Lesson 5- Faith Against All Odds

Quarter 2 (2024)

 Memory Text:

“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalms 119:11).

SABBATH & SUNDAY

Sunday Title: God’s Word Alone

1. Foundation in Scripture: The Reformers centered their faith and teachings on the Bible, recognizing it as the inspired word of God. Their profound reverence for Scripture strengthened their faith and emboldened their convictions.
   • Text: Psalms 119:162 (NKJV) - "I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure."
2. Personal Connection: Like the Reformers, we can find personal connection and guidance in the Scriptures. Through meditation and faith in its promises, we can experience a transformation in all aspects of our lives—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
   • Text: Psalms 119:103-104 (NKJV) - "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way."
3. Source of Joy and Hope: The Scriptures provide solace in times of sorrow, offer hope in moments of despair, and illuminate darkness with their light. They offer direction amidst confusion, certainty amid perplexity, strength in weakness, and wisdom in ignorance.
   • Text: Psalms 119:147 (NKJV) - "I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your word."
4. Life-Lived Faith: The Reformers didn't just passively accept Scripture; they lived it out fervently. Their commitment to the Word was evident in their daily lives, and many were willing to face persecution and even death because of their faithfulness to its teachings.
   • Text: Romans 6:15-18 (NKJV) - "What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness."
5. Courage in Adversity: Examples like John Wycliffe illustrate the Reformers' unwavering courage in the face of opposition. Despite the threat of death, Wycliffe remained steadfast in his conviction, proclaiming the truth as a force mightier than his adversaries.
   • Text: John 16:13-15 (NKJV) - "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you."
6. Accessibility and Sacrifice: Reformers like John Wycliffe sought to make the Scriptures accessible to all, even at great personal risk. His dedication to translating the Bible into English stresses the sacrificial nature of their mission.
7. Continued Relevance: The lessons learned from the Reformers' reliance on Scripture remain relevant today. Just as they found strength and purpose in God's Word, we too can draw comfort and inspiration from its timeless truths.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How can we cultivate a deeper reverence for Scripture in our daily lives, akin to that of the Reformers?
   • Answer: Encourage practices like regular Bible study, memorization of key verses, and meditation on Scripture. Reflect on the transformative power of God's Word in personal testimonies and communal discussions.
2. Reflecting on John Wycliffe's sacrifice to make the Bible accessible, what sacrifices are we willing to make to ensure others have access to God's Word?
   • Answer: Consider supporting efforts to translate the Bible into different languages, advocating for literacy programs, and providing resources for communities without access to Scripture. Additionally, examine personal priorities and commitments in light of the mission to share God's Word.
3. In what practical ways can we emulate the Reformers' courage in standing for truth despite opposition in today's context?
   • Answer: Discuss strategies for advocating for biblical principles in various spheres of influence, such as in the churches, workplaces, communities, and social media platforms. Encourage accountability and support networks to uphold convictions in the face of societal pressures.
4. In what ways have the Scriptures comforted you in times of trial?
   • Answer: Personally, during times of trial, the Scriptures have served as a source of comfort, providing reassurance and perspective amidst uncertainty. Psalms, in particular, has been a refuge, offering words of solace and encouragement. Reflecting on verses like Psalm 23:4 ("Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me"), I've found strength in the promise of God's presence and guidance through difficult circumstances. Additionally, passages highlighting God's faithfulness and love, such as Romans 8:38-39 ("For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord"), have instilled a sense of peace and confidence in His unwavering care. Moreover, the narratives of biblical figures overcoming adversity through faith have served as reminders of God's sovereignty and ability to work all things for good. Overall, the Scriptures have been a constant source of comfort, anchoring my hope and trust in God's promises during life's storms.

MONDAY

Title: Passing on God’s Word

1. Confidence in God's Word: Both Paul and the Reformers, exemplified by William Tyndale, exhibited unwavering confidence in the power and truth of God's Word despite facing overwhelming challenges and opposition.
   • Text: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (NKJV) - "Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."
2. Courage in Adversity: Tyndale's life demonstrates extraordinary courage and commitment to his mission of translating and disseminating the Bible, even in the face of persecution and martyrdom.
3. Legacy of Sacrifice: Tyndale's sacrifice, echoed by countless other believers throughout history, highlights the profound impact of individuals who are willing to endure hardships for the sake of spreading God's Word, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends generations.
4. Divine Providence: The fulfillment of Tyndale's prayer for the opening of the king of England's eyes, as evidenced by subsequent translations and the widespread influence of the King James Version, underscores the belief in God's providential guidance and sovereignty over human history.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How does Tyndale's example challenge us to reevaluate our commitment to spreading God's Word in the face of adversity today?
   • Answer: Tyndale's unwavering dedication to translating the Bible despite persecution challenges us to examine our own willingness to endure difficulties in the pursuit of sharing God's Word. His example encourages us to prioritize faithfulness to God's truth over personal comfort or safety, even when faced with opposition.
2. Reflecting on Tyndale's impact on the English Bible, how does his legacy inspire us to consider the long-term influence of our actions and decisions on future generations?
   • Answer: Tyndale's sacrifice laid the foundation for generations of English-speaking Christians to have access to the Scriptures. His legacy prompts us to reflect on the enduring impact of our choices and contributions to the spread of God's Word, reminding us that our obedience to God's calling can have far-reaching consequences beyond our lifetime.
3. In what ways can we emulate Tyndale's passion for God's Word and his willingness to endure suffering for the sake of its dissemination in our own lives and communities?
   • Answer: We can emulate Tyndale's passion by prioritizing the study and dissemination of Scripture in our daily lives and communities, advocating for accessibility to the Bible for all people, and remaining steadfast in our commitment to truth even in the face of opposition or persecution. Tyndale's example challenges us to cultivate a deep love for God's Word and a willingness to sacrifice for its proclamation, following in the footsteps of those who have gone before us in faith.

TUESDAY

Title: Enlightened by the Spirit

1. Divine Illumination: Martin Luther's experience highlights the transformative power of encountering God's Word, with the Holy Spirit illuminating the Scriptures to reveal profound truths and insights previously obscured by tradition or ignorance.
   • Text: John 16:13-15 (NKJV) - "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you."
2. Holy Spirit as Interpreter: The Bible affirms that the Holy Spirit, who inspired its writing, serves as the infallible interpreter of Scripture for believers, guiding them into all truth and ensuring its clarity and relevance across time and culture.
   • Text: 2 Peter 1:20-21 (NKJV) - "knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."
3. Supernatural Character of Scripture: The Reformers emphasized the supernatural nature of Scripture, recognizing it as more than just human literature but as the inspired word of God, essential for spiritual enlightenment and guidance.
4. Individual Responsibility: Each believer is responsible for discerning the truth of Scripture under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, rather than relying solely on human authorities or traditions, as exemplified by John Knox's response to Mary, Queen of Scots.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How does Martin Luther's experience with the Bible challenge us to approach Scripture with a renewed sense of expectation and openness to the Holy Spirit's illumination in our own lives?
   • Answer: Martin Luther's encounter with the Bible underscores the transformative power of God's Word when approached with openness and receptivity to the Holy Spirit's guidance. It challenges us to cultivate a deeper hunger for Scripture and an expectation of divine revelation as we engage with its pages in our personal study and communal worship.
2. Reflecting on the Reformers' emphasis on the Holy Spirit as the interpreter of Scripture, how does this perspective shape our understanding of biblical interpretation and authority in today's context?
   • Answer: The Reformers' recognition of the Holy Spirit's role as the divine interpreter emphasizes the necessity of spiritual discernment and reliance on God's guidance in understanding Scripture. It reminds us that human interpretations, while valuable, are fallible and must be subject to the illumination of the Holy Spirit to discern truth accurately. This perspective highlights the importance of humility, prayer, and dependence on God's Spirit in our study of Scripture.
3. In what ways can we guard against the temptation to diminish the supernatural character of Scripture and rely solely on human understanding or tradition in interpreting God's Word?
   • Answer: We can guard against diminishing the supernatural character of Scripture by prioritizing prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit in our study and interpretation of the Bible. Additionally, we can cultivate a discerning mindset that acknowledges the limitations of human wisdom and tradition, seeking to align our understanding with the comprehensive truth revealed through God's Spirit. This involves remaining open to new insights and perspectives guided by Scripture and the Spirit, even if they challenge established beliefs or interpretations.

 WEDNESDAY

Title: Christ Alone . . . Grace Alone

1. Salvation as a Gift: The verses cited emphasize that salvation is a gift from God, obtained through faith in Jesus Christ rather than earned through human effort or merit. Christ's sacrificial death on the cross provides the basis for forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
   • Text: Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) - "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
2. Justification by Faith: The Protestant Reformers, exemplified by Martin Luther, rediscovered the biblical truth of justification by faith alone. This doctrine emphasizes that individuals are declared righteous before God solely on the basis of their faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice, not through any merit of their own.
3. Grace Alone: The Reformers emphasized the principle of sola gratia (grace alone), affirming that salvation is solely a result of God's grace, not human works. This underscores the unmerited favor and undeserved kindness of God toward sinful humanity.
   • Text: Romans 3:23-24 (NKJV) - "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,"
4. Christ-Centered Salvation: The essence of salvation is found in Christ alone. His substitutionary death on behalf of humanity's sins serves as the foundation for redemption and eternal life. Salvation is not achieved through adherence to rituals or traditions but is received by faith in Christ's finished work on the cross.
   • Text: Romans 5:8-10 (NKJV) - "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. In light of the doctrine of justification by faith, how do we maintain a balanced perspective on the role of good works in the Christian life?
   • Answer: While good works do not contribute to our justification before God, they are a natural outgrowth of genuine faith and gratitude for salvation. Good works serve as evidence of a transformed life and obedience to God's commands. We affirm the importance of good works as a response to God's grace, recognizing that they flow from a heart surrendered to Christ rather than being the basis of our salvation.
2. How does understanding salvation as a gift from God in Christ alone impact our daily walk with God and our relationship with others?
   • Answer: Recognizing salvation as a gift from God emphasizes His grace and love toward us, fostering humility, gratitude, and dependence on Him in our daily lives. This understanding leads to a deeper appreciation for Christ's sacrifice and motivates us to live lives characterized by love, compassion, and service to others as we reflect His grace to the world.
3. Reflecting on Martin Luther's discovery of the gospel truth, how can we ensure that our understanding of salvation remains centered on Christ alone amidst cultural or theological influences that may distort this truth?
   • Answer: We can ensure that our understanding of salvation remains Christ-centered by grounding ourselves in Scripture, prayerfully seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and engaging in regular study of the gospel message. Additionally, we can cultivate a discerning spirit to evaluate teachings and practices in light of biblical truth, holding fast to the foundational principle of salvation through faith in Christ alone.

THURSDAY

Title: Obedience: The Fruit of Faith

1. Salvation by Grace Alone: The verses emphasize that salvation is a gift of God's grace, received through faith in Christ's righteousness alone. Human effort or merit plays no part in earning salvation; it is solely based on God's unmerited favor and the finished work of Christ on the cross.
   • Text: Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) - "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
2. Transformation by Grace: God's grace not only justifies believers but also transforms them from within. The Christian life is characterized by a continual growth in knowledge, obedience, and conformity to the image of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit and grounded in the truth of God's Word.
   • Text: 2 Peter 3:18 (NKJV) - "but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen."
3. Faith and Obedience: True faith in Christ naturally leads to obedience to His commands. While salvation is received by faith alone, genuine faith produces the fruit of obedience as believers submit to the lordship of Christ and walk in accordance with His will.
   • Text: Ephesians 4:22-24 (NKJV) - "that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."
4. Freedom in Christ: Believers are liberated from the bondage of sin and the condemnation of the law through the redemptive work of Christ. They are no longer slaves to sin but are set free to live in righteousness and holiness, empowered by the Spirit to live victoriously over sin.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How does understanding salvation as a gift of grace through Christ's righteousness alone impact our motivation for obedience and holy living?
   • Answer: Recognizing that salvation is solely based on God's grace through Christ's righteousness fosters gratitude and humility in believers, motivating them to live lives of obedience and holiness out of love and gratitude for what Christ has done for them. Obedience becomes a response of faith rather than a means of earning salvation, reflecting the transformational work of God's grace in their lives.
2. Reflecting on the Reformers' commitment to knowing Christ better through the systematic study of Scripture, how can we cultivate a similar hunger for spiritual growth and understanding of God's Word in our lives and communities?
   • Answer: We can cultivate a hunger for spiritual growth by prioritizing regular study and meditation on God's Word, engaging in intentional discipleship and fellowship with other believers, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our personal and corporate pursuit of deeper intimacy with Christ. Additionally, we can learn from the examples of faithful Christians throughout history who demonstrated a fervent devotion to knowing Christ and His Word, allowing their testimonies to inspire and encourage us in our own spiritual journey.
3. When faced with the temptation to rely on our own efforts or righteousness for salvation, how can we redirect our focus back to Christ and His grace?
   • Answer: We can redirect our focus back to Christ and His grace by reminding ourselves of the foundational truth that salvation is a gift of grace received through faith in Christ alone. This involves rejecting any tendency to trust in our own righteousness or merit and instead fixing our eyes on the finished work of Christ on the cross. Regularly meditating on Scripture passages that emphasize God's grace and mercy, as well as engaging in prayer and worship, can help realign our perspective and reaffirm our dependence on Christ for salvation.

FRIDAY

Title: Further Study

1. Divine Protection and Assistance: The readings highlight the unseen but significant presence of angelic beings protecting and aiding God's faithful servants, particularly during times of intense spiritual warfare and opposition.
2. The Power of Prayer: Both Elisha and Luther recognized the critical importance of prayer in facing spiritual battles and overcoming adversaries. Their examples underscore the necessity of fervent, faith-filled prayer in seeking God's intervention and victory.
3. Justification by Faith: The doctrine of justification by faith, rediscovered by Luther, serves as the foundation of the gospel and the cornerstone of our hope of salvation. It emphasizes that our righteousness and acceptance before God are based solely on our faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice, not on our own works or merit.
4. Christ, Our Mighty Fortress: Luther's hymn "A Mighty Fortress" encapsulates the essence of the gospel message, affirming Christ as the ultimate victor in the battle against sin and Satan. It underscores the vital truth that our salvation and victory are secured through Christ alone.

“God’s faithful servants were not toiling alone. While principalities and powers and wicked spirits in high places were leagued against them, the Lord did not forsake His people. Could their eyes have been opened, they would have seen as marked evidence of divine presence and aid as was granted to a prophet of old. When Elisha’s servant pointed his master to the hostile army surrounding them and cutting off all opportunity for escape, the prophet prayed: ‘Lord, I pray Thee, open his eyes, that he may see.’ 2 Kings 6:17. And, lo, the mountain was filled with chariots and horses of fire, the army of heaven stationed to protect the man of God. Thus did angels guard the workers in the cause of the Reformation.”—Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 208.

“When powerful foes were uniting to overthrow the reformed faith, and thousands of swords seemed about to be unsheathed against it, Luther wrote: ‘Satan is putting forth his fury; ungodly pontiffs are conspiring; and we are threatened with war. Exhort the people to contend valiantly before the throne of the Lord, by faith and prayer, so that our enemies, vanquished by the Spirit of God, may be constrained to peace. Our chief want, our chief labor, is prayer; let the people know that they are now exposed to the edge of the sword and to the rage of Satan, and let them pray.’ ”—D’Aubigné, book 10, chapter 14, quoted in Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 209.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How can we explain the balance between grace and law, between faith and good works?
   • Answer: The balance between grace and law, faith and good works, lies in understanding their complementary roles in the Christian life. While salvation is entirely a result of God's grace through faith in Christ, good works naturally flow from genuine faith as evidence of a transformed life. The law, rather than being a means of earning salvation, serves as a guide for righteous living and a reflection of God's character. Therefore, grace empowers us to fulfill the law through a life of faith and obedience.
2. Why do you think it is so easy to let our minds slip into legalism? How would you define legalism? Why is it so detrimental to our Christian faith?
   • Answer: Legalism often stems from a desire to earn favor with God through adherence to strict rules or standards, rather than relying on His grace and mercy. It can manifest as a rigid adherence to external rituals or moral codes, leading to judgmental attitudes and a sense of superiority. Legalism undermines the gospel by shifting the focus from Christ's finished work to human effort, fostering a works-based mentality that denies the sufficiency of grace for salvation. This mindset can hinder spiritual growth, distort our understanding of God's character, and ultimately lead to pride and spiritual stagnation.
3. Are there dangers if the concept of “salvation by grace” is not rightly understood? Where might that misunderstanding lead?
   • Answer: Misunderstanding the concept of salvation by grace can lead to various dangers, including legalism, self-reliance, and a distorted view of God's character. Without a proper understanding of grace, individuals may fall into the trap of believing that salvation can be earned through their own efforts or merit, leading to pride, self-righteousness, and a lack of dependence on God. Additionally, a skewed understanding of grace may result in a diminished sense of accountability for sin and a failure to appreciate the depth of God's love and mercy, hindering genuine repentance and transformation.
4. What do some people mean when they use the term “cheap grace”? Is grace ever cheap?
   • Answer: "Cheap grace" refers to the idea of receiving God's forgiveness and salvation without genuine repentance or commitment to discipleship. It suggests a superficial understanding of grace that overlooks the cost of Christ's sacrifice and fails to recognize the call to obedient discipleship. While grace is freely offered by God out of His boundless love and mercy, it is not cheap in the sense that it requires nothing from us. True grace invites us into a transformative relationship with God, calling us to surrender our lives to Him and follow Christ wholeheartedly.
5. How can we guard against the dangers of legalism while still upholding the importance of obedience and holiness in the Christian life?
   • Answer: We can guard against legalism by maintaining a balanced perspective on the relationship between grace and obedience. This involves grounding ourselves in the truth of Scripture, cultivating a deep understanding of God's grace and love, and recognizing that our obedience flows from a heart transformed by His grace rather than a desire to earn His favor. Additionally, we can guard against legalism by embracing a spirit of humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to lead and empower us in our pursuit of holiness. It's essential to focus on the motives behind our actions, prioritizing love for God and others above adherence to rules or traditions.
   • Sulad Jhun Cardeinte writes from Adventist International Institute of Advance Studies (AIIAS) Silang, Cavite, Philippines. His email address is acardeinte@aiias.eduFollow his FB page: Adventist ToolBoX

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