June 17 – 23
Key Text
“For he [Abraham] looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10).
Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 1, 346–353; The Faith I Live By, 304.
Introduction
“We are only pilgrims and strangers in this world. We are seeking the city which Abraham looked for, whose builder and maker is God.” In Heavenly Places, 112.
Sunday
1 A PROMISE OF INHERITANCE
- What inheritance did God promise to Abraham and his seed? Genesis 17:7, 8; 1 Chronicles 16:15–18; Romans 4:13.
Note: “The gift to Abraham and his seed included not merely the land of Canaan, but the whole earth. … And the Bible plainly teaches that the promises made to Abraham are to be fulfilled through Christ.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 170.
- Of what was the earthly promised land of Canaan a symbol? Hebrews 11:8–10, 13–16; Revelation 21:1–3.
Note: “The voice of God was heard, bidding him [Abraham] not to expect immediate possession of the Promised Land, and pointing forward to the sufferings of his posterity before their establishment in Canaan. The plan of redemption was here opened to him, in the death of Christ, the great sacrifice, and His coming in glory. Abraham saw also the earth restored to its Eden beauty, to be given him for an everlasting possession, as the final and complete fulfillment of the promise.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 137.
Monday
2 HEIRS OF THE KINGDOM
- Who is the only true heir of the kingdom of promise? Matthew 21:33–39; Galatians 3:16; Hebrews 1:1, 2.
Note: “Christ was the Father’s ‘appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds.’ He was the ‘brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person.’ And He upheld ‘all things by the word of His power’ (Hebrews 1:2, 3). He possessed divine excellency and greatness. It pleased the Father that in Him all fullness should dwell. And Christ ‘thought it not robbery to be equal with God’ (Philippians 2:6). Yet Jesus exchanged a throne of light and glory which He had with His Father, counting it not a thing to be desired to be equal with God, while man was lost in sin and misery. He came from heaven to earth, clothed His divinity with humanity, and bore the curse as surety for the fallen race. He was not compelled to do this; but He chose to bear the results of man’s transgression that man might escape eternal death.” The Signs of the Times, February 20, 1893.
- How can we become heirs with Christ in sharing His inheritance? Romans 4:13–17; Galatians 3:26–29.
Note: “Only those who have appreciated the grace of Christ, which has made them heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus, will rise from the grave bearing the image of their Redeemer.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 259.
“The fulfillment of the promise that we shall be joint-heirs with Christ rests upon our willingness to deny self.” The Upward Look, 235.
- As we declare our faith in Jesus Christ in whom all the promises of God are made, what does He call us? Romans 8:14–17; Galatians 4:4–7.
Note: “The treasures of eternity have been committed to the keeping of Jesus Christ, to give to whomsoever He will; but how sad it is that so many quickly lose sight of the precious grace that is proffered unto them through faith in Him. He will impart the heavenly treasures to those who will believe in Him, look to Him, and abide in Him.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 138.
Tuesday
3 AN EVERLASTING KINGDOM
- As sons and daughters of God, through faith, what type of kingdom is promised to us? Daniel 2:44; 7:27; 2 Peter 1:11.
Note: “The Lord’s purposes for His people have ever been the same. He desires to bestow on the children of men the riches of an eternal inheritance. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. When those who choose to become obedient subjects of the Most High are finally saved in the kingdom of glory, God’s purpose for mankind will have been fulfilled.” The Review and Herald, December 26, 1907.
- How long will believers enjoy this everlasting kingdom? Titus 3:7; 1 John 5:11–13.
Note: “This life is a training school, where we are to be transformed, refined, and made meet for the society of saints in the kingdom of God, with whom we expect to associate throughout the ages of eternity.” The Bible Echo, July 29, 1895.
- How do we know that God wants everyone to share in this inheritance? 2 Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 18:32; John 3:16.
Note: “The Lord wills not that any soul should perish. His mercies are without number, and He will not leave His purchased possession that He has given His own life to ransom to become the sport of Satan’s temptations. All Heaven is given to all those who believe in Jesus Christ as their present personal Saviour.” The Upward Look, 150.
“The Light of the world is shining upon us that we might absorb the divine rays and let this light shine upon others in good works that many souls shall be led to glorify our Father which is in heaven. He is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance, and it grieves the heart of Jesus that so many refuse the offers of His mercy and matchless love.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 2, 237, 238.
Wednesday
4 HOLDING OUR CONFIDENCE
- What are we admonished to hold on to? Hebrews 3:14; 10:23, 35, 36; Revelation 3:11.
Note: “Decisions may be made in a moment that fix one’s condition forever. … But remember, it would take the work of a lifetime to recover what a moment of yielding to temptation and thoughtlessness throws away. …
“Those who win heaven will put forth their noblest efforts and will labor with all long-suffering, that they may reap the fruit of toil. There is a hand that will open wide the gates of Paradise to those who have stood the test of temptation and kept a good conscience by giving up the world, its honors, its applause, for the love of Christ, thus confessing Him before men and waiting with all patience for Him to confess them before His Father and the holy angels.” My Life Today, 322.
- Explain how the majority of Abraham’s literal children will be denied an inheritance. Numbers 13:25–33; 14:1; Hebrews 3:18, 19; Jude 5.
Note: “For forty years did unbelief, murmuring, and rebellion shut out ancient Israel from the land of Canaan. The same sins have delayed the entrance of modern Israel into the heavenly Canaan. In neither case were the promises of God at fault. It is the unbelief, the worldliness, unconsecration, and strife among the Lord’s professed people that have kept us in this world of sin and sorrow so many years.” Evangelism, 696.
- What should be the number one priority in our life? Matthew 6:33; Luke 12:31–34; Colossians 3:1, 2.
Note: “Look away from this world to the eternal. Put forth your most earnest endeavors to obtain those things upon which God places value, and which Christ gave His precious life that you might secure. His sacrifice has thrown open wide to you the gates of heavenly commerce. Lay up your treasure beside the throne of God, by doing with His entrusted capital the work that He desires done in the winning of souls to a knowledge of the truth.” Counsels on Stewardship, 225, 226.
Thursday
5 GOD’S ONE UNITED KINGDOM
- How many of Abraham’s children will be with him, praising God as he enters into his inheritance? Hebrews 11:39, 40; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; Isaiah 66:23.
Note: “We need not despair when we see that others have struggled through discouragements like our own, have fallen into temptations even as we have done, and yet have recovered their ground and been blessed of God. The words of inspiration comfort and cheer the erring soul. Although the patriarchs and apostles were subject to human frailties, yet through faith they obtained a good report, fought their battles in the strength of the Lord, and conquered gloriously. Thus may we trust in the virtue of the atoning sacrifice and be overcomers in the name of Jesus.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 15.
- What will every saved believer do when beholding Jesus Christ face to face as Saviour? Philippians 2:9–11; Revelation 7:9, 10. What will Jesus then do? 1 Corinthians 15:24–28.
Note: “All [the redeemed] unite in praising Him [the Lamb] who died that human beings might have the life that measures with the life of God. The conflict is over. Tribulation and strife are at an end. Songs of victory fill all heaven as the ransomed ones take up the joyful strain, Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and lives again, a triumphant conqueror.” The Acts of the Apostles, 602.
Friday
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
1 What type of land was Abraham looking for?
2 How only can we be partakers of Abraham’s inheritance?
3 What is God’s desire for everyone in this world?
4 How can we hold our confidence steadfast to the end?
5 What types of songs will the redeemed sing together in the heavenly choir?