEY MOLD THE CHARACTER
the ability of a child. But at each stage OF THE CHILDREN IN THEIR
of His development He was perfect, CARE?
with the simple, natural grace of a
sinless life. The sacred record says
of His childhood, “The child grew,
and waxed strong in spirit, filled with
wisdom; and the grace of God was
upon Him.” And of His youth it is
recorded, “Jesus increased in wisdom Proverbs 22:6
and stature, and in favor with God and
The little ones should be educated in
man.” Luke 2:40, 52.
childlike simplicity. They should be
The work of parents and teachers trained to be content with the small,
is here suggested. They should aim helpful duties and the pleasures and
so to cultivate the tendencies of the experiences natural to their years.
youth that at each stage of their life Childhood answers to the blade in the
they may represent the natural beauty parable, and the blade has a beauty
appropriate to that period, unfolding peculiarly its own. The children
naturally, as do the plants in the should not be forced into a precocious
garden. maturity but should retain as long as
possible the freshness and grace of
( 8 ) W H AT T H R E E T R A I T S their early years.
SHOULD WE BE CAREFUL NOT
TO FOSTER IN THE HEARTS OF The little children may be Christians,
OUR CHILDREN? having an experience in accordance
with their years. This is all that God
expects of them. They need to be
educated in spiritual things; and parents
should give them every advantage that
they may form characters after the
similitude of the character of Christ.
1 John 2:16
(10) WHAT LAW OF NATURE IS
Those children are most attractive ALSO APPLICABLE TO SPIRITUAL
who are natural, unaffected. It is not DEVELOPMENT?
wise to give them special notice, and
repeat their clever sayings before
them. Vanity should not be encouraged
by praising their looks, their words,
59
Seeds of Wisdom
he sowed produced a harvest of its kind.

Thus his resistance continued, until he
looked upon his devastated land, upon
Galatians 6:7 the cold, dead form of his firstborn, and
the firstborn of all in his house and of
In the laws of God in nature, effect all the families in his kingdom, until the
follows cause with unerring certainty. waters of the sea closed over his horses
The reaping will testify as to what the and his chariots and his men of war.
sowing has been. The slothful worker His history is a fearful illustration of
is condemned by his work. The harvest the truth of the words that “whatsoever
bears witness against him. So in a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
spiritual things: the faithfulness of Gal. 6:7. Did men but realize this, they
every worker is measured by the results would be careful what seed they sow.
of his work. The character of his work,
whether diligent or slothful, is revealed (12) WHAT EXAMPLE GIVEN IN
by the harvest. It is thus that his destiny THIS VERSE DESCRIBES HOW
for eternity is decided. THE FRUIT OF OUR ACTIONS AF-
FECT OTHERS?
Every seed sown produces a harvest of
its kind. So it is in human life. We all
need to sow the seeds of compassion,
sympathy, and love; for we shall reap
what we sow. Every characteristic
of selfishness, self-love, self-esteem, 1 Corinthians 5:6
every act of self-indulgence, will bring
forth a like harvest. He who lives for As the seed sown produces a harvest,
self is sowing to the flesh, and of the and this in turn is sown, the harvest is
flesh he will reap corruption. multiplied. In our relation to others, this
law holds true. Every act, every word,
(11) WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP is a seed that will bear fruit. Every deed
LEADING TO SPIRITUAL DE- of thoughtful kindness, of obedience,
STRUCTION? or of self-denial, will reproduce itself
in others, and through them in still
others. So every act of envy, malice, or
dissension is a seed that will spring up
in a “root of bitterness” (Heb. 12:15),
Acts 7:51; 1 Thessalonians 5:19 whereby many shall be defiled. And
God destroys no man. Everyone who is how much larger number will the
destroyed will have destroyed himself. “many” poison. Thus the sowing of
Everyone who stifles the admonitions good and evil goes on for time and for
of conscience is sowing the seeds of eternity.
unbelief, and these will produce a sure (13) WHAT IMPORTANT LESSON
harvest. By rejecting the first warning IS TAUGHT IN THE PARABLES OF
from God, Pharaoh of old sowed the THE SEEDS?
seeds of obstinacy, and he reaped
obstinacy. God did not compel him to
disbelieve. The seed of unbelief which
60
2 Corinthians 9:6
Liberality both in spiritual and in
temporal things is taught in the John 12:24
lesson of seed sowing. The Lord
says, “Blessed are ye that sow beside By the casting of the grain into the
all waters.” Isa. 32:20. “This I say, soil, Christ represents the sacrifice of
He which soweth sparingly shall Himself for our redemption. “Except a
reap also sparingly; and he which corn of wheat fall into the ground and
soweth bountifully shall reap also die,” He says, “it abideth alone; but
bountifully.” 2 Cor. 9:6. To sow if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.”
beside all waters means a continual John 12:24. So the death of Christ
imparting of God’s gifts. It means will result in fruit for the kingdom of
giving wherever the cause of God or God. In accordance with the law of
the needs of humanity demand our the vegetable kingdom, life will be the
aid. This will not tend to poverty. result of His death.
“He which soweth bountifully shall
reap also bountifully.” The sower (15) WHAT WILL BE THE RESULT
multiplies his seed by casting it away. WHEN WE GIVE OUR LIFE IN
So it is with those who are faithful in SERVICE TO CHRIST?
distributing God’s gifts. By imparting
they increase their blessings. God
has promised them a sufficiency that
they may continue to give. “Give,
and it shall be given unto you; good
measure, pressed down, and shaken
together, and running over, shall men
give into your bosom.” Luke 6:38. John 12:25, 26
And more than this is wrapped up in the And all who would bring forth fruit
sowing and the reaping. As we distribute as workers together with Christ must
God’s temporal blessings, the evidence first fall into the ground and die. The
of our love and sympathy awakens in life must be cast into the furrow of the
the receiver gratitude and thanksgiving world’s need. Self-love, self-interest,
to God. The soil of the heart is prepared must perish. But the law of self-sacrifice
to receive the seeds of spiritual truth. is the law of self-preservation. The seed
And He who ministers seed to the sower buried in the ground produces fruit,
will cause the seed to germinate and bear and in turn this is planted. Thus the
fruit unto eternal life. harvest is multiplied. The husbandman
preserves his grain by casting it away.
(14) WHAT PRINCIPLE OF SEED So in human life, to give is to live. The
SOWING CORRELATES WITH life that will be preserved is the life
CHRIST’S EFFORTS TO SAVE US? that is freely given in service to God
61
Seeds of Wisdom
and man. Those who for Christ’s sake so the heart must be prepared for the
sacrifice their life in this world, will seed of truth. As the seed is cast into
keep it unto life eternal. the ground, they can teach the lesson of
Christ’s death; and as the blade springs
(16) WHEN WILL LIFE SOWN IN up, they can teach the lesson of the
CHRIST BE RAISED INTO NEW truth of the resurrection. As the plants
LIFE? grow, the correspondence between the
natural and the spiritual sowing may
be continued.
The youth should be instructed in a

similar way. They should be taught to
1 Corinthians 15:42, 43 till the soil. It would be well if there
were, connected with every school,
The seed dies to spring forth into new lands for cultivation. Such lands should
life, and in this we are taught the lesson be regarded as God’s own schoolroom.
of the resurrection. All who love God The things of nature should be looked
will live again in the Eden above. Of upon as a lesson book which His
the human body laid away to molder in children are to study, and from which
the grave God has said, “It is sown in they may obtain knowledge as to the
corruption; it is raised in incorruption: culture of the soul.
it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in (18) WHAT DOES UNTILLED
glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised LAND AND HARDENED SOIL OF
in power.” THE HEART HAVE IN COMMON?
(17) WHAT TASK GIVEN BY
GOD IS BENEFICIAL FOR OUR
PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL
DEVELOPMENT?
Proverbs 24:31
In tilling the soil, in disciplining
Genesis 3:23 and subduing the land, lessons may
constantly be learned. No one would
Such are a few of the many lessons think of settling upon a raw piece of
taught by nature’s living parable of land, expecting it at once to yield a
the sower and the seed. As parents and harvest. Earnestness, diligence, and
teachers try to teach these lessons, the persevering labor are to be put forth in
work should be made practical. Let treating the soil preparatory to sowing
the children themselves prepare the the seed. So it is in the spiritual work
soil and sow the seed. As they work, in the human heart. Those who would
the parent or teacher can explain the be benefited by the tilling of the soil
garden of the heart with the good or bad must go forth with the word of God
seed sown there, and that as the garden in their hearts. They will then find the
must be prepared for the natural seed, fallow ground of the heart broken by
62
the softening, subduing influence of

the Holy Spirit. Unless hard work is
bestowed on the soil, it will not yield
a harvest. So with the soil of the heart:
the Spirit of God must work upon it
to refine and discipline it before it can
bring forth fruit to the glory of God. Philippians 2:13
The soil will not produce its riches He who causes the seed to spring up,
when worked by impulse. It needs who tends it day and night, who gives
thoughtful, daily attention. It must be it power to develop, is the Author of
plowed often and deep, with a view our being, the King of heaven, and He
to keeping out the weeds that take exercises still greater care and interest
nourishment from the good seed in behalf of His children. While the
planted. Thus those who plow and human sower is planting the seed to
sow prepare for the harvest. None need sustain our earthly life, the Divine
stand in the field amid the sad wreck Sower will plant in the soul the seed
of their hopes. that will bring forth fruit unto life
everlasting.
(19) WHAT EFFORT CAN WE
MAKE TO KEEP OUR HEARTS
FERTILE TO THE WORKING OF
THE HOLY SPIRIT?
I have been blessed by seek-
ing spiritual wisdom in God’s
Word given in the parables of
the seeds.
Proverbs 18:15 Circle: Yes Undecided
The blessing of the Lord will rest upon I realize the “Sower” is Je-
those thus work the land, learning sus. The “seed” is the Word
spiritual lessons from nature. In of God and its gospel mes-
cultivating the soil the worker knows sage. My heart is the soil and
little what treasures will open up before its fertility to the “seed” is
him. While he is not to despise the based on my willingness to
instruction he may gather from minds accept it.
that have had an experience, and from
the information that intelligent men Circle: Yes Undecided
may impart, he should gather lessons
for himself. This is a part of his training. I realize growth comes only
The cultivation of the soil will prove an by God’s touch. I open the
education to the soul. soil of my heart and pray the
“seed” bears much fruit.
(20) IF OUR HEARTS ARE FER-
TILE TO THE GOSPEL SEED, Circle: Yes Undecided
W H O W I L L B R I N G F O RT H
THE FRUIT IN OUR LIVES?
63
L e a v e n
Like Unto
Lesson
9
This lesson is based on Matthew of society were represented. There
13: 33 and Luke 13:20,21. were the poor, the illiterate, the ragged
beggar, the robber with the seal of
(1) WITH WHOM DID CHRIST guilt upon his face, the maimed, the
SHARE THIS LIFE CHANGING dissipated, the merchant and the man
PARABLE THAT DAY? of leisure, high and low, rich and poor,
all crowding upon one another for a
place to stand and hear the words of
Christ. As these cultured men gazed
upon the strange assembly, they asked
themselves, “Is the kingdom of God
composed of such material as this?”
Matthew 13:2
(2) WHAT DID THE LEAVEN IN
Many educated and influential men had THIS PARABLE REPRESENT?
come to hear the Prophet of Galilee.
Some of these looked with curious
interest upon the multitude that had
gathered about Christ as He taught by
the sea. In this great throng all classes Matthew 13:33
64
Among the Jews leaven was sometimes wrought in it. So the grace of God must
used as an emblem of sin. At the time of be received by the sinner before he can
the Passover the people were directed to be fitted for the kingdom of glory. All
remove all the leaven from their houses the culture and education which the
as they were to put away sin from their world can give will fail of making a
hearts. Christ warned His disciples, degraded child of sin a child of heaven.
“Beware ye of the leaven of the The renewing energy must come from
Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” Luke God. The change can be made only
12:1. And the apostle Paul speaks of by the Holy Spirit. All who would be
the “leaven of malice and wickedness.” saved, high or low, rich or poor, must
I Corinthians 5:8. But in the Saviour’s submit to the working of this power.
parable, leaven is used to represent the
kingdom of heaven. It illustrates the (5) WHERE MUST TRANSFOR-
quickening, assimilating power of the MATION OCCUR IF WE ARE TO
grace of God. BE IN HARMONY WITH GOD?
(3) TO WHOM DOES GOD OFFER
THE LEAVEN OF GRACE?
Psalms 37:31
John 12:32; Revelation 3:20 As the leaven, when mingled with the
meal, works from within outward, so
None are so vile, none have fallen it is by the renewing of the heart that
so low, as to be beyond the working the grace of God works to transform
of this power. In all who will submit the life. No mere external change is
themselves to the Holy Spirit a new sufficient to bring us into harmony with
principle of life is to be implanted; God. There are many who try to reform
the lost image of God is to be restored by correcting this or that bad habit,
in humanity. and they hope in this way to become
Christians, but they are beginning in
(4) ONLY BY WHO’S POWER the wrong place. Our first work is with
CAN A POSITIVE TRANSFOR- the heart.
MATION BE BROUGHT I N T O
OUR LIVES? A profession of faith and the possession
of truth in the soul are two different
things. The mere knowledge of truth is
not enough. We may possess this, but
the tenor of our thoughts may not be
Romans 8:13, 14 changed. The heart must be converted
and sanctified.
But man cannot transform himself by
the exercise of his will. He possesses (6) WHEN THIS TRANSFORMA-
no power by which this change can be TION TAKES PLACE AND HIS
effected. The leaven–something wholly LAW IS WRITTEN IN OUR HEARTS,
from without–must be put into the WHAT WILL BE THE MOTIVATING
meal before the desired change can be PRINCIPLE FOR OBEDIENCE?
65
Like Unto Leaven
Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, says,

“God, who is rich in mercy, for His
great love wherewith He loved us,
even when we were dead in sins, hath
John 14:15 quickened us together with Christ,
(by grace ye are saved;) and hath
The man who attempts to keep the raised us up together, and made us sit
commandments of God from a sense together in heavenly places in Christ
of obligation merely–because he is Jesus: that in the ages to come He
required to do so–will never enter might show the exceeding riches of
into the joy of obedience. He does not His grace in His kindness toward us
obey. When the requirements of God through Christ Jesus. For by grace are
are accounted a burden because they ye saved through faith; and that not
cut across human inclination, we may of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”
know that the life is not a Christian Ephesians 2:4-8.
life. True obedience is the outworking (8) AS THE LORD SILENTLY
of a principle within. It springs from TRANSFORMS OUR HEART, WHAT
the love of righteousness, the love CHARACTER TRAIT BECOMES
of the law of God. The essence of E V I D E N T AND IS GREAT IN
all righteousness is loyalty to our GOD’S SIGHT?
Redeemer. This will lead us to do
right because it is right–because right
doing is pleasing to God.
1 Peter 3:4
(7) HOW DID CHRIST DESCRIBE
The leaven hidden in the flour works
THE TRANSFORMING CONVER-
invisibly to bring the whole mass
SION OF THE HEART THROUGH
under its leavening process; so the
FAITH?
leaven of truth works secretly, silently,
steadily, to transform the soul. The
natural inclinations are softened
John 3:5, 7 and subdued. New thoughts, new
feelings, new motives, are implanted.
The great truth of the conversion of the A new standard of character is set
heart by the Holy Spirit is presented in up–the life of Christ. The mind is
Christ’s words to Nicodemus. “Verily, changed; the faculties are roused
verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be to action in new lines. Man is not
born again, he cannot see the kingdom endowed with new faculties, but
of God. . . That which is born of the the faculties he has are sanctified.
flesh is flesh; and that which is born The conscience is awakened. We
of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I are endowed with traits of character
said unto thee, Ye must be born again. that enable us to do service for God.
The wind bloweth where it listeth,
and thou hearest the sound thereof, ( 9 ) W H AT M U S T A C C O M -
but canst not tell whence it cometh, PA N Y R E P E N TA N C E F O R
and whither it goeth: so is every one TRANSFORMATION OF CHAR-
that is born of the Spirit.” The apostle ACTER TO TAKE PLACE?
66

attribute. The Holy Spirit comes to
convict of sin, and the faith that springs
up in the heart works by love to Christ,
Acts 3:19 conforming us in body, soul, and spirit
to His own image. Then God can use
Often the question arises, Why, then, us to do His will. The power given us
are there so many, claiming to believe works from within outwardly, leading
God’s word, in whom there is not seen us to communicate to others the truth
a reformation in words, in spirit, and in that has been communicated to us.
character? Why are there so many who
cannot bear opposition to their purposes (11) HOW CAN THE LEAVEN OF
and plans, who manifest an unholy TRUTH FOUND IN GOD’S WORD
temper, and whose words are harsh, GUIDE OUR DAILY LIVES?
overbearing, and passionate? There is
seen in their lives the same love of self,
the same selfish indulgence, the same
temper and hasty speech, that is seen
in the life of the worldling. There is the
same sensitive pride, the same yielding
Romans 1:16, 17
to natural inclination, the same perversity
of character, as if the truth were wholly
The truths of the word of God meet
unknown to them. The reason is that
man’s great practical necessity–the
they are not converted. They have not
conversion of the soul through faith.
hidden the leaven of truth in the heart. It
These grand principles are not to
has not had opportunity to do its work.
be thought too pure and holy to be
Their natural and cultivated tendencies
brought into the daily life. They
to evil have not been submitted to its
are truths which reach to heaven
transforming power. Their lives reveal the
and compass eternity, yet their vital
absence of the grace of Christ, an unbelief
influence is to be woven into human
in His power to transform the character.
experience. They are to permeate
all the great things and all the little
(10) WHAT IS THE SOURCE things of life.
OF TRUE CHARACTER TRANS-
FORMATION?
(12) WHAT WILL BE THE FRUIT
OF OUR CHARACTER AS WE
WALK BY FAITH?
John 17:17; Romans 10:17
The Scriptures are the great agency in

the transformation of character. Christ
prayed, “Sanctify them through Thy Galatians 5:22
truth; Thy word is truth.” If studied
and obeyed, the word of God works Received into the heart, the leaven of
in the heart, subduing every unholy truth will regulate the desires, purify the
67
Like Unto Leaven
thoughts, and sweeten the disposition. It The word of God is to have a sancti-
quickens the faculties of the mind and fying effect on our association with
the energies of the soul. It enlarges the every member of the human family.
capacity for feeling, for loving. The leaven of truth will not produce
the spirit of rivalry, the love of am-
(13) WHAT PRINCIPLE DOES bition, the desire to be first. True,
THE INTERNALIZED LEAVEN heaven-born love is not selfish and
O F T R U T H D E M O N S T R AT E changeable. It is not dependent on
BEFORE THE WORLD WHICH human praise. The heart of him who
IT CANNOT COMPREHEND? receives the grace of God overflows
with love for God and for those for
whom Christ died. Self is not strug-
gling for recognition. He does not
love others because they love and
please him, because they appreci-
ate his merits, but because they are
Matthew 6:33 Christ’s purchased possession. If his
motives, words, or actions are misun-
The world regards as a mystery the man derstood or misrepresented, he takes
who is imbued with this principle. The no offense, but pursues the even tenor
selfish, money-loving man lives only of his way. He is kind and thoughtful,
to secure for himself the riches, honors, humble in his opinion of himself, yet
and pleasures of this world. He loses full of hope, always trusting in the
the eternal world from his reckoning. mercy and love of God.
But with the follower of Christ these
things will not be all-absorbing. For (15) HOW WILL THE LEAVEN
Christ’s sake he will labor and deny O F T R U T H I N O U R H E A RT
self, that he may aid in the great work DEMONSTRATE ITSELF IN OUR
of saving souls who are without Christ CONDUCT TOWARD OTHERS?
and without hope in the world. Such a
man the world cannot understand; for
he is keeping in view eternal realities.
The love of Christ with its redeeming
power has come into the heart. This
love masters every other motive, and
raises its possessor above the corrupting
influence of the world. 1 Peter 1:14-16
(14) HOW DOES THE LEAVEN OF The grace of Christ is to control the
TRUTH AFFECT OUR ASSOCIA- temper and the voice. Its working will
TIONS WITH OTHERS? be seen in politeness and tender regard
shown by brother for brother, in kind,
encouraging words. An angel presence
is in the home. The life breathes a sweet
perfume, which ascends to God as
holy incense. Love is manifested in
kindness, gentleness, forbearance,
1 Corinthians 10:24 and long-suffering.
68
The countenance is changed. Christ The leaven of truth works a change

abiding in the heart shines out in the in the whole man, making the coarse
faces of those who love Him and keep refined, the rough gentle, the selfish
His commandments. Truth is written generous. By it the impure are
there. The sweet peace of heaven is cleansed, washed in the blood of the
revealed. There is expressed a habitual Lamb. Through its life-giving power
gentleness, a more than human love. it brings all there is of mind and
soul and strength into harmony with
(16) HOW DOES HEAVEN RE- the divine life. Man with his human
SPOND WHEN A SINNER SUR- nature becomes a partaker of divinity.
RENDERS ALL TO THE TRANS- Christ is honored in excellence and
FORMING GRACE OF CHRIST? perfection of character. As these
changes are effected, angels break
forth in rapturous song, and God and
Christ rejoice over souls fashioned
Luke 15:7 after the divine similitude.
From this parable that Christ life and become the center of
taught I realize the leaven my daily experiences.
represents the kingdom of
heaven and the quickening, Circle: Yes Undecided
assimilating power of the
grace of God.
My heart is touched knowing
Circle: Yes Undecided that all of heaven rejoices
when I surrender all to the
transf o r m i n g g r a c e o f
I realize that without this Christ.
source I am powerless to
change the wickedness of Circle: Yes Undecided
my heart and that renewal
must be imparted by the Holy
Spirit. I pray for a love of righ-
teousness that comes as
Circle: Yes Undecided a results of conversion of
the heart. May this leaven of
love in my heart be reflected
I pray that the assimilating by true obedience and the
power of the leaven of grace fruits of the Spirit revealed
is found in my heart. I desire in my life.
for the leaven of God’s Spirit
to permeate every part of my Circle: Yes Undecided
69
Hidden Treasure
Lesson
10
Lesson is based on Matthew 13:44. change in the ruling power, those who
had large possessions were liable to
(1) WHAT IS THE KINGDOM OF be put under heavy tribute. Moreover
HEAVEN COMPARED TO IN THIS the country was in constant danger of
PARABLE? invasion by marauding armies. As a
consequence, the rich endeavored to
preserve their wealth by concealing
it, and the earth was looked upon as a
safe hiding place. But often the place
of concealment was forgotten; death
might claim the owner, imprisonment
or exile might separate him from his
Matthew 13:44 treasure, and the wealth he had taken
such pains to preserve was left for
In ancient times it was customary the fortunate finder. In Christ’s day
for men to hide their treasures in it was not uncommon to discover
the earth. Thefts and robberies were in neglected land old coins and
frequent. And whenever there was a ornaments of gold and silver.
70
A man hires land to cultivate, and as

the oxen plow the soil, buried treasure
is unearthed. As the man discovers this
treasure, he sees that a fortune is within
his reach. Restoring the gold to its Mark 4:19; 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4
hiding place, he returns to his home and
sells all that he has, in order to purchase
the field containing the treasure. His The treasures of the gospel are said to
family and his neighbors think that he be hidden. By those who are wise in
is acting like a madman. Looking on the their own estimation, who are puffed
field, they see no value in the neglected up by the teaching of vain philosophy,
soil. But the man knows what he is the beauty and power and mystery
doing; and when he has a title to the of the plan of redemption are not
field, he searches every part of it to find perceived. Many have eyes, but they
the treasure that he has secured. see not; they have ears, but they hear
not; they have intellect, but they
( 2 ) W H AT I S T H E S O U R C E discern not the hidden treasure.
THAT POINTS FALLEN MANKIND
TO THE HEAVENLY TREA- A man might pass over the place
SURE? where treasure had been concealed.
In dire necessity he might sit down to
rest at the foot of a tree, not knowing
of the riches hidden at its roots. So
it was with the Jews. As a golden
2 Timothy 3:15; John 17:17 treasure, truth had been intrusted
to the Hebrew people. The Jewish
This parable illustrates the value of economy, bearing the signature of
the heavenly treasure, and the effort Heaven, had been instituted by Christ
that should be made to secure it. The Himself. In types and symbols the
finder of the treasure in the field was great truths of redemption were
ready to part with all that he had, veiled. Yet when Christ came, the
ready to put forth untiring labor, in Jews did not recognize Him to whom
order to secure the hidden riches. all these symbols pointed. They had
So the finder of heavenly treasure the word of God in their hands; but
will count no labor too great and no the traditions which had been handed
sacrifice too dear, in order to gain the down from generation to generation,
treasures of truth. and the human interpretation of the
Scriptures, hid from them the truth as it
In the parable the field containing is in Jesus. The spiritual import of the
the treasure represents the Holy sacred writings was lost. The treasure
Scriptures. And the gospel is the treasure. house of all knowledge was open to
The earth itself is not so interlaced with them, but they knew it not.
golden veins and filled with precious
things as is the word of God. (4) WHY IS TRUTH PERCEIVED
BY SOME AND NOT BY OTHERS?
(3) WHY IS THE VALUE OF
THIS TREASURE NOT EVIDENT
TO EVERYONE?
71
Hidden Treasure
harmony with their ambitious desires

to confess Him. They had not the faith
that would have secured for them the
1 Corinthians 2:14 heavenly treasure. They were seeking
worldly treasure.
God does not conceal His truth from
men. By their own course of action (6) WHAT IS CHRIST’S WARNING
they make it obscure to themselves. TO THOSE WHO SEEK TO GAIN
Christ gave the Jewish people abundant THE WORLD OVER HEAVENLY
evidence that He was the Messiah; but TREASURES?
His teaching called for a decided change
in their lives. They saw that if they
received Christ, they must give up their
cherished maxims and traditions, their
selfish, ungodly practices. It required a
Matthew 6:21
sacrifice to receive changeless, eternal
truth. Therefore they would not admit
And today men are eagerly seeking for
the most conclusive evidence that God
earthly treasure. Their minds are filled
could give to establish faith in Christ.
with selfish, ambitious thoughts. For the
They professed to believe the Old
sake of gaining worldly riches, honor, or
Testament Scriptures, yet they refused
power, they place the maxims, traditions,
to accept the testimony contained
and requirements of men above the
therein concerning Christ’s life and
requirements of God. From them the
character. They were afraid of being
treasures of His word are hidden.
convinced lest they should be converted
and be compelled to give up their
“If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them
preconceived opinions. The treasure
that are lost: in whom the god of this
of the gospel, the Way, the Truth, and
world hath blinded the minds of them
the Life, was among them, but they
which believe not, lest the light of the
rejected the greatest gift that Heaven
glorious gospel of Christ, who is the
could bestow.
image of God, should shine unto them.”
2 Cor.4:3, 4.
(5) WHY DID MANY THAT WERE
CONVICTED THAT JESUS IS
(7) WHAT IS THE DANGEROUS
THE SAVIOUR AND SON OF
RAMIFICATIONS OF SEEKING
GOD STILL ULTIMATELY REJECT
WORLDLY GAIN?
HIM?
Matthew 16:26
John 12:42, 43 The Saviour saw that men were absorbed
in getting gain, and were losing sight
Among the rulers there were many that of eternal realities. He undertook to
were convinced; they believed Jesus correct this evil. He sought to break the
to be the Son of God; but it was not in infatuating spell that was paralyzing
72
the soul. Lifting up His voice He cried, God. But when God’s word is laid aside
“What is a man profited, if he shall gain for books that do not lead to God and
the whole world, and lose his own soul? the kingdom of heaven, the education
or what shall a man give in exchange acquired is a perversion of the name.
for his soul?” He presents before fallen
humanity the nobler world they have (10) WHERE IS THE SECOND
lost sight of, that they may behold SOURCE FROM WHICH LESSONS
eternal realities. He takes them to the OF HEAVENLY AND ETERNAL
threshold of the Infinite, flushed with TRUTHS CAN BE OBTAINED?
the indescribable glory of God, and
shows them the treasure there.
(8) WHAT IS THE TRUE WORTH
OF THE TREASURE OF WISDOM Psalms 19:1; Isaiah 40:26
THAT THE GOSPEL IMPARTS?
There are wonderful truths in nature.
The earth, the sea, and the sky are full
of truth. They are our teachers. Nature
utters her voice in lessons of heavenly
wisdom and eternal truth. But fallen
Job 28:13-19 man will not understand. Sin has
obscured his vision, and he cannot of
The value of this treasure is above gold himself interpret nature without placing
or silver. The riches of earth’s mines it above God. Correct lessons cannot
cannot compare with it. impress the minds of those who reject
the word of God. The teaching of nature
This is the treasure that is found in the is by them so perverted that it turns the
Scriptures. The Bible is God’s great lesson mind away from the Creator.
book, His great educator. The foundation
of all true science is contained in the Bible. (11) HOW DO THOSE FILLED
Every branch of knowledge may be found WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
by searching the word of God. And above REGARD THE GAIN OF SPIRITUAL
all else it contains the science of all sciences, WISDOM?
the science of salvation. The Bible is
the mine of the unsearchable riches
of Christ.
( 9 ) W H AT I S T H E S O U R C E Proverbs 3:13, 14
THAT LIGHTS OUR PATH WITH
THE HIGHEST FORM OF By many, man’s wisdom is thought
EDUCATION? to be higher than the wisdom of the
divine Teacher, and God’s lesson book
is looked upon as old-fashioned, stale,
and uninteresting. But by those who
Psalms 119:103-105; Proverbs 6:23 have been vivified by the Holy Spirit
it is not so regarded. They see the
The true higher education is gained priceless treasure, and would sell all
by studying and obeying the word of to buy the field that contains it. Instead
73
Hidden Treasure
of books containing the suppositions of TO OBEY GOD’S LAWS THAT

reputedly great authors, they choose the GOVERN OUR WELL-BEING?
word of Him who is the greatest author
and the greatest teacher the world has
ever known, who gave His life for
us, that through Him we might have
everlasting life. Daniel 1:19, 20
(12) WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF A student may go through all the

SECULAR BASED EDUCATIONAL grades of the schools and colleges of
THEORIES? today. He may devote all his powers to
acquiring knowledge. But unless he has
a knowledge of God, unless he obeys
the laws that govern his being, he will
destroy himself. By wrong habits he
Proverbs 14:12 loses his power of self-appreciation.
He loses self-control. He cannot reason
Satan works on human minds, leading correctly about matters that concern
them to think that there is wonderful him most closely. He is reckless and
knowledge to be gained apart from irrational in his treatment of mind and
God. By deceptive reasoning he led body. By wrong habits he makes of
Adam and Eve to doubt God’s word, himself a wreck. Happiness he cannot
and to supply its place with a theory that have; for his neglect to cultivate pure,
led to disobedience. And his sophistry healthful principles places him under
is doing today what it did in Eden. the control of habits that ruin his peace.
Teachers who mingle the sentiments of His years of taxing study are lost, for he
infidel authors with the education they has destroyed himself. He has misused
are giving, plant in the minds of youth his physical and mental powers, and
thoughts that will lead to distrust of the temple of the body is in ruins. He
God and transgression of His law. Little is ruined for this life and for the life to
do they know what they are doing. come. By acquiring earthly knowledge
Little do they realize what will be the he thought to gain a treasure, but by
result of their work. laying his Bible aside he sacrificed a
treasure worth everything else.
(13) WHAT EFFECT DOES POOR
CHOICES IN FOOD AND DRINK (15) HOW CAN WE UNCOVER
H AV E O N O U R B O D Y A N D THE T R E A S U R E S I N G O D ’ S
THEREFORE OUR ABILITY TO WORD?
LEARN?
2 Timothy 2:15
The word of God is to be our study. We

Daniel 1:8 are to educate our children in the truths
found therein. It is an inexhaustible
(14) HOW DID GOD BLESS THE treasure; but men fail to find this
FOUR HEBREWS THAT CHOSE treasure because they do not search
74
until it is within their possession. Very Human theories and speculations

many are content with a supposition will never lead to an understanding
in regard to the truth. They are content to God’s word. Those who suppose
with a surface work, taking for granted that they understand philosophy
that they have all that is essential. They think that their explanations are
take the sayings of others for truth, necessary to unlock the treasures of
being too indolent to put themselves knowledge and to prevent heresies
to diligent, earnest labor, represented from coming into the church. But
in the word as digging for hidden it is these explanations that have
treasure. But man’s inventions are not brought in false theories and heresies.
only unreliable, they are dangerous; for Men have made desperate efforts
they place man where God should be. to explain what they thought to be
They place the sayings of men where a intricate scriptures; but too often their
“Thus saith the Lord” should be. efforts have only darkened that which
they tried to make clear.
(16) HOW DO THESE SCRIPTURES The priests and Pharisees thought they
DEFINE TRUTH? were doing great things as teachers by
putting their own interpretation upon the
word of God, but Christ said of them,
“Ye know not the scriptures, neither the
power of God.” Mark 12:24. He charged
John 14:6 them with the guilt of “teaching for
doctrines the commandments of men.”
Mark 7:7. Though they were the teachers
of the oracles of God, though they were
supposed to understand His word, they
John 17:17 were not doers of the word. Satan had
blinded their eyes that they should not
Christ is the truth. His words are truth, see its true import.
and they have a deeper significance
than appears on the surface. All the This is the work of many in our day.
sayings of Christ have a value beyond Many churches are guilty of this sin.
their unpretending appearance. Minds There is danger, great danger, that the
that are quickened by the Holy Spirit supposed wise men of today will repeat
will discern the value of these sayings. the experience of the Jewish teachers.
They will discern the precious gems They falsely interpret the divine oracles,
of truth, though these may be buried and souls are brought into perplexity
treasures. and shrouded in darkness because of
their misconception of divine truth.
(17) IN OUR SEARCH FOR THE
TREASURE OF TRUTH WHAT ARE (18) WHAT SHOULD NOT BE
WE CAUTIONED TO AVOID? PLACED ABOVE THE WORD OF
GOD?
2 Peter 3:16 Mark 7:9
75
Hidden Treasure
The Scriptures need not be read by word as the miner explores the earth
the dim light of tradition or human to find veins of gold. Never give up the
speculation. As well might we try to give search until you have ascertained your
light to the sun with a torch as to explain relation to God and His will in regard
the Scriptures by human tradition or to you. Christ declared, “Whatsoever ye
imagination. God’s holy word needs not shall ask in My name, that will I do, that
the torchlight glimmer of earth to make the Father may be glorified in the Son.
its glories distinguishable. It is light in If ye shall ask anything in My name, I
itself–the glory of God revealed, and will do it.” John 14:13, 14.
beside it every other light is dim.
Men of piety and talent catch views of
(19) WHAT TYPE OF TREASURE eternal realities, but often they fail of
HUNT WILL FIND SUCCESS? understanding, because the things that
are seen eclipse the glory of the unseen.
He who would seek successfully for
the hidden treasure must rise to higher
pursuits than the things of this world.
His affections and all His capabilities
Jeremiah 29:13 must be consecrated to the search.
But there must be earnest study and (20) WHAT CAN WE DO ON

close investigation. Sharp, clear OUR PART THAT AFFECTS OUR
perceptions of truth will never be the ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND THE
reward of indolence. No earthy blessing TREASURES FOUND IN GOD’S
can be obtained without earnest, WORD?
patient, persevering effort. If men attain
success in business, they must have a
will to do and a faith to look for results.
And we cannot expect to gain spiritual
knowledge without earnest toil. Those Psalms 111:10
who desire to find the treasures of truth
must dig for them as the miner digs Disobedience has closed the door to a
for the treasure hidden in the earth. vast amount of knowledge that might
No halfhearted, indifferent work will have been gained from the Scriptures.
avail. It is essential for old and young, Understanding means obedience to
not only to read God’s word, but to God’s commandments. The Scriptures
study it with wholehearted earnestness, are not to be adapted to meet the
praying and searching for truth as for prejudice and jealousy of men. They
hidden treasure. Those who do this will can be understood only by those who
be rewarded, for Christ will quicken the are humbly seeking for a knowledge of
understanding. the truth that they may obey it.
Our salvation depends on a knowledge (21) WHAT CHARACTERISTIC

of the truth contained in the Scriptures. DID THE PEOPLE AT BEREA
It is God’s will that we should possess DEMONSTRATE THAT IS ES-
this. Search, O search the precious Bible SENTIAL TO SPIRITUAL UNDER-
with hungry hearts. Explore God’s STANDING AND GROWTH?
76
but without regeneration through faith in

His blood, there is no remission of sins,
no treasure for any perishing soul.
Acts 17:10, 11 (23) WHAT POWER TEACHES US

AND IMPARTS THE ABILITY TO
Do you ask, What shall I do to be DISCERN TRUTH?
saved? You must lay your preconceived
opinions, your hereditary and cultivated
ideas, at the door of investigation. If you
search the Scriptures to vindicate your
own opinions, you will never reach the
truth. Search in order to learn what the John 14:26
Lord says. If conviction comes as you
search, if you see that your cherished We need the enlightenment of the Holy
opinions are not in harmony with the Spirit in order to discern the truths in
truth, do not misinterpret the truth in God’s word. The lovely things of the
order to suit your own belief, but accept natural world are not seen until the sun,
the light given. Open mind and heart dispelling the darkness, floods them
that you may behold wondrous things with its light. So the treasures in the
out of God’s word. word of God are not appreciated until
they are revealed by the bright beams
(22) WHAT IMPORTANT FACTOR of the Sun of Righteousness.
MUST BE PRESENT BEFORE
TRUTH CAN TRANSFORM THE The Holy Spirit, sent from heaven
HEART? by the benevolence of infinite love,
takes the things of God and reveals
them to every soul that has an implicit
faith in Christ. By His power the vital
Hebrews 11:6 truths upon which the salvation of the
soul depends are impressed upon the
Faith in Christ as the world’s Redeemer mind, and the way of life is made so
calls for an acknowledgment of the plain that none need err therein. As
enlightened intellect controlled by a we study the Scriptures, we should pray
heart that can discern and appreciate for the light of God’s Holy Spirit to
the heavenly treasure. This faith is shine upon the word, that we may see
inseparable from repentance and and appreciate its treasures.
transformation of character. To have
faith means to find and accept the
gospel treasure, with all the obligations (24) WHY IS THERE NO LIMIT ON
which it imposes. THE TREASURE OF SPIRITUAL
TRUTHS THAT GOD CAN REVEAL
“Except a man be born again, he cannot TO US?
see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3.
He may conjecture and imagine, but
without the eye of faith he cannot see
the treasure. Christ gave His life to
secure for us this inestimable treasure; Isaiah 55:8, 9; Ecclesiastes 3:11
77
Hidden Treasure
Let none think that there is no more understood, but altogether more highly
knowledge for them to gain. The depth appreciated.
of human intellect may be measured;
the works of human authors may be (26) HOW MUST WE SEEK THE EX-
mastered; but the highest, deepest, PERIMENTAL KNOWLEDGE OF
broadest flight of the imagination GOD THAT ULTIMATELY LEADS
cannot find out God. There is infinity TO LIFE ETERNAL?
beyond all that we can comprehend.
We have seen only the glimmering of
divine glory and of the infinitude of
knowledge and wisdom; we have, as it
were, been working on the surface of the
mine, when rich golden ore is beneath Proverbs 2:2-4
the surface, to reward the one who will
dig for it. The shaft must be sunk deeper In His prayer to the Father, Christ gave
and yet deeper in the mine, and the result to the world a lesson which should be
will be glorious treasure. Through a graven on mind and soul. “This is life
correct faith, divine knowledge will eternal,” He said, “that they might
become human knowledge. know Thee the only true God, and Jesus
Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” John
(25) IN WHAT ATTITUDE MUST 17:3. This is true education. It imparts
WE SEARCH GOD’S WORD TO FIND power. The experimental knowledge of
THE GREATEST REWARD? God and of Jesus Christ whom He has
sent, transforms man into the image
of God. It gives to man the mastery of
himself, bringing every impulse and
passion of the lower nature under the
control of the higher powers of the
Matthew 18:3 mind. It makes its possessor a son of
God and an heir of heaven. It brings
No one can search the Scriptures in the him into communion with the mind of
spirit of Christ without being rewarded. the Infinite, and opens to him the rich
When man is willing to be instructed as treasures of the universe.
a little child, when he submits wholly
to God, he will find the truth in His (27) WHAT GREAT PROMISE
word. If men would be obedient, they MAY WE CLAIM?
would understand the plan of God’s
government. The heavenly world would
open its chambers of grace and glory
for exploration. Human beings would
be altogether different from what they Proverbs 2:5
now are, for by exploring the mines
of truth men would be ennobled. The The knowledge of God is the knowl-
mystery of redemption, the incarnation edge which is obtained by searching
of Christ, His atoning sacrifice, would the word of God. And this trea-
not be as they are now, vague in our sure may be found by every soul
minds. They would be not only better who will give all to obtain it.
78
I am grateful to my Heavenly I pray for God to send me

Father for making such His Holy Spirit to help me
unmeasurable treasures of to turn from seeking selfish
wisdom available to me in pleasures of this world and
His Word. to guide me with an open
mind into all truth.
I ask for conviction to seek the

highest education available With a heart filled with love
to man–the spiritual treasures for my Saviour, I pray for
of wisdom and knowledge in the strength and conviction
God’s Word. Help me to to follow the spiritual light
hunger for it and seek it as given to me. May I reflect
gold and with the faith and His love demonstrated by full
trust as a child. surrender and obedience.

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79
The Pearl
Lesson
11
Lesson based on Matthew 13: 45,46. Himself is the pearl of great price. In
Him is gathered all the glory of the
(1) WHAT IS HID IN CHRIST, Father, the fullness of the Godhead. He
THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE? is the brightness of the Father’s glory
and the express image of His person.
The glory of the attributes of God is
expressed in His character. Every page
of the Holy Scriptures shines with His
light. The righteousness of Christ, as
Colossians 2:3 a pure, white pearl, has no defect, no
stain. No work of man can improve
The blessings of redeeming love our the great and precious gift of God. It is
Savior compared to a precious pearl. without a flaw. In Christ are “hid all the
He illustrated His lesson by the parable treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
of the merchantman seeking goodly He is “made unto us wisdom, and
pearls “who, when he had found one righteousness, and sanctification, and
pearl of great price, went and sold redemption.” 1 Cor. 1:30. All that can
all that he had, and bought it.” Christ satisfy the needs and longings of the
80
human soul, for this world and for the

world to come, is found in Christ. Our
Redeemer is the pearl so precious that
in comparison all things else may be
accounted loss. 1 Samuel 12:24
(2) HOW WAS CHRIST, THE PRICE-
LESS TREASURE, ACCEPTED BY In the parable the pearl is not represented
THE SPIRITUAL MAJORITY as a gift. The merchantman bought it
OF HIS TIME? at the price of all that he had. Many
question the meaning of this, since
Christ is represented in the Scriptures
as a gift. He is a gift, but only to those
who give themselves, soul, body, and
John 1:11; John 1:5 spirit, to Him without reserve. We
are to give ourselves to Christ, to live
a life of willing obedience to all His
(3) WHO IN THIS PARABLE
requirements. All that we are, all the
REPRESENTS THE CLASS WHO
talents and capabilities we possess, are
DID ACCEPT HIM?
the Lord’s, to be consecrated to His
service. When we thus give ourselves
wholly to Him, Christ, with all the
treasures of heaven, gives Himself to us.
We obtain the pearl of great price.
Matthew 13:45, 46
(5) TO WHOM IS THE PEARL OF
But not all were found indifferent to GREAT PRICE OFFERED?
the gift of heaven. The merchantman in
the parable represents a class who were
sincerely desiring truth. In different
nations there were earnest and thoughtful
men who had sought in literature and 2 Peter 3:9
science and the religions of the heathen
world for that which they could receive Salvation is a free gift, and yet it is to be
as the soul’s treasure. Among the Jews bought and sold. In the market of which
there were those who were seeking for divine mercy has the management, the
that which they had not. Dissatisfied with precious pearl is represented as being
a formal religion, they longed for that bought without money and without
which was spiritual and uplifting. Christ’s price. In this market all may obtain the
chosen disciples belonged to the latter goods of heaven. The treasury of the
class, Cornelius and the Ethiopian eunuch jewels of truth is open to all. “Behold, I
to the former. They had been longing have set before thee an open door,” the
and praying for light from heaven; and Lord declares, “and no man can shut
when Christ was revealed to them, they it.” No sword guards the way through
received Him with gladness. this door. Voices from within and at the
door say, Come. The Saviour’s voice
(4) HOW MAY WE OBTAIN T H E earnestly and lovingly invites us: “I
PEARL OF GREAT PRICE? counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried
81
The Pearl
in the fire, that thou mayest be rich.” We cannot earn salvation, but we are
Revelation 3:8, 18. to seek for it with as much interest
and perseverance as though we would
The gospel of Christ is a blessing that abandon everything in the world for it.
all may possess. The poorest are as well
able as the richest to purchase salvation; We are to seek for the pearl of great
for no amount of worldly wealth can price, but not in worldly marts or
secure it. It is obtained by willing in worldly ways. The price we are
obedience, by giving ourselves to Christ required to pay is not gold or silver, for
as His own purchased possession. this belongs to God. Abandon the idea
that temporal or spiritual advantages
(6) WHAT IS THE SPIRITUAL will win for you salvation. God calls
CONDITION OF THOSE WHO for your willing obedience. He asks
REJECT CHRIST? you to give up your sins. “To him that
overcometh,” Christ declares, “will
I grant to sit with Me in My throne,
even as I also overcame, and am set
down with My Father in His throne.”
Rev. 3:21.
Revelation 3:17 (8) WHAT ARE THREE PITFALLS

SATAN USES TO DISTRACT US
Education, even of the highest class, FROM SEARCHING FOR THE
cannot of itself bring a man nearer to TREASURES OF HEAVEN?
God. The Pharisees were favored with
every temporal and every spiritual
advantage, and they said with boastful
pride, We are “rich, and increased with
goods, and have need of nothing”; yet
they were “wretched, and miserable, 1 John 2:16
and poor, and blind, and naked.” Christ
offered them the pearl of great price; There are some who seem to be always
but they disdained to accept it, and He seeking for the heavenly pearl. But
said to them, “The publicans and the they do not make an entire surrender
harlots go into the kingdom of God of their wrong habits. They do not die
before you.” Matthew 21:31. to self that Christ may live in them.
Therefore they do not find the precious
(7) HOW DOES THIS VERSE pearl. They have not overcome unholy
D E S C R I B E T H E WAY T O ambition and their love for worldly
OBTAIN T H E T R E A S U R E O F attractions. They do not take up the
SALVATION? cross and follow Christ in the path
of self-denial and sacrifice. Almost
Christians, yet not fully Christians,
they seem near the kingdom of heaven,
but they cannot enter there. Almost
but not wholly saved, means to be not
Matthew 13:44-46 almost but wholly lost.
82
(9) WHO DOES CHRIST CONSIDER But Christ as the precious pearl,
TO BE THE PEARL OF GREAT and our privilege of possessing this
PRICE AND IS HIS DESIRE TO heavenly treasure, is the theme on
SAVE? which we most need to dwell. It is
the Holy Spirit that reveals to men
the preciousness of the goodly pearl.
The time of the Holy Spirit’s power
is the time when in a special sense the
heavenly gift is sought and found. In
Zechariah 9:16 Christ’s day many heard the gospel,
but their minds were darkened by
The parable of the merchantman false teaching, and they did not
seeking goodly pearls has a double recognize in the humble Teacher of
significance: it applies not only to men Galilee the Sent of God. But after
as seeking the kingdom of heaven, Christ’s ascension His enthronement
but to Christ as seeking His lost in His mediatorial kingdom was
inheritance. Christ, the heavenly signalized by the outpouring of the
merchantman seeking goodly pearls, Holy Spirit.
saw in lost humanity the pearl of
price. In man, defiled and ruined (11) WHEN THE VALUE OF THE
by sin, He saw the possibilities of PEARL OF GREAT PRICE IS RE-
redemption. Hearts that have been ALIZED AND THE TREASURE
the battleground of the conflict with ACCEPTED, HOW DOES THE POS-
Satan, and that have been rescued by SESSOR VIEW CHRIST?
the power of love, are more precious
to the Redeemer than are those who
have never fallen. God looked upon
humanity, not as vile and worthless;
He looked upon it in Christ, saw it as
it might become through redeeming Acts 5:31
love. He collected all the riches of the
universe, and laid them down in order On the day of Pentecost the Spirit was
to buy the pearl. And Jesus, having given. Christ’s witnesses proclaimed
found it, resets it in His own diadem. the power of the risen Saviour. The
. . “They shall be Mine, saith the Lord light of heaven penetrated the darkened
of hosts, in that day when I make up minds of those who had been deceived
My jewels.” Mal. 3:17. by the enemies of Christ. They now
saw Him exalted to be “a Prince and
(10) WHO CONVICTS SINNERS a Saviour, for to give repentance to
OF THEIR NEED TO POSSESS Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” They
THE PRICELESS PEARL? saw Him encircled with the glory
of heaven, with infinite treasures in
His hands to bestow upon all who
would turn from their rebellion. As the
apostles set forth the glory of the Only-
Begotten of the Father, three thousand
1 Corinthians 2:10 souls were convicted. They were made
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The Pearl
to see themselves as they were, sinful soul. . . . With great power gave the
and polluted, and Christ as their friend apostles witness of the resurrection of
and Redeemer. Christ was lifted up, the Lord Jesus; and great grace was upon
Christ was glorified, through the power them all.” Acts 4:32, 33.
of the Holy Spirit resting upon men.
By faith these believers saw Him as (13) WHAT WAS THE RESULT OF
the One who had borne humiliation, THE EFFORTS OF THE EARLY
suffering, and death that they might CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN SHARING
not perish but have everlasting life. THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE?
The revelation of Christ by the Spirit
brought to them a realizing sense of His
power and majesty, and they stretched
forth their hands to Him by faith,
saying, “I believe.”
(12) HOW DID PETER AND Acts 2:47
JOHN DEMONSTRATE IN THEIR The Spirit of Christ animated the whole
REACTION WHAT ALL WILL congregation; for they had found the
EXPERIENCE WHO ALSO FIND pearl of great price.
THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE?
(14) WHAT HAS GOD PROMISED
TO DO IN THE FINAL DAYS OF
EARTH’S HISTORY THAT WILL
DRAW A MULTITUDE TO SEEK
THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE?
Acts 4:20
Then the glad tidings of a risen Saviour

were carried to the uttermost bounds
of the inhabited world. The church Joel 2:28
beheld converts flocking to her from all
directions. Believers were reconverted. These scenes are to be repeated, and
Sinners united with Christians in seeking with greater power. The outpouring of
the pearl of great price. The prophecy the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost
was fulfilled, The weak shall be “as was the former rain, but the latter rain
David,” and the house of David “as the will be more abundant. The Spirit
angel of the Lord.” Zech. 12:8. Every awaits our demand and reception.
Christian saw in his brother the divine Christ is again to be revealed in His
similitude of benevolence and love. One fulness by the Holy Spirit’s power. Men
interest prevailed. One object swallowed will discern the value of the precious
up all others. All hearts beat in harmony. pearl, and with the apostle Paul they
The only ambition of the believers was to will say, “What things were gain to
reveal the likeness of Christ’s character, me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea
and to labor for the enlargement of His doubtless, and I count all things but loss
kingdom. “The multitude of them that for the excellency of the knowledge of
believed were of one heart and of one Christ Jesus my Lord.” Phil. 3:7, 8.
84
I am grateful for Christ, walk in willing love-based

the Pearl of Great Price obedience.
in whom is hidden all the
treasure of wisdom and Circle: Yes Undecided
knowledge.
Circle: Yes Undecided May God grant me the

wisdom to avoid Satan’s
snares so that I may inherit
I am thankful that Christ, the Pearl of Great Price He
the Pearl of Great Price, can has so graciously provided.
be found by all who search
for Him! Circle: Yes Undecided

I pray that all with whom
I come in contact with will
I pray for the awesome recognize the Pearl of Great
presence and power of the Price within me and will
Holy Spirit. May I be led long to obtain this great
to full acceptance of the treasure also.
priceless gift of salvation
and be given the heart to Circle: Yes Undecided

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85
The Net
Lesson
12
Lesson based on Matthew 13: 47-50. (2) WHO WILL BE DRAWN INTO
THE NET?
(1) WHAT DOES THE “NET” IN
THIS PARABLE REPRESENT?
Matthew 13:47
Matthew 13:47 The casting of the net is the preaching

of the gospel. This gathers both good
The net “...was cast into the sea, and and evil into the church.
gathered of every kind; which, when
it was full, they drew to shore, and (3) WHEN DOES THE SEPARA-
sat down, and gathered the good into TION OF THE GOOD AND EVIL
vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall OCCUR?
it be at the end of the world: the angels
shall come forth, and sever the wicked
from among the just, and shall cast
them into the furnace of fire: there shall
be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 13:49
86
When the mission of the gospel When the work of the gospel is
is completed, the judgment will accomplish completed, there immediately follows
the work of separation. Christ saw how the the separation between the good and
existence of false brethren in the church the evil, and the destiny of each class
would cause the way of truth to be evil is forever fixed.
spoken of. The world would revile the
gospel because of the inconsistent lives (6) HOW DOES GOD FEEL ABOUT
of false professors. Even Christians T H E D E STRUCTION OF THE
would be caused to stumble as they saw WICKED?
that many who bore Christ’s name were
not controlled by His Spirit. Because
these sinners were in the church, men
would be in danger of thinking that God Ezekiel 33:11
excused their sins. Therefore Christ lifts
the veil from the future and bids all to God does not desire the destruction
behold that it is character, not position, of any....Throughout the period of
which decides man’s destiny. probationary time His Spirit is entreating
men to accept the gift of life. It is only
(4) WHAT STATEMENT IN THIS those who reject His pleading that will
VERSE SHOWS THAT NOT ALL be left to perish. God has declared that
THAT CLAIM CHRISTIANITY sin must be destroyed as an evil ruinous
WILL BE SAVED? to the universe. Those who cling to sin
will perish in its destruction.
I am thankful God has pro-

Matthew 13:49, 50 vided the gospel net for the
redemption of mankind.
Both the parable of the tares and that
of the net plainly teach that there is Circle: Yes Undecided
no time when all the wicked will turn
to God. The wheat and the tares grow I realize that the net will
together until the harvest. The good bring a mixture of tares and
and the bad fish are together drawn wheat into the church and
ashore for a final separation. the separation will occur at
Christ’s second coming.
(5) WHEN DOES THE SEPARA-
TION OF THE WICKED AND THE Circle: Yes Undecided
JUST OCCUR?
I realize God takes no plea-
sure in the destruction of the
wicked and longs to save all
His fallen children.
Matthew 13:49
Again, these parables teach that there is
to be no probation after the judgment.
87
Things New and Old
Lesson
13
Lesson based on Matthew 13: 52. things?” They said unto Him, “Yea,
Lord.” Then in another parable He
(1) IF, AS GOOD STEWARDS OF set before them their responsibility in
TRUTH, WE PROCLAIM IT, WHAT regard to the truths they had received.
WILL BE THE RESULT? “Therefore,” He said, “every scribe
which is instructed unto the kingdom
of heaven is like unto a man that is an
house-holder, which bringeth forth out
of his treasure things new and old.”
The treasure gained by the house-

holder he does not hoard. He brings it
Isaiah 55:11 forth to communicate to others. And
by use the treasure increases. The
While Christ was teaching the people, householder has precious things both
He was also educating His disciples for new and old. So Christ teaches that
their future work. In all His instruction the truth committed to His disciples is
there were lessons for them. After to be communicated to the world. And
giving the parable of the net, He asked as the knowledge of truth is imparted,
them, “Have ye understood all these it will increase.
88
(2) WHAT IS THE COMMISSION The great storehouse of truth is the word
AND PRIVILEGE OF THOSE WHO of God–the written word, the book of
FIND CHRIST? nature, and the book of experience in
God’s dealing with human life. Here are
the treasures from which Christ’s workers
are to draw. In the search after truth they
are to depend upon God, not upon human
Acts 22:15 intelligences, the great men whose wisdom
is foolishness with God. Through His own
All who receive the gospel message appointed channels the Lord will impart a
into the heart will long to proclaim it. knowledge of Himself to every seeker.
The heaven-born love of Christ must
find expression. Those who have put (4) TO WHOM WILL THE WIS-
on Christ will relate their experience, DOM AND TRUTH OF GOD’S
tracing step by step the leadings of WORD BE REVEALED?
the Holy Spirit–their hungering and
thirsting for the knowledge of God
and of Jesus Christ whom He has
sent, the results of their searching
of the Scriptures, their prayers, their Psalms 19:7
soul agony, and the words of Christ
to them, “Thy sins be forgiven thee.” If the follower of Christ will believe
It is unnatural for any to keep these His word and practice it, there is
things secret, and those who are filled no science in the natural world that
with the love of Christ will not do so. he will not be able to grasp and
In proportion as the Lord has made appreciate. There is nothing but that
them the depositaries of sacred truth will furnish him means for imparting
will be their desire that others shall the truth to others. Natural science is
receive the same blessing. And as a treasure house of knowledge from
they make known the rich treasures which every student in the school of
of God’s grace, more and still more Christ may draw. As we contemplate
of the grace of Christ will be imparted the beauty of nature, as we study its
to them. They will have the heart lessons in the cultivation of the soil,
of a little child in its simplicity and in the growth of the trees, in all the
unreserved obedience. Their souls wonders of earth and sea and sky,
will pant after holiness, and more and there will come to us a new perception
more of the treasures of truth and grace of truth. And the mysteries connected
will be revealed to them to be given with God’s dealings with men, the
to the world. depths of His wisdom and judgment as
seen in human life–these are found to
(3) WHO PROVIDES WISDOM be a storehouse rich in treasure.
AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF
TRUTH? (5) WHERE WILL THE TRULY
EARNEST SEEKERS OF GOD
FIND KNOWLEDGE OF HIM?
Proverbs 2:6
89
Things New and Old
as portrayed in the law, and as revealed

by the prophets, is the riches of the
Old Testament. Christ in His life, His
Psalms 119:130 death, and His resurrection, Christ as
He is manifested by the Holy Spirit, is
But it is in the written word that a the treasure of the New Testament. Our
knowledge of God is most clearly Saviour, the outshining of the Father’s
revealed to fallen man. This is the glory, is both the Old and the New.
treasure house of the unsearchable
riches of Christ. (7) WHY IS ALL SCRIPTURE IM-
P O RTA N T I N P R E S E N T I N G
(6) HOW MUCH OF SCRIPTURE THE FULL GOSPEL MESSAGE?
IS APPLICABLE TO OUR FULL
KNOWLEDGE OF TRUTH?
John 5:39; Luke 24:27
2 Timothy 3:16 Of Christ’s life and death and interces-

sion, which prophets had foretold, the
The word of God includes the Scrip- apostles were to go forth as witnesses.
tures of the Old Testament as well Christ in His humiliation, in His purity
as of the New. One is not complete and holiness, in His matchless love,
without the other. Christ declared was to be their theme. And in order to
that the truths of the Old Testament preach the gospel in its fullness, they
are as valuable as those of the New. must present the Saviour not only as
Christ was as much man’s Redeemer revealed in His life and teachings, but
in the beginning of the world as He is as foretold by the prophets of the Old
today. Before He clothed His divin- Testament and as symbolized by the
ity with humanity and came to our sacrificial service.
world, the gospel message was given
by Adam, Seth, Enoch, Methuselah, (8) WHAT DOES THIS SCRIPTURE
and Noah. Abraham in Canaan and PROMISE TO THE JUST WHO ARE
Lot in Sodom bore the message, and CONTINUALLY SEEKING FOR
from generation to generation faithful DEEPER TRUTHS?
messengers proclaimed the Coming
One. The rites of the Jewish economy
were instituted by Christ Himself. He
was the foundation of their system of
sacrificial offerings, the great antitype Proverbs 4:18
of all their religious service. The blood
shed as the sacrifices were offered Christ in His teaching presented old
pointed to the sacrifice of the Lamb truths of which He Himself was the
of God. All the typical offerings were originator, truths which He had spoken
fulfilled in Him. through patriarchs and prophets; but
He now shed upon them a new light.
Christ as manifested to the patriarchs, How different appeared their meaning!
as symbolized in the sacrificial service, A flood of light and spirituality was
90
brought in by His explanation. And He old. He who rejects or neglects the new
promised that the Holy Spirit should does not really possess the old. For him
enlighten the disciples, that the word of it loses its vital power and becomes but
God should be ever unfolding to them. a lifeless form.
They would be able to present its truths
in new beauty. (10) WHAT STATEMENT BY
CHRIST SHOWS THAT ACCEP-
Ever since the first promise of redemp- TANCEOF THE OLD TESTAMENT IS
tion was spoken in Eden, the life, the PARAMOUNT TO ACCEPTING
character, and the mediatorial work HIM IN THE NEW?
of Christ have been the study of hu-
man minds. Yet every mind through
whom the Holy Spirit has worked has
presented these themes in a light that is
fresh and new. The truths of redemption
are capable of constant development
and expansion. Though old, they are John 5:46
ever new, constantly revealing to the
seeker for truth a greater glory and a There are those who profess to believe
mightier power. and to teach the truths of the Old
Testament, while they reject the New.
In every age there is a new development But in refusing to receive the teachings
of truth, a message of God to the people of Christ, they show that they do not
of that generation. The old truths are all believe that which patriarchs and
essential; new truth is not independent prophets have spoken. “Had ye believed
of the old, but an unfolding of it. It is Moses,” Christ said, “ye would have
only as the old truths are understood believed Me; for he wrote of Me.”
that we can comprehend the new. When Hence there is no real power in their
Christ desired to open to His disciples teaching of even the Old Testament.
the truth of His resurrection, He
began “at Moses and all the prophets” Many who claim to believe and to teach
and “expounded unto them in all the gospel are in a similar error. They
the scriptures the things concerning set aside the Old Testament Scriptures,
Himself.” Luke 24:27. of which Christ declared, “They are
they which testify of Me.” John 5:39.
(9) WHAT WILL BE LOST BY PAR- In rejecting the Old, they virtually
TIAL ACCEPTANCE OF GOD’S reject the New; for both are parts of
WORD? an inseparable whole. No man can
rightly present the law of God without
the gospel, or the gospel without the
law. The law is the gospel embodied,
and the gospel is the law unfolded. The
law is the root, the gospel is the fragrant
blossom and fruit which it bears.
Luke 11:28; Revelation 22:19
The Old Testament sheds light upon
But it is the light which shines in the the New, and the New upon the Old.
fresh unfolding of truth that glorifies the Each is a revelation of the glory of
91
Things New and Old
God in Christ. Both present truths that of a love that is unexplainable, that is
will continually reveal new depths of as high as heaven, but that stooped to
meaning to the earnest seeker. the earth to stamp the image of God on
all mankind.
(11) WHAT PHRASE IN THIS VERSE
DESCRIBES THE FOCUS OF A Yet it is possible for us to see all that we
CHRISTIAN’S STUDY BOTH ON can bear of the divine compassion. This
THIS EARTH AND THROUGH- is unfolded to the humble, contrite soul.
OUT ETERNAL AGES? We shall understand God’s compassion
just in proportion as we appreciate His
sacrifice for us. As we search the word
of God in humility of heart, the grand
theme of redemption will open to our
Mark 4:11 research. It will increase in brightness as
we behold it, and as we aspire to grasp it,
Truth in Christ and through Christ is its height and depth will ever increase.
measureless. The student of Scripture
looks, as it were, into a fountain that
deepens and broadens as he gazes into (13) WHAT GREAT PROVISION
its depths. Not in this life shall we DOES THIS VERSE DESCRIBE
comprehend the mystery of God’s love THAT GIVES CONTINUAL FRESH-
in giving His Son to be the propitiation NESS TO OUR CONN E C T I O N
for our sins. The work of our Redeemer WITH CHRIST?
on this earth is and ever will be a
subject that will put to the stretch our
highest imagination. Man may tax
every mental power in the endeavor
to fathom this mystery, but his mind 1 Thessalonians 5:17
will become faint and weary. The most
diligent searcher will see before him a Our life is to be bound up with the life
boundless, shoreless sea. of Christ; we are to draw constantly
from Him, partaking of Him, the living
(12) WHAT WILL FALLEN MOR- Bread that came down from heaven,
TA L S A LWAY S S T R U G G L E drawing from a fountain ever fresh, ever
TO COMPREHEND AND NEVER giving forth its abundant treasures. If we
FULLY KNOW? keep the Lord ever before us, allowing
our hearts to go out in thanksgiving
and praise to Him, we shall have a
continual freshness in our religious
life. Our prayers will take the form of
Ephesians 3:18, 19 a conversation with God as we would
talk with a friend. He will speak His
The truth as it is in Jesus can be mysteries to us personally. Often there
experienced, but never explained. Its will come to us a sweet joyful sense of
height and breadth and depth pass the presence of Jesus. Often our hearts
our knowledge. We may task our will burn within us as He draws nigh to
imagination to the utmost, and then commune with us as He did with Enoch.
we shall see only dimply the outlines When this is in truth the experience of
92
the Christian, there is seen in his life a When we eat Christ’s flesh and drink His
simplicity, a humility, meekness, and blood, the element of eternal life will be
lowliness of heart, that show to all with found in the ministry. There will not be
whom he associates that he has been a fund of stale, oft-repeated ideas. The
with Jesus and learned of Him. tame, dull sermonizing will cease. The
old truths will be presented, but they will
(14) IF WE BECOME CONNECTED be seen in a new light. There will be a
TO CHRIST AND BELIEVE, WHAT new perception of truth, a clearness and
DOES HE PROMISE WILL FLOW a power that all will discern. Those who
FROM US? have the privilege of sitting under such a
ministry will, if susceptible to the Holy
Spirit’s influence, feel the energizing
power of a new life. The fire of God’s
John 7:37, 38 love will be kindled within them. their
perceptive faculties will be quickened to
In those who possess it, the religion of discern the beauty and majesty of truth.
Christ will reveal itself as a vitalizing,
pervading principle, a living, working, (16) WHAT EFFORT BLESSED
spiritual energy. There will be manifest BY GOD, WILL ENABLE HIS
the freshness and power and joyousness FOLLOWERS TO SHARE HOPE,
of perpetual youth. The heart that COURAGE, AND SPIRITUAL
receives the word of God is not as a VISION TO LISTENING EARS?
pool that evaporates, not like a broken
cistern that loses its treasure. It is like
the mountain stream fed by unfailing
springs, whose cool, sparkling waters
leap from rock to rock, refreshing the
Proverbs 2:3-5
weary, the thirsty, the heavy laden.
This experience gives every teacher of The faithful householder represents

truth the very qualifications that will what every teacher of the children and
make him a representative of Christ. youth should be. If he makes the word
The spirit of Christ’s teaching will of God his treasure, he will continually
give a force and directness to his bring forth new beauty and new truth.
communications and to his prayers. His When the teacher will rely upon God
witness to Christ will not be a narrow, in prayer, the Spirit of Christ will come
lifeless testimony. The minister will upon him, and God will work through
not preach over and over the same set him by the Holy Spirit upon the minds of
discourses. His mind will be open to the others. The Spirit fills the mind and heart
constant illumination of the Holy Spirit. with sweet hope and courage and Bible
imagery, and all this will be communicated
(15) WHAT IS THE SOURCE THAT to the youth under his instruction.
GIVES ENERGIZING POWER TO
OUR MINISTRY FOR CHRIST? (17) WHAT WILL BE THE RESULT?
John 6:63 Psalms 119:162
93
Things New and Old
The springs of heavenly peace and and fullness of meaning of which we

joy, unsealed in the soul of the teacher have never dreamed. The beauty and
by the words of Inspiration, will riches of the word have a transforming
become a mighty river of influence influence on mind and character. The
to bless all who connect with him. light of heavenly love will fall upon
The Bible will not become a tiresome the heart as an inspiration.
book to the student. Under a wise
instructor the word will become more (19) WHAT VISUAL AID HAS
and more desirable. It will be as the GOD GIVEN TO HELP MAN-
bread of life, and will never grow old. KIND COMPREHEND THE DEEP
Its freshness and beauty will attract MYSTERIES OF THE PLAN OF
and charm the children and youth. It REDEMPTION?
is like the sun shining upon the earth,
perpetually imparting brightness and
warmth, yet never exhausted.
Psalms 77:13
God’s holy, educating Spirit is in His
word. A light, a new and precious light, The appreciation of the Bible grows with
shines forth from every page. Truth is there its study. Whichever way the student
revealed, and words and sentences are made may turn, he will find displayed the
bright and appropriate for the occasion, as infinite wisdom and love of God.
the voice of God speaking to the soul.
The significance of the Jewish economy
(18) WHAT CAN BE DONE, BY is not yet fully comprehended. Truths
GOD’S SPIRIT, TO CAPTIVATE vast and profound are shadowed forth
THE SENSES, ANIMATE THE in its rites and symbols. The gospel
SOUL WITH SPIRITUAL POWER, is the key that unlocks its mysteries.
AND BARRICADE THE MIND Through a knowledge of the plan of
AGAINST TEMPTATION? redemption, its truths are opened to
the understanding. Far more than we
do, it is our privilege to understand
these wonderful themes. We are to
comprehend the deep things of God.
Psalms 119:11 Angels desire to look into the truths
that are revealed to the people who
The Holy Spirit loves to address the with contrite hearts are searching the
youth, and to discover to them the word of God, and praying for greater
treasures and beauties of God’s word. lengths and breadths and depths and
The promises spoken by the great heights of the knowledge which He
Teacher will captivate the senses and alone can give.
animate the soul with spiritual power
that is divine. There will grow in the (20) WHAT IS PROMISED TO
fruitful mind a familiarity with divine THOSE WHO STUDY THE PROPH-
things that will be as a barricade against ECIES IN GOD’S WORD?
temptation.
The words of truth will grow in

importance, and assume a breadth Revelation 1:3
94
As we near the close of this world’s not exhausted these grand and holy
history, the prophecies relating to the themes. Thousands more may engage
last days especially demand our study. in the work of searching out the
The last book of the New Testament mysteries of salvation.
scriptures is full of truth that we need
to understand. Satan has blinded the (23) WHAT DESCRIPTIVE TERM
minds of many, so that they have been DOES SCRIPTURE GIVE FOR THE
glad of any excuse for not making the LIFE AND MISSION OF CHRIST
Revelation their study. But Christ through WHICH WILL BE OUR FOCUS OF
His servant John has here declared what STUDY THROUGHOUT ETER-
shall be in the last days. . . NITY?
(21) WHAT IS ETERNAL LIFE?
1 Timothy 3:16
As the life of Christ and the character

John 17:3 of His mission are dwelt upon, rays of
light will shine forth more distinctly at
Why is it that we do not realize the every attempt to discover truth. Each
value of this knowledge? Why are not fresh search will reveal something more
these glorious truths glowing in our deeply interesting than has yet been
hearts, trembling upon our lips, and unfolded. The subject is inexhaustible.
pervading our whole being? The study of the incarnation of Christ,
His atoning sacrifice and mediatorial
(22) WHAT DOES STUDY OF work, will employ the mind of the
GOD’S WORD REVEAL? diligent student as long as time shall
last; and looking to heaven with its
unnumbered years he will exclaim,
“Great is the mystery of godliness.”
In eternity we shall learn that which,

2 Timothy 3:15 had we received the enlightenment it
was possible to obtain here, would have
In giving us His word, God has put us opened our understanding. The themes
in possession of every truth essential of redemption will employ the hearts
for our salvation. Thousands have and minds and tongues of the redeemed
drawn water from these wells of life, through the everlasting ages. They will
yet there is no diminishing of the understand the truths which Christ
supply. Thousands have set the Lord longed to open to His disciples, but
before them, and by beholding have which they did not have faith to grasp.
been changed into the same image. Forever and forever new views of the
Their spirit burns within them as they perfection and glory of Christ will
speak of His character, telling what appear. Through endless ages will the
Christ is to them, and what they are faithful Householder bring forth from
to Christ. But these searchers have His treasure things new and old.
95
Things New and Old
I thank the Lord for the I look forward to heaven

blessing of truth that He is and the blessing of eter-
revealing to me. I pray for nal time spent growing in
an open mind and a strong the knowledge and under-
desire to be a more diligent standing the great mystery
student of His Word. of godliness–the gift of God’s
amazing love to man.
I realize the validity and

importance of all of God’s I pray for wisdom by God’s
Word. I realize that all Scrip- Spirit to be a loving servant
ture was given by inspiration of Christ and enjoy the
and for a specific purpose blessing and privilege of
and diligent study of it will sharing the good new of the
reveal to me the important gospel to a lost and dying
truths it contains. world.

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97
Asking
to
Give
Lesson
14
Lesson based on Luke 11:1-13 “The Son of man came not to be
ministered unto, but to minister.” Not
(1) WHOSE MESSAGE DID for Himself, but for others, He lived
CHRIST COME TO DELIVER? and thought and prayed.
(3) AS CHRIST’S HABIT OF COM-

John 14:24 MUNING WITH GOD IS OUR
MODEL, WHAT EXAMPLE DID
Christ was continually receiving from HE SET FOR US REGARDING
the Father that He might communicate THE TIME AND TYPE OF PLACE?
to us. “The word which ye hear,” He
said, “is not Mine, but the Father’s
which sent Me.”
(2) WHAT WAS THE FOCUS OF

CHRIST’S EARTHLY MISSION? Mark 1:35; Matthew 6:6
From hours spent with God He came

forth morning by morning, to bring
the light of heaven to men. Daily He
Matthew 20:28 received a fresh baptism of the Holy
98
Spirit. In the early hours of the new (6) WHO SHOULD BE THE BEN-
day the Lord awakened Him from His EFICIARY OF OUR PRAYERS?
slumbers, and His soul and His lips were
anointed with grace, that He might impart
to others. His words were given Him fresh
from the heavenly courts, words that He
might speak in season to the weary Philippians 2:4
and oppressed. “The Lord God hath
given Me,” He said, “the tongue of the Then in a parable he illustrated the
learned, that I should know how to speak lesson he desired to teach them. “Which
a word in season to him that is weary: of you,” he said, “shall have a friend,
He wakeneth morning by morning, He and shall go unto him at midnight,
wakeneth Mine ear to hear as the learned.” and say unto him, Friend, lend me
Isa. 50:4. three loaves; for a friend of mine in
his journey is come to me, and I have
(4) WHAT METHOD OF COMMU- nothing to set before him? And he from
NION WAS CHRIST’S HABIT AND within shall answer and say, Trouble
OUR PERFECT EXAMPLE? me not: the door is now shut, and my
children are with me in bed; I can not
rise and give thee. I say unto you,
Though he will not rise and give him,
because he is his friend, yet because of
Matthew 14:23 his importunity he will rise and give
him as many as he needeth.”
Christ’s disciples were much impressed
by his prayers and by his habit of Here Christ represents the petitioner
communion with God. One day after as asking that he may give again.
a short absence from their Lord, they He must obtain the bread, else he
found him absorbed in supplication. can not supply the necessities of a
Seemingly unconscious of their weary, belated wayfarer. Though his
presence, he continued praying aloud. neighbor is unwilling to be troubled,
The hearts of the disciples were deeply he will not desist his pleading; his
moved. As he ceased praying, they friend must be relieved. At last his
exclaimed, “Lord, teach us to pray.” importunity is rewarded, and his wants
In answer, Christ repeated the Lord’s are supplied.
prayer, as he had given it in the sermon
on the mount. (7) WHAT PROMISE CAN THOSE
SEEKING TO MINISTER CLAIM?
(5) TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN
MINISTRY, WHAT ELEMENT
MUST ACCOMPANY OUR P R A Y -
ERS OF FAITH?
2 Corinthians 9:8; Matthew 28:18
In like manner the disciples were

James 2:17 to seek blessings from God. In the
99
Asking to Give
feeding of the multitude and in the longs to grant the requests of those who
sermon on the bread from heaven, come unto him in faith. He gives to us
Christ had opened to them their work that we may minister to others, and thus
as his representatives. They were to become like himself.
give the bread of life to the people.
He who had appointed their work, (9) WHAT SHOULD BE DONE ON
saw how often their faith would be OUR PART TO RECEIVE?
tried. Often they would be thrown
into unexpected positions, and would
realize their human insufficiency.
Souls that were hungering for the
bread of life would come to them,
and they would feel themselves to
Matthew 7:7
the destitute and helpless. They must
receive spiritual food, or they would Christ declares: “Ask, and it shall be
have nothing to impart. But they given you; seek, and ye shall find;
were not to turn one soul away unfed. knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Christ directs them to the source of For every one that asketh receiveth; and
supply. The man whose friend came he that seeketh findeth; and to him that
to him for entertainment, even at the knocketh it shall be opened.”
unseasonable hour of midnight, did
not turn him away. He had nothing
to set before him, but he went to one The Saviour continues: “If a son shall
who had food, and pressed his request, ask bread of any of you that is a father,
until the neighbor supplied his need. will he give him a stone? or if he ask
And would not God, who had sent his a fish, will he for a fish give him a
servants to feed the hungry, supply serpent? or if he shall ask an egg, will
their need for his own work? he offer him a scorpion? If ye then,
being evil, know how to give good gifts
unto your children, how much more
(8) WHAT IS GOD’S ATTITUDE shall your heavenly Father give the
IN PROVIDING FOR HIS CHIL- Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?”
DREN?
(10) WHAT DO WE HAVE THE
PRIVILEGE OF BEING CALLED?
Matthew 7:11
Galatians 3:26
But the selfish neighbor in the parable
does not represent the character of (11) WITH WHAT TITLE DO WE
God. The lesson is drawn, not by HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF AD-
comparison, but by contrast. A selfish DRESSING GOD?
man will grant an urgent request,
in order to rid himself of one who
disturbs his rest. But God delights to
give. He is full of compassion, and he Matthew 6:9
100
In order to strengthen our confidence Christ’s lessons in regard to prayer

in God, Christ teaches us to address should be carefully considered. There
Him by a new name, a name entwined is a divine science in prayer, and His
with the dearest associations of the illustration brings to view principles
human heart. He gives us the privilege that all need to understand. He shows
of calling the infinite God our Father. what is the true spirit of prayer, He
This name, spoken to Him and of Him, teaches the necessity of perseverance
is a sign of our love and trust toward in presenting our requests to God, and
Him, and a pledge of His regard and assures us of His willingness to hear
relationship to us. Spoken when asking and answer prayer.
His favor or blessing, it is as music in
His ears. That we might not think it (14) UPON WHAT PRINCIPLE,
presumption to call Him by this name, AS SET FORTH IN THE LIFE OF
He has repeated it again and again. He CHRIST, SHOULD OUR PRAYERS
desires us to become familiar with the BE BASED?
appellation.
(12) WHAT PRIVILEGED POSITION

ARE WE GIVEN?
Mark 12:31
Our prayers are not to be a selfish
asking, merely for our own benefit.
Revelation 1:6 We are to ask that we may give. The
principle of Christ’s life must be the
God regards us as His children. He principle of our lives. “For their sakes,”
has redeemed us out of the careless He said, speaking of His disciples, “I
world and has chosen us to become sanctify Myself, that they also might
members of the royal family, sons and be sanctified.” John 17:19. The same
daughters of the heavenly King. He devotion, the same self-sacrifice, the
invites us to trust in Him with a trust same subjection to the claims of the
deeper and stronger than that of a child word of God, that were manifest in
in his earthly father. Parents love their Christ, must be seen in His servants.
children, but the love of God is larger, Our mission to the world is not to
broader, deeper, than human love can serve or please ourselves; we are to
possibly be. It is immeasurable. Then if glorify God by cooperating with Him
earthly parents know how to give good to save sinners. We are to ask blessings
gifts to their children, how much more from God that we may communicate
shall our Father in heaven give the Holy to others. The capacity for receiving
Spirit to those who ask Him? is preserved only by imparting. We
cannot continue to receive heavenly
(13) WHAT TYPE OF PRAYERS treasure without communicating to
AVAIL MUCH? those around us.
(15) FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT TO
WORK THROUGH US, WHAT IM-
PORTANT ELEMENT MUST OUR
James 5:16 FERVENT PRAYERS CONTAIN?
101
Asking to Give
authority for the fulfillment of the

promise, but they do not those things
that would show faith in Christ and
love for Him.
(17) IF WE ARE NOT LIVING AC-

Psalms 32:5 CORDING TO THE PRINCIPLES
OF GOD’S LAW, WHAT DO OUR
In the parable the petitioner was again
PRAYERS BECOME?
and again repulsed, but he did not
relinquish his purpose. So our prayers
do not always seem to receive an
immediate answer; but Christ teaches
that we should not cease to pray. Prayer
Proverbs 28:9
is not to work any change in God; it
is to bring us into harmony with God.
When we make request of Him, He may Many are forfeiting the condition of
see that it is necessary for us to search acceptance with the Father. We need
our hearts and repent of sin. Therefore to examine closely the deed of trust
He takes us through test and trial, He wherewith we approach God. If we
brings us through humiliation, that we are disobedient, we bring to the Lord
may see what hinders the working of a note to be cashed when we have not
His Holy Spirit through us. fulfilled the conditions that would make
it payable to us. We present to God His
promises, and ask Him to fulfill them,
(16) BEFORE WE CAN CLAIM when by so doing He would dishonor
HIS PROMISES, WHAT TWO IM- His own name.
PORTANT CONDITIONS MUST
BE MET ? The promise is “If ye abide in Me, and
My words abide in you, ye shall ask
what ye will, and it shall be done unto
you.” John 15:7. And John declares:
“Hereby we do know that we know
Psalms 119:2 Him, if we keep His commandments.
He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth
There are conditions to the fulfillment not His commandments, is a liar, and
of God’s promises, and prayer can the truth is not in him. But whoso
never take the place of duty. “If ye keepeth His word, in him verily is the
love Me,” Christ says, “Keep My
commandments.” “He that hath My love of God perfected.” 1 John 2:3-5.
commandments, and keepeth them, he
it is that loveth Me; and he that loveth (18) WHAT MUST BE DONE TO
Me shall be loved of My Father, and I RECEIVE HEALING AND GOD’S
will love him, and will manifest Myself RICH BLESSINGS?
to him.” John 14:15, 21. Those who
bring their petitions to God, claiming
His promise while they do not comply
with the conditions, insult Jehovah.
They bring the name of Christ as their James 5:16
102
One of Christ’s last commands to His As the Giver of every blessing, God
disciples was “Love one another as claims a certain portion of all we
I have loved you.” John 13:34. Do possess. This is His provision to sustain
we obey this command, or are we the preaching of the gospel. And by
indulging sharp, unchristlike traits making this return to God, we are to
of character? If we have in any way show our appreciation of His gifts. But if
grieved or wounded others, it is our we withhold from Him that which is His
duty to confess our fault and seek for own, how can we claim His blessing?
reconciliation. This is an essential If we are unfaithful stewards of earthly
preparation that we may come before things, how can we expect Him to entrust
God in faith, to ask His blessing. us with the things of heaven? It may be
that here is the secret of unanswered
(19) WHAT SIN DOES GOD CON- prayer. But the Lord in His great mercy
SIDER THE WITHHOLDING OF is ready to forgive, and He says, “Bring
TITHES AND OFFERINGS TO ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that
BE? there may be meat in Mine house, and
prove Me now herewith, . . . if I will not
open you the windows of heaven, and
pour you out a blessing, that there shall
not be room enough to receive it. And I
Malachi 3:8 will rebuke the devourer for your sakes,
and he shall not destroy the fruits of your
There is another matter too often ground; neither shall your vine cast her
neglected by those who seek the Lord fruit before the time in the field. . . . And
in prayer. Have you been honest with all nations shall call you blessed; for ye
God? By the prophet Malachi the Lord shall be a delightsome land, saith the
Lord of hosts.” Mal. 3:10-12.
declares, “Even from the days of your
fathers ye are gone away from Mine So it is with every other one of God’s
ordinances, and have not kept them. requirements. All His gifts are promised
Return unto Me, and I will return unto on condition of obedience. God has a
you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye heaven full of blessings for those who
said, Wherein shall we return? Will a will cooperate with Him. All who obey
man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. Him may with confidence claim the
But ye say, Wherein have we robbed fulfillment of His promises.
Thee? In tithes and offerings.”
(21) WHAT IS THE FUNDAMEN-
(20) WHAT DOES GOD PROMISE TAL ELEMENT OF ANSWERED
TO POUR OUT ON HIS FAITHFUL PRAYER?
STEWARDS?
Hebrews 11:6
But we must show a firm, undeviating
trust in God. Often He delays to answer
Malachi 3:10 us in order to try our faith or test the
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Asking to Give
genuineness of our desire. Having Our part is to pray and believe. Watch
asked according to His word, we unto prayer. Watch, and cooperate with
should believe His promise and press the prayer-hearing God. Bear in mind
our petitions with a determination that that “we are labourers together with
will not be denied. God.” Speak and act in harmony with
your prayers. It will make an infinite
God does not say, Ask once, and you shall difference with you whether trial shall
receive. He bids us ask. Unwearyingly prove your faith to be genuine, or show
persist in prayer. The persistent asking that your prayers are only a form.
brings the petitioner into a more earnest
attitude, and gives him an increased desire to (23) TO WHOM SHOULD WE EX-
receive the things for which he asks. Christ PRESS OUR DIFFICULTIES AND
said to Martha at the grave of Lazarus, “If SPIRITUAL INFIRMITIES?
thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see
the glory of God.” John 11:40.
But many have not a living faith. This is

why they do not see more of the power
of God. Their weakness is the result of Psalms 55:22
their unbelief. They have more faith in
their own working than in the working When perplexities arise, and difficulties
of God for them. They take themselves confront you, look not for help to
into their own keeping. They plan and humanity. Trust all with God. The
devise, but pray little, and have little practice of telling our difficulties to
real trust in God. They think they have others only makes us weak, and brings
faith, but it is only the impulse of the no strength to them. It lays upon them
moment. Failing to realize their own the burden of our spiritual infirmities,
need, or God’s willingness to give, which they cannot relieve. We seek the
they do not persevere in keeping their strength of erring, finite man, when we
requests before the Lord. might have the strength of the unerring,
infinite God.
Our prayers are to be as earnest and
persistent as was the petition of the (24) FROM WHOM CAN THE WIS-
needy friend who asked for the loaves
DOM FOR SUCCESS IN SPIRITUAL
at midnight. The more earnestly and
AS WELL AS TEMPORAL MAT-
steadfastly we ask, the closer will be
TERS BE FOUND?
our spiritual union with Christ. We shall
receive increased blessings because we
have increased faith.
(22) HOW DOES PAUL DESCRIBE James 1:5

THOSE WHO ARE SEEKING
HARMONY WITH OUR PRAYER- You need not go to the ends of the
HEARING GOD? earth for wisdom, for God is near. It is
not the capabilities you now possess
or ever will have that will give you
1 Corinthians 3:9 success. It is that which the Lord can
104
do for you. We need to have far less shall faint and be weary, and the young
confidence in what man can do and men shall utterly fall: but they that
far more confidence in what God can wait upon the Lord shall renew their
do for every believing soul. He longs strength; they shall mount up with
to have you reach after Him by faith. wings as eagles; they shall run, and not
He longs to have you expect great be weary; and they shall walk, and not
things from Him. He longs to give you faint.” Isa. 40:30, 31.
understanding in temporal as well as
in spiritual matters. He can sharpen the (27) HOW CAN WE RECEIVE
intellect. He can give tact and skill. Put THE HOLY SPIRIT TO BE ABLE
your talents into the work, ask God for TO HELP OTHERS?
wisdom, and it will be given you.
(25) WHAT ESSENTIAL SPIRITUAL
ELEMENT HAS GOD GIVEN A
MEASURE OF TO EVERY MEMBER Luke 11:13
OF THE HUMAN RACE?
There are many who long to help
others, but they feel that they have no
Romans 12:3 spiritual strength or light to impart.
Let them present their petitions at the
Take the word of Christ as your throne of grace. Plead for the Holy
assurance. Has He not invited you to Spirit. God stands back of every
come unto Him? Never allow yourself promise He has made. With your Bible
to talk in a hopeless, discouraged way. If in your hands say, I have done as Thou
you do you will lose much. By looking hast said. I present Thy promise, “Ask,
at appearances and complaining when and it shall be given you; seek, and ye
difficulties and pressure come, you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened
give evidence of a sickly, enfeebled unto you.”
faith. Talk and act as if your faith
was invincible. The Lord is rich in (28) IN WHOSE NAME AND FOR
resources; He owns the world. Look WHAT PURPOSE SHOULD WE
heavenward in faith. Look to Him who PRAY?
has light and power and efficiency.
(26) TO WHAT SOURCE CAN

WE GO TO BUILD A GENUINE John 14:13
AND BUOYANT FAITH THAT
WILL NOT GROW WEARY? (29) WHO IS OUR PARTNER IN
PRAYER?
Romans 10:17
There is in genuine faith a buoyancy, Romans 8:26
a steadfastness of principle, and a
fixedness of purpose that neither time We must not only pray in Christ’s
nor toil can weaken. “Even the youths name, but by the inspiration of the
105
Asking to Give
Holy Spirit. This explains what is against Him, and are undeserving of
meant when it is said that the Spirit His favor; yet He Himself has put into
“maketh intercession for us, with our lips that most wonderful of pleas,
groanings which cannot be uttered.” “Do not abhor us, for Thy name’s sake;
Such prayer God delights to answer. do not disgrace the throne of Thy glory;
When with earnestness and intensity remember, break not Thy covenant with
we breathe a prayer in the name of us.” Jer. 14:21. When we come to him
Christ, there is in that very intensity confessing our unworthiness and sin,
a pledge from God that He is about He has pledged Himself to give heed
to answer our prayer “exceeding to our cry. The honor of His throne is
abundantly above all that we ask or staked for the fulfillment of His word
think.” Eph. 3:20. unto us.
(30) WHAT IS THE CONDITION Like Aaron, who symbolized Christ, our
OF ANSWERED PRAYER? Saviour bears the names of all His people
on His heart in the holy place. Our great
High Priest remembers all the words by
which He has encouraged us to trust. He
Mark 11:24 is ever mindful of His covenant.
(32) WHAT PROMISE IS GIVEN

1 John 5:14, 15 TO ALL WHO SEEK THE LORD
IN SINCERE PRAYER?
And the beloved John, under the
inspiration of the Holy Spirit, speaks
with great plainness and assurance: “If
we ask anything according to His will,
He heareth us: and if we know that He Luke 11:10
hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know
that we have the petitions that we desired The excuse will not be made, Trouble
of Him.” Then press your petition to the Me not; the door is closed; I do not
Father in the name of Jesus. God will wish to open it. Never will one be told,
honor that name. I cannot help you. Those who beg at
midnight for loaves to feed the hungry
(31) WHEN WE PRAY, MEETING souls will be successful.
THE CONDITIONS, UPON WHAT
PROMISE CAN WE DEPEND? (33) WHAT WONDERFUL PROMISE
DOES GOD GIVE TO THOSE WHO
ASK IN FAITH, BELIEVING?
Ephesians 3:20
The rainbow round about the throne Philippians 4:19
is an assurance that God is true, that
in Him is no variableness, neither In the parable, he who asks bread for
shadow of turning. We have sinned the stranger, receives “as many as he
106
needeth.” And in what measure will Let the glorious conceptions of God
God impart to us that we may impart to possess your mind. Let your life be
others? “According to the measure of the knit by hidden links to the life of Jesus.
gift of Christ.” Ephesians 4:7. Angels He who commanded the light to shine
are watching with intense interest to see out of darkness is willing to shine in
how man is dealing with his fellow men. your heart, to give the light of the
When they see one manifest Christlike knowledge of the glory of God in the
sympathy for the erring, they press to face of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit
his side and bring to his remembrance will take the things of God and show
words to speak that will be as the bread them unto you, conveying them as a
of life to the soul. So “God shall supply living power into the obedient heart.
all your need according to His riches in Christ will lead you to the threshold of
glory by Christ Jesus.” Your testimony the Infinite. You may behold the glory
in its genuineness and reality He will beyond the veil, and reveal to men the
make powerful in the power of the sufficiency of Him who ever liveth to
life to come. The word of the Lord make intercession for us.
will be in your mouth as truth and
righteousness.
(34) WHAT TYPE OF PRAYER I am thankful that Christ

SHOULD PRECEDE OUR EFFORTS came to earth and set for us
IN SOUL WINNING? an example of ministry for the
blessing of others. Because of
my love for Him I want to
follow in His footsteps.
Matthew 6:6 Circle: Yes Undecided
Personal effort for others should be

preceded by much secret prayer; for it I realize that to be successful
requires great wisdom to understand in ministry I must stay
the science of saving souls. Before connected with the Father
communicating with men, commune through prayer and study of
with Christ. At the throne of heavenly His Word.
grace obtain a preparation for
ministering to the people. Circle: Yes Undecided
Let your heart break for the longing

it has for God, for the living God. I am grateful that by asking
The life of Christ has shown what according to His will He
humanity can do by being partaker provides for us unlimited
of the divine nature. All that Christ spiritual and physical
received from God we too may resources for the salvation
have. Then ask and receive. With the of all mankind.
persevering faith of Jacob, with the
unyielding persistence of Elijah, claim Circle: Yes Undecided
for yourself all that God has promised.
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Two Worshipers
Lesson
15
( 1 ) TO W H O M D I D C H R I S T The Pharisee goes up to the temple
SPEAK THE PARABLE OF THE to worship, not because he feels that
TWO WORSHIPERS? he is a sinner in need of pardon, but
because he thinks himself righteous
and hopes to win commendation. His
worship he regards as an act of merit
that will recommend him to God. At the
Luke 18:9 same time it will give the people a high
opinion of his piety. He hopes to secure
Unto certain which trusted in them-selves favor with both God and man. His
that they were righteous, and despised worship is prompted by self-interest.
others,” Christ spoke the parable of the
Pharisee and the publican.
(3) WHAT WAS THE ATTITUDE
(2) IN THIS PARABLE, WHAT CONVEYED IN HIS THOUGHTS
WAS THE PHARISEE’S T R U E AND THROUGH HIS ACTIONS?
MOTIVE FOR WORSHIP?
John 12:42, 43 Isaiah 65:2, 5
108
And he is full of self-praise. He looks it, Whoever trusts in himself that he is

he walks it, he prays it. Drawing apart righteous, will despise others. As the
from others as if to say, “Come not Pharisee judges himself by other men,
near to me; for I am holier than thou,” so he judges other men by himself.
he stands and prays “with himself.” His righteousness is estimated by
Wholly self-satisfied, he thinks that theirs, and the worse they are the
God and men regard him with the same more righteous by contrast he appears.
complacency. His self-righteousness leads to
accusing. “Other men” he condemns
(4) WHO SHOULD BE OUR as transgressors of God’s law. Thus
ONLY STANDARD FOR SELF- he is making manifest the very spirit
COMPARISON? of Satan, the accuser of the brethren.
With this spirit it is impossible for him
to enter into communion with God. He
goes down to his house destitute of the
divine blessing.
1 Peter 2:21
(6) WHAT WAS THE HEARTFELT
“God, I thank thee,” he says, “that I CRY O F T H E PUBLICAN AND
am not as other men are, extortioners, THE PLEA OF ALL WHO DEM-
unjust, adulterers, or even as this ONS T R A T E T R U E R E P E N -
publican.” He judges his character, TANCE?
not by the holy character of God,
but by the character of other men.
His mind is turned away from God
to humanity. This is the secret of his
self-satisfaction.
Luke 18:13
He proceeds to recount his good
deeds: “I fast twice in the week, I The publican had gone to the temple
give tithes of all that I possess.” with other worshipers, but he soon
The religion of the Pharisee does not drew apart from them as unworthy
touch the soul. He is not seeking to unite in their devotions. Standing
Godlikeness of character, a heart afar off, he “would not lift up so much
filled with love and mercy. He is as his eyes unto heaven, but smote
satisfied with a religion that has upon his breast,” in bitter anguish
to do only with outward life. His and self-abhorrence. He felt that he
righteousness is his own—the fruit had transgressed against God, that he
of his own works—and judged by a was sinful and polluted. He could not
human standard. expect even pity from those around
him, for they looked upon him with
(5) WHEN SELF IS OUR STAN- contempt. He knew that he had no merit
DARD FOR COMPARISON, LIKE SA- to commend him to God, and in utter
TAN, WHAT DO WE BECOME? self-despair he cried, “God be merciful
to me, a sinner.” He did not compare
himself with others. Overwhelmed with
a sense of guilt, he stood as if alone in
Revelation 12:10 God’s presence.
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Two Worshipers
(7) WHAT WAS THE RESULT (9) WHAT WARNING IS GIVEN TO

OF THE PUBLICAN’S TRUE RE - THOSE WHOSE CONFIDENCE IS
PENTANCE? IN SELF?
Luke 18:14
1 Corinthians 10:12
His only desire was for pardon and
peace, his only plea was the mercy of For each of the classes represented by
God. And he was blessed. “I tell you,” the Pharisee and the publican there is a
Christ said, “this man went down to his lesson in the history of the apostle Peter.
house justified rather than the other.” In his early discipleship Peter thought
himself strong. Like the Pharisee, in his
(8) WHAT FACT MUST WE AS own estimation he was “not as other
SINNERS REALIZE AND CONFESS men are.” When Christ on the eve of
BEFORE WE CAN FIND ACCEP- His betrayal forewarned His disciples,
TANCE WITH GOD? “All ye shall be offended because of Me
this night,” Peter confidently declared,
“Although all shall be offended, yet will
not I.” Mark 14:27, 29. Peter did not
know his own danger. Self-confidence
Ephesians 2:12, 13 misled him. He thought himself able to
withstand temptation; but in a few short
The Pharisee and the publican hours the test came, and with cursing
represent two great classes into and swearing he denied his Lord.
which those who come to worship
God are divided. Their first two (10) WHAT DOES CHRIST PROM-
representatives are found in the first ISE TO ALL WHO DEMONSTRATE
two children that were born into TRUE REPENTANCE BY CON-
the world. Cain thought himself FESSION?
righteous, and he came to God with
a thank offering only. He made no
confession of sin, and acknowledged
no need of mercy. But Abel came with
the blood that pointed to the Lamb of
God. He came as a sinner, confessing 1 John 1:9
himself lost; his only hope was the
unmerited love of God. The Lord had When the crowing of the cock reminded
respect to his offering, but to Cain him of the words of Christ, surprised
and his offering He had not respect. and shocked at what he had just done
The sense of need, the recognition of he turned and looked at his Master. At
our poverty and sin, is the very first that moment Christ looked at Peter,
condition of acceptance with God. and beneath that grieved look, in which
“Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs compassion and love for him were
is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 5:3. blended, Peter understood himself. He
110
went out and wept bitterly. That look of Christ gave to Peter the strongest proof
Christ’s broke his heart. Peter had come of confidence in his restoration. The
to the turning point, and bitterly did he once restless, boastful, self-confident
repent his sin. He was like the publican disciple had become subdued and
in his contrition and repentance, and contrite. Henceforth he followed his
like the publican he found mercy. The Lord in self-denial and self-sacrifice.
look of Christ assured him of pardon. He was a partaker of Christ’s sufferings;
and when Christ shall sit upon the
Now his self-confidence was gone. throne of His glory, Peter will be a
Never again were the old boastful as- partaker in His glory.
sertions repeated.
(13) WHAT SIN IS ESPECIALLY
(11) WHAT QUESTION DID OFFENSIVE TO GOD AND THE
CHRIST ASK PETER THREE LEAST CURABLE?
TIMES TO TEST THE PURITY
OF HIS HEART?
Proverbs 16:5
John 21:17
The evil that led to Peter’s fall and that
Christ after His resurrection thrice shut out the Pharisee from communion
tested Peter. “Simon, son of Jonas,” with God is proving the ruin of
He said, “lovest thou Me more than thousands today. There is nothing
these?” Peter did not now exalt himself so offensive to God or so dangerous
above his brethren. He appealed to the to the human soul as pride and self-
One who could read His heart. “Lord,” sufficiency. Of all sins it is the most
he said, “Thou knowest all things; hopeless, the most incurable.
Thou knowest that I love Thee.”
(14) WHAT CHOICE CAN A
(12) WHAT PRIVILEGED COMMIS- RIGHTEOUS MAN MAKE THAT
SION WAS CHRIST ABLE TO BE- WILL CAUSE HIM TO LOSE HIS
STOW UPON PETER AND TO ALL SALVATION?
WHO SEEK A PURE HEART?
Ezekiel 18:24
John 21:17; Matthew 28:19, 20
Peter’s fall was not instantaneous, but
Then he received his commission. A gradual. Self-confidence led him to the
work broader and more delicate than belief that he was saved, and step after
had heretofore been his was appointed step was taken in the downward path,
him. Christ bade him feed the sheep until he could deny his Master. Never
and the lambs. In thus committing to can we safely put confidence in self or
his stewardship the souls for whom feel, this side of heaven, that we are
the Saviour had laid down his own life, secure against temptation. Those who
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Two Worshipers
accept the Saviour, however sincere of the power and grace of Christ. The
their conversion, should never be Lord could not save him from trial, but
taught to say or to feel that they are He could have saved him from defeat.
saved. This is misleading. Every one Had Peter been willing to receive
should be taught to cherish hope and Christ’s warning, he would have been
faith; but even when we give ourselves watching unto prayer. He would have
to Christ and know that He accepts walked with fear and trembling lest his
us, we are not beyond the reach of feet should stumble. And he would have
temptation. God’s word declares, received divine help so that Satan could
“Many shall be purified, and made not have gained the victory.
white, and tried.” Dan. 12:10. Only he
who endures the trial will receive the (17) BY DEMONSTRATION OF
crown of life. (James 1:12.) WHAT TWO TRAITS OF CHARAC-
TER WILL OUR FEET BE FIRMLY
(15) WHAT IS THE DANGER OF ESTABLISHED?
OVER CONFIDENCE IN SELF?
Matthew 3:8
Proverbs 14:12
Those who accept Christ, and in their 1 Peter 5:5

first confidence say, I am saved, are in
danger of trusting to themselves. They It was through self-sufficiency that
lose sight of their own weakness and Peter fell; and it was through repentance
their constant need of divine strength. and humiliation that his feet were
They are unprepared for Satan’s devices, again established. In the record of his
and under temptation many, like Peter, experience every repenting sinner may
fall into the very depths of sin. We are find encouragement. Though Peter had
admonished, “Let him that thinketh he grievously sinned, he was not forsaken.
standeth, take heed lest he fall.” 1 Cor. The words of Christ were written upon
10:12. Our only safety is in constant his soul, “I have prayed for thee, that
distrust of self, and dependence on thy faith fail not.” Luke 22:32. In his
Christ. bitter agony of remorse, this prayer,
and the memory of Christ’s look of
( 1 6 ) IN HIS WARNING, WHAT love and pity, gave him hope. Christ
TWO SPECIFIC ACTIONS DID after His resurrection remembered
CHRIST SAY WILL HELP AVOID Peter, and gave the angel the message
TEMPTATION? for the women, “Go your way, tell
His disciples and Peter that He goeth
before you into Galilee; there shall
ye see Him.” Mark 16:7. Peter’s
repentance was accepted by the sin-
Matthew 26:41 pardoning Saviour.
It was necessary for Peter to learn his (18) WHAT DOES GOD OFFER
own defects of character, and his need TO SINNERS SEEKING PEACE?
112
thanksgiving of His people. Perfumed

with the fragrance of His righteousness,
these ascend to God as a sweet savor.
The offering is wholly acceptable, and
Isaiah 27:5; Isaiah 40:29 pardon covers all transgression.
And the same compassion that reached (20) WHAT GIFT DOES GOD
out to rescue Peter is extended to every GIVE THROUGH CHRIST THAT
soul who has fallen under temptation. WE MUST ACCEPT BEFORE
It is Satan’s special device to lead man WE CAN EXPERIENCE FORGIVE-
into sin, and then leave him, helpless NESS?
and trembling, fearing to seek for
pardon. But why should we fear, when
God has said, “Let him take hold of Acts 5:31
My strength, that he may make peace
with Me; and he shall make peace with (21) HOW DOES THE BIBLE DE-
Me?” Every provision has been made SCRIBE THE DEMONSTRATION
for our infirmities, every encouragement OF TRUE REPENTANCE?
offered us to come to Christ.
(19) WHAT GIFT DID CHRIST

OFFER UP TO MAKE OUR RES-
TORATION TO GOD POS-
SIBLE? Joel 2:12
(22) WHO DOES THE LORD

DESIRE TO ACCEPT THE GIFTS
OF REPENTANCE AND FORGIVE-
Hebrews 10:10; Luke 22:19 NESS?
Christ offered up His broken body to
purchase back God’s heritage, to give
man another trial. “Wherefore He is
able also to save them to the uttermost
that come unto God by Him, seeing
2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:2-6
He ever liveth to make intercession for
them.” Heb. 7:25. By His spotless life, Christ has pledged Himself to be our
His obedience, His death on the cross substitute and surety, and He neglects
of Calvary, Christ interceded for the lost no one. He who could not see human
race. And now, not as a mere petitioner beings exposed to eternal ruin without
does the Captain of our salvation intercede pouring out His soul unto death in
for us, but as a Conqueror claiming His their behalf, will look with pity and
victory. His offering is complete, and compassion upon every soul who
as our Intercessor He executes His self- realizes that he cannot save himself.
appointed work, holding before God the
censer containing His own spotless merits He will look upon no trembling suppliant
and the prayers, confessions, and without raising him up. He who through
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Two Worshipers
His own atonement provided for man contrition, before we can find pardon and
an infinite fund of moral power, will not peace. The Pharisee felt no conviction
fail to employ this power in our behalf. of sin. The Holy Spirit could not work
We may take our sins and sorrows to with him. His soul was encased in a self-
His feet; for He loves us. His every righteous armor which the arrows of God,
look and word invites our confidence. barbed and true-aimed by angel hands,
He will shape and mold our characters failed to penetrate. It is only he who
according to His own will. knows himself to be a sinner that Christ
can save. He came “to heal the
( 2 3 ) W H AT P R O M I S E M AY brokenhearted, to preach deliverance
THOSE WHO TRUST IN CHRIST to the captives, and recovering of sight
CLAIM? to the blind, to set at liberty them that
are bruised.” Luke 4:18. But “they that
are whole need not a physician.” Luke
5:31. We must know our real condition,
or we shall not feel our need of Christ’s
John 10:28, 29 help. We must understand our danger,
or we shall not flee to the refuge. We
In the whole Satanic force there is not must feel the pain of our wounds, or we
power to overcome one soul who in should not desire healing.
simple trust casts himself on Christ.
“He giveth power to the faint; and to (25) WHAT GIFT HAS GOD DEALT
them that have no might He increaseth TO EVERY MAN AND IS THE KEY
strength.” Isa. 40:29. “If we confess our THAT BRINGS US INTO HARMO-
sins, He is faithful and just to forgive NY WITH HIM?
us our sins, and to cleanse us from
all unrighteousness.” The Lord says,
“Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that
thou hast transgressed against the Lord
thy God.” “Then will I sprinkle clean Romans 12:3
water upon you, and ye shall be clean;
from all your filthiness and from all The gold tried in the fire is faith
your idols will I cleanse you.” 1 John that works by love. Only this can
1:9; Jer. 3:13; Eze. 36:25. bring us into harmony with God.
We may be active, we may do much
(24) WHAT MUST WE REALIZE work; but without love, such love as
BEFORE WE CAN HAVE PARDON dwelt in the heart of Christ, we can
AND PEACE? never be numbered with the family
of heaven.
(26) WHY, WITHOUT CHRIST,

ARE WE IN DANGER OF FALSE
INTERPRETATION OF OUR OWN
MOTIVES?
Revelation 3:17
But we must have a knowledge of

ourselves, a knowledge that will result in
114
(28) IN SIMPLE FAITH, WHAT MUST

BE OUR HEARTFELT PRAYER?
Jeremiah 17:9
No man can of himself understand

his errors. ...The lips may express a Psalms 51:10
poverty of soul that the heart does
not acknowledge. While speaking No outward observances can take
to God of poverty of spirit, the heart the place of simple faith and entire
may be swelling with the conceit of renunciation of self. But no man can
its own superior humility and exalted empty himself of self. We can only
righteousness. In one way only can a consent for Christ to accomplish the
true knowledge of self be obtained. work. Then the language of the soul
We must behold Christ. It is ignorance will be, Lord, take my heart; for I
of Him that makes men so uplifted cannot give it. It is Thy property.
in their own righteousness. When we Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for
contemplate His purity and excellence, Thee. Save me in spite of myself,
we shall see our own weakness and my weak, unchristlike self. Mold
poverty and defects as they really me, fashion me, raise me into a pure
are. We shall see ourselves lost and and holy atmosphere, where the rich
hopeless, clad in garments of self- current of Thy love can flow through
righteousness, like every other sinner. my soul.
We shall see that if we are ever saved, it
will not be through our own goodness,
but through God’s infinite grace. (29) AFTER THE INITIAL SUR-
RENDER OF OUR WILL TO CHRIST,
HOW DO WE CONTINUE TO WALK
(27) ONCE WE EXPERIENCE SAFELY IN HIM?
TRUE REPENTANCE, WHERE
MUST WE GO TO FIND THE POWER
TO RENOUNCE SELF?
Colossians 2:6
It is not only at the beginning of the

Christian life that this renunciation of
Hebrews 4:16 self is to be made. At every advance
step heavenward it is to be renewed.
The prayer of the publican was heard All our good works are dependent
because it showed dependence reaching on a power outside of ourselves.
forth to lay hold upon Omnipotence. Therefore there needs to be a continual
Self to the publican appeared nothing reaching out of the heart after God, a
but shame. Thus it must be seen by continual, earnest, heartbreaking
all who seek God. By faith—faith confession of sin and humbling of the
that renounces all self-trust—the soul before Him. Only by constant
needy suppliant is to lay hold upon renunciation of self and dependence
infinite power. on Christ can we walk safely.
115
Two Worshipers
(30) AS WE DISCERN THE PURITY sinfulness of their own nature. They

OF CHRIST, HOW WILL WE COME have put no confidence in the flesh,
TO VIEW OURSELVES FOR THE have claimed no righteousness of their
SINS WE HAVE COMMITTED? own, but have trusted wholly in the
righteousness of Christ. So will it be
with all who behold Christ.
(32) LIKE PAUL, WHAT WILL BE

Ezekiel 20:43; 36:31 OUR SINCERE CONFESSION?
The nearer we come to Jesus and the

more clearly we discern the purity
of His character, the more clearly we
shall discern the exceeding sinfulness Romans 7:18
of sin and the less we shall feel like
exalting ourselves. Those whom At every advance step in Christian
heaven recognizes as holy ones are experience our repentance will deepen.
the last to parade their own goodness. It is to those whom the Lord has
The apostle Peter became a faithful forgiven, to those whom He acknow-
minister of Christ, and he was greatly ledges as His people, that He says,
honored with divine light and power; “Then shall ye remember your own
he had an active part in the upbuilding evil ways, and your doings that were
of Christ’s church; but Peter never not good, and shall loathe yourselves
forgot the fearful experience of his in your own sight.” Eze. 36:31. Again
humiliation; his sin was forgiven; yet He says, “I will establish My covenant
well he knew that for the weakness of with thee, and thou shalt know that I am
character which had caused his fall the Lord; that thou mayest remember,
only the grace of Christ could avail. and be confounded, and never open thy
He found in himself nothing in which mouth any more because of thy shame,
to glory. when I am pacified toward thee for
all that thou hast done, saith the Lord
God.” Eze. 16:62, 63. Then our lips
(31) WHAT WAS THE APOSTLE will not be opened in self-glorification.
PAUL’S REALIZATION REGARD- We shall know that our sufficiency is
ING PURITY OF SELF? in Christ alone.
(33) WHAT HAS GOD PROMISED

TO WORK WITHIN US IF WE
WALK LIFE’S PATHWAY WITH
1 Timothy 1:15 HIS ABIDING PRESENCE?
None of the apostles or prophets ever
claimed to be without sin. Men who
have lived nearest to God, men who
would sacrifice life itself rather than Philippians 2:13
knowingly commit a wrong act, men
whom God had honored with divine God does not bid you fear that He will
light and power, have confessed the fail to fulfill His promises, that His
116
patience will weary, or His compassion

be found wanting. Fear lest your will
shall not be held in subjection to Christ’s
will, lest your hereditary and cultivated
traits of character shall control your life. Psalm 33:21
“It is God which worketh in you both
to will and to do of His good pleasure. The life in which the fear of the Lord is
Fear lest self shall interpose between cherished will not be a life of sadness
your soul and the great Master Worker. and gloom. It is the absence of Christ that
Fear lest self-will shall mar the high makes the countenance sad, and the life a
purpose that through you God desires pilgrimage of sighs. Those who are filled
to accomplish. Fear to trust to your own with self-esteem and self-love do not
strength, fear to withdraw your hand feel the need of a living, personal union
from the hand of Christ and attempt to with Christ. The heart that has not fallen
walk life’s pathway without His abiding on the Rock is proud of its wholeness.
presence. Men want a dignified religion. They
desire to walk in a path wide enough to
(34) WHAT IS THE THIRD PIT- take in their own attributes. Their self-
FALL OF LIFE MENTIONED IN THIS love, their love of popularity and love
VERSE THAT WE ARE WARNED TO of praise, exclude the Saviour from their
AVOID? hearts, and without Him there is gloom
and sadness. But Christ dwelling in the
soul is a wellspring of joy. For all who
receive Him, the very keynote of the
word of God is rejoicing.
1 John 2:16
(36) WHAT PROMISE DOES GOD
We need to shun everything that would FULFILL IN THOSE WHO HAVE
encourage pride and self-sufficiency; A CONTRITE AND HUMBLE
therefore we should beware of giving or SPIRIT?
receiving flattery or praise. It is Satan’s
work to flatter. He deals in flattery as well
as in accusing and condemnation. Thus
he seeks to work the ruin of the soul.
Those who give praise to men are used Isaiah 57:15
by Satan as his agents. Let the workers
for Christ direct every word of praise (37) WHEN WE CHOOSE TO DWELL
away from themselves. Let self be put IN CHRIST THE RIVEN ROCK,
out of sight. Christ alone is to be exalted. LIKE MOSES, WHAT ATTRIBUTES
“Unto Him that loved us, and washed OF GOD’S CHARACTER WILL
us from our sins in His own blood,” let WE REALIZE?
every eye be directed, and praise from
every heart ascend. Rev. 1:5.
(35) WHEN A CHOICE FOR CHRIST

IS MADE, HOW WILL IT BE RE-
VEALED IN THE LIFE? Exodus 34:6
117
Two Worshipers
It was when Moses was hidden in the love Him.” 1 Cor. 2:9. As the sinner,
cleft of the rock that he beheld the drawn by the power of Christ, approaches
glory of God. It is when we hide in the uplifted cross, and prostrates himself
the riven Rock that Christ will cover before it, there is a new creation. A new
us with His own pierced hand, and heart is given him. He becomes a new
we shall hear what the Lord saith unto creature in Christ Jesus. Holiness finds
His servants. To us as to Moses, God that it has nothing more to require.
will reveal Himself as “merciful and God Himself is “the justifier of him
gracious, long-suffering, and abundant which believeth in Jesus.” Rom. 3:26.
in goodness and truth, keeping mercy And “whom He justified, them He also
for thousands, forgiving iniquity and glorified.” Rom. 8:30. Great as is the
transgression and sin.” shame and degradation through sin, even
greater will be the honor and exaltation
(38) WHAT IS THE MIRACULOUS through redeeming love. To human
RESULT OF A LIFE SURRENDERED beings striving for conformity to the
TO CHRIST? divine image there is imparted an outlay
of heaven’s treasure, an excellency of
power, that will place them higher than
even the angels who have never fallen.
“Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of
Israel, and His Holy One, to him whom
2 Corinthians 5:17 man despiseth, to him whom the nation
abhorreth, . . . Kings shall see and arise,
The work of redemption involves princes also shall worship, because of
consequences of which it is difficult for the Lord that is faithful, and the Holy
man to have any conception. “Eye hath One of Israel, and He shall choose thee.”
not seen, nor ear heard, neither have Isa. 49:7. “For every one that exalteth
entered into the heart of man, the things himself shall be abased; and he that
which God hath prepared for them that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
I see the danger of pride I now confess and ask God

and that Christ is our only for the precious blood of
safe standard for comparison Christ to cleanse me and
to self. deliver me from sin.
I see my wretched state I love the Lord and desire to

and, like the publican, I am do His will and understand I
experiencing true sorrow for must rely on Him for victory
my sins. over temptation.
118
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119
Answer Key
The wording of your answer may vary according to the translation of

the Bible you use, but the meaning should remain the same.
Lesson 1 (2) A heart hardened through the
(1) The mysteries of the kingdom deceitfulness of sin.
of heaven. (3) Satan comes immediately and
(2) Much (many) people. takes away the Word that
(3) Behold a sower went forth to Sow. was sown in their heart.
(4) The world knew Him not. (4) (a) A true witness delivers Souls.
(5) Sow the good seed. (b) For by thy words thou shalt
(6) That seeing they might not see, be justified, and by thy words
and hearing they might not thou shalt be condemned.
understand. (5) Endures for a while until
(7) Ye shall know the truth and the tribulation or persecution rises.
truth shall make you free. (6) With meekness the engrafted
(8) Went out a sower to sow. (planted) Word.
(9) Go ye therefore and teach all (7) The just shall live by faith.
nations. (8) He is offended.
(10) (a) The Word. (9) Abide in me (Christ.)
(b) Grace and truth. (10) With all they heart, and with all
(11) (a) The Word. they soul, and with all they
(b) They Word is truth. mind, and with all thy strength.
(12) Are changed into the same image. (11) Serve Him without fear, in holi-
(13) To search the scriptures for in ness and righteousness before
them ye think ye have eternal Him, all the days of our lives.
life and they testify of me (Christ.) (12) Christ will dwell in your hearts
(14) All scripture is given by inspira- by faith and you will be rooted
tion of God and is profitable and grounded in love.
for doctrine, for reproof, for (13) He that loses his life for my sake
correction, and for instruction in shall find it.
righteousness. (14) As every man receives the
(15) Beware lest ye also being led gift, even so minister the same
away with the error of the wicked one to another.
fall from your own steadfastness. (15) No one can serve two masters.
(16) The gospel of the kingdom. Lesson 3
(17) A way that seems right unto (1) The Word is choked and he
a man but the end thereof are becomes unfruitful.
the ways of death. (2) Wholly–your whole spirit and
(18) He that sows to his flesh shall soul and body be preserved
of the flesh reap corruption. blameless unto the coming of
(19) Study to show thyself approved our Lord.
unto God... rightly dividing the (3) (1) Cares of this world.
Word of truth. (2) The deceitfulness of riches.
(20) The life was manifested and we (3) The lusts entering in.
have seen it, and bear witness, (4) Casting all your cares upon Him.
and show unto you eternal life. (5) May gain the whole world and
Lesson 2 lose his own soul.
(1) Having ears willing to hear. (6) He that abides in me, and I in
120
Answer Key
Him, the same bringes forth (b) The Reaper who putes in the
much fruit. sickle - “He” is Christ.
(7) It is God that gives thee power (2) Sow thy seed.
to get wealth. (3) God.
(8) War against the soul. (4) (a) The Lord God will cause
(9) Train up a child in the way he righteousness and praise
should go. to spring forth before the
(10) Seek ye first the kingdom of nations.
God, and His righteousness. (b) I (God) will be as the dew
(11) God is greatly to be feared unto Israel.
(respected) in the assembly of (5) Offer the sacrifices of right-
the saints and to be had in eousness, and put your trust in
reverence of all them that are the Lord.
about Him. (6) (a) He that goes forth and
(12) To be carnally minded is death. weeping, bearing precious
(13) They drown men in destruction seed, shall doubtless come
and perdition (ruin.) again rejoicing bringing his
Lesson 4 sheaves with him.
(1) Willingness to turn our heart to (b) It shall not return void.
spiritual things so we may hear. (7) Grow up before Him as a
(2) Break up your fallow ground. tender plant and as a root out of
(3) If we draw out our soul to dry ground.
the hungry and satisfy the (8) Not by might; nor by power, but
afflicted. by My Spirit says the Lord of hosts.
(4) I am crucified with Christ; (9) Yield fruit to grow up and increase.
nevertheless I live yet not I, (10) The Sower.
but Christ lives in me. (11) He that abides in me, and I in
(5) Fruit that sprang up and Him, the same brings forth
increased. much fruit.
(6) I came not to call the righteous (12) Love, joy, peace, long-suffering,
but the sinners to repentance. gentleness, goodness, faith,
(7) Hear and understand the Word. meekness, temperance.
(8) Not as the word of man, but Lesson 6
as it is in truth, the Word of God. (1) (a) The field which is the
(9) Makes wise the simple. world.
(10) Mediate upon these things and (b) Among the wheat.
give thyself wholly to them. (2) (1) The Sower–the son of man.
(11) Bring forth fruit. (2) The Good seed–the children
(12) Teach me O Lord the way of of the kingdom.
they statutes; and I shall keep (3) The Tares–the children of the
it unto the end. wicked one.
(13) Patience (perseverance.) (4) The Enemy–the devil.
(14) Tribulation works patience. (5) The Reapers–the angels.
(15) Draw near with a true heart (3) A stinking savor: so does a
in full assurance of faith. little folly in him that has a
(16) Bears and bring forth fruit. reputation for wisdom and honor.
Lesson 5 (4) Let them grow together until the
(1) (a) The Sower - “a man.” harvest.
121
Answer Key
(5) (a) The Lord sees not as (5) In the sweat of thy face shalt
man sees; for man thou eat bread.
lookes on the outward (6) We are laborers together with God.
appearance, but the Lord (7) (a) First the blade, then the ear,
looks on the heart. after that the full ear of corn.
(b) For Thou (the Lord) only (b) Jesus increased in wisdom
knows the hearts of the and stature and in favor with
children of men. God and man.
(6) Patience and consolation grant (8) (1) Lust of the flesh.
you to be like mind. (2) Lust of the eyes.
(7) Hypocrites. (3) Pride of life.
(8) The harvest at the end of the (9) Train up a child in the way he
world. should go and when he is old
(9) The return of Christ and the sep- he will not depart from it.
aration of him that serves God (10) Whatsoever a man sows, that
and him that serves Him not. shall he also reap.
(10) Cast into a furnace of fire. (11) Resisting the Holy Spirit.
Lesson 7 (12) A little leaven leavens the
(1) It is like a grain of mustard seed. whole lump.
(2) (a) You shall know the truth and (13) He which sows sparingly shall
the truth shall make you free. also reap sparingly and he that
(b) Righteousness. sows bountifully shall also reap
(3) It was less than all, like a grain of bountifully.
mustard seed. (14) The seed dies but brings forth
(4) The growth of newborn babes. much life.
(5) I am not ashamed of the gospel. (15) He that hates his life in this
(6) In the last days says God, I world shall keep it unto life
will pour out of my spirit upon eternal...If any man serve me,
all flesh: and you sons and him will my Father honor.
daughters shall prophesy. (16) At the resurrection of the dead.
(7) Your calling, brethren, how that (17) The tilling of the ground.
not many wise, mighty, or noble (18) Grown over with thorns and
are called. broken down.
(8) Them that dwell on the earth, (19) The wise seek knowledge.
and to every nation, and kindred, (20) For it is God which works in
and tongue, and people. you both to will and to do His
Lesson 8 good pleasure.
(1) (a) Mysteries of the kingdom Lesson 9
of heaven. (1) A whole multitude.
(b) Things which have been kept (2 Leaven was compared to the
secret from the foundation of kingdom of heaven.
the world. (3) He is drawing everyone to Him.
(2) God (by His Word.) (4) The Spirit of God.
(3) God so clothe the grass of the (5) In the heart.
field...shall He not much more (6) Our love for Christ.
clothe you. (7) To be born again by the Spirit of
(4) He (God) spoke, and it was done; God.
He commanded, and it stood fast. (8) Incorruptible beauty of a quiet
122
Answer Key
spirit. understand to our own destruction.

(9) Conversion. (18) The traditions of man.
(10) We are made holy (sanctified) by (19) When we search with all our heart.
the Word of God. (20) Obey His commandments.
(11) We gain through God’s Word the (21) They searched the Scriptures daily
power of salvation and the ability with an open mind.
to live by faith. (22) Faith.
(12) Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, (23) The Holy Ghost.
gentleness, goodness, faith, (24) Because His ways and thoughts
meekness, and temperance. are much greater then ours.
(13) Seek first the kingdom of heaven. (25) With the trust and faith of a child.
(14) Our desire will be to seek the good (26) Apply our hearts, cry out for
of others and not self. discernment, lift up our voice for
(15) Our conduct will become holy. understanding, seek for it as silver
(16) There is joy in heaven. and hidden treasure.
Lesson 10 (27) When we have fulfilled the above
(1) A hidden treasure. conditions we will understand the
(2) The Holy Scriptures. fear of the Lord and find the
(3) The cares of this world, the knowledge of God.
deceitfulness of riches, and the lust Lesson 11
other things enter in and choke the (1) All the treasures of wisdom and
Word from being fruitful in their knowledge.
hearts. (2) He came to His own and His own
(4) The person who rejects the spirit did not receive Him.
does not accept the things of the (3) The merchant seeking pearls.
spirit. They seem foolish to him, (4) Fear the Lord, serve Him in truth
they are spiritually discerned. with all your heart considering
(5) They desired the praise of men the great things He has done for
more then of God. you.
(6) Where your treasure is your heart (5) It is a gift offered to all, He is not
will be also. willing that any should perish.
(7) It will result in loosing his own soul. (6) Wretched, miserable, poor, blind,
(8) Man does not know its value. It is and naked.
worth more then gold or all the (7) When a man realizes the value of the
valuable stones the world offers. treasure is willing to give all that He
(9) God’s Word. has to obtain it.
(10) Nature–the Heavens above. (8) (a) Lust of the flesh.
(11) They are happy because the result (b) Lust of the eyes.
is better than silver and gold. (c) The pride of life.
(12) The way may seem right but the (9) The flock of His people.
end is the way of death. (10) God through His Spirit.
(13) Defiles it. (11) As the Prince and Saviour who gives
(14) He blessed them with wisdom and repentance and forgiveness.
understanding by a factor of ten. (12) We cannot help but speak the things
(15) Study to show ourselves approved. we have heard.
(16) (a) Jesus is truth. (13) The Lord added to the church
(b) God’s Word is truth. daily.
(17) Wrestle those things we don’t (14) He will pour out His spirit upon all flesh.
123
Answer Key
Lesson 12 (18) Hide God’s Word in our heart.

(1) The kingdom of heaven. (19) The Sanctuary
(2) Some of every kind. (20) Blessed are those who read, hear,
(3) The end of the age. and keep the prophecies.
(4) The wicked and the just will be (21) That we may know God and Jesus
separated and the wicked cast in who He has sent.
the fire to be destroyed. (22) The way unto salvation.
(5) At the end of the age. (23) The mystery of godliness.
(6) He has no pleasure in the death of Lesson 14
the wicked. (1) The Father’s who sent Him.
Lesson 13 (2) He came not to be ministered to but
(1) It will not return void but to minister to others and to give
accomplish its purpose. His life as a ransom.
(2) To be a witness to all men of what (3) In the early morning hours in a
we have seen and heard. solitary place.
(3) The Lord gives wisdom and from (4) He communicated by prayer.
His mouth comes knowledge and (5) Action–our good works.
understanding. (6) Others not just ourselves.
(4) It makes wise even the simple. (7) He will sufficiently provide all
(5) The entrance of His Word gives things needed for every good work.
light and understanding. (8) If we being evil know how to give
(6) All. good gifts how much more shall
(7) In them you find eternal life and our heavenly Father give to those
they testify of Christ. who ask.
(8) The light of the truth will shine (9) Ask, seek, and knock.
(10) The children of God.
brighter and brighter unto the
(11) “Our Father.”
perfect day. (12) To be made kings and priests.
(9) Miss the blessing that comes from (13) Fervently or with intensity.
hearing it and keeping it. (14) Love others as we love ourself.
(10) “For had ye believed Moses, ye (15) Acknowledgement of our sin to
would have believed me: for he God by confession.
wrote of me. But if ye believe not (16) Keeping of His testimonies and
his writings, how shall ye believe seeking Him with our whole heart.
my words?” (17) An abomination (disgusting).
(11) The mysteries of God’s kingdom. (18) Confess our faults and pray for one
(12) The width, length, depth and another.
height of the love of Christ for us. (19) Robbing Him (stealing).
(13) Pray with out ceasing. (20) A blessing from the windows of
(14) From us will flow rivers of living water. heaven that there is not room
(15) It is the spirit that quickens and enough to receive.
Christ’s words that give life. (21) Faith.
(16) Seek after knowledge, and lift up (22) We are labourers together with Him.
thy voice for understanding seek (23) The Lord who will sustain you and
her as silver, and search for her as give you strength.
for hidden treasure. (24) God who gives to all men liberally.
(17) There will be rejoicing like one who ALL our needs!
has found treasure. (25) A measure of faith.
124
Answer Key
(26) The Word of God. with Him.

(27) Ask our heavenly Father. (19) His body.
(28) Ask in Christ’s name that the Father (20) Repentance.
may be glorified. (21) Having true sorrow for sin and
(29) The Spirit who makes intercession turning to the Lord with all our
for us before the Father. heart and with fasting, weeping
(30) (a) Belief. and mourning.
(b) Ask according to God’s will. (22) All.
(31) He is able to do abundantly more (23) Eternal life which no man can steal.
then we ask or even think. (24) That we are wretched, miserable,
(32) He who asks received and he who poor, blind, and naked.
seeks will find. (25) Faith.
(33) He will supply all our needs (26) Our hearts are deceitful above all
according to His riches. things and desperately wicked.
(34) Private (secret) prayer. (27) God’s throne of grace.
Lesson 15 (28) Create in me a clean heart, O God;
(1) Those who are self-righteous and and renew a right spirit within me.
think themselves better than others. (29) As you received Christ (fully
(2) To gain the praise of man. surrendered) so walk in Him.
(3) He was rebelliously walking in his (30) We will loathe or detest ourselves
own way after his own thoughts for the evils we have committed.
and thinking “I am holier than thou.” (31) That he felt he was the chief of all
(4) Christ who left us the example we sinners.
should follow. (32) I know that in my flesh dwells no
(5) An accuser of our brethren.
good thing.
(6) God be merciful to me a sinner.
(7) He went to his house justified. (33) To will and to do His good pleasure.
(8) That without Christ we have no (34) Pride of life.
hope but by His blood we can be (35) Our heart will rejoice in Him
redeemed. because we have trusted in His
(9) Take heed lest you fall. holy name.
(10) If we confess our sins He is (36) He promises to dwell in the high
faithful to forgive us our and holy place with him who is of a
sins and to cleanse us from all contrite and humble spirit.
unrighteousness. (37) God is merciful, gracious,
(11) “Do you love me?” long suffering, abundant in
(12) “Feed my sheep.” goodness and truth.
(13) Pride or a proud heart. (38) We become a new creature, old
(14) To turn from his righteousness and things are passed away and all
commit iniquity and die in his sins. things become new!
(15) We may truly believe we are right
but our way may lead to death.
(16) Watch and pray.
(17) (a) Repentance
(b) Humility–God resists the
proud but gives grace to the
humble.
(18) His strength so we can make peace
125
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At this printing these are the titles available, please check our website or call for new titles.
Christ’s Object Lessons Bible Study Series
In teaching with parables, Christ’s purpose was to use nature as a medium to teach the spiritual and connect
us with the truths of His written Word. Seeds of Wisdom, Growing in Wisdom, and Harvest of Wisdom uses
the parables of Christ from the classic, Christ’s Object Lessons as commentary in a life-changing Bible
interactive study series. Since each guide is based on a different set of parables the guides can each stand
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Do you long to lead searching souls to Christ or desire to find Him yourself but lack
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How many times have you opened God’s Word, and without knowing the subject
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Christs Object Lessons Seeds of Wisdom Part 01 PDF

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What is the purpose of the Bible study guides?

What is the purpose of the Bible study guides?

What topics does the 'Promise of Peace Bible Study Guide' cover?

What topics does the 'Promise of Peace Bible Study Guide' cover?

Seeds of

Bible Study Series

Copyright (C) 2000 by Revelation Publications. All rights reserved world-

Conditions Allowing Distribution

Text adapted as commentary from Christ’s Object Lessons by E.G. White

Printed in the U.S.A.

Suggestions for Individual Study ................................................ 5

Suggestions for Group Study ........................................................ 6

Why Christ Taught in Parables ..................................................... 7

2. Infertile Soil ................................................................................. 22

3. Among the Thorns ....................................................................... 28

4. The Preparation and Harvest of Good Soil .................................. 34

5. First the Blade, then the Ear ........................................................ 40

6. The Lesson of the Tares ................................................................ 46

7. Like a Grain of Mustard Seed ..................................................... 51

8. Seeds of Wisdom ......................................................................... 55

9. Like Unto Leaven ........................................................................ 63

10. Hidden Treasure ........................................................................... 69

11. The Pearl ....................................................................................... 79

12. The Net ........................................................................................ 85

13. Things New and Old ..................................................................... 87

14. Asking to Give ............................................................................. 97

15. Two Worshipers .......................................................................... 107

Certificate of Excellence ............................................................ 125

Inspirational Material Order Form ............................................. 128

If there is an address in the box below, this guide is offered to

The guide may or may not contain an answer section in the

If an address is present but your guide does not contain an

In either situation, all you have mailed to us will be returned

FOR MORE STUDY MATERIALS WRITE:

For a deeper understanding, read and compare

(5) CONTINUE It is our prayer that you will continue to study

(1) ASSIGN A It is important to appoint an individual to lead your

(2) PREDETERMINE Make a group decision whether to include outside

(3) PRE-STUDY Encourage each member of your group to study

(8) TESTIMONY Have a time at the beginning or end of your session

In His teaching from nature, Christ teachings of nature as well as of the

spoken in direct denunciation, they It was Christ who directed the

As the crowd continued to increase,

(5) WHAT WAS THE EARTHLY

This was the desire which Christ

ILLUSTRATES WHAT CHRIST DID not knowing whither he went.” Heb.

(17) WHAT IS THE POTENTIAL (18) WHEN THE SUPPOSITIONS

(20) BEFORE LEADING OTHERS

The work of every teacher should

I am grateful to Jesus for through the enlightenment of

Circle: Yes Undecided As the seed of the Word of God

Study Notes / Prayer Requests / Answered Prayers: _________

Matthew 13:9 (2) WHAT DANGEROUS EFFECT

(3) HOW DOES SATAN TAKE

Satan has many helpers. Many who

of Christ, seeking for divine power to

If we love Jesus, we shall love to live

(15) HOW MANY MASTERS May the roots of my faith grow

Circle: Yes Undecided