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Commentary on "The Work of the Prophets"
Day 1: Sabbath afternoon, February 7, 2009
This week's lesson is entitled “The Work of the Prophet.” It specifically addresses the efforts put forth by Biblical prophets, the struggles they encounter, their hardships due to conditions in the world and the vindication of their message as history unfolds.
The Quarterly begins on Sunday by asking three questions that will be answered this week. Those questions are:
- Does the preaching of the gospel in the New Testament differ from the proclamation of salvation in the Old Testament?
- Why were the early Seventh-day Adventists, who came out of the Millerite movement, opposed to church organization?
- What were some ways prophets delivered God's messages to His people?
In preparation for answering these questions, some Biblical texts are suggested for study. They include the account of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac in Gen. 22:1-14, Isaiah's description of the suffering Messiah in Isaiah 53, John the Baptist's confrontation with the Pharisees who came for baptism in Matt. 5:1-5, and Paul's decision to hand over the immoral Christian to Satan “for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (NASB) in 1 Cor. 5:1-5.
A suggestion is made that the life of Ellen White paralleled the life of Biblical prophets in many important ways. Her and James' various trials will be shown to be similar to the trials faced by many Biblical prophets, particularly the “various assaults of Satan” and their material and physical needs.
There have been many very sincere religious people since the time of Christ who have suffered through trials in this world, many professing the name of Christ as their Lord. The various trials in their lives are often attributed to Satan and human efforts to counter the message brought by these individuals. As Christians are involved in countering these different movements, one must determine why Christians are opposed to them. The messages of these individuals must be examined, as well as the various methods used to counter them.
This week will provide ample opportunity to do exactly that.
Summary
- There have been many sincere people in this world. Sincerity has never been an indication of truth. Many people have been sincerely wrong. This week will provide an opportunity to examine the life of Biblical prophets, compare the work of Ellen White to then and make a determination as to the nature of her work.
Copyright 2009 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised February 5, 2009. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Glendale, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.
The Sabbath School Bible Study Guide and the corresponding E.G. White Notes are published by Pacific Press Publishing Association, which is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist church. The current quarter's editions are pictured above.
Official Adventist Resources
Standard Edition Study Guide Week 7
Teacher's Edition Study Guide Week 7
Easy Reading Edition Study Guide Week 7
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