Sunday
December 31
1. COMMUNICATION FROM GOD
a. After sin, how did God speak to the fathers? Hebrews 1:1; 2 Peter 1:21.
“Before the entrance of sin, Adam enjoyed open communion with his Maker; but since man separated himself from God by transgression, the human race has been cut off from this high privilege. By the plan of redemption, however, a way has been opened whereby the inhabitants of the earth may still have connection with heaven. God has communicated with men by His Spirit, and divine light has been imparted to the world by revelations to His chosen servants. ‘Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.’ 2 Peter 1:21.”—The Great Controversy, (v).
b. How has God revealed Himself in the last days? Hebrews 1:2; John 14:8, 9.
“The Creator of man, He who upon Mount Sinai proclaimed the eternal law; in His dying agony vindicated His right to pardon transgression and sin.”—The Review and Herald, August 26, 1909.
Monday
January 1
2. CHRIST, THE FATHER, AND THE ANGELS
a. What is the relationship between Christ and the Father? Hebrews 1:3; John 10:30.
“As a personal being, God has revealed Himself in His Son. The outshining of the Father’s glory, ‘and the express image of his person,’ Jesus, as a personal Saviour, came to the world. As a personal Saviour He ascended on high. As a personal Saviour He intercedes in the heavenly courts.”—The Faith I Live By, p. 40.
“Christ was the express image of His Father’s person; and He came to our world to restore in man God’s moral image, in order that man, although fallen, might through obedience to God’s commandments become enstamped with the divine image and character—adorned with the beauty of divine loveliness.”—The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 921.
b. What is the position of Christ in relation to the angels? Hebrews 1:4–6.
“The first chapter of Hebrews contrasts the position of the angels and the position of Christ. God has spoken words concerning Christ that are not to be applied to the angels. They are ‘sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation,’ but Christ, as Mediator, is the great Minister in the work of redemption. The Holy Spirit is His representative in our world, to execute the divine purpose of bringing to fallen man power from above, that he may be an overcomer. All who enter into a covenant with Jesus Christ become by adoption the children of God. They are cleansed by the regenerating power of the Word, and angels are commissioned to minister unto them.”—Ibid., p. 922.
“Should the angel Gabriel be sent to this world to take upon himself human nature, and to teach the knowledge of God, how eagerly men would listen to his instruction. Supposing that he were able to set us a perfect example of purity and holiness, sympathizing with us in all our sorrows, bereavements, and afflictions, and suffering the punishment of our sins, how eagerly we would follow him. What exaltation he would receive. . . .
“But One surpassing all that imagination can present came from heaven to this world. Nearly 2000 years ago a voice of strange and mysterious import was heard from the throne of God, ‘Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me. . . . Lo, I come . . . to do thy will, O God.’ ”—Lift Him Up, p. 34.
Tuesday
January 2
3. “THOU ART MY SON”
a. What was prophesied by the psalmist regarding Jesus Christ? Psalm 2:7. When and how was this prophecy fulfilled?
I. At His incarnation. Hebrews 1:6.
II. At His baptism. Matthew 3:16, 17.
III. At His resurrection. Acts 13:33; Colossians 1:18; Revelation 1:5.
IV. His priesthood. Acts 2:33; Philippians 2:9; Hebrews 5:5, 6.
b. How does the Father address the Son? Hebrews 1:7–13.
“[Hebrews 1:4–12 quoted.] In this language is represented the omnipotence of the Lord Jesus. He is introduced to the Bible student as the Creator of the world, and was its rightful Ruler. [Hebrews 1:13, 14 quoted].”—The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 921.
c. Who is the only One to be worshiped? Matthew 4:10.
“Satan had asked Christ to give him evidence that He was the Son of God, and he had in this instance the proof he had asked. At the divine command of Christ, he was compelled to obey. He was repulsed and silenced. He had no power to withstand the peremptory dismissal. He was compelled without another word instantly to desist and leave the world’s Redeemer.”—Confrontation, p. 54.
d. When the prophet John was inclined to worship the angel Gabriel, what warning did he receive from the angel? Revelation 19:10; 22:8–10.
e. Why did Jesus accept to be worshiped? Matthew 8:2, 3; Hebrews 1:8–10.
“The voice of God is heard proclaiming that justice is satisfied. Satan is vanquished. Christ’s toiling, struggling ones on earth are ‘accepted in the Beloved.’ Ephesians 1:6. Before the heavenly angels and the representatives of unfallen worlds, they are declared justified. Where He is, there His church shall be. ‘Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.’ Psalm 85:10. The Father’s arms encircle His Son, and the word is given, ‘Let all the angels of God worship Him.’ Hebrews 1:6.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 832.
Wednesday
January 3
4. HEAVENLY ANGELS, GOD’S MINISTERS
a. What is the mission of God’s angels regarding believers? Hebrews 1:14.
“Divine ministration is needed to give power and efficiency to the church in this world. God’s family on earth, subject to temptations and trials, is very near His heart of love. He has ordained that communication be kept up between heavenly intelligences and His children on this earth. Angels from the courts above are sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation, those who as faithful warriors are partaking of Christ’s suffering. Christ is represented as dwelling in His people. They must be fed with meat in due season. Therefore a connection has been established between them and the church above. God cares for His human creation as a husbandman cares for a vineyard.”—The Signs of the Times, February 14, 1900.
b. What is promised to those who fear the Lord? Psalm 34:7.
“The principalities and powers of heaven are watching the warfare which, under apparently discouraging circumstances, God’s servants are carrying on. New conquests are being achieved, new honors won, as the Christians, rallying round the banner of their Redeemer, go forth to fight the good fight of faith. All the heavenly angels are at the service of the humble, believing people of God; and as the Lord’s army of workers here below sing their songs of praise, the choir above join with them in ascribing praise to God and to His Son.
“We need to understand better than we do the mission of the angels. It would be well to remember that every true child of God has the cooperation of heavenly beings. Invisible armies of light and power attend the meek and lowly ones who believe and claim the promises of God. Cherubim and seraphim, and angels that excel in strength, stand at God’s right hand, ‘all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.’ Hebrews 1:14.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 154.
“When you rise in the morning, do you feel your helplessness, and your need of strength from God? and do you humbly, heartily make known your wants to your heavenly Father? If so, angels mark your prayers, and if these prayers have not gone forth out of feigned lips, when you are in danger of unconsciously doing wrong, and exerting an influence which will lead others to do wrong, your guardian angel will be by your side, prompting you to a better course, choosing your words for you, and influencing your actions.”—Messages to Young People, p. 90.
Thursday
January 4
5. POWERFUL HEAVENLY WARRIORS
a. What challenge did Sennacherib, king of Assyria put to Hezekiah, king of Judah? Isaiah 36:1–8.
“Judah’s only hope was now in God. All possible help from Egypt had been cut off, and no other nations were near to lend a friendly hand.
“The Assyrian officers, sure of the strength of their disciplined forces, arranged for a conference with the chief men of Judah, during which they insolently demanded the surrender of the city. This demand was accompanied by blasphemous revilings against the God of the Hebrews. Because of the weakness and apostasy of Israel and Judah, the name of God was no longer feared among the nations, but had become a subject for continual reproach. See Isaiah 52:5.”—Prophets and Kings, p. 352.
b. When God’s people were threatened with destruction by the Assyrian army, where did Hezekiah seek help? Isaiah 37:1–5; 2 Chronicles 32:20.
c. How did the Lord answer the prayers of His children in this difficult time? 2 Kings 19:6, 7; Isaiah 37:6, 7.
“God answered the prayers of His servants. To Isaiah was given the message for Hezekiah: [2 Kings 19:6, 7 quoted].”—Ibid., p. 354.
d. How many angels did the Lord use to defeat the proud Assyrian king? Isaiah 37:36–38; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
“That very night deliverance came.”—Ibid., p. 361.
Friday
January 5
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Explain how the Creator in Heaven speaks to the human race on earth.
2. Name the significant differences between Christ and angels.
3. What is revealed about the relationship between the Father and Son?
4. Why should we be thankful for the holy angels?
5. What do we learn from the crisis faced by Hezekiah?