Lesson 7 February 6 - 12
The Bible Its Own Interpreter
Memory Verse: (2 Tim 3:15 KJV) And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
"Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973,1978 & 1984 by the International Bible Society: Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House."
Sabbath Afternoon
Sunday
Pray For The Guidance Of The Holy Spirit
(John 16:13 NIV) But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
Chap. 85 - Cloud and Fire
He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night. Ps. 105:39. {CC 91.1}
"And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light." . . . The standard of their invisible Leader was ever with them. By day the cloud directed their journeyings or spread as a canopy above the host. It served as a protection from the burning heat, and by its coolness and moisture afforded grateful refreshment in the parched, thirsty desert. By night it became a pillar of fire, illuminating their encampment and constantly assuring them of the divine presence. {CC 91.2}
In one of the most beautiful and comforting passages of Isaiah's prophecy, reference is made to the pillar of cloud and of fire to represent God's care for His people in the great final struggle with the powers of evil: "The Lord will create upon every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for above all the glory shall be a covering. And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain" (Isa. 4:5, 6, margin). {CC 91.3}
In the time of trial before us God's pledge of security will be placed upon those who have kept the word of His patience. Christ will say to His faithful ones: "Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment until the indignation be overpast" (Isa. 26:20). The Lion of Judah, so terrible to the rejectors of His grace, will be the Lamb of God to the obedient and faithful. The pillar of cloud which speaks wrath and terror to the transgressor of God's law is light and mercy and deliverance to those who have kept His commandments. The arm strong to smite the rebellious will be strong to deliver the loyal. Every faithful one will surely be gathered. "He shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other" (Matt. 24:31). {CC 91.4}
(1 Cor 2:9-14 NIV) However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"-- {10} but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. {11} For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. {12} We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. {13} This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. {14} The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
(2 Cor 3:14 NIV) But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away.
(2 Cor 4:4 NIV) The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
(Rom 12:2 NIV) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
(1 Cor 2:14 NIV) The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Monday
Let The Writer Say What He Wants To Say
(John 8:43 NIV) Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say.
(John 8:44 NIV) You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
If it were possible for created beings to attain to a full understanding of God and His works, then, having reached this point, there would be for them no further discovery of truth, no growth in knowledge, no further development of mind or heart. God would no longer be supreme; and man, having reached the limit of knowledge and attainment, would cease to advance. Let us thank God that it is not so. God is infinite; in Him are "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:3. And to all eternity men may be ever searching, ever learning, and yet never exhaust the treasures of His wisdom, His goodness, and His power. {SC 109.1}
God intends that even in this life the truths of His word shall be ever unfolding to His people. There is only one way in which this knowledge can be obtained. We can attain to an understanding of God's word only through the illumination of that Spirit by which the word was given. "The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God;" "for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." 1 Corinthians 2:11, 10. And the Saviour's promise to His followers was, "When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth. . . . For He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you." John 16:13, 14. {SC 109.2}
God desires man to exercise his reasoning powers; and the study of the Bible will strengthen and elevate the mind as no other study can.
Steps to Christ, p. 109 (continued)
Yet we are to beware (p. 110) of deifying reason, which is subject to the weakness and infirmity of humanity. If we would not have the Scriptures clouded to our understanding, so that the plainest truths shall not be comprehended, we must have the simplicity and faith of a little child, ready to learn, and beseeching the aid of the Holy Spirit. A sense of the power and wisdom of God, and of our inability to comprehend His greatness, should inspire us with humility, and we should open His word, as we would enter His presence, with holy awe. When we come to the Bible, reason must acknowledge an authority superior to itself, and heart and intellect must bow to the great I AM. {SC 109.3}
Tuesday
Studying A Single Passage
(2 Tim 2:15 NIV) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times. {SC 90.1}
But there is but little benefit derived from a hasty reading of the Scriptures. One may read the whole Bible through and yet fail to see its beauty or comprehend its deep and hidden meaning. One passage studied until its significance is clear to the mind and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive instruction gained. Keep your Bible with you. As you have opportunity, read it; fix the texts in your memory. Even while you are walking the streets you may read a passage and meditate upon it, thus fixing it in the mind. {SC 90.2}
We cannot obtain wisdom without earnest attention and prayerful study. Some portions of Scripture are indeed too plain to be misunderstood, but there are others whose meaning does not lie on the surface to be seen at a glance. Scripture must be (p. 91) compared with scripture. There must be careful research and prayerful reflection. And such study will be richly repaid. As the miner discovers veins of precious metal concealed beneath the surface of the earth, so will he who perseveringly searches the word of God as for hid treasure find truths of the greatest value, which are concealed from the view of the careless seeker. The words of inspiration, pondered in the heart, will be as streams flowing from the fountain of life. {SC 90.3}
The unbelieving Jews refused to see any except the most literal meaning in the Saviour's words. By the ritual law they were forbidden to taste blood, and they now construed Christ's language into a sacrilegious speech, and disputed over it among themselves. Many even of the disciples said, "This is an hard saying; who can hear it?" {DA 390.1}
The Saviour answered them: "Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where He was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." {DA 390.2}
The Desire of Ages, p. 390 (continued)
The life of Christ that gives life to the world is in His word. It was by His word that Jesus healed disease and cast out demons; by His word He stilled the sea, and raised the dead; and the people bore witness that His word was with power. He spoke the word of God, as He had spoken through all the prophets and teachers of the Old Testament. The whole Bible is a manifestation of Christ, and the Saviour desired to fix the faith of His followers on the word. When His visible presence should be withdrawn, the word must be their source of power. Like their Master, they were to live "by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matt. 4:4. {DA 390.3}
As our physical life is sustained by food, so our spiritual life is sustained by the word of God. And every soul is to receive life from God's word for himself. As we must eat for ourselves in order to receive nourishment, so we must receive the word for ourselves. We are not to obtain it merely through the medium of another's mind. We should carefully study the Bible, asking God for the aid of the Holy Spirit, that we may understand His word. We should take one verse, and concentrate the mind on the task of ascertaining the thought which God has put in that verse for us. We should dwell upon the thought until it becomes our own, and we know "what saith the Lord." {DA 390.4}
In His promises and warnings, Jesus means me. God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that I by believing in Him, might not perish, but have everlasting life. The experiences related in God's word are to be my experiences. Prayer and promise, precept and warning, are mine. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself (p. 391) for me." Gal. 2:20. As faith thus receives and assimilates the principles of truth, they become a part of the being and the motive power of the life. The word of God, received into the soul, molds the thoughts, and enters into the development of character. {DA 390.5}
(Isa 41:10 NKJV) Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'
(Isa 41:10 NIV) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Wednesday
Comparing Scripture With Scripture
(Isa 28:9-10 NIV) "Who is it he is trying to teach? To whom is he explaining his message? To children weaned from their milk, to those just taken from the breast? {10} For it is: Do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule ; a little here, a little there."
(1 Cor 2:13-14 NIV) This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. {14} The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
The Great Lesson Book The Sanitarium is a broad missionary field. Your medical students, in studying the word of God diligently, are far better prepared for all other studies; for enlightenment comes always with an earnest study of the word. Let it be understood by medical missionaries that the better acquainted they become with God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent, the better acquainted they become with Bible history,
Education, p. 390 (continued)
the better qualified they will be to do their work. The students in the College at Battle Creek need to aspire to higher knowledge, and nothing can give them a knowledge of all lessons, and a retentive memory, like the searching of the Scriptures. Let there be genuine discipline in study. There should be a most humble, prayerful longing of soul to know the truth. {FE 390.1}
There should be most faithful teachers, who strive to make the students understand their lessons, not by explaining everything themselves but by letting the students explain thoroughly every passage which they read. Let the inquiring minds of the students be respected. Treat their inquiries with respect. To skim over the surface will do little good. Thoughtful investigation and earnest, taxing study are required to comprehend it. There are truths in the word which are like veins of precious ore concealed beneath the surface. By digging for them, as the man digs for gold and silver, the hidden treasures are discovered. Be sure that the evidence of truth is in the Scripture itself. One scripture is the key to unlock other scriptures. The rich and hidden meaning is unfolded by the Holy Spirit of God, making plain the word to our understanding: "The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." {FE 390.2}
The word is the great lesson book for the students in our schools. The Bible teaches the whole will of God concerning the sons and daughters of Adam. The Bible is the rule of (p. 391) life, teaching us of the character we must form for the future, immortal life. Our faith, our practice, may make us living epistles, known and read of all men. Men need not the dim light of tradition and custom to make the Scriptures comprehensible. It is just as sensible to suppose that the sun, shining in the heavens at noon-day, needs the glimmerings of the torchlight of earth to increase its glory. The fables or the utterances of priests or of ministers, are not needed to save the student from error. Consult the divine Oracle, and you have light. In the Bible every duty is made plain, every lesson is comprehensible, able to fit men with a preparation for eternal life. The gift of Christ and the illumination of the Holy Spirit reveal to us the Father and the Son. The word is exactly adapted to make men and women and youth wise unto salvation. In the word is the science of salvation plainly revealed. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." "Search the Scriptures," for therein is the counsel of God, the voice of God speaking to the soul.--"Special Testimonies on Education," December 1, 1895. {FE 390.3}
(Mat 5:3 NIV) "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 13
It was through suffering that Jesus obtained the ministry of consolation. In all the affliction of humanity He is afflicted; and "in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted." Isaiah 63:9; Hebrews 2:18. In this ministry every soul that has entered into the fellowship of His sufferings is privileged to share. "As the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ." 2 Corinthians 1:5. The Lord has special grace for the mourner, and its power is to melt hearts, to win souls. His love opens a channel into the wounded and bruised soul, and becomes a healing balsam to those who sorrow. "The Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort . . . comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." 2 Corinthians 1:3,4. {MB 13.1}"Blessed are the meek." Matthew 5:5.
Throughout the Beatitudes there is an advancing line of Christian experience. Those who have felt their need of Christ, those who have mourned because of (p. 14) sin and have sat with Christ in the school of affliction, will learn meekness from the divine Teacher. {MB 13.2}
(Mat 5:3 NIV) "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Thursday
A Right Attitude Toward Truth
(John 7:17 NIV) If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.
(Luke 11:28 NIV) He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
(Dan 12:9-10 NIV) He replied, "Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end. {10} Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.
(Psa 25:14 NIV) The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.
(Prov 3:32 NIV) for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.
(Phil 4:8 NIV) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
(1 Pet 2:2 NIV) Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
Friday
(2 Pet 3:15-16 NIV) Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. {16} He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
(Psa 119 1-176 NIV) Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. {2} Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. {3} They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways. {4} You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. {5} Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! {6} Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. {7} I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. {8} I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me. {9} How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. {10} I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. {11} I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. {12} Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. {13} With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. {14} I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. {15} I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. {16} I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. {17} Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. {18} Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. {19} I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. {20} My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. {21} You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. {22} Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. {23} Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. {24} Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. {25} I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. {26} I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. {27} Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.
{Ps 119:28-176} My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. {29} Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. {30} I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. {31} I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. {32} I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free. {33} Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. {34} Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. {35} Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. {36} Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. {37} Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. {38} Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. {39} Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. {40} How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness. {41} May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise; {42} then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word. {43} Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. {44} I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. {45} I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. {46} I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, {47} for I delight in your commands because I love them. {48} I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees. {49} Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. {50} My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. {51} The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law. {52} I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them. {53} Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law. {54} Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. {55} In the night I remember your name, O LORD, and I will keep your law. {56} This has been my practice: I obey your precepts. {57} You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words. {58} I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. {59} I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. {60} I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. {61} Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law. {62} At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. {63} I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. {64} The earth is filled with your love, O LORD; teach me your decrees. {65} Do good to your servant according to your word, O LORD. {66} Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands. {67} Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. {68} You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. {69} Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. {70} Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. {71} It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. {72} The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. {73} Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. {74} May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. {75} I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me. {76} May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. {77} Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. {78} May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. {79} May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes. {80} May my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be put to shame. {81} My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. {82} My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, "When will you comfort me?" {83} Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. {84} How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? {85} The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contrary to your law. {86} All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for men persecute me without cause. {87} They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. {88} Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your mouth. {89} Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. {90} Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. {91} Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. {92} If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. {93} I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. {94} Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. {95} The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes.
{Psa 119:96-176} To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless. {97} Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. {98} Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. {99} I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. {100} I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. {101} I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. {102} I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. {103} How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! {104} I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. {105} Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. {106} I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. {107} I have suffered much; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word. {108} Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. {109} Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. {110} The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. {111} Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. {112} My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. {113} I hate double-minded men, but I love your law. {114} You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. {115} Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! {116} Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. {117} Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees. {118} You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their deceitfulness is in vain. {119} All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes. {120} My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws. {121} I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors. {122} Ensure your servant's well-being; let not the arrogant oppress me. {123} My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise. {124} Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. {125} I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. {126} It is time for you to act, O LORD; your law is being broken. {127} Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, {128} and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path. {129} Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. {130} The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. {131} I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. {132} Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. {133} Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. {134} Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may obey your precepts. {135} Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees. {136} Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed. {137} Righteous are you, O LORD, and your laws are right. {138} The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy. {139} My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words. {140} Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. {141} Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts. {142} Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true. {143} Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight. {144} Your statutes are forever right; give me understanding that I may live. {145} I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD, and I will obey your decrees. {146} I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes. {147} I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. {148} My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. {149} Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your laws. {150} Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law. {151} Yet you are near, O LORD, and all your commands are true. {152} Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever. {153} Look upon my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law. {154} Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise. {155} Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees. {156} Your compassion is great, O LORD; preserve my life according to your laws. {157} Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from your statutes. {158} I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey your word. {159} See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your love. {160} All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. {161} Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word. {162} I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil. {163} I hate and abhor falsehood but I love your law.
{Ps 119:164-176} Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. {165} Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. {166} I wait for your salvation, O LORD, and I follow your commands. {167} I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly. {168} I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you. {169} May my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word. {170} May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. {171} May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. {172} May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. {173} May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. {174} I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight. {175} Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. {176} I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.
The Reward of a Faithful Study of the Word Christ and His word are in perfect harmony. Received and obeyed, they open a sure path for the feet of all who are willing to walk in the light as Christ is in the light. If the people of God would appreciate His word, we should have a heaven in the church here below. Christians would be eager, hungry, to search the word. They would be anxious for time to compare scripture with scripture and to meditate upon the word. They would be more eager for the light of the word than for the morning paper, magazines, or novels. Their greatest desire would be to eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God. And as a result their lives would be conformed to the principles and promises of the word. Its instruction would be to them as the leaves of the tree of life. It would be in them a well of water, springing up into everlasting life. Refreshing showers of grace would refresh and revive the soul, causing them to forget all toil and weariness. They would be strengthened and encouraged by the words of inspiration. {8T 193.1}
Ministers would be inspired with divine faith. Their prayers would be characterized by earnestness, filled with the divine assurance of truth. Weariness would be forgotten in the sunlight of heaven. Truth would be interwoven with their lives, and its heavenly principles would be as a fresh, running stream, constantly satisfying the soul. {8T 193.2}
The Lord's philosophy is the rule of the Christian's life. The entire being is imbued with the life-giving principles of (p. 194) heaven. The busy nothings which consume the time of so many shrink into their proper position before a healthy, sanctifying Bible piety. {8T 193.3}