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Commentary on "All the Rest Is Commentary"
Day 7: Friday, September 24, 2010 - Further Study
Overview
The Lesson cites some quotes from Ellen White to address questions on finding one’s answers to ethical, moral, and practical questions. In the first quote, Mrs. White asks them to seek their answers in the Bible instead of coming to her. In the second quote, she warns against becoming too independent from the counsel of the brethren.
Observations
The great, unbreakable foundation for our love and acceptance for each other is not through finding some carefully balanced, “middle way” between dependence on others’ counsel and studying for ourselves. Romans 14 and 15 remind us several times of the source of our knowing how to behave towards others. In 14:1 we are told to welcome our brother, because in verse 3, “God has welcomed him.” Then in 15:7, he says it again, “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you for the glory of God.”
Having been forgiven of all our sins, and our lives redeemed from the pit (Ps. 103:3-5), and knowing that God totally accepts us, gives us a certain perspective on the failings of others. We can know that if we hear His word, and believe on Him who sent us, we can have eternal life right now, and be immune from the terrible wrath of God in the judgment. People who live with total assurance that their lives are hidden with Christ have the freedom to do anything. They are immune from all aggravation and fear of what others might do to them. God is our Judge, and He has already judged us in Christ. What can man do to us?
So if your brother or sister is eating something you loathe, or treating your favorite holy day as ordinary, are you able to say this with conviction: “It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand”? If not, what are you afraid of? You might want to ask Jesus to help you see His sacrifice “publically portrayed” and how you can have rock-solid assurance that He can uphold you as well.
Perfect love casts out fear. It’s well worth the cost.
Copyright 2010 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised September 24, 2010. 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 13
Teacher's Edition Study Guide Week 13
Easy Reading Edition Study Guide Wk 13
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