2/86

SENIOR DIVISION

SECOND QUARTER 1986

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I II II I~ Lesson Titles for This Quarter ~

I I~ LESSONS FROM ~

~ THE LIVES OF ~

i THE PATRIARCHS iI II 1. Our First Parents-Part I II II 2. Our First Parents-Part II I~ 3. Our First Parents-Part III ~I 4. Cain and Abel II II 5. Sons of Men and Sons of God II II 6. Noah, a Preacher of Righteousness I~ 7. Noah, and His Family After the Flood ~

I 8. Noah's Descendants II II 9. Abraham-Part I II II 10. Abraham-Part II I

~ 11. Isaac ~I 12. Jacob II II 13. Joseph II II II I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, Lessons From the Lives of the Patriarchs, for April-June1986, is published by the Seventh Day Adventist Refonn Movement General Conference, SabbathSchool Department. It is printed and distributed by Refonnation Herald Publishing Association,P.O. Box 7239, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-0239, U.S.A.

-2-

FOREWORD

The lessons for this quarter-LESSONS FROM THE LIVES OF THE PATRI­ARCHS-are drawn from the lives of men who are often remembered both for theirvictories and for their failures.

Not only the successes and achievements of the men of God, but also their faultsand shortcomings, contain important lessons for the people of God today. "For what­soever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we throughpatience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4).

The positive side of the lives of the patriarchs was recorded for our encourage­ment and imitation-so that we may conquer where they conquered. The negativeaspects were written down for our admonition-so that we may take the warning andavoid their mistakes.

"It is a subject of wonder to many that inspired history should narrate in the livesof good men facts that tarnish their moral characters. Infidels seize upon these sinswith great satisfaction and hold their perpetrators up to ridicule. The inspired writersdid not testify to falsehoods to prevent the pages of sacred history being clouded by therecord of human frailties and faults. The scribes of God wrote as they were dictatedby the Holy Spirit, having no control of the work themselves. They penned the literaltruth, and stern, forbidding facts are revealed for reasons that our finite minds cannotfully comprehend.

"It is one of the best evidences of the authenticity of the Scriptures, that the truthis not glossed over nor the sins of its chief characters suppressed. Many will urge thatit is an easy matter to relate what has occurred in an ordinary life. But it is a provedfact that it is a human impossibility to give an impartial history of a contemporary;and it is almost as difficult to narrate, without deviating from the exact truth, the storyof any person or people with whose career we have become acquainted. The humanmind is so subject to prejudice that it is almost impossible for it to treat the subjectimpartially. Either the faults of the person under review stand out in glaring relief, orhis virtues shine with undimmed luster, just as the writer is prejudiced for or againsthim. However impartial the historian may design to be, all critics will agree that it is avery difficult matter to be truly so.

"But divine unction, lifted above the weaknesses of humanity, tells the simple,naked truth."- Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 9, 10.

It should not be assumed that this quarterly exhausts the personal histories of thepatriarchs. As we consider the early Bible biographies, from Adam to Joseph, ourlessons become more and more condensed. A great many details had to be omitted inthe preparation of the present studies. These should, therefore, be taken by our peo­ple as an incentive for a deeper and more detailed analysis of the lives of men whosebiographies the Lord saw fit to include in His Word.

May the Spirit of God impress the hearts of our Sabbath school teachers and stu­dents with the teachings contained in this quarterly!

The General Conference Sabbath School Department

-3-

GENEALOGICAL AND

GEOGRAPHICAL TABLE

of the descendants of Noah

Shem (Genesis 10:22)

Elam: Elamites (Elam, a country east of Babylonia)

Asshur (Assur): Assyria

Arphaxad: Hebrews

Lud: Lydians (western Asia Minor)

Aram: Aramaeans (Syria)

Ham (Genesis 10:6)

Cush: EthiopiaBabel (through his son Nimrod)

Mizraim: Egypt (land of Ham: Psalm 105:23)

Phut (Put): Libya or Somaliland and Eritrea

Canaan: Canaanites (Palestine)

Japheth (Genesis 10:2)

Gomer: Cimmerians (Indo-Europeans who came from north­ern Europe to the near East)

Magog: Scythians (Indo-Europeans who lived in the plainsof southern Russia)

Madai: Medes and Persians (Indo-Europeans who inhabitedthe country to the southwest of the Caspian Sea)

Javan: the oldest name for Greece

Tubal: Tabaleans (situated in southern Cappadocia and laterpushed into Armenia)

Meshech: a nation situated in northern Mesopotamia

Tiras: Tyrsenians (possibly western Asia Minor)

-4-

Lesson 1 Sabbath, April 5, 1986

OUR FIRST PARENTS-Part I

"God created man for His own glory, that after test and trial the human familymight become one with the heavenly family."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G.

White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1082.

KEY TEXT: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created hehim; male and female created he them" (Genesis 1:27).

The Crowning Work ofGod o SundayMarch 30

1. What description is given of the crowning work of the Creator? Genesis 2:7(compare Luke 3:38).

"He who set the starry worlds on high and tinted with delicate skill the flowers ofthe field, who filled the earth and the heavens with the wonders of His power, whenHe came to crown His glorious work, to place one in the midst to stand as ruler of thefair earth, did not fail to create a being worthy of the hand that gave him life. The gene­alogy of our race, as given by inspiration, traces back its origin, not to a line of devel­oping germs, mollusks, and quadrupeds, but to the great Creator. Though formed fromthe dust, Adam was 'the son of God.' "-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 45.

2. What does the Bible say about our physical origin? Genesis 3:19 (second part);Ecclesiastes 12:7. What is the source of the food which is responsible for thephysical development of every human being? Psalm 104:14.

The Crowning Work of God (continued)

3. In what sense was man to bear the image of God? Genesis 1:27.

o MondayMarch 31

"Man was to bear God's image, both in outward resemblance and in character.Christ alone is 'the express image' (Hebrews 1:3) of the Father; but man was formedin the likeness of God. His nature was in harmony with the will of God. His mind wascapable of comprehending divine things. His affections were pure; his appetites andpassions were under the control of reason. He was holy and happy bearing the imageof God and in perfect obedience to His will." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 45.

4. What is meant by the statement that man was made a little lower than theangels? Psalm 8:5; Hebrews 2:7. What was put under his dominion? Genesis1:26; Psalm 8:6-8.

"The same unseen Hand that guides the planets in their courses, and upholds theworlds by His power, has made provision for man formed in His image, that he may belittle less than the angels of God while in the performance of his duties on earth."- Tes­timonies, vol. 4, pp. 415, 416.

-5-

The Marriage Institution o TuesdayAprill

5. How does the Bible describe the creation of Eve? Genesis 2:18, 21-23. Whatsignificance does the description in verse 22 convey?

"God Himself gave Adam a companion. He provided 'an help meet for him'-ahelper corresponding to him-one who was fitted to be his companion, and who couldbe one with him in love and sympathy. Eve was created from a rib taken from the sideof Adam, signifying that she was not to control him as the head, nor to be trampledunder his feet as an inferior; but to stand by his side as an equal, to be loved and pro­tected by him. A part of man, bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh, she was his secondself, showing the close union and the affectionate attachment that should exist in thisrelation." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 46.

6. How does Paul refer to the husband-and-wife relationship implied in Genesis2:22, 23? Ephesians 5:28, 29.

The Garden ofEden o WednesdayApril 2

7. Where was man placed as soon as he was formed? Genesis 2:8.

"God is a lover of the beautiful. He has given us unmistakable evidence of this inthe work of His hands. He planted for our first parents a beautiful garden in Eden."­The Adventist Home, p. 27.

8. What description do we have of the garden of Eden? Genesis 2:9. How was thegarden and the whole earth refreshed in those days? Genesis 2:6.

"In this garden were trees of every variety, many of them laden with fragrant anddelicious fruit. There were lovely vines, growing upright, yet presenting a most grace­ful appearance, with their branches drooping under their load of tempting fruit of therichest and most varied hues. It was the work of Adam and Eve to train the branchesof the vine to form bowers, thus making for themselves a dwelling from living treescovered with foliage and fruit. There were fragrant flowers of every hue in rich profu­sion. In the midst of the garden stood the tree of life, surpassing in glory all other trees.Its fruit appeared like apples of gold and silver, and had the power to perpetuate life."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 47.

Man's Occupation and Diet

9. What was man's duty in the garden? Genesis 2:15.

o ThursdayApril 3

"To Adam was given the wdrk of caring for the garden. The Creator knew thatAdam could not be happy without employment. The beauty of the garden delightedhim, but this was not enough. He must have labor to call into exercise the wonderfulorgans of the body. Had happiness consisted in doing nothing, man, in his state of holyinnocence, would have been left unemployed."-The Adventist Home, p. 27.

-6-

"God appointed labor as a blessing to man, to occupy his mind, to strengthen hisbody, and to develop his faculties. In mental and physical activity Adam found one ofthe highest pleasures of his holy existence."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 50.

10. What diet did God provided for our first parents? Genesis 1:29. What wasadded after the fall? Genesis 3:18.

"Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Crea­tor. These foods, prepared in as simple and natural a manner as possible, are the mosthealthful and nourishing. They impart a strength, a power of endurance, and a vigorof intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet."- The Ministryof Healing, p. 296.

Recapitulation o FridayApril 4

a. Though formed from the dust, what is Adam called in the Bible?

b. In what sense is man "a little lower" than the angels?

c. What description teaches that there should be a close union and an affection­ate attachment between husband and wife?

d. What tree stood in the midst of the garden and what did its fruit look like?

e. What does the Spirit of Prophecy say about a diet consisting of grains, fruits,nuts, and vegetables? •

-7-

Lesson 2 Sabbath, April 12, 1986

OUR FIRST PARENTS-Part II

"It was God's purpose to re-populate heaven with the human family, if they wouldshow themselves obedient to His every word. Adam was to be tested."- The SDA

Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments), vol. 1, p. 1082.

KEY TEXT: "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eatof it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Gen­esis 2:17).

The Sabbath D SundayApril 6

1. Besides the marriage ordinance, what other institution had its origin in Eden?Genesis 2:2, 3; Mark 2:27.

2. Of what should the Sabbath be a constant reminder from the beginning? Exo­dus 31:16, 17; Psalm 111:4.

"The Sabbath, as a memorial of God's creative power, points to Him as the makerof the heavens and the earth. Hence it is a constant witness to His existence and a re­minder of His greatness, His wisdom, and His love. Had the Sabbath always beensacredly observed, there could never have been an atheist or an idolater." -Patnarchsand Prophets. p. 336.

The Tree ofKnowledge of Good and Evil D MondayApril 7

3. What exception were our first parents required to observe in the garden ofEden? Genesis 2:16, 17 (first part).

"Like the angels, the dwellers in Eden had been placed upon probation; their happyestate could be retained only on condition of fidelity to the Creator's law. They couldobey and live, or disobey and perish. God had made them the recipients of rich bless­ings; but should they disregard His will, He who spared not the angels that sinned,could not spare them; transgression would forfeit His gifts and bring upon them miseryand ruin." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 53.

4. Under what penalty did God impose that restriction? Genesis 2:17 (secondpart).

"The warning given to our first parents-lIn the day that thou eatest thereof thoushalt surely die' (Genesis 2:17)-did not imply that they were to die on the very day

-8-

when they partook of the forbidden fruit. But on that day the irrevocable sentence wouldbe pronounced. Immortality was promised them on condition of obedience; by trans­gression they would forfeit eternal life. That very day they would be doomed to death."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 60.

The Temptation and Fall D TuesdayApril 8

5. What warning was sent to Adam and Eve about Satan and his devices? Whatmedium did the enemy employ in order to tempt and deceive the woman?Genesis 3:1 (first part).

"The angels warned them [Adam and Eve] to be on their guard against the devicesof Satan, for his efforts to ensnare them would be unwearied. While they were obedientto God the evil one could not harm them; for, if need be, every angel in heaven wouldbe sent to their help. If they steadfastly repelled his first insinuations, they would beas secure as the heavenly messengers. But should they once yield to temptation, theirnature would become so depraved that in themselves they would have no power andno disposition to resist Satan." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 53.

6. With what question did the tempter approach Eve? Genesis 3:1 (second part).What was her answer? Genesis 3:2, 3.

The Temptation and Fall (continued) D WednesdayApril 9

7. What did the devil promise the woman? Genesis 3:4, 5. How does he deceivemen today? What did Jesus say about Satan's arguments and actions? John8:44.

"The tempter intimated that the divine warning was not to be actually fulfilled; itwas designed merely to intimidate them. How could it be possible for them to die? Hadthey not eaten of the tree of life? God had been seeking to prevent them from reachinga nobler development and finding greater happiness.

"Such has been Satan's work from the days of Adam to the present, and he haspursued it with great success." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 54.

8. Narrate the rest of the story of the temptation and fall. Genesis 3:6. How havemen at all times been attracted to the forbidden tree? Ecclesiastes 1:13-18.

"Age after age, the curiosity of men has led them to seek for the tree of knowledge;and often they think they are plucking fruit most essential, when, like Solomon's re­search, they find it altogether vanity and nothingness in comparison with that scienceof true holiness which will open to them the gates of the city of God. The human ambi­tion has been seeking for that kind of knowledge that will bring to them glory and self­exaltation and supremacy."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1083.

The Fig-Leaf Garments D ThursdayApril 10

9. When Adam and Eve realized that they were both naked, how did they try tocover their shame? Genesis 3:7.

"The white robe of innocence was worn by our first parents when they were placedby God in holy Eden. They lived in perfect conformity to the will of God. All the strength

-9-

of their affections was given to their heavenly Father. A beautiful soft light, the lightof God, enshrouded the holy pair. This robe of light was a symbol of their spiritualgarments of heavenly innocence. Had they remained true to God, it would ever havecontinued to enshroud them. But when sin entered, they severed their connection withGod, and the light that had encircled them departed. Naked and ashamed, they tried tosupply the place of the heavenly garments by sewing together fig leaves for a cover­ing."-Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 310, 311.

10. How has sinful man always tried to cover his spiritual nakedness? Isaiah 64:6;Matthew 22:11, 12.

"This [Genesis 3:7] is what the transgressors of God's law have done ever sincethe day of Adam and Eve's disobedience. They have sewed together fig leaves to coverthe nakedness caused by transgression. They have worn the garments of their owndevising, by works of their own they have tried to cover their sins, and make them­selves acceptable with God." -Christ's Object Lessons, p. 311.

Recapitulation o FridayApril 11

a. What kind of people would never have existed if the Sabbath had always beensacredly observed?

b. What was the implication of the warning given to our first parents (Genesis2:17)?

c. What change would take place in the nature of man if he once yielded totemptation?

d. By repeating Solomon's research, what do men find?

e. What garments did our first parents wear in their innocence? •

-10 -

Lesson 3 Sabbath, April 19, 1986

OUR FIRST PARENTS-Part III

"As soon as there was sin, there was a Saviour. Christ knew that He would haveto suffer, yet He became man's substitute."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White

Comments], vol. 1, p. 1084.

KEY TEXT: "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thyseed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise hisheel" (Genesis 3:15).

Hiding Themselves o SundayApril 13

1. What foolish plan did Adam and Eve devise to avoid the presence of God?Genesis 3:8. Can any place conceal us from God's eyes? What does the Biblesay in this respect? Psalm 139:1-12; Hebrews 4:13.

2. Why and with what foolish excuses have lovers of sin always tried to avoidthe presence of God? Ezekiel 9:9 (last part); Zephaniah 1:12 (last part); Psalm14:1 (first part). When will their excuses be swept away?

"Satan stands at the head of the great army of doubters, and he works to the utmostof his power to beguile souls into his ranks. It is becoming fashionable to doubt. Thereis a large class by whom the word of God is looked upon with distrust for the samereason as was its Author-because it reproves and condemns sin. Those who are un­willing to obey its requirements endeavor to overthrow its authority. They read theBible, or listen to its teachings as presented from the sacred desk, merely to find faultwith the Scriptures or with the sermon. Not a few become infidels in order to justifyor excuse themselves in neglect of duty. Others adopt skeptical principles from prideand indolence. Too ease-loving to distinguish themselves by accomplishing anythingworthy of honor, which requires effort and self-denial, they aim to secure a reputationfor superior wisdom by criticizing the Bible."- The Great Controversy, p. 526.

"In the day of final judgment, every lost soul will understand the nature of his ownrejection of truth.... Every lying excuse will be swept away. Human apostasy willappear in its heinous character. Men will see what their choice has been."- The Desire ofAges, p. 58.

Excusing Themselves o MondayApril 14

3. How did sin change Adam's attitude toward God? Genesis 3:9, 10. With whatquestion did God point to his guilt? Genesis 3:11.

"This question was asked by the Lord, not because He needed information, butfor the conviction of the guilty pair."- The Story of Redemption, p. 39.

-11-

4. How did the man try to excuse himself? Genesis 3:12.

"Adam could neither deny nor excuse his sin; but instead of manifesting penitence,he endeavored to cast the blame upon his wife, and thus upon God Himself: 'The wo­man whom Thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.' He who,from love to Eve, had deliberately chosen to forfeit the approval of God, his home inParadise, and an eternal life of joy, could now, after his fall, endeavor to make his com­panion, and even the Creator Himself, responsible for the transgression. So terrible isthe power of sin."-Patriarchs and Prophets. pp. 57, 58.

Excusing Themselves (continued) o TuesdayApril 15

5. What question did the Lord put to the woman? Genesis 3:13 (first part).

6. How did she try to excuse herself? Genesis 3:13 (second part). What is theorigin of the spirit of self-justification?

"When the woman was asked, 'What is this that thou hast done?' she answered,'The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.' 'Why didst Thou create the serpent? Whydidst Thou suffer him to enter Eden?'-these were the questions implied in her excusefor her sin. Thus, like Adam, she charged God with the responsibility of their fall. Thespirit of self-justification originated in the father of lies; it was indulged by our firstparents as soon as they yielded to the influence of Satan, and has been exhibited by allthe sons and daughters of Adam. Instead of humbly confessing their sins, they try toshield themselves by casting the blame upon others, upon circumstances, or uponGod-making even His blessings an occasion of murmuring against Him."-Patriarchsand Prophets. p. 58.

Fundamental Changes o WednesdayApril 16

7. What change did Adam see in the earth itself because of his disobedience?How were his labors, his diet, and his dwelling place affected? Genesis 3:17­19,22-24.

"When as a result of his disobedience, he was driven from his beautiful home, andforced to struggle with a stubborn soil to gain his daily bread, that very labor, althoughwidely different from his pleasant occupation in the garden, was a safeguard againsttemptation, and a source of happiness."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 50.

8. What losses did the human race incur because of his transgression? Romans5:12; Luke 4:6.

Hope for the Human Race o ThursdayApril 17

9. How was the plan of redemption revealed to our first parents? Genesis 3:15.For what purpose did Christ come into the world? 1 John 3:8 (second part).What will be the final destiny of the old serpent? Hebrews 2:14 (second part).

"To man the first intimation of redemption was communicated in the sentencepronounced upon Satan in the garden. The Lord declared, 'I will put enmity between

-12 -

thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, andthou shalt bruise His heel.' Genesis 3:15. This sentence, uttered in the hearing of ourfirst parents, was to them a promise. While it foretold war between man and Satan, itdeclared that the power of the great adversary would finally be broken."-Patriarchs andProPhets, pp. 65, 66.

10. What provision was made to recover that which was lost through the entranceof sin into the world? Luke 19:10; Romans 5:19; Micah 4:8.

"In the final restitution, when there shall be 'a new heaven and a new earth,' it isto be restored more gloriously adorned than at the beginning.

"Then they that have kept God's commandments shall breathe in immortal vigorbeneath the tree of life; and through unending ages the inhabitants of sinless worldsshall behold, in that garden of delight, a sample of the perfect work of God's creation,untouched by the curse of sin-a sample of what the whole earth would have become,had man but fulfilled the Creator's glorious plan."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 62.

Recapitulation o FridayApril 18

a. Why is the word of God looked upon with distrust by a large class of doubters?

b. How did Adam, indirectly, try to blame God for his transgression?

c. What questions were implied in Eve's excuse for her sin?

d. What benefits should Adam and his descendants derive from hard labor?

e. What does the sentence (Genesis 3:15) pronounced upon the serpent fore-tell? •

.,>.

-13 -

Lesson 4 Sabbath, April 26, 1986

CAIN AND ABEL

"There could be no harmony between the two brothers, and contention mustcome. Abel could not concede to Cain without being guilty of disobedience to thespecial commands of God."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments),

vol. 1, pp. 1086, 1087.

KEY TEXT: "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain,by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying ofhis gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh" (Hebrews 11:4).

The First Children Born Into the World o SundayApril 20

1. What were the names of the first two children born to Adam and Eve? Genesis4:1, 2 (first part).

2. What was Cain's occupation? And that of Abel? Genesis 4:2 (second part).How did they differ in character?

"Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam, differed widely in character. Abel had a spiritof loyalty to God; he saw justice and mercy in the Creator's dealings with the fallenrace, and gratefully accepted the hope of redemption. But Cain cherished feelings ofrebellion, and murmured against God because of the curse pronounced upon the earthand upon the human race for Adam's sin. He permitted his mind to run in the samechannel that led to Satan's fall-indulging the desire for self-exaltation and questioningthe divine justice and authority." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 71.

A Fundamental Difference o MondayApril 21

3. What difference was observed in the offerings brought by the two brothers?Genesis 4:3, 4 (first part); Hebrews 11:4.

"Cain came before God with murmuring and infidelity in his heart in regard to thepromised sacrifice and the necessity of the sacrificial offerings. His gift expressed nopenitence for sin. He felt, as many now feel, that it would be an acknowledgment ofweakness to follow the exacfplan marked out by God, of trusting his salvation whollyto the atonement of the promised Saviour. He chose the course of self-dependence. Hewould come in his own merits. He would not bring the lamb, and mingle its blood withhis offering, but would present his fruits, the products of his labor. He presented hisoffering as a favor done to God, through which he expected to secure the divine approval.

-14 -

Cain obeyed in building an altar, obeyed in bringing a sacrifice; but he rendered only apartial obedience. The essential part, the recognition of the need of a Redeemer, wasleft out....

"Abel grasped the great principles of redemption. He saw himself a sinner, and hesaw sin and its penalty, death, standing between his soul and communion with God.He brought the slain victim, the sacrificed life, thus acknowledging the claims of thelaw that had been transgressed. Through the shed blood he looked to the future sacri­fice, Christ dying on the cross of Calvary; and trusting in the atonement that was thereto be made, he had the witness that he was righteous, and his offering accepted."­Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 72.

4. How were their offerings received by the Lord? Genesis 4:4 (second part), 5(first part). Why did Cain have no excuse for his wrong procedure?

"These brothers were tested, as Adam had been tested before them, to provewhether they would believe and obey the word of God. They were acquainted withthe provision made for the salvation of man, and understood the system of offeringswhich God had ordained. They knew that in these offerings they were to express faithin the Saviour whom the offerings typified, and at the same time to acknowledge theirtotal dependence on Him for pardon; and they knew that by thus conforming to thedivine plan for their redemption, they were giving proof of their obedience to the willof God. Without the shedding of blood there could be no remission of sin; and theywere to show their faith in the blood of Christ as the promised atonement by offeringthe firstlings of the flock in sacrifice."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 71.

Cain Grows Angry o TuesdayApril 22

5. How did Cain act when he realized that his ways did not please God? Genesis4:5 (second part). How are many, today, following the example of Cain?

"The class of worshipers who follow the example of Cain includes by far the greaterportion of the world; for nearly every false religion has been based on the same principle-that man can depend upon his own efforts for salvation. It is claimed by some thatthe human race is in need, not of redemption, but of development-that it can refine,elevate, and regenerate itself. As Cain thought to secure the divine favor by an offeringthat lacked the blood of a sacrifice, so do these expect to exalt humanity to the divinestandard, independent of the atonement. The history of Cain shows what must be theresult. It shows what man will become apart from Christ. Humanity has no power toregenerate itself. It does not tend upward, toward the divine, but downward, towardthe satanic. Christ is our only hope." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 73.

6. When Cain became unreasonably angry, what appeal did God make to him?Genesis 4:6, 7.

Cain the First Murderer o WednesdayApril 23

7. How did the disagreement between the two brothers terminate? Genesis 4:8.How has the spirit of Cain been manifested through all the ages until today?

"When Cain, moved by the spirit of the wicked one, saw that he could not controlAbel, he was so enraged that he destroyed his life. And wherever there are any who

-15 -

will stand in vindication of the righteousness of the law of God, the same spirit will bemanifested against them. It is the spirit that through all the ages has set up the stakeand kindled the burning pile for the disciples of Christ."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 77.

8. What had led Cain to persecute Abel? 1 John 3:12. What has been and will bethe cause of religious persecution? John 3:20.

"The brighter the heavenly light that is reflected from the character of God'sfaithful servants, the more clearly the sins of the ungodly are revealed, and the moredetermined will be their efforts to destroy those who disturb their peace."-Patriarchsand Prophets, p. 74.

Cain Sentenced o ThursdayApril 24

9. When Cain was called to answer for his crime, how did he resort to falsehood?Genesis 4:9.

10. What sentence was pronounced upon Cain? Genesis 4:10-12. For what pur­pose did God spare the murderer's life and what was the consequence?

"Notwithstanding that Cain had by his crimes merited the sentence of death, amerciful Creator still spared his life, and granted him opportunity for repentance. ButCain lived only to harden his heart, to encourage rebellion against the divine authority,and to become the head of a line of bold, abandoned sinners. This one apostate, led onby Satan, became a tempter to others; and his example and influence exerted theirdemoralizing power, until the earth became so corrupt and filled with violence as tocall for its destruction."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 78.

Recapitulation o FridayApril 25

a. How was the spirit of God manifested in Abel and the spirit of Satan in Cain?

b. What was the main difference between Cain and Abel as far as their attitudetoward the plan of salvation?

c. What is the fundamental principle of every false religion?

d. What will happen wherever there are servants of God vindicating the righ­teousness of God's law?

e. As Cain's life was spared, what results were observed among his descendants? •

-16 -

•

Lesson 5 Sabbath, May 3, 1986

SONS OF MEN AND SONS OF GOD

"It was in looking in faith to Jesus, in asking of Him, in believing that every wordspoken would be verified, that Enoch walked with God. He kept close by the sideof God, obeying His every word."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Com-

ments], vol. 1, p. 1087.

KEY TEXT: "By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and wasnot found, because God had translated him: for before his translationhe had this testimony, that he pleased God" (Hebrews 11:5).

Cain Turns Away From God D SundayApril 27

1. What did Cain do when the curse of God rested upon him? Genesis 4:16, 17.

"Upon receiving the curse of God, Cain had withdrawn from his father's house­hold. He had first chosen his occupation as a tiller of the soil, and he now founded acity, calling it after the name of his eldest son. He had gone out from the presence ofthe Lord, cast away the promise of the restored Eden, to seek his possessions andenjoyment in the earth under the curse of sin, thus standing at the head of that greatclass of men who worship the god of this world."-Patriarchs and Proplwts, p. 81.

2. What did Cain carry with him that enabled others to identify him? Genesis 4:15(second part). How can we identify those who bear the mark of Cain today?

"Any man, be he minister or layman, who seeks to compel or control the reasonof any other man, becomes an agent of Satan, to do his work, and in the sight of theheavenly universe he bears the mark of Cain."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Com­ments]. vol. 1. p. 1087.

Descendants ofCain D MondayApril 28

3. In which fields of human activity did some of Cain's descendants make pro­gress? Genesis 4:20-22.

"In that which pertains to mere earthly and material progress, his [Cain's] descend­ants became distinguished. But they were regardless of God, and in opposition to Hispurposes for man." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 81.

-17 -

4. What is recorded about the wickedness of another prominent descendant ofCain? Genesis 4:19, 23, 24.

"To the crime of murder, in which Cain had led the way, Lamech, the fifth in de­scent, added polygamy, and, boastfully defiant, he acknowledged God, only to drawfrom the avenging of Cain an assurance of his own safety."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 81.

Seth D TuesdayApril 29

5. What son was born to our first parents as a compensation for Abel? Genesis4:25. What does the Spirit of Prophecy say about the character of Seth?

"Seth was of more noble stature than Cain or Abel, and resembled Adam moreclosely than did his other sons. He was a worthy character, following in the steps ofAbel. ... Seth, like Cain, inherited the fallen nature of his parents. But he receivedalso the knowledge of the Redeemer and instruction in righteousness. By divine gracehe served and honored God; and he labored, as Abel would have done, had he lived, toturn the minds of sinful men to revere and obey their Creator." -Patriarchs and Prophets,p.80.

6. What reformation took place in the days of Seth after a son was born to him?Genesis 4:26.

"The descendants of Seth had separated themselves from the wicked descendantsof Cain. They cherished the knowledge of God's will, while the ungodly race of Cainhad no respect for God and His sacred commandments."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G.White Comments], vol. I, p. 1087.

Enoch D WednesdayApril 30

7. Who stood up, after Seth, to carry on the work of reformation? Genesis 5:21­23.

"Enoch was a holy man. He served God with singleness of heart. He realized thecorruptions of the human family and separated himself from the descendants of Cainand reproved them for their great wickedness.... His soul was vexed as he dailywitnessed their trampling upon the authority of God. He chose to be separate fromthem, and spent much of his time in solitude, which he devoted to reflection and prayer.He waited before God and prayed to know His will more perfectly, that he might per­form it. God communed with Enoch through His angels and gave him divine instruction.He made known to him that He would not always bear with man in his rebellion-thatHis purpose was to destroy the sinful race by bringing a flood of waters upon theearth."- The Story of Redemption, pp. 57, 58.

8. What is the record of this prophet's religious experience? Genesis 5:24 (firstpart).

"Enoch's walk with God was not in a trance or a vision, but in all the duties of hisdaily life."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 85.

-18 -

..'

"Enoch's case is before us. Hundreds of years he walked with God. He lived in acorrupt age, when moral pollution was teeming all around him; yet he trained his mindto devotion, to love purity. His conversation was upon heavenly things. He educatedhis mind to run in this channel, and he bore the impress of the divine. His countenancewas lighted up with the light which shineth in the face of Jesus. Enoch had temptationsas well as we. He was surrounded with society no more friendly to righteousness thanis that which surrounds us. The atmosphere he breathed was tainted with sin and cor­ruption, the same as ours; yet he lived a life of holiness."- Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 122.

"To such communion God is calling us. As was Enoch's must be their holiness ofcharacter who shall be redeemed from among men at the Lord's second coming."­Ibid., vol. 8, p. 331.

Enoch (continued) o ThursdayMay 1

9. What scenes were made known by the Lord through His prophet to the ante­diluvian generation? Jude 14, 15.

"The Lord opened more fully to Enoch the plan of salvation, and by the Spirit ofprophecy carried him down through the generations which should live after the Flood,and showed him the great events connected with the second coming of Christ and theend of the world." - The Story of Redemption, p. 58.

"As the scenes of the future were opened to his view, Enoch became a preacher ofrighteousness, bearing God's message to all who would hear the words of warning."- Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 330.

10. What special privilege was accorded to this man of God? Genesis 5:24 (secondpart); Hebrews 11:5.

"The Lord here teaches a lesson of the greatest importance by the translation ofEnoch, a descendant of fallen Adam, that all would be rewarded, who by faith wouldrely upon the promised Sacrifice and faithfully obey His commandments. Two classesare here again represented which were to exist until the second coming of Christ-therighteous and the wicked, the rebellious and the loyal. God will remember the righteous,who fear Him. On account of His dear Son He will respect and honor them and givethem everlasting life."- The Story of Redemption, pp. 59, 60.

Recapitulation o FridayMay 2

a. In what sense did Cain go out from the presence of God?

b. In which ways, especially, did Lamech defy the law of God?

c. What does the Spirit of Prophecy say about Seth as a missionary and reformer?

d. How are we to understand the statement that "Enoch walked with God"?

e. What lesson is taught by the translation of Enoch?

-19 -

•

Lesson 6 Sabbath, May 10, 1986

NOAH, A PREACHER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

"Noah preached to the people of his time that God would give them one hundredand twenty years ill which to repent of their sins and find refuge in the ark, but

they refused the gracious invitation."-Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 308.

KEY TEXT: "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, movedwith fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which hecondemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which isby faith" (Hebrews 11:7).

The Results ofIntermarriage o SundayMay 4

1. How did the distinction between the righteous and the wicked disappear sometime before the Flood? Genesis 6:1,2 (compare Jude 11).

"For some time the two classes remained separate.... But in the lapse of timethey ventured, little by little, to mingle with the inhabitants of the valleys. This associa­tion was productive of the worst results. 'The sons of God saw the daughters of menthat they were fair.' The children of Seth, attracted by the beauty of the daughters ofCain's descendants, displeased the Lord by intermarrying with them. Many of theworshipers of God were beguiled into sin by the allurements that were now constantlybefore them, and they lost their peculiar, holy character. Mingling with the depraved,they became like them in spirit and in deeds; the restrictions of the seventh command­ment were disregarded, 'and they took them wives of all which they chose.' The chil­dren of Seth went 'in the way of Cain' (Jude 11); they fixed their minds upon worldlyprosperity and enjoyment and neglected the commandments of the Lord."-Patriarchsand Prophets, pp. 81, 82.

2. What do we read of the descendants of this forbidden association? Genesis6:4.

"There were many giants, men of great stature and strength, renowned for wis­dom, skillful in devising the most cunning and wonderful works; but their guilt in giv­ing loose rein to iniquity was in proportion to their skill and mental ability....

"They sought only to gratify the desires of their own proud hearts, and reveled inscenes of pleasure and wickedness. Not desiring to retain God in their knowledge, theysoon came to deny His existence. They adored nature in place of the God of nature.They glorified human genius, worshiped the works of their own hands, and taughttheir children to bow down to graven images."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 90, 91.

- 20-

General Corruption o MondayMay 5

3. What is recorded about the moral and spiritual condition of the world in thosedays? Genesis 6:5, 11, 12. What change occurred in God's attitude towardthe human race? Genesis 6:6.

"Man's repentance implies a change of mind. God's repentance implies a changeof circumstances and relations. Man may change his relation to God by complying withthe conditions upon which he may be brought into the divine favor, or he may, by hisown action, place himself outside the favoring condition; but the Lord is the same'yesterday, and today, and forever.' "-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 630.

4. How did God resolve to put an end to the prevailing wickedness? Genesis 6:7.Nevertheless, how long a period of mercy and probation did the Lord stillgrant to that generation? Genesis 6:3.

The Most Pious and Holy Man o TuesdayMay 6

5. What does the inspired record say concerning the life and character of Noah?Genesis 6:8, 9. What did God reveal to him? Genesis 6:13.

"Noah and his family were not alone in fearing and obeying God. But Noah wasthe most pious and holy of any upon the earth, and was the one whose life God pre­served to carry out His will in building the ark and warning the world of its comingdoom." - The Story of Redemption, p. 63.

6. In connection with the startling revelation received from the Lord, what spe­cific directions did Noah also receive? Genesis 6:14-17, 19,21.

Faith and Works o WednesdayMay 7

7. What else was Noah instructed to do besides building an ark? What is Noahcalled in 2 Peter 2:5? Who was actually the Preacher that used Noah as amouthpiece? 1 Peter 3:18-20.

"While building the ark he [Noah] was to preach that God would bring a flood ofwater upon the earth to destroy the wicked.... He gave the world an example ofbelieving just what God says. All that he possessed, he invested in the ark. As he beganto construct that immense boat on dry ground, multitudes came from every directionto see the strange sight and to hear the earnest, fervent words of the singular preacher.Every blow struck upon the ark was a witness to the people."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp.

92-95.

8. How was God's message received by the antediluvians? How did Noah becomean heir of the righteousness that is by faith? Hebrews 11:7.

"For one hundred twenty years He [God] sent them warnings through His servantNoah. But they used the probation so graciously granted them in ridiculing Noah. They

- 21-

caricatured him and criticized him. They laughed at him for his peculiar earnestnessand intense feeling in regard to the judgments which he declared God would surely ful­fill. They talked of science and of the laws controlling nature. Then they held a carnivalover the words of Noah, calling him a crazy fanatic." - The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. WhiteComments], vol. 1, p. 1090.

9. What happened when the appointed time arrived? Genesis 7:11, 12, 17,21,24.

"The entire surface of the earth was changed at the Flood.... The earth presentedan appearance of confusion and desolation impossible to describe."-Patriarchs and Prophets,pp. 107, 108.

A Lesson for Today o ThursdayMay 8

10. What will happen again in God's due time? Matthew 24:38, 39; 2 Peter 3:3­10.

"In the bowels of the earth God has in reserve the weapons that He will use to de­stroy the sinful race. Since the Flood, God has used, to destroy wicked cities, both thewater and the fire that are concealed in the earth. In the final conflagration God will inHis wrath send lightning from heaven that will unite with the fire in the earth. Themountains will burn like a furnace, and pour forth streams of lava." - The SDA Bible Com­mentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, pp. 946, 947.

"When the reasoning of philosophy has banished the fear of God's judgments;when religious teachers are pointing forward to long ages of peace and prosperity, andthe world are absorbed in their rounds of business and pleasure, planting and building,feasting and merrymaking, rejecting God's warnings and mocking His messengers­then it is that sudden destruction cometh upon them, and they shall not escape,"­Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 104.

Recapitulation o FridayMay 9

a. How did Satan succeed in bringing many of the descendants of Seth down to ~

the level of the descendants of Cain? ;

b. Read Genesis 6:6; 1 Samuel 15:11, and 1 Samuel 15:29, and explain the seem- •ing contradiction. ~

c. What was Noah's twofold commission?

d. How was Noah's faith confirmed by his works?

e. What will wicked men be doing until they are surprised by the comingdestruction? •

-22 -

Lesson 7 Sabbath, May 17, 1986

NOAH, AND HIS FAMILY AFTER THE FLOOD

"How great the condescension of God and His compassion for His erring creaturesin thus placing the beautiful rainbow in the clouds as a token of His covenant with

men!"-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 106.

KEY TEXT: "And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which Ihave established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth" (Gene­sis 9:17).

The Waters Subside D SundayMay 11

1. How long did it continue raining? Genesis 7:12. How long was it before thewaters began to abate? Genesis 7:24. On what did the safety of Noah and hisfamily depend?

"It was Christ who kept the ark safe amid the roaring, seething billows, becauseits inmates had faith in His power to preserve them."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. WhiteComments], vol. 1, p. 1091.

2. Where and when did the ark find a resting place? Genesis 8:3, 4.

"As the waters began to subside, the Lord caused the ark to drift into a spot pro­tected by a group of mountains that had been preserved by His power. These mountainswere but a little distance apart, and the ark moved about in this quiet haven, and wasno longer driven upon the boundless ocean. This gave great relief to the weary, tempest­tossed voyagers." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 105.

Noah Leaves the Ark D MondayMay 12

3. How did Noah ascertain whether the waters were subsiding? Genesis 8:6-12.

4. How long a time did Noah and his family stay in the ark? Genesis 7:7,10,11;8:13-16.

"At last an angel descended from heaven, opened the massive door, and bade thepatriarch and his household go forth upon the earth and take with them every livingthing." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 105.

-23 -

First Thing: An Altar of Worship o TuesdayMay 13

5. What was Noah's first notable act when he came forth from the ark? Genesis8:20.

6. How did God regard Noah's act? What blessing followed? Genesis 8:21, 22.

"Here was a lesson for all succeeding generations. Noah had come forth upon adesolate earth, but before preparing a house for himself he built an altar to God. Hisstock of cattle was small, and had been preserved at great expense; yet he cheerfully Jgave a part to the Lord as an acknowledgment that all was His. In like manner it shouldbe our first care to render our freewill offerings to God. Every manifestation of Hismercy and love toward us should be gratefully acknowledged, both by acts of devotionand by gifts to His cause." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 106.

Man s Rights and Power/His Modified Diet o WednesdayMay 14

7. What assurance did God give Noah and his family concerning the animals,some of which seemed to inspire fear? Genesis 9:2. What enactment wasestablished to safeguard the sacredness of human life? Genesis 9:5, 6.

"How carefully God protects the rights of men! He has attached a penalty to wilfulmurder. 'Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed.' (Gen. 9:6.) Ifone murderer were permitted to go unpunished, he would by his evil influence andcruel violence subvert others. This would result in a condition of things similar to thatwhich existed before the Flood. God must punish murderers." - The SDA Bible Commentary[E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1091.

8. What change did God authorize in man's diet? Genesis 9:3. For what purposedid God permit man to eat animal food?

"Before this time God had given men no permission to eat animal food; He in­tended that the race should subsist wholly upon the productions of the earth; but nowthat every green thing had been destroyed, He allowed them to eat the flesh of the cleanbeasts that had been preserved in the ark." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 107.

"After the Flood the people ate largely of animal food. God saw that the ways ofman were corrupt, and that he was disposed to exalt himself proudly against his Creatorand to follow the inclinations of his own heart. And He permitted that long-lived raceto eat animal food to shorten their sinful lives. Soon after the Flood the race began torapidly decrease in size, and in length of years."-Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 373.

Gods Covenant With Noah and His Descendants o ThursdayMay 15

9. What promise did the Lord give Noah and his family? Genesis 9:11; Isaiah 54:9,10. What was given as a sign of God's covenant with man? Genesis 9:12-17.

"It was God's purpose that as the children of after generations should ask the mean­ing of the glorious arch which spans the heavens, their parents should repeat the story

- 24-

of the Flood, and tell them that the Most High had bended the bow and placed it in theclouds as an assurance that the waters should never again overflow the earth."-Patri·archs and Prophets, p. 106.

10. What does the rainbow symbolize in the plan of salvation? Revelation 4:2, 3.

"As the bow in the cloud results from the union of sunshine and shower, so the bowabove God's throne represents the union of His mercy and His justice. To the sinful butrepentant soul God says, Live thou; 'I have found a ransom.' "-Education, p. 115.

"The bow represents Christ's love which encircles the earth, and reaches unto thehighest heavens, connecting men with God, and linking earth with heaven." - The SDA

, . Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1091.

Recapitulation o FridayMay 16

a. Whose presence ensured the safety of Noah and his family in the ark?

b. What instruction did Noah receive from the Lord as soon as the earth was dry?

c. What lesson should we learn from Noah's decision to build an altar of worshipbefore building a house?

d. What penalty did God impose for wilful murder?

e. What lesson should we teach our children with reference to the rainbow? •

'k * 'k * 'k.

(continued from page 31)

tive of the Father. And all through the generations of the past, Christ has spoken; Christhas led His people, and has been the light of the world."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G.White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1093.

Recapitulation o FridayMay 30

a. Why did God choose Abraham and not others? Why did he have to be separatedfrom his relatives and the associates of his early life?

b. By ignoring the good example of Abraham, how are many parents doing wrongto their children and to the world?

c. Why was Abraham's declaration about Sarah ("she is my sister") an authenticdeception?

d. What attitude has destroyed the peace of many homes and churches?

e. What examples of unselfishness, altruism, and financial faithfulness towardGod did Abraham leave for us? •

- 25-

Lesson 8 Sabbath, May 24, 1986

NOAH'S DESCENDANTS

"In Shem, Ham, and Japheth, who were to be the founders of the human race, wasforeshadowed the character of their posterity."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 117.

KEY TEXT: "These are the three sons of Noah: [Shem, Ham, and Japhet] and ofthem was the whole earth overspread" (Genesis 9:19).

The Fathers ofMankind o SundayMay 18

1. What shows that God was pleased also with Noah's sons? What command didHe give them? Genesis 9: 1. Nevertheless, what distinction was seen in themsome time after the Flood?

"Yet in the three sons of Noah was speedily developed the same great distinctionseen in the world before the Flood."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 117.

2. Who were the founders of the three great human races? Genesis 9:18, 19.What nations were originated by Noah's three sons? Genesis 10:2, 6, 22 (Seechart on page 4).

Blessings and Curses o MondayMay 19

3. What prophetic blessings and curses did Noah pronounce upon his sons?Genesis 9:25-27.

"Noah, speaking by divine inspiration, foretold the history of the three great racesto spring from these fathers of mankind." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 117.

"The prophecy of Noah was no arbitrary denunciation of wrath or declaration offavor. It did not fix the character and destiny of his sons. But it showed what would bethe result of the course of life they had severally chosen and the character they haddeveloped. It was an expression of God's purpose toward them and their posterity inview of their own character and conduct. As a rule, children inherit the dispositionsand tendencies of their parents, and imitate their example; so that the sins of the par­ents are practiced by the children from generation to generation. Thus the vilenessand irreverence of Ham were reproduced in his posterity, bringing a curse upon themfor many generations."-Ibid., p. 118.

4. How was Shem's blessing fulfilled? Genesis 10:22; 11:10-26; 12:1-3, 7. Forwhat special honor was one family singled out? Galatians 3:16.

"How richly rewarded was Shem's respect for his father; and what an illustriousline of holy men appears in his posterity!" -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 118.

-26 -

"The line of Shem was to be that of the chosen people, of God's covenant, of thepromised Redeemer. Jehovah was the God of Shem. From him would descend Abraham,and the people of Israel, through whom Christ was to come."-Ibid., p. 117.

Blessings and Curses (continued) o TuesdayMay 20

5. How was Japhet's posterity enlarged? Genesis 10:2-5 (See chart on page 4).

6. Which of Noah's sons brought a curse on his posterity by his conduct? Genesis9:18 (last part), 25. Show the fulfillment of the prophesied curse. CompareGenesis 10:6, 15-20; Leviticus 18:24-28; Deuteronomy 12:30,31.

"Tracing the descendants of Ham, through the son rather than the father, he[Noah] declared, 'Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his breth­ren.' The unnatural crime of Ham declared that filial reverence had long before beencast from his soul, and it revealed the impiety and vileness of his character. These evilcharacteristics were perpetuated in Canaan and his posterity, whose continued guiltcalled upon them the judgments of God." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 117.

"The posterity of Canaan descended to the most degrading forms of heathenism.Though the prophetic curse had doomed them to slavery, the doom was withheld forcenturies. God bore with their impiety and corruption until they passed the limits ofdivine forbearance. Then they were dispossessed, and became bondmen to the descend­ants of Shem and Japheth."-Ibid., p. 118.

Babel Builders o WednesdayMay 21

7. What separation took place some time after the Flood? To what place did thegodless generation migrate? Genesis 11:1,2. What is written about Nimrod?Genesis 10:8, 10.

"For a time the descendants of Noah continued to dwell among the mountainswhere the ark had rested. As their numbers increased, apostasy soon led to division.Those who desired to forget their Creator and to cast off the restraint of His law felt aconstant annoyance from the teaching and example of their God-fearing associates,and after a time they decided to separate from the worshipers of God. Accordinglythey journeyed to the plain of Shinar, on the banks of the river Euphrates. They wereattracted by the beauty of the situation and the fertility of the soil, and upon this plainthey determined to make their home."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 118.

8. In what way did these apostates act contrary to the will of God? Genesis 11:3,4. What motive did they have in building a tower?

"God had directed men to disperse throughout the earth, to replenish and subdueit; but these Babel builders determined to keep their community united in one body,and to found a monarchy that should eventually embrace the whole earth. Thus theircity would become the metropolis of a universal empire; its glory would command theadmiration and homage of the world and render the founders illustrious. The magnif­icent tower, reaching to the heavens, was intended to stand as a monument of thepower and wisdom of its builders, perpetuating their fame to the latest generations."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 119.

- 27-

Babel Builders (continued) D ThursdayMay 22

9. How was the plan of the tower builders frustrated? Genesis 11:5-9.

"The tower had reached a lofty height, and it was impossible for the workmen atthe top to communicate directly with those at the base; therefore men were stationedat different points, each to receive and report to the one next below him the orders forneeded material or other directions concerning the work. As messages were thuspassing from one to another the language was confounded, so that material was calledfor which was not needed, and the directions delivered were often the reverse of thosethat had been given. Confusion and dismay followed. All work came to a standstill.There could be no further harmony or cooperation. The builders were wholly unableto account for the strange misunderstandings among them, and in their rage and dis­appointment they reproached one another. Their confederacy ended in strife and blood­shed."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 119, 120.

10. How are men today, following the example of the Babel builders? Matthew15:3, 9; 2 Timothy 4:3, 4.

"The schemes of the Babel builders ended in shame and defeat. The monumentto their pride became the memorial of their folly. Yet men are continually pursuingthe same course-depending upon self, and rejecting God's law. It is the principlethat Satan tried to carry out in heaven; the same that governed Cain in presenting hisoffering.

"There are tower builders in our time. Infidels construct their theories from thesupposed deductions of science, and reject the revealed word of God. They presumeto pass sentence upon God's moral government; they despise His law and boast of thesufficiency of human reason....

"In the professedly Christian world many turn away from the plain teachings ofthe Bible and build up a creed from human speculations and pleasing fables, and theypoint to their tower as a way to climb up to heaven."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 123, 124.

Recapitulation D FridayMay 23

a. Mention the names of Noah's three sons and the nations originated by them.b. What is the prophetic meaning contaiQed in Noah's blessings and curses?c. How has the curse pronounced upon the descendants of Ham been verified in

their history?d. What political plans did the inhabitants of Shinar conceive?e. Mention some of the foundation stones of the modern tower of Babel. •

-28 -

Lesson 9 Sabbath, May 31, 1986

ABRAHAM-Part I

"The Lord finally left the hardened transgressors to follow their evil ways, whileHe chose Abraham, of the line of Shem, and made him the keeper of His law forfuture generations."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 1,

p.1092.

KEY TEXT: "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which heshould after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, notknowing whither he went" (Hebrews 11:8).

God Calls Abraham o SundayMay 25

1. What call did Abraham receive? Genesis 12:1. Why? How did he and his familyrespond to God's call? Genesis 11:31; 12:4, 5; Hebrews 11:8.

"Abraham did not become an idolater. Although his own father was vacillatingbetween the true and the false worship, and with his knowledge of the truth falsetheories and idolatrous practises were mingled, Abraham kept free from this infatua­tion. He was not ashamed of his faith, and made no effort to hide the fact that he madeGod his trust."- The SDA Bible Comrrumtary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1092.

"In order that God might qualify him for his great work as the keeper of the sacredoracles, Abraham must be separated from the associations of his early life. The influ­ence of kindred and friends would interfere with the training which the Lord purposedto give His servant." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 126.

2. What promises did the Lord make to the patriarch? Genesis 12:2,3,7 (firstpart); (compare John 8:56).

"How did Abraham know of the coming of the Redeemer? God gave him light inregard to the future. He looked forward to the time when the Saviour should come tothis earth, His divinity veiled by humanity. By faith he saw the world's Redeemercoming as God in the flesh. He saw the weight of guilt lifted from the human race, andborne by the divine substitute."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, p.1092.

A braham's Religion o MondayMay 26

3. What acts testify to Abraham's devotional life? Genesis 12:7 (second part), 8;13:4,18.

"Abraham, 'the friend of God,' set us a worthy example. His was a life of prayer.Wherever he pitched his tent, close beside it was set up his altar, calling all within his

- 29-

encampment to the morning and the evening sacrifice. When his tent was removed,the altar remained. In following years, there were those among the roving Canaaniteswho received instruction from Abraham; and whenever one of these came to that altar,he knew who had been there before him; and when he had pitched his tent, he repairedthe altar, and there worshiped the living God." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 128.

4. What is written about Abraham's obedience to God? Genesis 26:5. How didhis example influence his family and community life? Genesis 18:19.

"How few there are in our day who follow this example! On the part of too manyparents there is a blind and selfish sentimentalism, miscalled love, which is manifestedin leaving children, with their unformed judgment and undisciplined passions, to thecontrol of their own will. This is the veriest cruelty to the youth and a great wrong tothe world. Parental indulgence causes disorder in families and in society. It confirmsin the young the desire to follow inclination, instead of submitting to the divine re­quirements. Thus they grow up with a heart averse to doing God's will, and they trans­mit their irreligious, insubordinate spirit to their children and children's children.Like Abraham, parents should command their households after them."-Patriarchs andProphets, p. 142.

Abraham Tested o TuesdayMay 27

5. Where, on what occasion, and through what incident did Abraham reveal hislack of faith and human weakness? Genesis 12:10-16. How did the Lord over­rule his mistake? Genesis 12:17-20.

"During his stay in Egypt, Abraham gave evidence that he was not free from hu­man weakness and imperfection. In concealing the fact that Sarah was his wife, hebetrayed a distrust of the divine care, a lack of that lofty faith and courage so oftenand nobly exemplified in his life. Sarah was fair to look upon, and he doubted not thatthe dusky Egyptians would covet the beautiful stranger, and that in order to secureher, they would not scruple to slay her husband. He reasoned that he was not guilty offalsehood in representing Sarah as his sister, for she was the daughter of his father,though not of his mother. But this concealment of the real relation between them wasdeception." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 130.

6. Where did Abraham repeat the same mistake on another occasion and whatwere the embarrassing consequences? Genesis 20:1-11. For what purposedoes God put His servants on trial?

"It is by close, testing trials that God disciplines His servants. He sees that somehave powers which may be used in the advancement of His work, and He puts thesepersons upon trial; in His providence He brings them into positions that test their char­acter, and reveal defects and weaknesses that have been hidden from their own knowl­edge. He gives them opportunity to correct these defects and to fit themselves for Hisservice. He shows them their own weakness, and teaches them to lean upon Him; forHe is their only help and safeguflrd. Thus His object is attained. They are educated,trained, and disciplined, prepared to fulfill the grand purpose for which their powerswere given them. When God calls them to action, they are ready, and heavenly angelscan unite with them in the work to be accomplished on the earth."-PatriarchsandProphets,pp. 129, 130.

- 30-

Abraham's Nobility ofCharacter o WednesdayMay 28

7. After Abraham's return from Egypt, what difficulty arose between him andhis nephew? Genesis 13:5-7. How did Abraham reveal his unselfish and noblecharacter in contrast to the ungrateful attitude of Lot? Genesis 13:8, 9.

"Here the noble, unselfish spirit of Abraham was displayed. How many, undersimilar circumstances, would, at all hazards, cling to their individual rights and prefer­ences! How many households have thus been rent asunder! How many churches havebeen divided, making the cause of truth a byword and a reproach among the wicked!"-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 132.

"Although Lot owed his prosperity to his connection with Abraham, he manifestedno gratitude to his benefactor. Courtesy would have dictated that he yield the choiceto Abraham; but instead of this, he selfishly endeavored to grasp all its advantages."­Ibid., p. 133.

8. What selfish choice did Lot make? Genesis 13:10-13. How are many, in ourdays, repeating Lot's mistake? How was Lot affected by the wickedness ofSodom? 2 Peter 2:7, 8.

"Many are still making a similar mistake. In selecting a home they look more tothe temporal advantages they may gain than to the moral and social influences that willsurround themselves and their families. They choose a beautiful and fertile country,or remove to some flourishing city, in the hope of securing greater prosperity; but theirchildren are surrounded by temptation, and too often they form associations that areunfavorable to the development of piety and the formation of a right character." -Patri­archs and Prophets, pp. 168, 169.

Abraham's Stewardship o ThursdayMay 29

9. How were Lot and his family involved in a dangerous political situation thatbefell Sodom and Gomorrah? Genesis 14:1-3, 10-12. By what incident wasthe nobility of Abraham's character again revealed? Genesis 14:14-17,21-24.

"By the usage of war, the spoils belonged to the conquerors; but Abraham hadundertaken this expedition with no purpose of gain, and he refused to take advantageof the unfortunate, only stipulating that his confederates should receive the portion towhich they were entitled.

"Few, if subjected to such a test, would have shown themselves as noble as didAbraham. Few would have resisted the temptation to secure so rich a booty. His exampleis a rebuke to self-seeking, mercenary spirits. Abraham regarded the claims of justiceand humanity." -Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 135, 136.

10. What obligation to the God of heaven did Abraham bear in mind? Genesis14:18-20. Who was Melchisedek?

"It was Christ that spoke through Melchisedek, the priest of the most high God.Melchisedek was not Christ, but he was the voice of God in the world, the representa-

(continued on page 25)

- 31-

Lesson 10 Sabbath, June 7, 1986

ABRAHAM-Part II

"By faith ... Christ's righteousness is accepted in place of man's failure, and Godreceives, pardons, justifies, the repentant, believing soul, treats him as though hewere righteous, and loves him as He loves His Son."-The SDA Bible Commentary

[E.G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1073.

KEY TEXT: "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteous­ness" (Galatians 3:6).

Abraham s Intercession for Sodom D SundayJune 1

1. What ominous revelation was made to Abraham while he was entertainingthree angels? Genesis 18:20-23.

"The Sodomites had passed the boundary of mercy, and no more light was grantedto them prior to their destruction. Had the warning gone through these cities of theplain, and had they been told just what was to come, who of them would have believedit?"- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, pp. 1093, 1094.

2. How did Abraham intercede for the doomed cities? Genesis 18:24-32. Whatspiritual qualities of Abraham prompted his intercession?

"Love for perishing souls inspired Abraham's prayer. While he loathed the sins ofthat corrupt city, he desired that the sinner might be saved. His deep interest for Sodomshows the anxiety that we should feel for the impenitent. We should cherish hatred ofsin, but pity and love for the sinner. All around us are souls going down to ruin as hope­less, as terrible, as that which befell Sodom. Every day the probation of some is closing.Every hour some are passing beyond the reach of mercy. And where are the voices ofwarning and entreaty to bid the sinner flee from this fearful doom? Where are the handsstretched out to draw him back from death? Where are those who with humility andpersevering faith are pleading with God for him?" -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 140.

Gods Covenant With Abraham o MondayJune 2

3. What promise did God repeat to Abraham and how did He certify His covenantwith him? What was counted to the patriarch for righteousness? Genesis 15:5­7, 17, 18; Romans 4:1-3; Galatians 3:6.

"Still the patriarch begged for some visible token as a confirmation of his faithand as an evidence to after-generations that God's gracious purposes toward themwould be accomplished. The Lord condescended to enter into a covenant with His

- 32-

servant, employing such forms as were customary among men for the ratification of asolemn engagement. ...

"As a pledge of this covenant of God with men, a smoking furnace and a burninglamp, symbols of the divine presence, passed between the severed victims, totallyconsuming them. And again a voice was heard by Abraham, confirming the gift of theland of Canaan to his descendants, 'from the river of Egypt unto the great river, theriver Euphrates.' "-Patriarchs and Prophets. p. 137.

4. What mistake did Abraham and Sarah make when they tried to realize God'splan for them according to their own ideas? Genesis 16:1-3. What were theimmediate consequences?

"Hagar was proud and boastful, and carried herself haughtily before Sarah. Sheflattered herself that she was to be the mother of a great nation God had promised tomake of Abraham. And Abraham was compelled to listen to complaints from Sarah inregard to the conduct of Hagar, charging Abraham with wrong in the matter. Abrahamis grieved and tells Sarah that Hagar is her servant, and that she can have the controlof her, but refuses to send her away, for she is to be the mother of his child, throughwhom he thinks the promise is to be fulfilled. He informs Sarah that he should nothave taken Hagar for his wife if it had not been her special request.

"Abraham was also compelled to listen to Hagar's complaints of abuse from Sarah.Abraham is in perplexity."- The Story 0/ Redemption. pp. 77, 78.

God's Covenant With Abraham (continued) o TuesdayJune 3

5. In what terms was God's covenant with Abraham renewed? Genesis 17:1-8,15, 16; 18:14.

6. What filled the tents of the patriarch with joy when he was one hundred yearsold? Genesis 21:1-3. What crisis developed in his home and what was theresult? Genesis 21:8-14.

"The instruction given to Abraham touching the sacredness of the marriage rela­tion was to be a lesson for all ages. It declares that the rights and happiness of thisrelation are to be carefully guarded, even at a great sacrifice. Sarah was the only truewife of Abraham. Her rights as a wife and mother no other person was entitled to share.She reverenced her husband, and in this she is presented in the New Testament as aworthy example. But she was unwilling that Abraham's affections should be given toanother, and the Lord did not reprove her for requiring the banishment of her rival.Both Abraham and Sarah distrusted the power of God, and it was this error that led tothe marriage with Hagar." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 147.

Abraham's Greatest Test o WednesdayJune 4

7. To what test was Abraham subjected after God's promise had been fulfilled?Genesis 22:2. When they were on their way to the mountaintop, what pointedquestion did Isaac ask and what was Abraham's tactful answer? Genesis22:7,8.

"God had called Abraham to be the father of the faithful, and his life was to standas an example of faith to succeeding generations. But his faith had not been perfect.

- 33-

He had shown distrust of God in concealing the fact that Sarah was his wife, and againin his marriage with Hagar. That he might reach the highest standard, God subjectedhim to another test, the closest which man was ever called to endure."-Patriarchs andProphets, p. 147.

"We read that God tempted Abraham, that He tempted the children of Israel. Thismeans that He permitted circumstances to occur to test their faith, and lead them tolook to Him for help. God permits temptation to come to His people today, that theymay realize that He is their helper."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 1,p. 1094.

8. In what miracle did Abraham believe in connection with God's command(Genesis 22:2)? Hebrews 11:19 (compare Genesis 22:5).

Abraham's Victory D ThursdayJune 5

9. How did Abraham stand the test? Genesis 22:9-13 (compare James 2:21-23).

"The ram offered in the place of Isaac represented the Son of God, who was to besacrificed in our stead. When man was doomed to death by transgression of the law ofGod, the Father, looking upon His Son, said to the sinner, 'Live: I have found a ran­som.' "-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 154.

10. As a result of Abraham's victorious experience, what was confirmed to him?Genesis 22:15-18. What lesson does the offering of Isaac teach?

"The offering of Isaac was designed by God to prefigure the sacrifice of His Son.Isaac was a figure of the Son of God, who was offered a sacrifice for the sins of theworld. God desired to impress upon Abraham the gospel of salvation to men; and inorder to make the truth a reality, and to test his faith, He required Abraham to slay hisdarling Isaac. All the agony that Abraham endured during that dark and fearful trialwas for the purpose of deeply impressing upon his understanding the plan of redemp­tion."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1094.

Recapitulation D FridayJune 6

a. What proves that Abraham had a burden for perishing souls?

b. What symbols of the divine presence gave Abraham the needed assurancewith reference to God's covenant with him?

c. What painful separation was the aftermath of Abraham's error in connectionwith Hagar?

d. Why did Abraham's faith have to be sorely tried when his hopes were centeredupon Isaac? Why do we have to be tested?

e. Explain the symbolic meaning of Abraham offering Isaac on Mount Moriah. •

- 34-

Lesson 11

ISAAC

Sabbath, June 14, 1986

"The promises made to Abraham and confirmed to his son were held by Isaacand Rebekah as the great object of their desires and hopes."-Patriarchs and

Prophets, p. 177.

KEY TEXT: "And the Lord ... said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not,for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for myservant Abraham's sake" (Genesis 26:24).

The Marriage ofIsaac D SundayJune 8

1. When Isaac had grown into manhood, what commission did Abraham entrustto his oldest servant, Eliezer? Genesis 24:1-9.

"Isaac was highly honored by God in being made inheritor of the promises throughwhich the world was to be blessed; yet when he was forty years of age he submittedto his father's judgment in appointing his experienced, God-fearing servant to choosea wife for him." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 175.

2. How did the servant carry out his commission? (Summarize.) Genesis 24:10­60.

The Sons ofIsaac D MondayJune 9

3. Describe the circumstances under which Isaac and Rebekah first met andthe home that they established. Genesis 24:62-67. What is wrong with manymodern marriages?

"What a contrast between the course of Isaac and that pursued by the youth of ourtime, even among professed Christians! Young people too often feel that the bestowalof their affections is a matter in which self alone should be consulted-a matter thatneither God nor their parents should in any wise control. Long before they have reachedmanhood or womanhood they think themselves competent to make their own choice,without the aid of their parents. A few years of married life are usually sufficient toshow them their error, but often too late to prevent its baleful results. For the samelack of wisdom and self-control that dictated the hasty choice is permitted to aggravatethe evil, until the marriage relation becomes a galling yoke. Many have thus wreckedtheir happiness in this life and their hope of the life to come."-Patriarchs and Prophets,p. 175.

- 35-

4. How many children were born to Isaac and Rebekah and what was their dis­position and their occupation as they grew to manhood? Genesis 25:24-28.

"Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac, present a striking contrast, both in char­acter and in life....

"Esau grew up loving self-gratification and centering all his interest in the present.Impatient of restraint, he delighted in the wild freedom of the chase, and early chose thelife of a hunter. Yet he was the father's favorite. The quiet, peace-loving shepherd wasattracted by the daring and vigor of this elder son, who fearlessly ranged over mountainart4. desert, returning home with game for his father and with exciting accounts of hisadVenturous life. Jacob, thoughtful, diligent, and care-taking, ever thinking more of thefuture than the present, was content to dwell at home, occupied in the care of the flocksand the tillage of the soil. His patient perseverance, thrift, and foresight were valued bythe mother. His affections were deep and strong, and his gentle, unremitting attentionsadded far more to her happiness than did the boisterous and occasional kindnesses ofEsau. To Rebekah, Jacob was the dearer son."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 177.

Esau's Irreligious Conduct o TuesdayJune 10

5. How did Esau exchange his eternal interests for a momentary indulgence?Genesis 25:29-34.

"Esau passed the crisis of his life without knowing it. What he regarded as a matterworthy of scarcely a thought was the act which revealed the prevailing traits of hischaracter. It showed his choice, showed his true estimate of that which was sacred andwhich should have been sacredly cherished. He sold his birthright for a small indul­gence to meet his present wants, and this determined the after course of his life." - TheSDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, pp. 1094, 1095.

6. What action on the part of Esau was a source of grief to Isaac and Reoekah?Genesis 26:34, 35.

Jacob's Deception o WednesdayJune 11

7. What promise was repeated to Isaac? Genesis 26:24. Blind and advanced inyears, what did Isaac plan to do and how was his plan thwarted? (Summarize.)Genesis 27:1-29.

8. What was Isaac's reaction and what did he say to Esau when the deceptionwas discovered? Genesis 27:30-35, 37.

"Trembling with astonishment and distress, the blind old father learned the decep­tion that had been practiced upon him. His long and fondly cherished hopes had beenthwarted, and he keenly felt the disappointment that must come upon his elder son.Yet the conviction flashed upon him that it was God's providence which had defeatedhis purpose and brought about the very thing he had determined to prevent. He re­membered the words of the angel to Rebekah, and notwithstanding the sin of whichJacob was now guilty, he saw in him the one best fitted to accomplish the purposes ofGod. " -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 181.

- 36-

The Aftermath ofa Wrong Choice D ThursdayJune 12

9. In answer to Esau's plea for a blessing, what did Isaac say? Genesis 27:38-40.

"Esau was not shut out from the privilege of seeking God's favor by repentance;but he could find no means of recovering the birthright. His grief did not spring fromconviction of sin; he did not desire to be reconciled to God. He sorrowed because ofthe results of his sin, but not for the sin itself."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 181.

10. Why is Esau called "a profane person"? Hebrews 12:16, 17. To what realitywill many modern Esaus awake when it is too late to make a change? Jeremiah8:20.

"Multitudes live for the present, with no thought or care for the future. Like Esauthey cry, 'Let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die.' 1 Corinthians 15:32. They arecontrolled by inclination; and rather than practice self-denial, they will forgo the mostvaluable considerations. If one must be relinquished, the gratification of a depravedappetite or the heavenly blessings promised only to the self-denying and God-fearing,the claims of appetite prevail, and God and heaven are virtUally despised. How many,even of professed Christians, cling to indulgences that are injurious to health and thatbenumb the sensibilities of the soul. ...

"Multitudes are selling their birthright for sensual indulgence. Health is sacrificed,the mental faculties are enfeebled, and heaven is forfeited; and all for a mere temporarypleasure-an indulgence at once both weakening and debasing in its character. AsEsau awoke to see the folly of his rash exchange when it was too late to recover hisloss, so it will be in the day of God with those who have bartered their heirship to heavenfor selfish gratifications." -Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 181, 182.

Recapitulation D FridayJune 13

a. When the time came for Isaac to marry, how did he regard his father's judg­ment in this matter?

b. How do modern marriages contrast with the marriage of Isaac? Describe thecharacter of Esau and that of Jacob.

c. On what occasion did Esau go through a decisive crisis in his life? What fatalmistake did he make?

d. What conviction flashed through Isaac's mind after Jacob had obtained thefather's blessing by deceit?

e. How are many professed Christians following the example of Esau? •

- 37-

Lesson 12

JACOB

Sabbath, June 21, 1986

"He [Jacob] would not be turned from his purpose, but held fast the Angel andurged his petition with earnest, agonizing cries until he prevailed."-The Great

Controversy, p. 618.

KEY TEXT: "Yea, he [Jacob] had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, andmade supplication unto him" (Hosea 12:4).

The Vision of the Ladder o SundayJune 15

1. While Jacob was fleeing from his ancestral home, what remarkable dreamand what promise did the Lord give him? Genesis 28:11-15. What was themeaning of the symbolic ladder? John 1:51.

"The Lord knew the evil influences that would surround Jacob, and the perils towhich he would be exposed. In mercy he opened up the future before the repentantfugitive, that he might understand the divine purpose with reference to himself, andbe prepared to resist the temptations that would surely come to him when alone amididolaters and scheming men....

"The ladder represents Jesus, the appointed medium of communication. Had Henot with His own merits bridged the gulf that sin had made, the ministering angelscould have held no communion with fallen man. Christ connects man in his weaknessand helplessness with the source of infinite power." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 184.

2. When Jacob awoke, what feeling took possession of him? What did he say anddo? Genesis 28:16-22.

"Jacob felt that God had claims upon him which he must acknowledge, and thatthe special tokens of divine favor granted him demanded a return. So does every bless­ing bestowed upon us call for a response to the Author of all our mercies."-Patriarchsand Prophets, p. 187.

In Mesopotamia o MondayJune 16

3. Summarize the meeting of Jacob with his mother's family in Haran. Genesis29:1-14.

4. Describe in a few words the main events that transpired in Jacob's life duringhis stay with his uncle in Haran. Genesis 29:15-18,25-28; 30:43; 31:1, 4-7.

"To gain the birthright that was his already by God's promise, Jacob resorted tofraud, and he reaped the harvest in his brother's hatred. Through twenty years of exile

- 38-

he was himself wronged and defrauded, and was at last forced to find safety in flight;and he reaped a second harvest, as the evils of his own character were seen to crop outin his sons-all but too true a picture of the retributions of human life." -Education, p. 147.

"Jacob would have left his crafty kinsman long before but for the fear of encounteringEsau. Now he felt that he was in danger from the sons of Laban, who, looking upon hiswealth as their own, might endeavor to secure it by violence. He was in great perplexityand distress, not knowing which way to turn. But mindful of the gracious Bethel promise,he carried his case to God, and sought direction from Him." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 193.

Jacob Returns to Canaan D TuesdayJune 17

5. In answer to his prayers, what instruction did Jacob receive from the Lord?Genesis 31:3. What did he finally do? Genesis 31:17, 18.

6. What message did Jacob send to Esau? With what answer did the messengersreturn? What did Jacob do next? Genesis 32:3-13.

" 'Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed.' He could not go back, and he feared toadvance. His company, unarmed and defenseless, were wholly unprepared for a hostileencounter. He accordingly divided them into two bands, so that if one should be at­tacked, the other might have an opportunity to escape. He sent from his vast flocksgenerous presents to Esau, with a friendly message. He did all in his power to atonefor the wrong to his brother and to avert the threatened danger, and then in humiliationand repentance he pleaded for divine protection." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 196.

The Night of Wrestling D WednesdayJune 18

7. Through what experience did Jacob go after he had sent his family across theriver Jabbok? Genesis 32:24-28; Hosea 12:4. How did the Lord move Esau'sheart toward Jacob? Genesis 33:4.

"Jacob 'had power over the Angel, and prevailed.' Hosea 12:4. Through humilia­tion, repentance, and self-surrender, this sinful, erring mortal prevailed with the Maj­esty of heaven. He had fastened his trembling grasp upon the promises of God, and theheart of Infinite Love could not turn away the sinner's plea.

"The error that had led to Jacob's sin in obtaining the birthright by fraud was nowclearly set before him. He had not trusted God's promises, but had sought by his ownefforts to bring about that which God would have accomplished in His own time andway. As an evidence that he had been forgiven, his name was changed from one thatwas a reminder of his sin, to one that commemorated his victory....

"Jacob had received the blessing for which his soul had longed. His sin as a sup­planter and deceiver had been pardoned. The crisis in his life was past. Doubt, per­plexity, and remorse had embittered his existence, but now all was changed; and sweetwas the peace of reconciliation with God. Jacob no longer feared to meet his brother.God, who had forgiven his sin, could move the heart of Esau also to accept his humilia­tion and repentance." -Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 197, 198.

8. What is the symbolic meaning of Jacob's night of anguish? Jeremiah 30:5-7.

"Jacob's experience during that night of wrestling and anguish represents the trialthrough which the people of God must pass just before Christ's second coming."­Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 201.

- 39-

"Had not Jacob previously repented of his sin in obtaining the birthright by fraud,God could not have heard his prayer and mercifully preserved his life. So in the time oftrouble, if the people of God had unconfessed sins to appear before them while torturedwith fear and anguish, they would be overwhelmed; despair would cut off their faith,and they could not have confidence to plead with God for deliverance. But while theyhave a deep sense of their unworthiness, they will have no concealed wrongs to reveal.Their sins will have been blotted out by the atoning blood of Christ, and they cannotbring them to remembrance."-Ibid., p. 202.

A Reformation and a Blessing D ThursdayJune 19

9. How did the night of wrestling affect Jacob's character? What reformationdid he carry through in his camp upon entering Canaan? Genesis 35:1-4.

"From that night of wrestling beside the Jabbok, Jacob had come forth a differentman. Self-confidence had been uprooted. Henceforth the early cunning was no longerseen. In place of craft and deception, his life was marked by simplicity and truth. Hehad learned the lesson of simple reliance upon the Almighty Arm, and amid trial andaffliction he bowed in humble submission to the will of God. The baser elements ofcharacter were consumed in the furnace fire, the true gold was refined, until the faithof Abraham and Isaac appeared undimmed in Jacob."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 208.

"Jacob was humbled, and required his family to humble themselves, and to layoffall their ornaments, for he was to make an atonement for their sins."- The SDA BibleCommentary [E.G. White Comments]. vol. 1, p. 1096.

"Jacob felt that there was cause for deep humiliation. Cruelty and falsehood weremanifest in the character of his sons. There were false gods in the camp, and idolatryhad to some extent gained a foothold even in his household....

"He determined that before going to this sacred spot [Bethel] his household shouldbe freed from the defilement of idolatry." -Patriarchs and ProPhets, p. 205.

10. What blessing and promise did Jacob receive from the Lord after the work ofreformation had been accomplished? Genesis 35:9-12.

Recapitulation D FridayJune 20

a. What do you know about the appointed medium of communication betweenheaven and earth as revealed in Jacob's dream?

b. Tell of Jacob's dilemma: Why was he, on the one hand, afraid to stay with his.uncle and, on the other hand, afraid to return to his ancestral home?

c. When Jacob was about to meet his brother, what did he do besides pleadingfor divine protection?

d. What would have happened if Jacob had not repented of his sins before thenight of wrestling? What will happen to any professed believer in the threefoldmessage who reaches the time of trouble with unconfessed sins?

e. Describe the change that took place in Jacob as a consequence of the night ofwrestling. •

-40 -

Lesson 13

JOSEPH

Sabbath, June 28, 1986

"The shield which covered Joseph's heart was the fear of God, which caused himto be faithful and just to his master and true to God."-The Story of Redemption,

p.103.

KEY TEXT: "And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man" (Gene­sis 39:2).

Hated By His Brothers D SundayJune 22

1. What was Joseph's activity at the age of seventeen? Genesis 37:2. How didJacob's special affection for Joseph spoil him and influence the attitude of hishalf brothers? Genesis 37:3, 4.

"His [Joseph's] father, strong and tender as his love had been, had done him wrongby his partiality and indulgence. This unwise preference had angered his brothers....Its effects were manifest also in his own character. Faults had been encouraged thatwere now to be corrected. He was becoming self-sufficient and exacting. Accustomedto the tenderness of his father's care, he felt that he was unprepared to cope with thedifficulties before him."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 213.

2. What dreams did Joseph dream? What effect did his dreams have upon hisbrothers and upon his father? Genesis 37:5-11.

"His [Joseph's] brothers rudely repulsed him. He told them his errand, but theyanswered him not. Joseph was alarmed at their angry looks. Fear took the place of joy,and he instinctively shrank with dread from their presence. They then took hold of himviolently. They taunted him with the admonitions he had given them in the past, ac­cused him of relating his dreams to exalt himself above them in the mind of their father,that he might love him more than themselves."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Com­ments], vol. 1, p. 1096.

Sold Into Egypt D MondayJune 23

3. While far from home, how did Joseph's brethren conspire against him? Genesis37:18-22. What did they finally do with him? Genesis 37:23-28.

"Joseph's brethren purposed to kill him, but were finally content to sell him as aslave, to prevent his becoming greater than themselves. They thought they had placed

- 41-

him where they would be no more troubled with his dreams, and where there wouldnot be a possibility of their fulfillment. But the very course which they pursued Godoverruled to bring about that which they designed never should take place-that heshould have dominion over them."- The Story of Redemption, p. 101.

4. When Reuben saw that Joseph was gone, how did he feel? Genesis 37:29,30.What effect did the lying report of Joseph's brothers have upon the patriarch?Genesis 37:31-35.

From Potiphar's Home to the Dungeon D TuesdayJune 24

5. How was Joseph blessed in the house of the captain of the king's guard? Gen­esis 39:1-6. How was he blessed even in his prison life? Genesis 39:21-23.

"He [Joseph] would not be persuaded to deviate from the path of righteousnessand trample upon God's law by any inducements or threats.

"And when he was accused, and a base crime was falsely laid to his charge, he didnot sink in despair. In the consciousness of innocence and right he still trusted God.And God, who had hitherto supported him, did not forsake him." - The Story ofRedemption,p.102.

6. While Joseph was in prison, what dreams did two fellow-prisoners have? Whatwas the interpretation given by Joseph and what fulfillment did the dreamshave? Genesis 40:1, 5-22.

"Joseph suffered because he would not yield his integrity. He had placed his repu­tation and interest in the hands of God. And although he was suffered to be afflictedfor a time, to prepare him to fill an important position, yet God safely guarded thatreputation that was blackened by a wicked accuser, and afterward, in His own goodtime, caused it to shine. God made even the prison the way to his elevation. Virtue willin time bring its own reward."- The Story of Redemption, pp. 102, 103.

From the Dungeon to the Palace D WednesdayJune 25

7. What dreams were given to Pharaoh? Genesis 41:1-7. Who was brought beforethe king, and what interpretation and counsel did he give? Genesis 41:14,25-36. To what responsible position was he appointed? Genesis 41:39-44.

"It was humiliating to Pharaoh to turn away from the magicians and wise men ofhis kingdom to consult an alien and a slave, but he was ready to accept the lowliestservice if his troubled mind might find relief. Joseph was immediately sent for." -Patri­archs and Prophets, p. 220.

8. What is recorded of Joseph's life and activity after he turned thirty? Genesis41:45-57.

"Although Joseph was exalted as a ruler over all the land, yet he did not forget God.He knew that he was a stranger in a strange land, separated from his father and hisbrethren, which often caused him sadness, but he firmly believed that God's hand had

-42 -

overruled his course, to place him in an important position. And, depending on Godcontinually, he performed all the duties of his office, as ruler over the land of Egypt,with faithfulness." - The Story of Redemption, p. 103.

God Overrules Circumstances D ThursdayJune 26

9. Tell of Joseph's attitude when his brothers came to buy corn in Egypt. (Sum­marize.) Genesis 42:5-27; 43:1-34; 44:1-34; 45:1-4. How did he interpret,in his own experience, the mysterious working of divine providence? Genesis45:5-8; Psalm 105:16-22.

"They [Joseph's brothers] humbly confessed their wrongs which they had com­mitted against Joseph, and entreated his forgiveness, and were greatly rejoiced to findthat he was alive; for they had suffered remorse, and great distress of mind, since theircruelty toward him. And now as they knew that they were not guilty of his blood, theirtroubled minds were relieved."- The SDA Bible Ccnnmentary [E.G. White Comments), vol. 1, p. 1098.

10. What invitation was sent to Jacob and his family? Genesis 45:9-11. What wasJoseph's great interest in behalf of his sons, and how were they formally in­stated among the children of Israel? Genesis 48:8-11, 15, 16,20. What as­surance was very precious to them? Genesis 48:21.

"These youths [Ephraim and Manasseh] were connected, through their mother,with the highest order of the Egyptian priesthood; and the position of their fatheropened to them the avenues to wealth and distinction, should they choose to connectthemselves with the Egyptians. It was Joseph's desire, however, that they should unitewith their own people. He manifested his faith in the covenant promise, in behalf ofhis sons renouncing all the honors that the court of Egypt offered, for a place amongthe despised shepherd tribes, to whom had been entrusted the oracles of God."-Patri­archs and Prophets. p. 234.

Recapitulation D FridayJune 27

a. When Joseph reached the age of seventeen, why was he unprepared to copewith the difficulties before him?

b. With what intent did Joseph's brethren sell him as a slave? How did God re­verse their intent?

c. What power enabled Joseph to resist temptation in Potiphar's home? For whatpurpose did God permit Joseph to be afflicted (doing time in prison)?

d. What was Joseph's firm conviction when he was made ruler over Egypt? Onwhom did he depend continually while performing all the duties of his office?

e. How did Jacob refer to the Exodus movement during his conversation withJoseph? •

-43 -

OLD FOLKS' HOME ATMORIAH HEIGHTS, CALIFORNIA

The Seventh Day Adventist Reform MovementNorthwest U.S. Field Conference owns a property of540 acres known as Moriah Heights, located approx­imately 30 miles east of Sacramento, California. Thereare a chapel, print shop, machine shop, two houses,and twelve trailers on the property. This is where wehold our annual spiritual conventions-away from life'severyday hustle and bustle.

This place is designed primarily for our oldbrothers and sisters. There they will be able to enjoythe birds' cheerful carols; long, undisturbed walks;pure air; radiant sunshine; spring water; tranquility;and all the additional blessings which nature so obse­quiously renders. Some of our members who havepassed eighty and even ninety years of age can nolonger take care of themselves properly. With yourcopious offerings and profuse contributions, we wouldlike to construct an old folks' home, so that our elderlypeople can be well taken care of. One of the sisterswho has recently passed away donated a substantialamount toward this project. Therefore, at this time, wekindly appeal to you to make a generous sacrifice inbehalf of this cause. May the Giver of all good andperfect gifts most liberally bless you as you contributefor this altruistic objective!

On behalf of the Northwest u.s. Field Conference

Zvonko Yugovich, Secretary

-44 -