LESSON 11 *March 5–11
Sabbath Afternoon
Read for This Week’s Study: Heb. 10:35–39, Rom. 1:17,
Hebrews 11, Josh. 2:9–11, Heb. 12:1–3.
Memory Text: “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our
faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne
of God” (Hebrews 12:2, NKJV).
Hebrews 11 and 12 are probably the most-loved chapters of the
book. They describe the Christian life as a race in which we all
participate and in which all who stay faithful will receive the
reward. They also describe the drama of Redemption as a race in which
people of faith from the past persevered, despite sufferings, but have
not yet received the reward.
And that’s because the story ends with us, as well, not just them. We
are the concluding act. The drama culminates with our entering and
running the last part of the race, and with Jesus seated at the goal line
at the right hand of God. He provides inspiration as well as the ultimate
example of how the race is run. He is the ultimate Witness that the
reward is true and that He is the Forerunner who opens the way for us
(Heb. 6:19, 20; Heb. 10:19–23).
Hebrews 11 explains that faith is confidence in God’s promises, even
if we cannot see their fulfillment yet. This lesson will explore what
faith is and how it is obtained through the examples of the past and,
especially and centrally, through the example of Jesus, “the founder and
perfecter of our faith” (Heb. 12:2, ESV).
* Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, March 12.
EGW Notes — SATURDAY ↓
Sabbath Afternoon, March 5
Lesson 11 - Jesus, Author and Perfecter of Our Faith
It was … singlehearted purpose to win the race for eternal life that Paul longed to see revealed in the lives of
the Corinthian believers. He knew that in order to reach Christ’s ideal for them, they had before them a life
struggle from which there would be no release. He entreated them to strive lawfully, day by day seeking for piety
and moral excellence. He pleaded with them to lay aside every weight and to press forward to the goal of
perfection in Christ.
Paul pointed the Corinthians to the experience of ancient Israel, to the blessings that rewarded their
obedience, and to the judgments that followed their transgressions. He reminded them of the miraculous way in
which the Hebrews were led from Egypt under the protection of the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. …
By these acts God had acknowledged Israel as His church. … The Hebrews, in all their travels, had Christ as a
leader. The smitten rock typified Christ, who was to be wounded for men’s transgressions, that the stream of
salvation might flow to all.—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 315.
Just as surely as we have a personal Saviour, we have also a personal adversary, cruel and cunning, who ever
watches our steps, and plots to lead us astray. He can work most effectually in disguise. Wherever the opinion is
entertained that he does not exist, there he is most busy. …
Aim to be faithful students in the school of Christ, learning daily to conform your life to the divine Pattern.
Set your faces heavenward, and press toward the mark for the prize of your high calling in Christ Jesus. Run the
Christian race with patience, and rise superior to every temptation, however grievous it may be, that shall come to
you. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God; and if you are desirous of taking the first
upward step, you will find His hand stretched out to help you. It remains with you, individually, as to whether
you walk in the light of the Sun of Righteousness, or in the darkness of error. The truth of God can be a blessing
to you only as you permit its influence to purify and refine your
soul.—Sons and Daughters of God, p. 79.
The competitors in the ancient games, after they had submitted to self-denial and rigid discipline, were not
even then sure of the victory…
Such is not the case in the Christian warfare. Not one who complies with the conditions will be disappointed
at the end of the race. Not one who is earnest and persevering will fail of success. The race is not to the swift, nor
the battle to the strong. The weakest saint, as well as the strongest, may wear the crown of immortal glory. All
may win who, through the power of divine grace, bring their lives into conformity to the will of
Christ.—The Faith I Live By, p. 369.
SUNDAY March 6
The Righteous Will Live by Faith
Read Hebrews 10:35–39. What is God saying to us in these verses?
* Your notes will not be saved!
Endurance is a characteristic of God’s end-time people, without
which they will not be able to receive the promises (Rev. 13:10, Rev.
14:12). In order to endure, however, believers need to “hold fast” their
faith (Heb. 10:23, Heb. 4:14). Paul has shown that the desert generation
was not able to receive the promise because they lacked faith (Heb.
3:19). Hebrews portrays believers as also at the threshold of the
fulfillment of the promises (Heb. 9:28; Heb. 10:25, 36–38) and as needing to
exercise faith if they want to receive the promises (Heb. 10:39).
Paul introduces his exposition on faith with a quotation from
Habakkuk 2:2–4. Habakkuk had asked God why He tolerated the
treacherous people who oppressed the righteous (Hab. 1:12–17). The
prophet and his people were suffering; thus, they wanted God to act.
God answered, however, that there was an appointed time for the fulfillment
of His promise, and they needed to wait (Hab. 2:2–4). Habakkuk
and his people lived, like us, between the time of the promise and the
time of its fulfillment. God’s message continued in Hebrews, “ ‘He
who is coming will come and will not delay’ ” (Heb. 10:37, NIV; see
also Hab. 2:3).
The message refers to Jesus. He is the righteous one, the embodiment
of faith, who pleases God and provides life (Heb. 10:5–10).
Why, then, would He “delay”? He won’t. He already has come to die
for us (Heb. 9:15–26), and He will surely come again at the appointed
time (Heb. 9:27, 28; Heb. 10:25).
God’s message continued: “ ‘My righteous one shall live by faith’ ”
(Heb. 10:38, ESV). Paul states the same in Romans 1:17 and Galatians
3:11. Romans 1:16, 17 is especially enlightening because it explains
that the righteousness of God is “revealed from faith to faith.” What
Paul means is that God’s faithfulness to His promises comes first, and
His faithfulness produces, as its result, our faith and/or faithfulness.
Thus, because God remains faithful to His promises (2 Tim. 2:13),
the righteous, in response to God’s faithfulness, will remain faithful,
as well.
Why is it important to recognize that our faith results from and
feeds on God’s faithfulness? How can we learn more to trust in
His faithfulness to us and to the promises He has made to us?
EGW Notes — SUNDAY ↓
Sunday, March 6
The Righteous Will Live By Faith
[The] Christian life is more than many take it to be. It does not consist wholly in gentleness, patience,
meekness, and kindliness. These graces are essential; but there is need also of courage, force, energy, and
perseverance. The path that Christ marks out is a narrow, self-denying path. To enter that path and press on
through difficulties and discouragements requires men who are more than weaklings.
Men of stamina are wanted, men who will not wait to have their way smoothed and every obstacle removed,
men who will inspire with fresh zeal the flagging efforts of dispirited workers, men whose hearts are warm with
Christian love and whose hands are strong to do their Master’s
work.—The Ministry of Healing, p. 497.
“Although I have been twice disappointed,” wrote [William Miller], “I am not yet cast down or discouraged. …
My hope in the coming of Christ is as strong as ever. I have done only what, after years of solemn consideration, I
felt it my solemn duty to do.” … “One thing I do know, I have preached nothing but what I believed; and God has
been with me; His power has been manifested in the work, and much good has been effected.” …
God did not forsake His people; His Spirit still abode with those who did not rashly deny the light which they
had received, and denounce the advent movement. In the Epistle to the Hebrews are words of encouragement and
warning for the tried, waiting ones at this crisis: “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great
recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the
promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Hebrews
10:35-37.—The Great Controversy, p. 407.
[God] has given to every man his work, and He calls upon all to begin to work just where they are. He cannot
do what He desires to do until the human agent acts his part.
At times the arm of faith seems too short even to touch the Saviour’s garment, but there stands the promise,
with God behind it: “Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.”
(Isaiah 58:9). …
It is not our efforts that bring victory. It is seeing God behind the promise, and believing and trusting Him.
Grasp by faith the hand of infinite power. The Lord is faithful who hath promised.
Questions will arise that cannot be settled by any amount of thinking. Do not spend time trying to settle
them. Take up the work waiting to be done, trusting in God as your wisdom. His righteousness will go before you,
and the questions that have troubled you will answer themselves.—The Upward Look, p. 133.
MONDAY March 7
By Faith, Abraham . . .
Hebrews defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance
about what we do not see” (Heb. 11:1, NIV). Then it provides a list
of faithful people from the history of Israel who exemplify what faith
is, and it shows how they manifested that faith by their deeds.
Read Hebrews 11:1–19. What did these “heroes” of faith do that
exemplified their faith? How are their actions related to the hope
of things not seen?
Abraham is probably the most important character in this chapter.
Abraham’s last act of faith is especially instructive regarding the true
nature of faith.
Hebrews notes that God’s instruction to Abraham that he offer Isaac as
a sacrifice seemed to imply a contradiction on God’s part (Heb. 11:17,
18). Isaac was not the only son of Abraham. Ishmael was the firstborn
of Abraham, but God had told Abraham that it was all right for him
to accept Sarah’s request and cast Ishmael and his mother out because
God would take care of them, and because Abraham’s offspring would
be named through Isaac (Gen. 21:12, 13). In the next chapter, however,
God asks Abraham to offer Isaac as a burnt offering. God’s instruction in
Genesis 22 seemed to flatly contradict God’s promises in Genesis 12–21.
Hebrews concludes that Abraham amazingly solved the conundrum
by arriving at the conclusion that God would resurrect Isaac after he
had offered him. This is amazing because no one had yet been resurrected.
It seems, however, that Abraham’s previous experience with
God led him to that conclusion. Hebrews 11:12 notes that Isaac was
conceived by the power of God from one who was “as good as dead.”
Paul also noted that despite Abraham’s being “as good as dead” and
Sarah barren, Abraham believed “in hope . . . against hope, that he
should become the father of many nations” because he believed that
God “gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do
not exist” (Rom. 4:17–20, ESV). Thus, Abraham must have assumed
that if God in some sense already had given life to Isaac from the dead,
He could do it again. In God’s leading in the past, Abraham saw an
intimation of what He could do in the future.
Why is meditating on how God has led our lives in the past so
crucial for maintaining our faith and trust in Him now?
EGW Notes — MONDAY ↓
Monday, March 7
By Faith, Abraham …
Abraham’s unquestioning obedience was one of the most striking instances of faith and reliance upon God to
be found in the Sacred Record. With only the naked promise that his descendants should possess Canaan, without
the least outward evidence, he followed on where God should lead, fully and sincerely complying with the
conditions on his part, and confident that the Lord would faithfully perform His word. The patriarch went
wherever God indicated his duty; he passed through wildernesses without terror; he went among idolatrous
nations, with the one thought: “God has spoken; I am obeying His voice; He will guide, He will protect me.”
Just such faith and confidence as Abraham had the messengers of God need today. But many whom the Lord
could use will not move onward, hearing and obeying the one Voice above all others. … The Lord would do much
more for His servants if they were wholly consecrated to Him, esteeming His service above the ties of kindred and
all other earthly associations.—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 524.
It is Satan’s purpose to destroy men’s confidence in God, to make them dissatisfied with their condition in
life, and to lead them to seek a knowledge of what God has wisely veiled from them, and to despise what He has
revealed in His Holy Word.
There are many who become restless when they cannot know the definite outcome of affairs. They cannot
endure uncertainty, and in their impatience they refuse to wait to see the salvation of God. … If they would but
trust in God, and watch unto prayer, they would find divine consolation. Their spirit would be calmed by
communion with God. The weary and the heavy-laden would find rest unto their souls if they would only go to
Jesus.—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 687.
A deeper and wider experience in religious things is to come to God’s people. Christ is our example. If
through living faith and sanctified obedience to God’s word we reveal the love and grace of Christ, if we show
that we have a true conception of God’s guiding providences in the work, we shall carry to the world a convincing
power. A high position does not give us value in the sight of God. Man is measured by his consecration and
faithfulness in working out the will of God. If the remnant people of God will walk before Him in humility and
faith, He will carry out through them His eternal purpose, enabling them to work harmoniously in giving to the
world the truth as it is in Jesus. He will use all—men, women, and children—in making the light shine forth to the
world and calling out a people that will be true to His commandments. Through the faith that His people exercise
in Him, God will make known to the world that He is the true God, the God of
Israel.—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 274.
TUESDAY March 8
Moses: Believing in the Unseen
Read Hebrews 11:20–28. What did these men of faith do? How are
their actions related to hope and to things not seen?
Moses is the second major example in this chapter of faith. The life
of Moses is introduced and concluded by two actions of defiance to the
king. His parents hid him when he was born, because “they were not
afraid of the king’s edict” (Heb. 11:23, ESV), and Moses left Egypt, “not
being afraid of the anger of the king” (Heb. 11:27, ESV). The most
significant action of Moses was, however, that he “refused to be called the
son of Pharaoh’s daughter” (Heb. 11:24). The reference to Moses’ adoptive
mother as “Pharaoh’s daughter” suggests that he was slated to be the
next Pharaoh. Moses, however, was willing to leave behind the prospect
of becoming the ruler of the most powerful nation at that time and to
become, instead, the leader of newly freed slaves—refugees, actually.
Compare Hebrews 11:24–27 and Hebrews 10:32–35. What were
the similarities between the situation of the original recipients of
Hebrews and the experience of Moses?
The greatness of Moses was that he was able to see beyond the promises
of the king of Egypt and look toward the unseen, namely, the promises of
God. Hebrews says the key was that Moses’ sight was fixed on “the reward,”
not on the riches of Egypt. This reward is the same reward mentioned in
Hebrews 10:35, which God has promised to all who believe in Him.
Paul’s words about Moses’ decision must have echoed powerfully in the
hearts of his original readers. They had been enduring reproaches and insults
because of their faith in Christ. They also had been afflicted and lost their
possessions (Heb. 10:32–34). Some were in prison (Heb. 13:3). In parallel
sense, Moses chose to be mistreated with God’s people, exchanging the
wealth of Egypt for bearing the insults associated with Christ because he
believed that the reward of Christ was greater than whatever Egypt could
offer.
What are some of the struggles that you have faced because of
your faith? What have you had to give up for it? Why, ultimately,
is the reward worth it, even if you can’t see it now?
EGW Notes — TUESDAY ↓
Tuesday, March 1
The Need for a Veil
Tuesday, March 8
Moses: Believing in the Unseen
All who occupied the throne of the Pharaohs must become members of the priestly caste; and Moses, as the
heir apparent, was to be initiated into the mysteries of the national religion. … But while he was an ardent and
untiring student, he could not be induced to participate in the worship of the gods. He was threatened with the
loss of the crown, and warned that he would be disowned by the princess should he persist in his adherence to the
Hebrew faith. But he was unshaken in his determination to render homage to none save the one
God.—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 245.
In the upbuilding of His work the Lord does not always make everything plain before His servants. He
sometimes tries the confidence of His people by having them move forward in faith. Often He brings them into
strait and trying places, bidding them go forward when their feet seem to be touching the waters of the Red Sea. It
is at such times, when the prayers of His servants ascend to Him in earnest faith, that He opens the way before
them and brings them out into a large place.
The Lord wants His people in these days to believe that He will do as great things for them as He did for the
children of Israel in their journey from Egypt to Canaan. We are to have an educated faith that will not hesitate to
follow His instructions in the most difficult experiences. “Go forward” is the command of God to His
people.—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 271.
All who will turn from the pleasures of earth, and with Moses choose rather to suffer affliction with the
people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than
the treasures of the world, will, with faithful Moses, receive the unfading crown of immortality and the far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory. …
The work of salvation is not child’s play, to be taken hold of at will and let alone at pleasure. It is the steady
purpose, the untiring effort, that will gain the victory at last. It is he who endureth to the end that shall be saved.
It is they who patiently continue in well-doing that shall have eternal life and the immortal reward. … All who are
engaged in this warfare with Satan and his host have a close work before them. They must not be as impressible
as wax, that the fire can melt into any form. They must endure hardness as faithful soldiers, stand at their post,
and be true every time.—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, pp. 101, 102.
WEDNESDAY March 9
By Faith, Rahab and the Rest . . .
Read Hebrews 11:31 and Joshua 2:9–11. Why was Rahab, a pagan
prostitute, included in this text of sacred biblical characters?
Rahab is probably the most unexpected character whom we find in
Hebrews 11. Rahab is one of two women mentioned by name. She is
the tenth in the list, the first being forefathers and patriarchs of Israel,
and each one is regarded as being righteous. When we come to her, we
find that she not only is a woman but also a Gentile prostitute.
The most surprising thing is that she also is the thematic center and
climax of the chapter. The list is organized in a unique way. Each entry
begins with the repetitive use of the phrase “by faith.” The basic pattern
is “By faith, So-and-so did such and such” or “By faith, such and such
happened to So-and-so.” This repetitive pattern increases the expectation
in the reader to hear the climactic assertion that “by faith, Joshua
led the people into the promised land.”
But that’s not what the text says. Instead, Joshua is passed over, and
the prostitute takes his place. After the mention of Rahab, the repetitive
pattern ends abruptly with “and what more shall I say?” (Heb. 11:32,
NKJV). Then, Paul hurriedly lists some names and events that he does
not explain in detail.
Rahab’s deed of faith was that she heard, believed, and obeyed, even
though she did not see. She did not see the plagues of Egypt or the
deliverance in the Red Sea or the water flow from the rock or the bread
descend from heaven, yet, she believed. She was a good exemplar for
the audience of Hebrews, who did not hear Jesus preach or see Him do
a miracle, and for us, as well, who did not see any of these things either.
“Rahab was a harlot who lived on the wall of Jericho. She hid the
two Israelite spies sent to check out the defenses of that city. Because
of her kindness to them, and her declaration of belief in God, the spies
promised that the lives of Rahab and her family would be spared when
the attack came on Jericho.”—Introduction to Rahab found in Ellen G.
White, Daughters of God, p. 35.
Paul then continues (Heb. 11:35–38) with a list of the hardships
many faced. The phrase “refusing to accept release” (Heb. 11:35, ESV)
implies that they had the possibility to escape but chose not to, because
their sights were set on the reward of God.
Though we have not seen any of these things happen (the six-day
Creation, the Exodus, the cross of Christ), why do we have so
many good reasons for believing that they did?
EGW Notes — WEDNESDAY ↓
Wednesday, March 9
By Faith, Rahab and the Rest …
The advancing hosts of Israel found that knowledge of the mighty workings of the God of the Hebrews had
gone before them, and that some among the heathen were learning that He alone was the true God. In wicked
Jericho the testimony of a heathen woman was, “The Lord your God, He is God in heaven above, and in earth
beneath.” Joshua 2:11. The knowledge of Jehovah that had thus come to her, proved her salvation. By faith “Rahab
perished not with them that believed not.” Hebrews 11:31. And her conversion was not an isolated case of God’s
mercy toward idolaters who acknowledged His divine authority. In the midst of the land a numerous people—the
Gibeonites—renounced their heathenism and united with Israel, sharing in the blessings of the covenant. …
Christ came to demolish every wall of partition, to throw open every compartment of the temple courts, that
every soul may have free access to God. His love is so broad, so deep, so full, that it penetrates everywhere. It lifts
out of Satan’s influence those who have been deluded by his deceptions, and places them within reach of the
throne of God, the throne encircled by the rainbow of
promise.—Prophets and Kings, pp. 369, 370.
Christianity promises no exemption from sorrow. “We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom
of God” (Acts 14:22). Faith is needed, strong, trusting faith, which believes that God will bring His children into no
temptation greater than they are able to bear. What such faith has power to do is told by Paul in his letter to the
Hebrews. Speaking of those who in the face of persecution and death had maintained an unshaken trust in God,
he says:
“Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of
lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed
valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. … And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance;
that they might obtain a better resurrection” (Hebrews 11:33-35).
In this world these heroes of faith were counted unworthy of life; but in heaven they are enrolled as sons of
God, worthy of the highest honor.—In Heavenly Places, p. 268.
It will require a sacrifice to give yourself to God; but it is a sacrifice of the lower for the higher, the earthly for
the spiritual, the perishable for the eternal. God does not design that our will should be destroyed, for it is only
through its exercise that we can accomplish what He would have us do. Our will is to be yielded to Him, that we
may receive it again, purified and refined, and so linked in sympathy with the Divine that He can pour through us
the tides of His love and power. However bitter and painful this surrender may appear to the willful, wayward
heart, yet “it is profitable for thee.”—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 62.
THURSDAY March 10
Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith
Read Hebrews 12:1–3. What do these verses ask us to do?
The climax of the exposition on faith really arrives with Jesus in
Hebrews 12. Paul started the letter with Jesus, who is the “coming
one” and who “will not delay” (Heb. 10:37, ESV), and Paul concludes
it with Jesus the “perfecter” of our faith (Heb. 12:2, ESV). Jesus is the
“author and perfecter of faith” (NASB). This means that Jesus is the One
who makes faith possible and is the Example who perfectly embodies
what a life of faith is all about. With Jesus, faith has reached its perfect
expression.
Jesus is the “founder” (Heb. 12:2, ESV), or author or pioneer, of our
faith in at least three senses.
First, He is the only one who has finished the race in its fullest
sense. The others talked about in the previous chapter have not yet
reached their goal (Heb. 11:39, 40). Jesus, however, has entered
God’s rest in heaven and is seated at the Father’s right hand. We,
together with these others, will reign with Jesus in heaven (Rev.
20:4).
Second, it was actually Jesus’ perfect life that has made it possible for
these others to run their race (Heb. 10:5–14). If Jesus had not come, the
race of everyone else would have been futile.
Finally, Jesus is the reason we have faith. As one with God, He
expressed the faithfulness of God toward us. God never gave up in His
efforts to save us, and that is why we will reach the reward in the end
if we don’t give up. Jesus ran with patience and remained faithful, even
when we were faithless (2 Tim. 2:13). Our faith is only a response to
His faithfulness.
In the end, Jesus is the “perfecter” of faith because He perfectly
exemplifies how the race of faith is run. How did He run? He laid aside
every weight by giving up everything for us (Phil. 2:5–8). He never
sinned, ever. Jesus held His sight firmly on the reward, which was the
joy set before Him, that of seeing the human race redeemed by His
grace. So, He endured misunderstanding and abuse; He stared down
the shame of the cross (Heb. 12:2, 3).
Now it is our turn to run. Though we can never achieve what Jesus
did in our own strength, we have His perfect example before us, and
so by faith in Him, and keeping our eyes on Him (as have the others
before us), we press on ahead in faith, trusting in His promises of a
great reward.
EGW Notes — THURSDAY ↓
Thursday, March 10
Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith
In the heavenly race we can all run and all receive the prize. There is no uncertainty, no risk, in the matter.
We must put on the heavenly graces, and, with the eye directed upward to the crown of immortality, keep the
Pattern ever before us. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. The humble, self-denying life of our
divine Lord we are to keep constantly in view. And then as we seek to imitate Him, keeping our eye upon the
mark of the prize, we can run this race with certainty, knowing that if we do the very best we can, we shall
certainly secure the prize.
When we have this great inducement before us, cannot we “run with patience the race that is set before us,
looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith”? He has pointed out the way for us, and marked it all
along by His own footsteps. It is the path that He traveled, and we may, with Him, experience the self-denial and
the suffering, and walk in this pathway imprinted by His own
blood.—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, pp. 358, 359.
Without His grace, our efforts cannot bring lasting benefit. It is through the grace of Christ that we are to be
overcomers; through the merits of His blood we are to be of that number whose names will not be blotted out of
the book of life. Those who are final overcomers will have the life that runs parallel with the life of God, and wear
the crown of the victor. When such great and eternal reward awaits us, we should run the race with patience,
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. …
… Everything that blots and stains the soul must be removed, must be cleansed from the heart. We must know
what it means to be a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruptions that are in the world through
lust. … Will you accept the great provision of salvation, and through the merits of the Infinite Sacrifice made in
your behalf, become a partaker of the divine nature? God has given His only-begotten Son, that through His
shame, suffering, and death, you might have glory, honor, and
immortality.—Signs of the Times, June 15, 1891.
Give up your self-confidence and self-sufficiency, brethren, and follow the meek Pattern. Ever keep Jesus in
your mind that He is your example and you must tread in His footsteps. Look unto Jesus, the author and finisher
of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame. He endured the
contradiction of sinners against Himself. He for our sins was once the meek, slain lamb, wounded, bruised,
smitten, and afflicted.
Let us, then, cheerfully suffer something for Jesus’ sake, crucify self daily, and be partakers of Christ’s
sufferings here, that we may be made partakers with Him of His glory, and be crowned with glory, honor,
immortality, and eternal life.—Early Writings, pp. 113, 114.
FRIDAY March 11
Further Thought: “By faith you became Christ’s, and by faith you are
to grow up in Him—by giving and taking. You are to give all,—your
heart, your will, your service,—give yourself to Him to obey all His
requirements; and you must take all,—Christ, the fullness of all blessing,
to abide in your heart, to be your strength, your righteousness,
your everlasting helper,—to give you power to obey.”—Ellen G. White,
Steps to Christ, p. 70.
“God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence
upon which to base our faith. His existence, His character, the truthfulness
of His word, are all established by testimony that appeals to our
reason; and this testimony is abundant. Yet God has never removed the
possibility of doubt. Our faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstration.
Those who wish to doubt will have opportunity; while those who
really desire to know the truth will find plenty of evidence on which
to rest their faith.
“It is impossible for finite minds fully to comprehend the character
or the works of the Infinite One. To the keenest intellect, the most
highly educated mind, that holy Being must ever remain clothed in
mystery. ‘Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out
the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou
do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?’ Job 11:7, 8.”—Ellen G.
White, Steps to Christ, p. 105.
Discussion Questions:
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1. An early Christian scholar once wrote: “Credo ut intelligam,” Latin
for “I believe in order that I may understand.” Hebrews 11:3 says that
“by faith we understand” (NKJV). What is the relationship between
faith and understanding? Why does faith often come before understanding?
That is, why must we sometimes reach out in faith in what, at least
at first, we don’t understand, and then afterward more understanding
will come?
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2. The Greek word pistis means both “faith” and “faithfulness.” Why
are both meanings important in seeking to understand what living “by
faith” means? How did the people in Hebrews 11 show, by their faithfulness,
the reality of their faith? How can we do the same?
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3. Though we understand that faith is a gift of God (Rom. 12:3), what
role do we play, if any, in receiving and maintaining that gift?
EGW Notes — FRIDAY ↓
Friday, March 11
For Further Reading
The Upward Look, “The Great Exemplar,” p. 134;
My Life Today, “O God! Help Me to Higher Levels,” p. 105.
