T H E C H U R C H O F G O D

SABBATHSCHOOLLESSONS

4th

QUARTEROctober, November, December

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“JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH ALONE” Lesson 1 � For week ending October 1, 2016

The most basic of all experiential teaching of the Bible is the doctrine ofjustification by faith alone. It is only by our unreserved faith in the atonement for oursins that was made through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that wereceive justification, the imputed righteousness of Christ whereby we have a rightrelationship with the Eternal God.

KEY TEXT: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with Godthrough our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faithinto this grace in which we stand...” (Romans 5:1,2a).

1. There is a basic problem that we all share with every human being who hasever lived. That is that we all have sinned and therefore are worthy of deathand eternal separation from God. Discuss this scriptural certainty fromRomans 3:23; 5:12; 6:23 and Psalms 51:5.

2. In that most ancient of books of the Bible, Job was moved to ask thequestion whether it is possible for man to be justified before God. Considerthis abiding question of the ancient patriarchs (Job 9:2; 25:4).

3. The Law of Moses was given by God as a means of revealing sin to Hispeople; however, it did not have the ability to bring justification because itcould not change the heart of man. Evaluate the effect of the Law as youread Hebrews 10:1; Galatians 3:8-14,24,25; and Romans 3:27,28.

4. Since the Law revealed sin and made all the world guilty, there had to be asolution to the human dilemma of separation through sin from the presenceand fellowship of God. Analyze this solution as you read Romans 3:19-22.What is meant by the fact that the righteousness of God apart from the lawis witnessed by the Law and prophets?

5. God made provision for us to receive His righteousness through our faith(Romans 5:8,9; II Corinthians 5:21). Consider the implications of theteaching that God’s righteousness is imputed to us for our faith (Romans4:3-5; Galatians 3:6).

6. Confirm the truth that both the death and resurrection of Jesus purchasedand sealed our redemption (Romans 4:25; I Corinthians 15:17-20).

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“THE JOY OF WORSHIPING GOD” Lesson 2 � For week ending October 8, 2016

When we consider that the primary purpose for which man was created inthe beginning was to praise and worship Yahweh, the Creator, we begin tounderstand the great responsibility that we have to equip ourselves to becomemore skilled in offering the kinds of praise and worship that please the Fatherand bring His favor.

KEY TEXT: “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippersshall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such

to worship Him” (John 4:23).

1. Psalms 95:1-3,6 contains an excellent outline for the means and attitude ofworship. Analyze this passage of scripture and discuss the following:singing, joyful noise, thanksgiving, psalms, worship, bow down, and kneel.

2. The formula which Jesus gave for true worship is worship in Spirit and intruth. Analyze this formula and show how worship that lacks the Holy Spiritis ineffective (Revelation 3:15,16; Romans 12:11). Notice the word ferventmeans to boil.

3. Worship that is not grounded in scriptural authenticity becomes vain. Expandupon this as you read Matthew 15:8,9.

4. The meaning of the words for worship can help us understand the properattitude of worship. Shachah (Hebrew) and proskunetes (Greek) both meanto bow one’s self down, to fall down flat, to prostrate oneself in homage to.

Evaluate the importance of reverence in worship (Revelations 7:9-12).

5. The system which God designed for man to worship Him is Judaism, whichmeans a system of praise. Discuss the New Testament motive and methodfor observing this system in the light of Acts 24:14. Through Jesus Christ, nolonger is our worship motivated by fear and the devotion to ritualism butrather by voluntary spiritual worship (I Peter 2:5).

6. Outline some of the means which we can employ in worshiping God anddiscuss the ways in which He reciprocates His blessings upon us throughthe Spirit (Psalms 150:1-6; Ephesians 5:18-20).

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"THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES” Lesson 3 � For week ending October 15, 2016

Tabernacles is the 7 and final feast given to Israel by God. It is the most joyfulth

and festive of all Israel's feasts, as it came at harvest time, when the hearts of thepeople were naturally glad! The joyous nature of this feast takes on new symbolismwhen we compare it with the Second Coming of Christ, and the ingathering of thesaints that will take place. What a feast that will be!

KEY TEXT: "And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labors, which thouhast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of theyear, when thou hast gathered in thy labors out of the field" (Exodus 23:16).

1. In Leviticus 23:34-44 the observance of Tabernacles is detailed. One of theprimary purposes of this feast was to rejoice after the harvest was reaped(vs 39-41). We could refer to it as the “Thanksgiving” of the Bible. TheIsraelites were also commanded to dwell in booths as a reminder of theirsojourn from Egypt to Israel.

2. The Church of God believes that Tabernacles is significant in Bible historybecause of the great events that occurred during this feast time. Considerthe following examples: a.) Noah's Ark came to rest on Mount Ararat(Genesis 8:4); b.) the dedication of Solomon's Temple (I Kings 8:2); and c.)the birth of Jesus Christ (Luke 1 :5,23,36; Isaiah 9:3,6).

3. In Jesus the Messiah, we see the fulfillment of Tabernacles: Jesus, who isvery God, tabernacled among men. Read John 1:14 and discuss theimportance of Jesus' birth during this feast.

4. Consider what Jesus did at the Feast during the ceremony of the waterdrawing: As water was brought in a golden flask from the Fountain of Siloamand poured into the basin near the altar, Jesus stood and cried (John 7:37-39). Discuss how the feasts of the Lord stay relevant regardless of time.

5. “Joy of the Harvest” is the theme of Tabernacles (Isaiah 12:1-6). Discuss theharvest of souls that will be gathered in during this time (Matthew 13:36-43).There is a future celebration of Tabernacles for the saints of God to lookforward to described in the New Testament (Revelation 21:3-7). And,according to Zechariah 14:16-21, the Feast of Tabernacles will one day beobserved by all nations during the Millennial Reign of Jesus upon this earth.

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“PROPHECY AND THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST” Lesson 4 � For week ending October 22, 2016

One of the exciting things about prophecy as it pertains to Jesus Christ is that thesame prophets that prophesied of His first coming also prophesied of His return. The factthat Jesus so precisely fulfilled every prophecy that was written of His first coming isconfirmation to us that He will also fulfill the prophecies concerning His return to earth.

KEY TEXT: “Behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, andcame to the Ancient of days...And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and akingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve Him: His dominionis an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that whichshall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13,14).

1. There are many dual prophecies about the coming of the Messiah. In His firstcoming, He came as a servant to be the Lamb of God who would take awaythe sins of the world. When He returns, it will be to triumph over all Hisenemies as King of kings and Lord of lords. Discuss this dual nature of theMessiah as you read Isaiah 9:6,7.

2. Christ Himself brought our attention to that dual coming when He read from aprophecy found in Isaiah 61:1-2. This account is found in Luke 4:17-21. Jesusleaves off reading this passage in the middle of Isaiah 61:2. The first half of thescripture deals with the first coming of the Messiah in which He would showsigns to Israel. The second part of this verse,"and the day of vengeance of ourGod, to comfort all who mourn" deals with His second coming.

3. One of the lessons we can learn from Old Testament prophecy concerning theMessiah is that God’s Word is true. Consider this as you read II Peter 3:9,10.What did Jesus say about the fulfillment of God’s Word (Matthew 5:18)?

4. Consider some of the prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled by the Messiahwhen He comes again: [1] He is coming with His saints to execute judgment(Daniel 7:21,22; Jude 14,15), [2] He is coming back to be King over all theearth (Zechariah 14:1-9), [3] He is coming to judge the world in righteousness(Psalms 9:1-8), and [4] He will rule with His bride on this earth for a thousandyears (Isaiah 11:1-9; Revelation 20:1-4). Just as surely as Jesus fulfilled theprophecies of His first coming He will return to fulfill those concerning Hiscoming again!

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“ISAAC AND ISHMAEL – JEW AND GENTILE” Lesson 5 � For week ending October 29, 2016

There are many allegories and types and shadows recorded in the events andcircumstances of the Old Testament that help us to understand divine truths about theDispensation of Grace. One of these is the blessings that God pronounced upon the seedof Abraham, both Isaac and Ishmael, which reveal to us God's far-reaching blessingsupon both Jew and Gentile.

KEY TEXT: "And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give untothy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed"(Genesis 26:4).

1. In the eyes of God there are only two kinds of people on the earth: Jews and theGentiles. The Jewish nation is made up of the children of Abraham throughIsaac. All the rest of the peoples of the world are the Gentiles. Consider this truthin the light of Romans 9:23-25. God promised to Abraham that all nations of theworld would be blessed through him (Galatians 3:8). The way in which all thenations of the world would be blessed in Abraham would be through Jesus Christ(Galatians 3:29).

2. The manner in which the blessing of God upon Abraham would be transferredto all nations through Christ is revealed in allegory in Isaac and Ishmael. DiscussGod's revelation of spiritual truths through allegories and types and shadows ofthe Old Testament (Galatians 4:24; Hebrews 10:1). The blessing of God uponIsaac was symbolic of His blessing upon the Jewish people who would acceptthe true Isaac, Jesus. Confirm the fact that the true seed of Isaac are believersin Christ (Romans 9:7,8).

3. The other blessing of God upon the seed of Abraham was upon Ishmael, theprogenitor of the Arab peoples. Study Genesis 17:18-20. What is meant by thestatement that Ishmael might “live before thee" ? Isaac, through Jacob, fatheredtwelve sons–the 12 Tribes of Israel. This reveals Jesus and the Twelve Apostlesof the Early Church. What is the revelation in Ishmael and his twelve princes(Genesis 25:13-16)?

4. Isaac and Ishmael reveal the Jewish and Gentile churches. What is the properrelationship between Jew and Gentile today (Romans 11:11,31)? In the trueIsaac--Jesus Christ, the Seed of God–both Jew and Gentile are called; however,the prophetic work which God would do among Jew and Gentile is allegorized inthe natural seed of Abraham, Isaac and Ishmael, and the blessings Godpronounced upon them. According to Galatians 6:15,16, who is God’s Israeltoday?

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“THE BLESSING OF THE PURE IN HEART”

Lesson 6 � For week ending November 5, 2016

In a world that is full of contamination and pollution, pureness of heart is anattribute that comes from God which stands out like a beacon piercing thedarkness. Purity of motive, purity of thought, purity of action–all these arequalities to which all Christians should aspire by seeking the Lord to cleanseus. By His grace, all these impurities can be removed that He may shinethrough us.

KEY TEXT: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”

(Matthew 5:8).

1. Pureness of heart is not something to which humans naturally come.Because of sin in the world, we are shaped from the womb in iniquity, andtrue pureness of heart is far removed from us (Psalms 51:5; Job 14:4).

2. Only an act of God can bring pureness of heart to us. When we believe uponthe Lord Jesus Christ, we are cleansed from our sins, and we are given aclean heart (Titus 3:3-7; I John 1:9). Consider further how having a pureheart effects the life of a believer as you study Titus 1:15.

3. God encourages us to draw near to Him through faith in Jesus to have ourhearts cleansed (Hebrews 10:20-24). While we are initially cleansed fromour sins at rebirth, we must continue to purge ourselves from elements inour lives that are unlike God (II Timothy 2:19-21).

4. The maintaining of a pure heart is not only a putting-off of impure thoughtsand motives, but is also a putting-on of the attributes of Christ and ofgodliness (II Peter 1:3-10; Philippians 4:8). Discuss the battle that must bewaged in order to have a pure mind (II Corinthians 10:4,5).

5. For the “pure in heart,” God has laid up in store many pure and wonderfulthings (Zephaniah 3:9; Revelation 21:18-21; 22:1). Discuss the meaning ofthe beatitude that says “the pure in heart shall see God.”

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“LORD, SEND THE RAIN!”

Lesson 7 � For week ending November12, 2016

The Bible speaks about a great Last Days’ outpouring of the rain of God. Thislife- giving rain of God’s Holy Spirit is necessary if we are to be effective in our workfor the Lord. He will give this rain to those who seek and obey Him. God’s Spiritwill be poured out like the former and latter rains that brought life to the land ofIsrael.

KEY TEXT: “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirstethfor thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is”(Psalms 63:1).

1. Rain in the scriptures is symbolic of the outpouring of God’s Spirit and Wordupon this earth (Deuteronomy 32:2; Acts 3:19). Without this refreshing rain inour lives, we will dry up and perish in our Christian experience. It is God’s Spiritthat brings life. Discuss why Jesus told the disciples to tarry in Jerusalem beforethey went out to reach the world for Christ (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8).

2. If we want a continual supply of God’s Spirit, we must walk in obedience to HisWord. Discuss the nature of the land of Canaan as a land in which the childrenof Israel would have to depend upon rain to survive (Deuteronomy 11:10-17).What did God require of His people in order that He might give them rain in dueseason? Discuss this further in the context of Zechariah 14:16,17.

3. The Prophet Elijah set a good example for what it takes to break through adrought into an abundance of rain. First, Elijah spoke prophetically in the timeof drought and said, “There is a sound of abundance of rain.” Then, he soughtthe Lord earnestly until the rain came (I Kings 18:42-45). How much more shouldGod’s church be prophesying and seeking for the outpouring of God’s Spirit sothat we might be empowered to do His work? Discuss the power of God’s Wordas you read Isaiah 55:10,11.

4. It is the Holy Spirit working through us that gives us the power we need toeffectively minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Joel prophesied of a great LastDays’ revival in which God would pour out His blessings upon the church (Joel2:23-29). The thing that brings about this revival is found in the 24 verse, “Turnth

ye unto me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and withmourning.” Let us seek the Lord, for there shall be showers of blessing!

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“IT IS WORTH IT ALL” Lesson 8 � For week ending November 19, 2016

The choice to follow Jesus will not always be the easiest way to live; however,it is the most rewarding! It takes dedication and sacrifice. It will set you at odds withthe world and may cause you to be persecuted. It may cost you your reputation,your friends, your job, your house and maybe even your life. However, if we remainfaithful until the end, it will be worth it all!

KEY TEXT: “...If so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorifiedtogether. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthyto be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:17b-18).

1. If there was any one who knew what it was to suffer for the cause of Christ, itwas the Apostle Paul (II Corinthians 11:23-28). After looking at how many thingsPaul suffered one might be moved to ask, “Why would a person be willing tosuffer so much?” Paul gives his answer to this question in II Timothy 4:5-8.Discuss the strength that comes from knowing that Jesus will return again oneday to reward the righteous.

2. Paul’s attitude reflected his belief that serving Jesus Christ is worth it all. One ofthe reasons Paul was so willing to lay down his very life for Christ was becauseof his belief in the Resurrection. Discuss this blessed hope as you read thefollowing scriptures: Philippians 3:10-14; I Corinthians 15:19-23, 51-53; andHebrews 11:35.

3. Living for Christ in this world will take some endurance (Matthew 10:22). WhenPaul had come to the end of His journey here on earth he said, “I have fought agood fight.” Paul encourages us in his writings to also remain faithful in our fightto keep the faith of Christ (II Timothy 2:3,4; I Timothy 6:6-12). What did Peter saywould be the “end of your faith” (I Peter 1:3-9)?

4. There is great reward coming to those who are faithful in following Jesus.Analyze the conversation Jesus had with His disciples in Mark 10:28-31.Everything that we go through in this life for the sake of Jesus will be well worthit in the end. Discuss the importance of patience in waiting on the promises ofGod (Hebrews 10:33-39; Romans 8:24,25). When we see Jesus, it will be worthit all (Matthew 25:21)!

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“THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE”

Lesson 9 � For week ending November 26, 2016

There is no greater treasure that one can find in life then that of a personalrelationship with Jesus Christ. It is through Jesus that we have been given the giftof eternal life and made a part of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus is the only way tobe saved! When we find Him, we must be willing to give up everything to have Him.Jesus is the Pearl of Great Price!

KEY TEXT: “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellencyof the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the lossof all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ” (Philippians3:8).

1. Jesus used parables to teach us great spiritual truths about the Kingdom of God.The parable of the “pearl of great price” is found in Matthew 13:45,46. Like theparable, men are still seeking all over for “goodly pearls”. They are looking forsomething of value to add meaning to their lives. This is why there are so manydifferent religions in the world today. Discuss why it is so important that men findJesus (John 14:6; Acts 4:10-12).

2. One of the things that we should never take for granted is the freedom that wehave been afforded through the blood of Jesus Christ. Salvation is a free gift(Ephesians 2:5-9). However, this freedom did not come without a price. Considerhow precious the blood of Jesus should be to us as believers as you read I Peter1:18-21.

3. One of the qualities that sets something apart as valuable is its rareness. Oneof the qualities found in Jesus’ life that was so rare that no other man could claimit, is that He was without sin. Why was it so important that Jesus be without sin(Hebrews 4:14,15; Romans 3:23-26)?

4. The message that Jesus is conveying in this parable is that finding Him andmaking Him ours is more valuable than anything or other treasure in this world(Matthew 16:25,26). Anything that is worth having is worth paying a price for.Though salvation is a free gift, there is a price that we must pay in order to bea follower of Jesus. Discuss this price as you study Luke 14:26-33. Why didMoses forsake the riches of Egypt (Hebrews 11:24-27)?

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“CAN A CHRISTIAN FALL?” Lesson 10 � For week ending December 3, 2016

Falling–the act of backsliding, or being overtaken in any trespass or sin–issomething that we generally do not like to discuss in Christian circles; however,falling is sadly a reality of life. And, except for the grace of God, we are allvulnerable to this device of Satan. The truth is that Christians are susceptible tofalling, and if they do, it is our responsibility to seek to restore them to God.

KEY TEXT: “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall”(I Corinthians 10:12).

1. Should the possibility of falling be a concern for a child of God? Are we exemptfrom falling? Consider what Proverbs 24:16 has to say about falling as it relatesto the just.

2. There are Christians who think that they are too holy, righteous, knowledgeable,and full of the Spirit, to be vulnerable to falling. Discuss some of the otherreasons that Christians believe will keep them from falling: Age, experience,knowledge of Scripture, maturity, etc. How should we react to someone who hasfallen (Galatians 6:1)?

3. We are more prone to fall if we deceive ourselves into thinking that we alone canavoid a fall. God is the only way to prevent or deliver us from a fall. DiscussPsalm 56:13. Discuss the role that deception will play in the Last Days (Daniel8:25; Matthew 24:24). Are the people of God exempt from this onslaught?

4. We must allow the Lord to order our steps and trust Him to keep us from falling(Psalm 37:23,24). What should we do to avoid falling (James 1:12-16; IICorinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8)? What should we do when we fall? Whatshould we do when others fall? Someone once said, “Falling does not make youa failure, but staying down does.” Discuss Psalm 69:13-16.

5. It is possible to walk without falling? Notice what Peter says in II Peter 1:4-10.Note what he says about the one who does these things: “for if ye do thesethings, ye shall never fall.” While the devil has traps, pitfalls, and stumblingblocks to hinder and impede our progress, we can avoid these things if we simplyfollow God and keep our eyes on Him. Discuss Psalm 141:8-10.

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“THE TRUTH ABOUT GOSSIP” Lesson 11 � For week ending December 10, 2016

Webster’s Dictionary defines gossip as revealing personal or sensational facts, rumoror report of an intimate nature. The Bible defines gossip as sin, whether you are thegossiper or the listener! Telling secrets about others, spreading rumors about others, andperpetrating lies about others has no place in God’s Church and will not be a part of Hiskingdom.

KEY TEXT: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but onlywhat is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefitthose who listen” (Ephesians 4:29, NIV).

1. Has someone ever come up to you and said something like, “This is just betweenyou and me” and wanted you to keep it confidential? While there is a time andplace for confidentiality (Proverbs 11:13), such as in a counseling situation, weshould be careful about the promises we make to one another (Ecclesiastes5:5,6). Most of the time when such a statement occurs, someone is gettingready to share with you some gossip. What does God think about gossip? SeeRomans 1:28-31, Proverbs 6:16-19, and II Timothy 2:16.

2. GOSSIPING IS SIN! Jesus said that what comes out of our mouths causes usto be unclean (Matthew 15:10,11,17-20). Gossip can sometimes be disguisedas a prayer request. James 5:16 tells us to confess our faults one to another, notsomeone else’s faults! When we gossip about someone, we are injecting ourown opinion and judgment about their situation. When we listen to gossip, weare forced to make an evaluation and form an opinion about the person orcircumstance. What does the Bible say about judging others (Matthew 7:1,2)?

3. People who have nothing better to do, tend to be gossipers (II Thessalonians3:11-13; I Timothy 5:13). Read I Thessalonians 4:11 for a good picture of howwe should be conducting ourselves in this area. How would you want to betreated (Matthew 7:12)? How should you react when you have been gossipedabout (Romans 12:14; Ephesians 4:32)?

4. Words can either inflict pain on others, or bring healing and life (Proverbs 12:18;15:4). What does God say about slander (Psalm 15:1-3; Leviticus 19:16; Psalm101:5)? When a brother or sister in Christ is found in a fault, instead ofspreading the story around, what should our reaction be (Matthew 18:15; I Peter4:8)? We will give an account for every word we say (Matthew 12:36,37). Ourdesire should be that all of our words be pleasing to the Lord (Psalm 19:14).

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“THE PLAN OF SALVATION” Lesson 12 � For week ending December 17, 2016

It was not the will of God to leave fallen man in a state of sin and separationfrom Himself; therefore, He devised the plan of salvation so that He couldredeem fallen man and restore him to fellowship with his Creator. The plan ofsalvation was conceived before the foundation of the world, so that you andI could spend eternity with Jesus Christ. Have you accepted Him as yourSavior?

KEY TEXT: "But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb withoutblemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundationof the world, but was manifest in these last times" (I Peter 1:20).

1. The only atonement for sin which God accepts is blood. Discuss the concept of theoffering of a life for atonement for sin, the penalty for which is death (Hebrews 9:22;Romans 6:23).

2. From the key text we can see that God devised the plan of salvation before theworld was created. The first manifestation of that plan occurred in the sacrificeof an animal to cover Adam and Eve's nakedness (Genesis 3:21).

3. The plan of salvation was first covenanted to Abraham when Yahweh chose tobe the God of Abraham (Genesis 17:4,5,7; Galatians 3:16,17,29). This covenantwas based on faith (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3). It brought God's blessing toboth Jew and Gentiles (Galatians 3:8).

4. The time of Moses brought a major development in the plan of salvation in thatfor the first time, God placed a choice before the people of life or death (Romans5:14; Deuteronomy 30:19). Consider this concept of choice. Moses delivered theLaw to Israel as an outline of God's will for human conduct. This furthered theplan of salvation by revealing sin and by keeping Israel in check until JesusChrist came upon the earth (Romans 7:13; Galatians 3:19·24).

5. The plan of salvation was fulfilled in the spiritual dimension when God sent HisSon to be the eternal sacrifice for sin. Confirm this truth from I John 4:9,10;Hebrews 1:3; 9:15; 2:9; and Romans 8:3,4. The plan of salvation will becompleted when the last enemy, death, is conquered through the resurrection ofthe believers, who will receive new bodies, completing the salvation of man(Romans 8:23; II Corinthians 5:1-4).

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“BY FAITH” Lesson 13 � For week ending December 24, 2016

One of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit is faith. The Bible tells us that withoutfaith, it is impossible to please God. As Christians, we must place our trustfully in God and realize, by faith, that He is able to take care of us. Godpromises that if we are faithful, He will guide our footsteps.

KEY TEXT: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he thatcometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them thatdiligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).

1. What is faith? Read and discuss Hebrews 11:1-3. Discuss the faith that isnecessary to believe in the Biblical account of Creation and the formationof everything that we see around us today.

2. Read Ephesians 2:8. The act of salvation requires faith. John 3:16 tells usthat we are saved if we believe. Discuss the word believe and the actionthat accompanies this word. Are we saved if we merely confess with ourmouth (James 2:19)? The opposite of faith is unbelief. Can we limit thepower of God in our lives by our lack of faith? How was the ministry of Jesushindered because of unbelief (Matthew 13:54-58)?

3. The Bible instructs us that we should live by faith (Romans 1:17). Is itpossible to live by faith and not pay our tithes and give offerings (Malachi3:10,11)? When we do not give of our finances to the Lord, who are weplacing our trust in?

4. True faith in Jesus Christ creates deeds or works. Can we believe thatJesus Christ is God of the universe and then disregard His instructions tous? Read James 2:14-18. Verse 18 tells us that we can see what peoplebelieve by what they do.

5. How can we get more faith? Read Romans 10:17. Discuss the necessity ofdaily reading the Bible and feeding our spiritual man as we do our physicalman. Can we depend on the Word of God for direction (Psalm 119:105)?"Faith in God sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives theimpossible."

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“HE THAT ENDURETH UNTO THE END” Lesson 14 � For week ending December 31, 2016

Through faith we know that our eternal victory has already been won by JesusChrist; however, if we are to receive that crown of life, we must continually claimthat victory in Christ to be an overcomer and to endure faithful until the end.Perseverance is a quality that we must cultivate in order to be declared the goodand faithful servant of God.

KEY TEXT: “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall waxcold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew24:12,13).

1. Messiah Yahshua, the Son of God, has already won the battle over sin anddeath (Revelation 1:18). We have the promise that we shall be saved frometernal death by our faith in Him (Romans 5:1,8,10). The fact that ourvictory has already been won is not, however, license for us to live in sin orin disobedience to God (Romans 6:1,2)! We must persevere in living a holylife, enduring in righteousness until the very end.

2. While many believe in eternal security regardless as to one’s condition, thetruth is that we are only eternally secure as long as we remain in obedienceto God’s Word. Confirm this truth from John 8:31; 10:28; 15:4-9. Discuss theimportance of maintaining faith in God as you evaluate the story concerningPeter in Luke 22:31,32. Keeping faith in God and His Word is essential toour living an overcoming life and enduring to the end.

3. Patience is another quality that goes hand-in-hand with faith in producingendurance. Study Hebrews 10:35-39 and evaluate the importance ofconfidence and patience in securing for us the promise of eternal life andhelping us to avoid being among those who draw back unto destruction.

4. The kind of people who will be prepared for the coming of the Lord will bethose who have patiently maintained their separation from the world(Revelation 16:15; Luke 12:35-37; Galatians 6:7-9).

5. Regardless as to how difficult the circumstances may be, we are assuredthat through faith in God and His Word, we can not only endure but we canalso be conquering victors. Confirm this truth from Romans 8:35-39.

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