MEMORY VERSE: ‘Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.’ 1 Peter 4:1-2.
LESSON AIM: Can we know God’s will for us. Many interpret God’s will to mean detailed guidance about practical issues of life, housing employment, marriage and so on. They often turn to spirit messages for this guidance. But God shows us broad brush strokes in His word. These are valid for all people. If we follow these with all our hearts, His providence will place us just where He needs us, remembering that the life we have is the life He has given us for His purposes.
‘Christ declared, “I came not to do My own will, but the will of Him that sent Me” (John 6:38). His will was put into active exercise to save the souls of men. His human will was nourished by the divine. His servants today would do well to ask themselves, “What kind of will am I individually cultivating? Have I been gratifying my own desires, confirming myself in selfishness and obstinacy?” If we are doing this, we are in great peril, for Satan will always rule the will that is not under the control of the Spirit of God. When we place our will in unison with the will of God, the holy obedience that was exemplified in the life of Christ will be seen in our lives.’ Mind, Character & Personality, volume 2, page 692.
1. Who is our example in living in this world? 1 Peter 2:21-22.
NOTE: ‘Before us is held out the wonderful possibility of being like Christ, obedient to all the principles of the law of God. But of ourselves we are utterly powerless to attain to this condition. All that is good in man comes to him through Christ. The holiness that God’s Word declares we must have before we can be saved is the result of the working of divine grace as we bow in submission to the discipline and restraining influence of the Spirit of truth. Man’s obedience can be made perfect only by the incense of Christ’s righteousness, which fills with divine fragrance every act of true obedience. The part of the Christian is to persevere in overcoming every fault. Constantly he is to pray to the Saviour to heal the disorders of his diseased soul. He has not the wisdom and strength, without which he cannot overcome. They belong to the Lord, and He bestows them on those who in humility and contrition seek Him for help. The work of transformation from unholiness to holiness is a continuous work. Day by day God labours for man’s sanctification, and man is to co-operate with Him by putting forth persevering efforts in the cultivation of right habits.’ Our Father Cares, pages 152-153.
2. What did David say prophetically about Jesus doing the will of His Father? Psalm 40:8.
NOTE: ‘As one of us, He was to give an example of obedience. For this He took upon Himself our nature, and passed through our experiences. “In all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren.” Hebrews 2:17. If we had to bear anything which Jesus did not endure, then upon this point Satan would represent the power of God as insufficient for us. Therefore Jesus was “in all points tempted like as we are.” Hebrews 4:15. He endured every trial to which we are subject. And He exercised on His own behalf no power that is not freely offered to us. As man, He met temptation, and overcame in the strength given Him from God. He says, “I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart.” Psalm 40:8. As He went about doing good, and healing all who were afflicted by Satan, He made plain to men the character of God’s law and the nature of His service. His life testifies that it is possible for us also to obey the law of God.’ Desire of Ages, page 24.