EGW Writings1 Corinthians 2

The Voice in Speech and Song

Chapter 56—Eternal Truth

VSS 323.1

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling” [1 Corinthians 2:1-3].

Ye Shall Receive Power

Keeping Total Dependency on God, June 24

YRP 184.1

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 1 Corinthians 2:1-3.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 26—Church Politics at Corinth

TT 144.1

During the year and a half that Paul spent in Corinth, he had purposely presented the gospel in its simplicity. “In demonstration of the Spirit and power” he had declared “the testimony of God,” that their “faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:4, 1, 5.

Manuscript Release No. 760

Introductory Note :

MR760 21.2

Last night I received instruction, as you will see when you read the enclosed copies. The warning is given, Hold fast to the past experience. [1 Corinthians 2:1-5 quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 52, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 52, 1908, par. 5

The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God.” [1 Corinthians 2:1-5.]

The Ministry of Healing

Chapter 14—Ministry to the Rich

MH 214.2

“I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.... My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.

The Voice in Speech and Song

Paul

VSS 371.3

Writing to the Corinthians of his work among them, he said: “I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.... My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.—The Ministry of Healing, 214, 215.

VSS 374.1

Gospel in Its Simplicity—During the year and a half that Paul had spent in Corinth, he had purposely presented the gospel in its simplicity. “Not with excellency of speech or of wisdom” had he come to the Corinthians; but with fear and trembling, and “in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,” had he declared “the testimony of God,” that their “faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1, 4, 5.

The Review and Herald

July 19, 1887

RH July 19, 1887, par. 1

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 40, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 40, 1906, par. 7

Last night I received instruction, as you will see when you read the enclosed copies. The warning is given, Hold fast to the past experience. “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” [1 Corinthians 2:1-5.] The power of God!—It is this that will bear the test of trial, breaking down opposition, melting away scientific reasoning, and bringing men and women to an appreciation of the truth that has kept us where we are, on a solid foundation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 31, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, par. 7

I am instructed that by pen and voice I must bear a straight, clear testimony, and that I must never call sin righteousness. The apostle declares, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” [1 Corinthians 2:1-5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 332, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 332, 1907, par. 4

The apostle Paul writes: “I brethren, when I came unto you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the fear of God.” [1 Corinthians 2:1-5.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]

MR No. 1145—Productivity of the Soil at Avondale; Workers for God Must Be Thoroughly Converted and Be One With Christ

15MR 58.4

The apostle Paul declared: [1 Corinthians 2:1-10, quoted].—Letter 350, 1907, 1-7.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 350, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 350, 1907, par. 21

“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor the princes of this world, which come to naught. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew; for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man, the things that God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things; yea, the deep things of God.” [1 Corinthians 2:1-10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 84, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 84, 1901, par. 8

The Apostle Paul could meet eloquence with eloquence, logic with logic; he could intelligently enter into all controversies. But was he satisfied with this worldly knowledge? He writes: “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” [1 Corinthians 2:1, 2.]

16LtMs, Ms 84, 1901, par. 11

“And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.” [Verse 3.] Paul was a very great teacher; yet he felt that without the Spirit of God working with him, all the education he had obtained would be of little account. We need to obtain this same experience; we need to be afraid of ourselves. All need individually to sit at the feet of Jesus, and listen to His words of instruction. Let us empty from the soul-temple all foolishness, pride, and folly, and invite Jesus to take possession of heart and soul and character. When we do this, there will be no pride of spirit; for we shall more fully appreciate how much more there is to be learned. “What shall I do, that I may inherit eternal life?” is a life-and-death question, a question which should be constantly before us. [Mark 10:17.]

16LtMs, Ms 84, 1901, par. 12

“And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect; yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” [1 Corinthians 2:4-8.]

16LtMs, Ms 84, 1901, par. 14

Put away all things like unbelief and infidelity. Press close to the bleeding side of Christ Jesus. Be willing to be partakers of Christ’s suffering, that you may be partakers with Him of His glory. There is a heaven to win. “God hath prepared for them that love him” a rich treasure, which we are enabled to receive by His Spirit. Let us cherish the Spirit of God. The Lord desires to have every one of us come into sacred relation with Him. If we do this, He will open before us the mysteries of the grace of God, as we read in the next verse: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” [Verse 9.] When Christ comes to take us home, we must take our minds with us, and our education should be of such a nature that we shall be fitted to compose the family of God.

16LtMs, Ms 84, 1901, par. 16

“But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” [Verse 10.] Like a lighted candle, the Spirit searches the hidden things of the heart which we must overcome, else we never shall see the kingdom of God.

16LtMs, Ms 84, 1901, par. 17

“For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” [Verses 11, 12.]

16LtMs, Ms 84, 1901, par. 22

Keep thinking of these things. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit.” [1 Corinthians 2:9, 10.] Be in a sensitive frame of mind, so that the Holy Spirit may impress upon the heart the rays of light which will come to you in any discourse that is preached, or in any advice that is given. In all your connection with your brethren and sisters in the church, be in such a receptive state that you can catch the spirit and influence that God wants you to have, that He may mold you and work through you. Do not try to work the Holy Spirit after your particular ideas, but allow the Holy Spirit to work and mold you.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 142, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 142, 1909, par. 9

From the light given me , there is a work to be done. “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-8. [Read also] verses 9-13.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 26—Apollos at Corinth

AA 270.3

During the year and a half that Paul had spent in Corinth, he had purposely presented the gospel in its simplicity. “Not with excellency of speech or of wisdom” had he come to the Corinthians; but with fear and trembling, and “in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,” had he declared “the testimony of God,” that their “faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1, 4, 5.

AA 271.1

Paul had necessarily adapted his manner of teaching to the condition of the church. “I, brethren could not speak unto you as unto spiritual,” he afterward explained to them, “but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.” 1 Corinthians 3:1, 2. Many of the Corinthian believers had been slow to learn the lessons that he was endeavoring to teach them. Their advancement in spiritual knowledge had not been proportionate to their privileges and opportunities. When they should have been far advanced in Christian experience, and able to comprehend and to practice the deeper truths of the word, they were standing where the disciples stood when Christ said to them, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.” John 16:12. Jealousy, evil surmising, and accusation had closed the hearts of many of the Corinthian believers against the full working of the Holy Spirit, which “searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:10. However wise they might be in worldly knowledge, they were but babes in the knowledge of Christ.

AA 271.2

It had been Paul’s work to instruct the Corinthian converts in the rudiments, the very alphabet, of the Christian faith. He had been obliged to instruct them as those who were ignorant of the operations of divine power upon the heart. At that time they were unable to comprehend the mysteries of salvation; for “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Verse 14. Paul had endeavored to sow the seed, which others must water. Those who followed him must carry forward the work from the point where he had left it, giving spiritual light and knowledge in due season, as the church was able to bear it.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

MR No. 666—Phrenology or the Power of God?

9MR 5.3

“Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” (1 Corinthians 1:20. See also verses 21-25, and 1 Corinthians 2:1). The apostle Paul could meet oratory with oratory, philosophy with philosophy. He could meet people on their own ground. Now he said, “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2. See also verses 3-10).

9MR 5.4

God alone can transform character. Jesus Christ came into our world to bring back through the mighty power of the cross of Calvary that which was lost. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:12, 13. See also verses 14-16.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 12, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 12, 1893, par. 20

God sent this poor man and brought the learned man to his knees and his position before God. (1 Corinthians 1:20): “Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” See also verses 21-25; also verses 26-31 [and] 1 Corinthians 2:1. The apostle Paul could meet oratory with oratory, philosophy with philosophy. He could meet people on their own ground. Now he says, “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2. [See] also verses 3-10.

8LtMs, Ms 12, 1893, par. 21

God alone can transform character. Jesus Christ came into our world to bring back through the mighty power of the cross of Calvary that which was lost. Verses 7, 8; verse 12. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:12, 13. See also verses 14-16.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]

MR No. 1446—Seek God’s Will; Distrust Self; Adopt Health Principles; Follow Christ in Self-denial and Sacrifice

20MR 107.1

I would call your attention to the following Scriptures. Study them; practice them. 1 Peter 2:2-4, 22-25; 2:7-12; Galatians 5:22-26; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 6:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 3:16-23; 1 Corinthians 2.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 56, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 56, 1893, par. 25

Please read with much prayer the first, second, and third chapters of 1 Corinthians.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 48, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 48, 1893, par. 51

The apostle Paul speaks thus concerning his own manner of labor: “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to naught: but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” [1 Corinthians 2:1-8.] Please read carefully this entire second chapter of First Corinthians.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 47, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 47, 1895, par. 52

The highest of all education is the knowledge of God. “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his wisdom: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exerciseth lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” [Jeremiah 9:23, 24.] Read the first and second chapters of 1 Corinthians with deep interest, and pray that God will give you understanding so that you may comprehend and put into practice the truths there revealed.

10LtMs, Lt 47, 1895, par. 77

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that ye may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” [1 Corinthians 2:12-16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 51a, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 51a, 1895, par. 27

My brother, I appeal to you as one who loves your soul. While mercy still lingers, fall on the Rock and be broken, that Jesus Christ may build you up into His own likeness. Please read and study carefully the second chapter of first Corinthians, and if your discernment is not wholly perverted, you will obtain a glimpse of your present condition. You will cease to lead other souls in false paths.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 10a, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 10a, 1895, par. 59

The highest of all education is the knowledge of God. “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which execute loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth: for in these things, I delight saith the Lord.” [Jeremiah 9:23, 24.] Read the first and second chapters of 1 Corinthians with deep interest, and pray that God will give you understanding so that you may comprehend and put into practice the truths there revealed.

10LtMs, Ms 10a, 1895, par. 85

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth: comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.” [1 Corinthians 2:12-16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 73, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, par. 14

I would call your attention to the following Scriptures. Study them; practice them. 1 Peter 2:2-4; 1:22-25; 2:7-12; Galatians 5:22-26; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 6:19, 20; 3:16-23; 1 Corinthians 2.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 81, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 81, 1897, par. 17

I call upon young men and women to seek for sincere conversion. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” God allows the cause to produce the effect. “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men.” [1 Corinthians 3:16-21.] Read carefully the second chapter of First Corinthians. Learn all that you possibly can. Allow nothing to direct your mind into wrong channels. If you do your best, that is all that the Lord requires.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 165, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 165, 1899, par. 39

In time, his motives are read even by worldly men, and he loses all by his selfishness. God will not serve with any man who links himself with worldlings or church members to secure influence. Influence must come in God’s way, or it is not of the least value. The wisdom of the wise is foolishness with God. “The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise that they are vain; therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours, ... and ye are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.” [1 Corinthians 3:20, 21, 23.] Please read the second chapter of First Corinthians.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 74, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 74, 1899, par. 1

The third chapter of First Corinthians should be read with careful and prayerful consideration by every church member. The first and second chapters of this epistle prepare the way for the third, and in this are lessons for every church in our world. The cause of their difficulties is plainly revealed.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 85, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 85, 1900, par. 17

You are full of ambitious projects for a class that will not, with scarcely an exception, be capable of honoring and glorying God. You have sunk your interests deeply in a work that will not properly represent the refined, elevated character of the truth. There should be no lessening of the zeal or fervor or energy shown in the work of saving souls ready to perish. But all the time and means are not to be consumed in one line of work, while the work for God’s vineyard as a whole is neglected. Thus disproportion is brought in, and the work is swayed in wrong lines. The work is not done according to the order of the Lord, as is represented in the first and second chapters of First Corinthians and the first chapter of Ephesians.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 67, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 67, 1900, par. 14

The first, second, and third chapters of First Corinthians contain instruction which is of the greatest importance to all who have entered the Lord’s army. After earnestly declaring that the reason [for] the weakness of the church was the envy and strife cherished by the members, Paul points with pain to the result of their course. “Are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” he asks. “For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?” Does not this condemn withdrawing from some, for no reason but that which exists in the imagination, and binding up with others? “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos?” the apostle asks, “but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man. I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth, but God that giveth the increase.” [1 Corinthians 3:3-7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 2, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 2, 1901, par. 6

I spoke from the second chapter of first Corinthians. This chapter had been impressed upon me with great power, and I presented it verse by verse. I felt deeply in earnest. I longed to see the members of the church doing the work the Lord has made it possible for them to do if they will take hold of His strength and make peace with Him. He gave His life that they might be sanctified through the truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 70, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 70, 1901, par. 1

There is a special work to be done at this time. Please read and study carefully the first, second, and third chapters of First Corinthians. I present these chapters as of great importance. The Lord desires His people to understand and practice the instruction they contain.

16LtMs, Ms 70, 1901, par. 6

A banquet has been prepared for us. The Lord has spread before us the treasures of His Word. But we must not come to the repast clothed in citizen’s dress. We must have on the white robe of Christ’s righteousness, which has been prepared for all the guests. But the spirit of the world is carnal. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them; because they are spiritually discerned.” [1 Corinthians 2:14.] The more spiritual knowledge one has, the better able is he to distinguish between good and evil.

16LtMs, Ms 70, 1901, par. 12

“I was with you in weakness and fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit, we speak wisdom among them that are perfect; yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought; but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory; which none of the princes of this world knew; for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” [1 Corinthians 2:3-10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 80, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 80, 1902, par. 1

I have read your last letter to me, and the copy of your letter to Brother Shireman. I hope that Brother Shireman will listen to the counsel of his brethren. This will be his safety and his strength. The Lord has not qualified any one of us to bear the burden of the work alone. He has associated together men of different minds, that they may counsel with and assist one another. In this way the deficiency in the experience and the abilities of one is supplied by the experience and the abilities of another. We should all study carefully the instruction given in Corinthians and Ephesians regarding our relation to one another as members of the body of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 93, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 93, 1903, par. 13

Read the second chapter of First Corinthians and see that none of us, men or women, are reproved for our unsanctified preferences. How much is expressed in verses 1-10! Wonderful words! and so large with possibilities and hope! Will we by faith grasp these statements that are for our benefit? “And I, brethren, when I came before you, I came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear, and in much trembling.” [Verses 1-3.] There was a sanctified humility in the labors of Paul. There was a continual fear lest at any time he should prove unfaithful and manifest imperfections that would not reveal the real power of the Word, and thus the truth be dishonored and the Holy Spirit grieved. Rightly to divide the words of truth requires the science of salvation in the righteousness of Christ.

18LtMs, Ms 93, 1903, par. 14

Paul’s fear and trembling is thus interpreted: “And my speech and my preaching were not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” [Verses 4, 5.] Paul was not deficient in eloquence, and oft he repressed the inclination to impress the people with his eloquence. The illumination of the soul needed the life of the Spirit of God. “Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect; yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world that come to naught; but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew; for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed it unto us by His Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” [Verses 6-10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 150, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 150, 1904, par. 15

Let all who are engaged in the various branches of the work of God study the first and second chapters of First Corinthians. Paul says: “I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect; yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. ...

19LtMs, Ms 150, 1904, par. 16

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:3-16.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 141, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 141, 1904, par. 2

Thank the Lord this morning I have had better rest and sleep the past night, Thursday, than several nights past. I praise the Lord for His great goodness and mercy to me. I open to 1 Corinthians this morning. In this is a lesson for every household and every church. May the words of the apostle encourage us to meet and be thankful that it is our privilege to place ourselves in right relation to God. The letter written by the great apostle Paul comes down the line to our time.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 46, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 46, 1905, par. 14

In the second chapter of First Corinthians, Paul writes of his labors in the ministry:

20LtMs, Ms 46, 1905, par. 15

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” [Verses 1-5.]

20LtMs, Ms 46, 1905, par. 17

“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden mystery, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” [Verses 6-10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 280, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 280, 1906, par. 24

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.” [1 Corinthians 2:1-16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 170, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 170, 1906, par. 12

Read the second chapter of First Corinthians, and notice carefully how Paul uses the words “I,” “we,” and “us.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 143, 1906

Oakland, California

September 1, 1906

Previously unpublished. Incomplete.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 1

1 Corinthians 2:1 quoted. Let us mark every word of this, because we need it.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 2

Verse 2 quoted. What do we make of that verse? It is that of ourselves, we are not to be easily disturbed with outside considerations, things that may happen unto us—to consider that we are having a hard time; but we are to stand in the wisdom of God, whatever our calling, whatever our work may be; we are to bear the living testimony that it is through Christ Jesus, who was crucified for us. We will be ashamed then to get into a quarrel with anybody, we will be ashamed to spend our precious time with picking up little tidbits, of this and that and the other, that we can find fault with. Because if we do this, we do not remember Jesus Christ, that He was crucified for us individually; and we have an individual work, we have an important work, we have a work that we must do for our individual selves through the excellency of Jesus Christ which He has presented before us in His own matchless character.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 3

Verse 3 quoted. Why? Why was there all this fear and trembling? It was that he was afraid that he should not strike the very note that he ought to strike in the hearts of those whom he wanted to encourage and comfort. There was where his fear came in.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 4

Verse 4 quoted. Paul was not trying to make a great flourish of something to exalt himself. We do not need it. If we are indeed the followers of Jesus Christ, we have the greatest work to perform. We hang our helpless souls upon the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour. When we make Christ our helper, make Christ our dependence, will He fail us? Never, never, my brethren and sisters.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 5

O, if I did not believe this I should not have been alive today. But I took my cross, as it was presented to me in my very girlhood, to present the truth before those who knew it not. And what was that truth? It was the merits of the blood of Jesus Christ.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 6

And now our work is to be very humble. O there are so many that lose so much; they swell unto such large proportions, and swelling as they do, enlarging themselves, they lose that power that they might have if they would let Christ work upon heart and character; then they could reveal that Christ who works in them.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 7

Paul says, verse 4, quoted. There is a power for us. Verse 5 quoted. We need not feel that we must have all that education of words. God can give us words.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 8

I was 16 years old when I took my pen, to commence to write. Why did I delay so long? Because of this accident, my nerves were ruined by a careless throw of a stone to frighten me. It caused me all the suffering of a lifetime. But when I pleaded with God, when I entreated Him to take me as a helpless child and to give me of His Spirit, and I would bear anything, the Lord took me off in a vision and showed me Christ—merciful, full of kindness, full of tenderness, full of love. One look prostrated me, but O, that has been enough for a lifetime. There is nothing, no inducement, no attraction, nothing at all that can come in, that can separate Christ from my soul. I love Him, I love Him with my whole heart. Why? Well, why shouldn’t I? He revealed Himself to me as my Saviour; and since that time, I have in every emergency hung my helpless soul upon Jesus Christ.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 9

And when, through manifold visions, the great work of salvation has been spread open to me, and the part that I must act in it, it seemed impossible. But the work given to me with that trembling hand—for the nervous system seemed to be destroyed after the accident—was: Write the things that I shall give thee. “Why,” I said, “I cannot write. I have not been to school, not a day since I was 12 years old, and I cannot write.” “Write the things that I shall give thee.”

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 10

Well, there I had had my monitor. And who do you think was placed as my monitor but the very one that cast that stone when I was trying to get an education, and had to leave the school; my writing was under her. She knew what she had done to me, and she would try to guide my hand, but I could not write. The tears would come to her eyes, and the perspiration to her face, and she would cry. “No use.” Therefore I gave up school.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 11

But I took in answering any points, “Write the things that I shall show thee.” And I took pen and paper, and I traced just as easily, and wrote an even hand, and the blessing of God rested upon me. Little did I think that that was to reach until I was 78 years old; that work of writing volume after volume, and volume after volume, that has passed all through our world. I have been writing the things that He gave me. And there was a helpless, unlearned child. Why have I not reason to praise Him? Have I not reason to glorify our God? I have, and I magnify His holy name!

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 12

Verses 6-10 quoted. Now we want to come right to the simplicity of true godliness. Do we know Him by an experimental knowledge? Do we understand Him, that we can take Him at His word? O, that the Spirit and power of God might open blind eyes of understanding, that they might see Him.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 13

Here Christ so loved the world that He made His pledge in regard to the creation of men, that if they failed He would give His life to redeem them. And “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not,”—that “not” is worth everything to us,—“should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] O I am so glad that we have had such a value put upon us individually. Individually—we must understand that a value is put upon us individually. What did Christ do in order to save us? He laid off His royal crown, He laid off His kingly robe, and He clothed His divinity with humanity. Just think of it! He came to our world as a little child. There He came as a babe in Bethlehem—no place. Who was He? Why, “Unto us a child is born—Prince of Peace.” [Isaiah 9:6.] Don’t you want Him? Will you be so careful, for fear that you will not be exalted here in this life, that you run the risk of losing life everlasting?

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 14

Give your life to Jesus Christ, just as you are, to be a partaker with Him of His suffering. And when you are opposed and misjudged, do not make a fuss about it. Remember Christ bore it for you. And so He stood with divinity clothed with humanity, and gave an example to the whole world, that God would protect and keep by His love and power every soul that would take hold of His strength and make peace with Him. This is the very work every one of us wants.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 15

We want heaven. What is this world good for, with all its uncertainties and its pain and its sufferings and its calamities? Tell me what this world is good for, if we have no prospect for a better life than this.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 16

Well then, what are we to do? We are to consider the humanity of Christ, who was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. And if we will learn of Him, what then? Humanity takes hold of divinity, and humanity escapes the corruption that is in the world through lust. And every victory that is gained, O what joy there is in heaven, to testify that humanity can, through partaking of divinity, be obedient to all God’s requirements—that is what it means—and escape the corruptions.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 17

O, the world is so corrupt. It need not be. Christ embraced the whole of humanity. He wants to clothe you with the robe of His righteousness. That is why He laid off His kingly robe and came in the guise of humanity, that He might be an example to all humanity that should live upon the face of the earth.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 18

O, as I have been writing so many years upon these subjects, they are never exhausted; I have just as much more to write. And as I begin to write, there is a word, perhaps, I want to put right in that place—just what it is I cannot immediately grasp. Soon it opens up as plain as day, and what it means. O how grateful I am! I lay down my pen, and I thank God that I will and can be worked by the Holy Spirit of God, that He gives me wisdom.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 19

Now, I do not know what experiences we may have to come to in our world, if we will only escape the corruption that is in the world through lust, by taking hold and being partakers of the divine nature. That is what we need. You never will be lonesome; you never will be homesick. Why? Angels of God are around us. And we should be so grateful, so full of thankfulness, that the whole angelic host is interested in our welfare. We are not left alone to struggle on to be an overcomer in our own strength. The heavenly angels are watching to see our minds turning toward the heavenly, and then they have the perfect power to take charge of that mind.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 20

But men must act. Man has a work to do for himself, and we must do our work. We must have the simplicity of Jesus Christ. All this faultfinding, all this perceiving of others’ wrongs that are in the church, it hurts my soul. It hurts my heart, and I feel as though I should die as I think of it. When that soul might be looking to be a partaker of the divine nature, he is looking at somebody else’s wrong, to cover up his own. Now God help us that we may walk humbly with Him. We want to be a partaker of the divine nature. And I feel so grateful to God that He will work out for us such wondrous things. I have seen it, and I know it, and He will work for us, if we will only get ourselves out of the way and give Christ a chance. But we are holding on to ourselves. We want this, we want that, and we want the other. Why, God can do wondrously for us; and He wants us to come right to Him, just as we are—needy.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 21

“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them to us by His Spirit. For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” [1 Corinthians 2:9, 10.] Then let us, for Christ’s sake, take right hold, and be determined that we will be partakers of the divine nature; and if we will do this, we shall realize the expectation in Second Peter, the first chapter. Here we have verses 1 and 2 quoted. We want to know Him by an experimental knowledge.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 22

Verses 3, 4 quoted. Now you are not to stop at any place—there is no hitching post. Now He has given us a sum in addition: Verses 5-8 quoted. O that we could hold to that! That we had the experimental knowledge of Jesus Christ; that His life was our pattern. He lived as we should live. He came as our example, from His childhood up; and at 12 years of age, He began to give them to understand that He knew His work and what was before Him.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 23

Then they lost Him. His parents could not find Him. When they returned home, they were visiting and they forgot about the Saviour; and when they came to look for Him, He was not to be found. Then they went back. Three days they were searching for Christ, and at last His mother caught the words—His voice she understood it—and He was in the temple sitting among the doctors, listening to them and asking them questions. Now, what kind of questions was He asking them? Right in regard to the very promises that centered in Himself.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 24

His mother came in grief, and she said: “Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing, why have Ye done thus with us?” He reached up His hand to heaven, while divinity flashed through humanity: “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” [Luke 2:48, 49.] And yet He went home and was subject unto them.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 25

Now we have the revelations that God gave, even to children; and if fathers and if mothers could only realize, and educate their children to live upon this plan of addition from their very childhood, what families we might have—a church in every family. The father is the house-band of the family circle; the mother is the queen and educator of these children that are under her care; not a slave to educate these children; but she is to be just as tender and careful and true to teach these children how to bear the responsibilities of childhood from their earliest years. Why? Because a life, a life of wrestling, of trial, and of victory is before them.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 26

Therefore she must educate line upon line, and precept upon precept, not to see how beautifully they can be dressed, and how they can look to excite praise, and wear out her life in that kind of work, but teach them how to lay right hold upon the things that are of value, that they may be clothed with humility and meekness, and be fitted to take their position in the family circle—the older members of the family to take care of the younger members; and thus the education, just like a church, goes on in the family. And what next? Then she is prepared that these children shall, as they are educated in the Word of God, come into church fellowship, be baptized, and there is a whole family that is where? Taking hold of the divine nature. How many fathers educate about that divine nature? Partakers of the divine nature—think of it, and talk of it.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 27

But here is a knowledge that is presented: temperance, patience, godliness; and as we work in families on the plan of addition, to add to our own faith by faithfulness at home, by patience, by self-denial of our appetites—no liquor, no tobacco, nothing of this kind to come into our house, to keep all these narcotics away. There is little enough of us, but we want to keep what brain we have; we want to keep its strength; we want to keep the nerve power; we want to keep the nerves under control, that we will not smite our children unmercifully if they do not come right into line. There is another way. It is to pray with them; it is to talk with them. If punishment is needed, let the children see that you are punished more than they, that tears are in your eyes, that you hate to punish the flesh. This work, there is but very little of it done in our world. What an accountability fathers and mothers must meet in the judgment!

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 28

Now, it is stated here just as distinctly, that if we work on the plan of addition, Christ will work. “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” [2 Peter 1:2.] Now, the more we try for knowledge, the more that knowledge will be multiplied, and you will see that there will be a learning and an education and a solidity of character and of wisdom that God imparts unto the man, so that he shall be a useful man in every line. But man destroys himself, by taking liquor and other things that lessen his vitality.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 29

That is why we have to build sanitariums, we have to build institutes. The Lord has presented to me that there should be sanitariums all through our world, and school buildings and churches.

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 30

Where are the laborers? Where are they? An education must be given in the very household converted to God. Then we could take hold of the work. But what about all this that is being gained?

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 31

Verse 5 quoted. “charity.” [Verse 7.] What kind of households would you have, if you cultivated these graces?

21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 32

Verse 8 quoted. That knowledge is imparted to you, if you will live on the plan of addition.

[Remainder missing.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 128, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, par. 1

On Sabbath day, Elder Haskell spoke to our people in the old Oakland church building, which was mercifully spared us. Sister Haskell spoke to a company assembled at Alameda. Brother Dores Robinson spoke to the Berkeley church. In the afternoon I filled an appointment in Oakland. We had a large, commodious meeting room, which was well filled. I brought before the hearers lessons from the First Epistle to the Corinthians.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 73, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 73, 1907, par. 12

We would do well to study carefully the first and second chapters of First Corinthians. “We preach Christ crucified,” the apostle declared, “unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but to them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:23-2:8, 16.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 157, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 157, 1907, par. 15

The light given me is decided that a president of a conference should have less confidence in his own judgment than your president you have chosen has in his experience. He cannot serve you correctly until he has a deeper experience in dealing with human minds. He must learn lessons of the great Teacher. When he understands himself better as a man, he will be surprised that he should be chosen as president of a conference. To every man God has given his work. It is the work of the Lord entrusted to man. Our brother has not the qualifications essential to carry through the work intelligently. He will be master over men of long experience, but he will not suppose but that all suggestions he may make are to be carried out after his devisings. He needs himself to be under discipline to God. There are lessons to be learned as to what constitutes the work of a president of a conference. The traits of character, the self-sufficiency in the man, is of such breadth that he would not be satisfied unless every man carried out his ideas and plans. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. 1 Corinthians, chapters 1 and 2. Every teacher in every line of work needs to understand these chapters. The president of your conference has expressed in his character a domineering capability that would interfere with the various positions of the Lord’s appointed workers as though he were enough to teach the whole conference in their various positions to follow his suggestions. Brother Cottrell will act in position of president a far more essential part with one to act with him; but it cannot be Brother Reaser, for he would take everything out of his hands to do after his ideas. Let a man be chosen to stand with Elder Cottrell.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 129, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 129, 1907, par. 1

On Sabbath day, Elder Haskell spoke to our people in the old Oakland church building, which was mercifully spared us. Sister Haskell spoke to a company assembled at Alameda. Brother Dores Robinson spoke to the Berkeley church. In the afternoon I filled an appointment in Oakland. We had a large, commodious meeting room, which was well filled. I brought before the hearers lessons from the first epistle to the Corinthians.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 266, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 266, 1907, par. 6

I am so thankful that we have a faith that will stand the test of trial and opposition. As trouble in the world increases, the Lord’s children will have to suffer; but the Word of God affords comfort and encouragement for such a time. Read the first and second chapters of First Corinthians; there are precious assurances here for the child of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 111, 1909

Lodi, California

November 6, 1909

Previously unpublished.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 1

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-13.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 2

“Comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” [Verse 13.] Now this requires that we make a study of the Word.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 3

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Verse 14. We must have a spiritual knowledge, a spiritual experience in order to be in a position to face the future, to meet opposition, and finally to be transferred to the future life—if alive, to be changed; if in the grave, to be brought up from the grave.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 4

Now here are things that relate to our eternal interest, and we want to understand them. We do not want to make any mistake here. We cannot afford to make mistakes now. We never could afford it, but we can afford it less now. We are facing eternal realities. We are fitting for the kingdom. We are preparing for a future, eternal life. We are getting ready that we may see the King in His beauty, and we want now to make the very best of our opportunities to prepare for that kingdom. We want to make every effort to understand what is the will of God concerning you and me. Each one wants to know whether he is in a condition to be transferred to the future, immortal life. Are we prepared to stand the trials of these last days? Are we making that preparation? Are we keeping our eye fixed upon the Author and Finisher of our faith?

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 5

Now we want to make the preparation. We want, every one of us, to be in a right position before God. In your families you want to be ready. Your children—they want to be fitting up for the coming of God. You want to see what missionary work you can do around you. If Christ be in you the hope of glory, you will reveal that fact to all around you. If we are preparing ourselves and our families to stand the test that is just before us, we want to know that we have the preparation, that we shall not fall behind. We want to get ready; for He that is to come will come, and will not tarry.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 6

We want to ask every one, when you shall go to your homes, to read this second chapter of First Corinthians. Now I will read some of the third:

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 7

“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:1. Paul could not speak to the Corinthians as if they were in the advanced state, because they had not been laboring to place themselves in right relation to truth, to obtain a right experience that would bring them in close connection with God. We want to learn all that we should learn. It is high time that we trim our lamps, that we be all ready with the oil of grace in our hearts, that we not be taking a nap, as is represented of the ten virgins, five of whom were wise and five foolish. We cannot be of the foolish order. We must be where we can recognize Christ, where we can understand His will concerning us, that we shall fear to offend God. We want to stand in that position where we know that we shall have a right to the tree of life. Why will we have a right to the tree of life? Because we have eaten of the bread of life here. We have been fed with the heavenly manna from the Word, we have searched its pages, and we know what it says.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 8

We do not want to be in the position of babes in Christ. We have grown up in the truth, many of us, and we want to stand in a right relation to God, where we can discern what we need and lay hold upon it.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 9

“I have fed you with milk, and not with meat; for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.” Verse 2. Shall this be said of us? Shall we let earthly things, temporal things, and the things that are outside of our eternal interest absorb so much of our time and attention that we shall not have the preparation that is essential for us, that Christ may reveal Himself to us day by day? Why will He reveal Himself to us? Because we are seeking Him. He gave His life for us (John 3:16). Now face the subject; keep it in the mind; carry it with you when you go home: We are preparing to be translated.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 10

The wickedness that is in our cities, it is impossible for you who are not living there to comprehend. What we want are the benefits that come from serving God. What we want daily is the Bread of Life. What we want is to behold that we may become changed into His likeness, into His image. How do we behold Him? By reading of Him out of His Word, and then dwelling upon the traits of His character, and what His words mean. We ought to understand them, every one of us.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 11

“For ye are yet carnal: For whereas there is among you envying,”—oh, what a miserable trait that is—“and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” [1 Corinthians 3] Verse 3. We won’t have any of that—“strife, and divisions.” We won’t allow it. We will come right in unison with Christ, and we will reprove anything of this deleterious order.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 12

“For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?” Verse 4. Showing your preference to men, and leaning upon them as though your eternal life depended upon them, will not do.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 13

“Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” Verses 5, 6. It is God that is the backing of it all. It is His power that makes us. If we are sincere and earnest, and feel determined to believe the truth, then we shall have the truth in rich measure.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 14

The angels of God are watching. They see every action; they hear every word, every testimony, every prayer; anywhere in any meeting, or wherever you may be, the Lord and His angels are there. He is in this meeting this morning, and we want to be in a position where we shall glorify God.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 15

“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.” Verses 7, 8. “God that giveth the increase.” It is God that is to make the application of it all.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 16

“Every man shall receive his own reward.” [Verse 8.] Now here is a lesson you need not go to any of your neighbors to find out. Bear in mind that just according to the interest that you take in religious things you will be enlightened continually. Why? Because the angels of God are around about you to make the impression. Your individual course, your untiring efforts, your earnest prayer, your devotion to seek God—it is these which will give you spiritual understanding to know the truth when it is proclaimed. Each one has to know for himself where he stands.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 17

“For we are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” Verse 9. We all labor together. We are laborers together with God. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” Now let us take this into consideration.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 18

Watch in your family. Don’t speak a cross word. Don’t raise the ire of your children when you should not, because this will not reform them. Take them aside and converse with them and pray with them, and read the Scriptures to them. What a work is this! This is what you want to do. Take time for it. You may say, My farm. Yes, but cannot God bless your farm better if you have a united family, to speak the same things, to work the same order? And will not the Lord let His rich grace rest upon you in wisdom and righteousness?

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 19

God is working all the time to build up your character. God is working continually to take everything out of your character that will hinder you from having a firm understanding of the Scriptures, from knowing what is required of you, that you may be prepared, when the temptations of the enemy come, to resist them in the name of the Lord God of Israel.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 20

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.” Verse 10. “Wise masterbuilder.” God will teach the master builder, if he will understand that he is co-operating with God, and God is co-operating with him. “I have laid the foundation.” Don’t go and get up some fallacy, and think that that means more than all the church profession, and you want to bring in your fallacy. No; that has been done too many times in our midst. We cannot build upon another man’s foundation. We have got to have a foundation of our own, a peculiarity of character that binds us up with the God of Israel.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 21

“Let every man take heed how he buildeth.” [Verse 10.] That is what is required of us. We want heaven, and we are too near the ending of this earth’s history to fail now. We must have heaven, or we will lose everything.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 22

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” Verses 11-13. Christ is to be the hope of our calling. Now what is the fire? It is the fire of Satan’s temptations, and he lays a snare for the feet of this one and that one and the other one. If you yield to temptation, then you have lost the battle.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 23

“If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.” Verse 14. Thank the Lord.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 24

“If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” Verses 15-17. When you get up in the morning and things do not go just exactly as you want, have you just stepped aside into a room and prayed to the Lord to give you His Spirit? Have you received orders from above? What we want is a living, active, working faith; and if we have this, then we shall grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 25

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God?” [Verse 16.] Now remember that. He gives you words, He gives you courage, He builds you up. He is doing a great deal more to perfect your character than you have any idea of, that you shall not lose eternal life by your carelessness or your foolishness, or entering into things that you have no business with.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 26

“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.” Verse 18. That is, let him be called a fool by the world. Let him be willing to be called foolish. There will be a good many tell you that you are a fool if you do this or that, but when it is the right thing to do, let no man deceive himself.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 27

“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” Verses 19-23.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 28

Now here is the work before us. I have read the second chapter, and I have read the third chapter, and I want you, when you go home, to think these things over, because there are a great many of us who think they are prepared for the Lord’s coming, but they are not. No, they are not. If you will just make an application of these chapters, God will help you to understand them.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 29

Now I did not expect to dwell on this at all here this morning, but I just opened the Bible, and there it was. I had planned something else, but I will take that something else some other time, and this is enough for you to think of now. And I want every one of you, if you want to bear any testimony here, to bear testimony, and every one be gaining something while you are here. Bear your testimony in the name of the Lord God, and seek in every way you can to separate from you all hindrances, and to know the will of God, and then travel in that pathway and see what it will do for you. You will be free men. You will be all light in the Lord.

24LtMs, Ms 111, 1909, par. 30

I want that you should have an opportunity to speak in this meeting, for every one of us is to confess Christ. Every one of us is to acknowledge his experience, and every one of us is to make his way out of darkness into His marvelous light. God help you at this time.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 29—A Message of Warning and Entreaty

AA 298.1

The first epistle to the Corinthian church was written by the apostle Paul during the latter part of his stay at Ephesus. For no others had he felt a deeper interest or put forth more untiring effort than for the believers in Corinth. For a year and a half he had labored among them, pointing them to a crucified and risen Saviour as the only means of salvation, and urging them to rely implicitly on the transforming power of His grace. Before accepting into church fellowship those who made a profession of Christianity, he had been careful to give them special instruction as to the privileges and duties of the Christian believer, and he had earnestly endeavored to help them to be faithful to their baptismal vows.

AA 298.2

Paul had a keen sense of the conflict which every soul must wage with the agencies of evil that are continually seeking to deceive and ensnare, and he had worked untiringly to strengthen and confirm those who were young in the faith. He had entreated them to make an entire surrender to God; for he knew that when the soul fails to make this surrender, then sin is not forsaken, the appetites and passions still strive for the mastery, and temptations confuse the conscience.

AA 299.1

The surrender must be complete. Every weak, doubting, struggling soul who yields fully to the Lord is placed in direct touch with agencies that enable him to overcome. Heaven is near to him, and he has the support and help of angels of mercy in every time of trial and need.

AA 299.2

The members of the church at Corinth were surrounded by idolatry and sensuality of the most alluring form. While the apostle was with them, these influences had but little power over them. Paul’s firm faith, his fervent prayers and earnest words of instruction, and, above all, his godly life had helped them to deny self for Christ’s sake rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin.

AA 299.3

After the departure of Paul, however, unfavorable conditions arose; tares that had been sown by the enemy appeared among the wheat, and erelong these began to bring forth their evil fruit. This was a time of severe trial to the Corinthian church. The apostle was no longer with them to quicken their zeal and aid them in their endeavors to live in harmony with God, and little by little many became careless and indifferent, and allowed natural tastes and inclinations to control them. He who had so often urged them to high ideals of purity and uprightness was no longer with them, and not a few who, at the time of their conversion, had put away their evil habits, returned to the debasing sins of heathenism.

AA 300.1

Paul had written briefly to the church, admonishing them “not to company” with members who should persist in profligacy; but many of the believers perverted the apostle’s meaning, quibbled over his words, and excused themselves for disregarding his instruction.

AA 300.2

A letter was sent to Paul by the church, asking for counsel concerning various matters, but saying nothing of the grievous sins existing among them. The apostle was, however, forcibly impressed by the Holy Spirit that the true state of the church had been concealed and that this letter was an attempt to draw from him statements which the writers could construe to serve their own purposes.

AA 300.3

About this time there came to Ephesus members of the household of Chloe, a Christian family of high repute in Corinth. Paul asked them regarding the condition of things, and they told him that the church was rent by divisions. The dissensions that had prevailed at the time of Apollos’s visit had greatly increased. False teachers were leading the members to despise the instructions of Paul. The doctrines and ordinances of the gospel had been perverted. Pride, idolatry, and sensualism, were steadily increasing among those who had once been zealous in the Christian life.

AA 300.4

As this picture was presented before him, Paul saw that his worst fears were more than realized. But he did not because of this give way to the thought that his work had been a failure. With “anguish of heart” and with “many tears” he sought counsel from God. Gladly would he have visited Corinth at once, had this been the wisest course to pursue. But he knew that in their present condition the believers would not profit by his labors, and therefore he sent Titus to prepare the way for a visit from himself later on. Then, putting aside all personal feelings over the course of those whose conduct revealed such strange perverseness, and keeping his soul stayed upon God, the apostle wrote to the church at Corinth one of the richest, most instructive, most powerful of all his letters.

AA 301.1

With remarkable clearness he proceeded to answer the various questions brought forward by the church, and to lay down general principles, which, if heeded, would lead them to a higher spiritual plane. They were in peril, and he could not bear the thought of failing at this critical time to reach their hearts. Faithfully he warned them of their dangers and reproved them for their sins. He pointed them again to Christ and sought to kindle anew the fervor of their early devotion.

AA 301.2

The apostle’s great love for the Corinthian believers was revealed in his tender greeting to the church. He referred to their experience in turning from idolatry to the worship and service of the true God. He reminded them of the gifts of the Holy Spirit which they had received, and showed that it was their privilege to make continual advancement in the Christian life until they should attain to the purity and holiness of Christ. “In everything ye are enriched by Him,” he wrote, “in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

AA 302.1

Paul spoke plainly of the dissensions that had arisen in the Corinthian church, and exhorted the members to cease from strife. “I beseech you, brethren,” he wrote, “by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

AA 302.2

The apostle felt at liberty to mention how and by whom he had been informed of the divisions in the church. “It hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.”

AA 302.3

Paul was an inspired apostle. The truths he taught to others he had received “by revelation;” yet the Lord did not directly reveal to him at all times just the condition of His people. In this instance those who were interested in the prosperity of the church at Corinth, and who had seen evils creeping in, had presented the matter before the apostle, and from divine revelations which he had formerly received he was prepared to judge of the character of these developments. Notwithstanding the fact that the Lord did not give him a new revelation for that special time, those who were really seeking for light accepted his message as expressing the mind of Christ. The Lord had shown him the difficulties and dangers which would arise in the churches, and, as these evils developed, the apostle recognized their significance. He had been set for the defense of the church. He was to watch for souls as one who must render account to God, and was it not consistent and right for him to take notice of the reports concerning the anarchy and divisions among them? Most assuredly; and the reproof he sent them was as certainly written under the inspiration of the Spirit of God as were any of his other epistles.

AA 303.1

The apostle made no mention of the false teachers who were seeking to destroy the fruit of his labor. Because of the darkness and division in the church, he wisely forbore to irritate them by such references, for fear of turning some entirely from the truth. He called attention to his own work among them as that of “a wise master builder,” who had laid the foundation upon which others had built. But he did not thereby exalt himself; for he declared, “We are laborers together with God.” He claimed no wisdom of his own, but acknowledged that divine power alone had enabled him to present the truth in a manner pleasing to God. United with Christ, the greatest of all teachers, Paul had been enabled to communicate lessons of divine wisdom, which met the necessities of all classes, and which were to apply at all times, in all places, and under all conditions.

AA 303.2

Among the more serious of the evils that had developed among the Corinthian believers, was that of a return to many of the debasing customs of heathenism. One former convert had so far backslidden that his licentious course was a violation of even the low standard of morality held by the Gentile world. The apostle pleaded with the church to put away from among them “that wicked person.” “Know ye not,” he admonished them, “that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened.”

AA 304.1

Another grave evil that had arisen in the church was that of brethren going to law against one another. Abundant provision had been made for the settlement of difficulties among believers. Christ Himself had given plain instruction as to how such matters were to be adjusted. “If thy brother shall trespass against thee,” the Saviour had counseled, “go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 18:15-18.

AA 304.2

To the Corinthian believers who had lost sight of this plain counsel, Paul wrote in no uncertain terms of admonition and rebuke. “Dare any of you,” he asked, “having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? ... Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?”

AA 305.1

Satan is constantly seeking to introduce distrust, alienation, and malice among God’s people. We shall often be tempted to feel that our rights are invaded, even when there is no real cause for such feelings. Those whose love for self is stronger than their love for Christ and His cause will place their own interests first and will resort to almost any expedient to guard and maintain them. Even many who appear to be conscientious Christians are hindered by pride and self-esteem from going privately to those whom they think in error, that they may talk with them in the spirit of Christ and pray together for one another. When they think themselves injured by their brethren, some will even go to law instead of following the Saviour’s rule.

AA 305.2

Christians should not appeal to civil tribunals to settle differences that may arise among church members. Such differences should be settled among themselves, or by the church, in harmony with Christ’s instruction. Even though injustice may have been done, the follower of the meek and lowly Jesus will suffer himself “to be defrauded” rather than open before the world the sins of his brethren in the church.

AA 306.1

Lawsuits between brethren are a reproach to the cause of truth. Christians who go to law with one another expose the church to the ridicule of her enemies and cause the powers of darkness to triumph. They are wounding Christ afresh and putting Him to open shame. By ignoring the authority of the church, they show contempt for God, who gave to the church its authority.

AA 306.2

In this letter to the Corinthians Paul endeavored to show them Christ’s power to keep them from evil. He knew that if they would comply with the conditions laid down, they would be strong in the strength of the Mighty One. As a means of helping them to break away from the thralldom of sin and to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord, Paul urged upon them the claims of Him to whom they had dedicated their lives at the time of their conversion. “Ye are Christ’s,” he declared. “Ye are not your own.... Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

AA 306.3

The apostle plainly outlined the result of turning from a life of purity and holiness to the corrupt practices of heathenism. “Be not deceived,” he wrote; “neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, ... nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” He begged them to control the lower passions and appetites. “Know ye not,” he asked, “that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God?”

AA 307.1

While Paul possessed high intellectual endowments, his life revealed the power of a rarer wisdom, which gave him quickness of insight and sympathy of heart, and brought him into close touch with others, enabling him to arouse their better nature and inspire them to strive for a higher life. His heart was filled with an earnest love for the Corinthian believers. He longed to see them revealing an inward piety that would fortify them against temptation. He knew that at every step in the Christian pathway they would be opposed by the synagogue of Satan and that they would have to engage in conflicts daily. They would have to guard against the stealthy approach of the enemy, forcing back old habits and natural inclinations, and ever watching unto prayer. Paul knew that the higher Christian attainments can be reached only through much prayer and constant watchfulness, and this he tried to instill into their minds. But he knew also that in Christ crucified they were offered power sufficient to convert the soul and divinely adapted to enable them to resist all temptations to evil. With faith in God as their armor, and with His word as their weapon of warfare, they would be supplied with an inner power that would enable them to turn aside the attacks of the enemy.

AA 307.2

The Corinthian believers needed a deeper experience in the things of God. They did not know fully what it meant to behold His glory and to be changed from character to character. They had seen but the first rays of the early dawn of that glory. Paul’s desire for them was that they might be filled with all the fullness of God, following on to know Him whose going forth is prepared as the morning, and continuing to learn of Him until they should come into the full noontide of a perfect gospel faith.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 172, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 172, 1909, par. 16

I will now close this letter, asking you to study the second chapter of First Corinthians:

24LtMs, Lt 172, 1909, par. 17

“We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” [Verses 7-10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 58, 1911

25LtMs, Ms 58, 1911, par. 6

Take Corinthians, commencing from the first chapter of First Corinthians. Read carefully this chapter. Much may be brought into your careful study. Read the second chapter, also the third chapter. Here are the special chapters that I was to urge upon you. I tell you in the name of the Lord: Unless you humble your hearts before God, you will not have your names placed in the book of life.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 30—Called to Reach a Higher Standard

AA 309.1

In the hope of impressing vividly upon the minds of the Corinthian believers the importance of firm self-control, strict temperance, and unflagging zeal in the service of Christ, Paul in his letter to them made a striking comparison between the Christian warfare and the celebrated foot races held at stated intervals near Corinth. Of all the games instituted among the Greeks and the Romans, the foot races were the most ancient and the most highly esteemed. They were witnessed by kings, nobles, and statesmen. Young men of rank and wealth took part in them and shrank from no effort or discipline necessary to obtain the prize.

AA 309.2

The contests were governed by strict regulations, from which there was no appeal. Those who desired their names entered as competitors for the prize had first to undergo a severe preparatory training. Harmful indulgence of appetite, or any other gratification that would lower mental or physical vigor, was strictly forbidden. For one to have any hope of success in these trials of strength and speed, the muscles must be strong and supple, and the nerves well under control. Every movement must be certain, every step swift and unswerving; the physical powers must reach the highest mark.

AA 310.1

As the contestants in the race made their appearance before the waiting multitude, their names were heralded, and the rules of the race were distinctly stated. Then they all started together, the fixed attention of the spectators inspiring them with a determination to win. The judges were seated near the goal, that they might watch the race from its beginning to its close and give the prize to the true victor. If a man reached the goal first by taking an unlawful advantage, he was not awarded the prize.

AA 310.2

In these contests great risks were run. Some never recovered from the terrible physical strain. It was not unusual for men to fall on the course, bleeding at the mouth and nose, and sometimes a contestant would drop dead when about to seize the prize. But the possibility of lifelong injury or of death was not looked upon as too great a risk to run for the sake of the honor awarded the successful contestant.

AA 310.3

As the winner reached the goal, the applause of the vast multitude of onlookers rent the air and awoke the echoes of the surrounding hills and mountains. In full view of the spectators, the judge presented him with the emblems of victory—a laurel crown and a palm branch to carry in his right hand. His praise was sung throughout the land; his parents received their share of honor; and even the city in which he lived was held in high esteem for having produced so great an athlete.

AA 311.1

In referring to these races as a figure of the Christian warfare, Paul emphasized the preparation necessary to the success of the contestants in the race—the preliminary discipline, the abstemious diet, the necessity for temperance. “Every man that striveth for the mastery,” he declared, “is temperate in all things.” The runners put aside every indulgence that would tend to weaken the physical powers, and by severe and continuous discipline trained their muscles to strength and endurance, that when the day of the contest should arrive, they might put the heaviest tax upon their powers. How much more important that the Christian, whose eternal interests are at stake, bring appetite and passion under subjection to reason and the will of God! Never must he allow his attention to be diverted by amusements, luxuries, or ease. All his habits and passions must be brought under the strictest discipline. Reason, enlightened by the teachings of God’s word and guided by His Spirit, must hold the reins of control.

AA 311.2

And after this has been done, the Christian must put forth the utmost exertion in order to gain the victory. In the Corinthian games the last few strides of the contestants in the race were made with agonizing effort to keep up undiminished speed. So the Christian, as he nears the goal, will press onward with even more zeal and determination than at the first of his course.

AA 311.3

Paul presents the contrast between the chaplet of fading laurel received by the victor in the foot races, and the crown of immortal glory that will be given to him who runs with triumph the Christian race. “They do it,” he declares, “to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” To win a perishable prize, the Grecian runners spared themselves no toil or discipline. We are striving for a prize infinitely more valuable, even the crown of everlasting life. How much more careful should be our striving, how much more willing our sacrifice and self-denial!

AA 312.1

In the epistle to the Hebrews is pointed out the single-hearted purpose that should characterize the Christian’s race for eternal life: “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1, 2. Envy, malice, evil thinking, evilspeaking, covetousness—these are weights that the Christian must lay aside if he would run successfully the race for immortality. Every habit or practice that leads into sin and brings dishonor upon Christ must be put away, whatever the sacrifice. The blessing of heaven cannot attend any man in violating the eternal principles of right. One sin cherished is sufficient to work degradation of character and to mislead others.

AA 312.2

“If thy hand cause thee to stumble,” the Saviour said, “Cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life maimed, rather than having thy two hands to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire. And if thy foot cause thee to stumble, cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life halt, rather than having thy two feet to be cast into hell.” Mark 9:43-45, R.V. If to save the body from death, the foot or the hand should be cut off, or even the eye plucked out, how much more earnest should the Christian be to put away sin, which brings death to the soul!

AA 313.1

The competitors in the ancient games, after they had submitted to self-denial and rigid discipline, were not even then sure of the victory. “Know ye not,” Paul asked, “that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?” However eagerly and earnestly the runners might strive, the prize could be awarded to but one. One hand only could grasp the coveted garland. Some might put forth the utmost effort to obtain the prize, but as they reached forth the hand to secure it, another, an instant before them, might grasp the coveted treasure.

AA 313.2

Such is not the case in the Christian warfare. Not one who complies with the conditions will be disappointed at the end of the race. Not one who is earnest and persevering will fail of success. The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. The weakest saint, as well as the strongest, may wear the crown of immortal glory. All may win who, through the power of divine grace, bring their lives into conformity to the will of Christ. The practice, in the details of life, of the principles laid down in God’s word, is too often looked upon as unimportant—a matter too trivial to demand attention. But in view of the issue at stake, nothing is small that will help or hinder. Every act casts its weight into the scale that determines life’s victory or defeat. And the reward given to those who win will be in proportion to the energy and earnestness with which they have striven.

AA 314.1

The apostle compared himself to a man running in a race, straining every nerve to win the prize. “I therefore so run,” he says, “not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” That he might not run uncertainly or at random in the Christian race, Paul subjected himself to severe training. The words, “I keep under my body,” literally mean to beat back by severe discipline the desires, impulses, and passions.

AA 314.2

Paul feared lest, having preached to others, he himself should be a castaway. He realized that if he did not carry out in his life the principles he believed and preached, his labors in behalf of others would avail him nothing. His conversation, his influence, his refusal to yield to self-gratification, must show that his religion was not a profession merely, but a daily, living connection with God. One goal he kept ever before him, and strove earnestly to reach—“the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Philippians 3:9.

AA 314.3

Paul knew that his warfare against evil would not end so long as life should last. Ever he realized the need of putting a strict guard upon himself, that earthly desires might not overcome spiritual zeal. With all his power he continued to strive against natural inclinations. Ever he kept before him the ideal to be attained, and this ideal he strove to reach by willing obedience to the law of God. His words, his practices, his passions—all were brought under the control of the Spirit of God.

AA 315.1

It was this singlehearted purpose to win the race for eternal life that Paul longed to see revealed in the lives of the Corinthian believers. He knew that in order to reach Christ’s ideal for them, they had before them a life struggle from which there would be no release. He entreated them to strive lawfully, day by day seeking for piety and moral excellence. He pleaded with them to lay aside every weight and to press forward to the goal of perfection in Christ.

AA 315.2

Paul pointed the Corinthians to the experience of ancient Israel, to the blessings that rewarded their obedience, and to the judgments that followed their transgressions. He reminded them of the miraculous way in which the Hebrews were led from Egypt under the protection of the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. Thus they were safely conducted through the Red Sea, while the Egyptians, essaying to cross in like manner, were all drowned. By these acts God had acknowledged Israel as His church. They “did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” The Hebrews, in all their travels, had Christ as a leader. The smitten rock typified Christ, who was to be wounded for men’s transgressions, that the stream of salvation might flow to all.

AA 315.3

Notwithstanding the favor that God showed to the Hebrews, yet because of their lust for the luxuries left behind in Egypt, and because of their sin and rebellion, the judgments of God came upon them. The apostle enjoined the Corinthian believers to heed the lesson contained in Israel’s experience. “Now these things were our examples,” he declared, “to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.” He showed how love of ease and pleasure had prepared the way for sins that called forth the signal vengeance of God. It was when the children of Israel sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play, that they threw off the fear of God, which they had felt as they listened to the giving of the law; and, making a golden calf to represent God, they worshiped it. And it was after enjoying a luxurious feast connected with the worship of Baalpeor, that many of the Hebrews fell through licentiousness. The anger of God was aroused, and at His command “three and twenty thousand” were slain by the plague in one day.

AA 316.1

The apostle adjured the Corinthians, “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” Should they become boastful and self-confident, neglecting to watch and pray, they would fall into grievous sin, calling down upon themselves the wrath of God. Yet Paul would not have them yield to despondency or discouragement. He gave them the assurance: “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

AA 316.2

Paul urged his brethren to ask themselves what influence their words and deeds would have upon others and to do nothing, however innocent in itself, that would seem to sanction idolatry or offend the scruples of those who might be weak in the faith. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God.”

AA 317.1

The apostle’s words of warning to the Corinthian church are applicable to all time and are especially adapted to our day. By idolatry he meant not only the worship of idols, but self-serving, love of ease, the gratification of appetite and passion. A mere profession of faith in Christ, a boastful knowledge of the truth, does not make a man a Christian. A religion that seeks only to gratify the eye, the ear, and the taste, or that sanctions self-indulgence, is not the religion of Christ.

AA 317.2

By a comparison of the church with the human body, the apostle aptly illustrated the close and harmonious relationship that should exist among all members of the church of Christ. “By one Spirit,” he wrote, “are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.... God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”

AA 318.1

And then, in words which from that day to this have been to men and women a source of inspiration and encouragement, Paul set forth the importance of that love which should be cherished by the followers of Christ: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”

AA 318.2

No matter how high the profession, he whose heart is not filled with love for God and his fellow men is not a true disciple of Christ. Though he should possess great faith and have power even to work miracles, yet without love his faith would be worthless. He might display great liberality; but should he, from some other motive than genuine love, bestow all his goods to feed the poor, the act would not commend him to the favor of God. In his zeal he might even meet a martyr’s death, yet if not actuated by love, he would be regarded by God as a deluded enthusiast or an ambitious hypocrite.

AA 319.1

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.” The purest joy springs from the deepest humiliation. The strongest and noblest characters are built on the foundation of patience, love, and submission to God’s will.

AA 319.2

Charity “doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.” Christ-like love places the most favorable construction on the motives and acts of others. It does not needlessly expose their faults; it does not listen eagerly to unfavorable reports, but seeks rather to bring to mind the good qualities of others.

AA 319.3

Love “rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” This love “never faileth.” It can never lose its value; it is a heavenly attribute. As a precious treasure, it will be carried by its possessor through the portals of the city of God.

AA 319.4

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”

AA 319.5

In the lowering of the moral standard among the Corinthian believers, there were those who had given up some of the fundamental features of their faith. Some had gone so far as to deny the doctrine of the resurrection. Paul met this heresy with a very plain testimony regarding the unmistakable evidence of the resurrection of Christ. He declared that Christ, after His death, “rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,” after which “He was seen of Cephas, then of the Twelve: after that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, He was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all He was seen of me also.”

AA 320.1

With convincing power the apostle set forth the great truth of the resurrection. “If there be no resurrection of the dead,” he argued, “then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ: whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.”

AA 320.2

The apostle carried the minds of the Corinthian brethren forward to the triumphs of the resurrection morn, when all the sleeping saints are to be raised, henceforth to live forever with their Lord. “Behold,” the apostle declared, “I show you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? ... Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

AA 321.1

Glorious is the triumph awaiting the faithful. The apostle, realizing the possibilities before the Corinthian believers, sought to set before them that which uplifts from the selfish and the sensual, and glorifies life with the hope of immortality. Earnestly he exhorted them to be true to their high calling in Christ. “My beloved brethren,” he pleaded, “be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

AA 321.2

Thus the apostle, in the most decided and impressive manner, endeavored to correct the false and dangerous ideas and practices that were prevailing in the Corinthian church. He spoke plainly, yet in love for their souls. In his warnings and reproofs, light from the throne of God was shining upon them, to reveal the hidden sins that were defiling their lives. How would it be received?

AA 321.3

After the letter had been dispatched, Paul feared lest that which he had written might wound too deeply those whom he desired to benefit. He keenly dreaded a further alienation and sometimes longed to recall his words. Those who, like the apostle, have felt a responsibility for beloved churches or institutions, can best appreciate his depression of spirit and self-accusing. The servants of God who bear the burden of His work for this time know something of the same experience of labor, conflict, and anxious care that fell to the lot of the great apostle. Burdened by divisions in the church, meeting with ingratitude and betrayal from some to whom he looked for sympathy and support, realizing the peril of the churches that harbored iniquity, compelled to bear a close, searching testimony in reproof of sin, he was at the same time weighed down with fear that he might have dealt with too great severity. With trembling anxiety he waited to receive some tidings as to the reception of his message.

Loma Linda Messages

Paul’s Experience

LLM 231.1

We would do well to study carefully the first and second chapters of First Corinthians. “We preach Christ crucified,” the apostle declared, “unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but to them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:24-28; 2:16.)

The Review and Herald

June 13, 1893

RH June 13, 1893, par. 6

At the foot of the cross our laborers must learn the lessons to be communicated to the people. Thus will they bring sheaves to Jesus Christ. In the first chapter of 1 Corinthians Paul has given us instruction which every true laborer needs to study, especially the following verses: “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” Here is a lesson of special consequence to every worker in the vineyard of the Lord. It will not result in solid work for men to preach to please the ears of the people, while the truth is not held forth in a manner to bring them to the cross of Jesus Christ. The messenger of God must present eternal truths plainly, and keep in distinct view before the people their peril in neglecting eternal interests. While self is kept out of sight, Jesus Christ must be ever lifted up and exalted.

The Review and Herald

November 5, 1901

RH November 5, 1901, par. 8

The first chapter of 1 Corinthians contains instruction which all who are workers together with God should follow. Paul heard that there was contention among the church-members at Corinth, and he wrote to them, saying, “I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” Those who practice this instruction will reveal in their lives the purity of Christ, and will manifest His love in their dealings with one another.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 29—Lawsuits and Sexual Looseness Challenged

TT 159.1

For a year and a half Paul had labored among the believers in Corinth, pointing them to a crucified and risen Saviour and urging them to rely implicitly on the transforming power of His grace. Before accepting them into church fellowship he had been careful to instruct them as to the duties of the Christian believers, and he had endeavored to help them be faithful to their baptismal vows.

TT 159.2

Paul had a keen sense of the conflict every soul must wage with the agencies of evil, and he had worked untiringly to strengthen those young in the faith. He had entreated them to make an entire surrender to God, for he knew that when the soul fails to make an entire surrender, sin is not forsaken, and temptations confuse the conscience. Every weak, doubting, struggling soul who yields fully to the Lord is placed in direct touch with agencies that enable him to overcome. He has the help of angels in every time of need.

TT 159.3

The members of the church at Corinth were surrounded by idolatry and sensuality. While the apostle was with them, these influences had little power over them. Paul’s prayers, earnest words of instruction, and godly life helped them to deny self, for Christ’s sake, rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin.

TT 159.4

After the departure of Paul, however, little by little many became careless and allowed natural tastes and inclinations to control them. Not a few who at their conversion had put away evil habits returned to the debasing sins of heathenism. Paul had written briefly, admonishing them “not to associate” with members who should persist in profligacy; but many quibbled over his words and excused themselves for disregarding his instruction.

TT 160.1

A letter was sent to Paul by the church, asking for counsel concerning various matters, but saying nothing of the grievous sins existing among them. The apostle was, however, impressed by the Holy Spirit that the true state of the church had been concealed.

TT 160.2

About this time there came to Ephesus members of the household of Chloe, a Christian family in Corinth. They told Paul that the dissensions that had prevailed at the time of Apollos’s visit had greatly increased. False teachers were leading the members to despise the instructions of Paul. Pride, idolatry, and sensualism were steadily increasing.

TT 160.3

Paul saw that his worst fears were more than realized. But he did not give way to the thought that his work had been a failure. With “anguish of heart” and with “many tears” (2 Corinthians 2:4) he sought counsel from God. Gladly would he have visited Corinth at once, but he knew that in their present condition the believers would not profit by his labors; therefore he sent Titus to prepare the way for a visit from himself later on. Then the apostle wrote to the church at Corinth one of the richest, most instructive, most powerful of all his letters.

TT 160.4

With remarkable clearness he answered questions and laid down general principles which, if heeded, would lead them to a higher spiritual plane. Faithfully he warned them of their dangers and reproved them for their sins. He reminded them of the gifts of the Holy Spirit they had received and showed them that it was their privilege to advance in the Christian life until they should attain to the purity and holiness of Christ.

TT 160.5

Paul spoke plainly of the dissensions in the Corinthian church. “I appeal to you, brethren,” he wrote, “that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” “It has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you.”

TT 161.1

Paul was an inspired apostle. The truth he taught he had received “by revelation”; yet the Lord did not directly reveal to him at all times the condition of His people. In this instance those who were interested in the church had presented the matter before the apostle, and from divine revelations he had formerly received he was prepared to judge these developments. Notwithstanding the fact that the Lord did not give him a new revelation for that special time, those who were seeking for light accepted his message as expressing the mind of Christ. As evils developed, the apostle recognized their significance. He had been set for the defense of the church. Was it not right for him to notice the reports concerning the divisions among them? Most assuredly; and the reproof he sent was as certainly written under the inspiration of the Spirit of God as were any of his other letters.

TT 161.2

The apostle made no mention of the false teachers who were seeking to destroy the fruit of his labor. He wisely forebore to irritate them by such references. He called attention to his own work as “a skilled master builder” who had laid the foundation on which others had built. “We are God’s fellow workers.” He acknowledged that divine power alone had enabled him to present the truth in a manner pleasing to God. Paul had communicated lessons which were to apply at all times, in all places, and under all conditions.

TT 161.3

One former convert had so far backslidden that his licentious course violated even the low standard of morality held by the Gentile world. The apostle pleaded with the church to put away from them this man. “Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened.”

TT 162.1

Another grave evil was that of brethren going to law against one another. Christ Himself had given instruction as to how such matters were to be adjusted: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church.” Matthew 18:15-17, RSV.

TT 162.2

“When one of you,” Paul asked, “has a grievance against a brother, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, matters pertaining to this life! ... I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no man among you wise enough to decide between members of the brotherhood, but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? To have lawsuits at all with one another is defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong?”

TT 162.3

Satan is constantly seeking to introduce distrust, alienation, and malice among God’s people. We shall often be tempted to feel that our rights are invaded, even when there is no real cause for such feelings. Those who will place their own interests first will resort to almost any expedient to maintain them. Many are hindered by pride and self-esteem from going privately to those whom they think in error, that they may talk with them in the spirit of Christ and pray together. When they think themselves injured by their brethren, some will even go to law instead of following the Saviour’s rule.

TT 162.4

Christians should not appeal to civil tribunals to settle differences among church members. Even though injustice may have been done, the follower of the meek and lowly Jesus will suffer himself “to be defrauded” rather than open before the world the sins of his brethren in the church.

TT 163.1

Christians who go to law with one another expose the church to the ridicule of her enemies. They are wounding Christ afresh and putting Him to open shame. By ignoring the authority of the church, they show contempt for God, who gave the church its authority.

TT 163.2

In this letter Paul endeavored to show the Corinthians Christ’s power to keep them from evil. To help them break from the thralldom of sin, Paul urged the claim of Him to whom they had dedicated their lives: “You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

TT 163.3

Paul begged them to control the lower passions and appetites. He aroused their better nature and inspired them to strive for a higher life. He knew that at every step in the Christian pathway the Corinthian believers would be opposed by Satan and that they would have to engage in conflicts daily. They would have to force back old habits and natural inclinations, ever watching unto prayer. But Paul knew also that in Christ crucified they were offered power sufficient to enable them to resist all temptations to evil.

TT 163.4

The Corinthian believers had seen but the first rays of the early dawn of God’s glory. Paul’s desire for them was that they might follow on to know Him whose going forth is prepared as the morning, and learn of Him until they should come into the full noontide of a perfect gospel faith.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 30—Paul Strengthens the Church for All Time

TT 164.1

Of all the games instituted among the Greeks and the Romans, the ancient foot races near Corinth were the most highly esteemed. They were witnessed by kings, nobles, and statesmen. Young men of rank and wealth took part and shrank from no effort or discipline necessary to obtain the prize.

TT 164.2

The contests were governed by strict regulations, from which there was no appeal. Those who desired to enter had to undergo severe preparatory training. Harmful indulgence of appetite, or anything that would lower mental or physical vigor, was forbidden. The muscles must be strong, and the nerves well under control. The physical powers must reach the highest mark.

TT 164.3

As the contestants made their appearance before the waiting multitude, their names were heralded, and the rules of the race were distinctly stated. Then they all started together, the fixed attention of the spectators inspiring them with determination to win. The judges were seated near the goal, that they might watch the race from beginning to end and give the prize to the true victor.

TT 164.4

Great risks were run. Some contestants never recovered from the terrible physical strain. It was not unusual for men to fall on the course, bleeding at the mouth and nose, and sometimes a contestant would drop dead when about to seize the prize.

TT 164.5

As the winner reached the goal, applause rent the air. The judge presented him with the emblems of victory—a laurel crown and a palm branch to carry in his hand. His praise was sung throughout the land, his parents received their share of honor, and even the city in which he lived was held in high esteem for having produced so great an athlete.

TT 165.1

Paul referred to these races as a figure of the Christian warfare. “Every athlete,” he declared, “exercises self-control in all things.” The runners put aside every indulgence that would tend to weaken the physical powers. How much more important that the Christian bring appetite and passion under subjection to reason and the will of God! Never must he allow his attention to be diverted by amusements, luxuries, or ease. Reason, enlightened by God’s Word and guided by His Spirit, must hold the reins of control.

TT 165.2

In the Corinthian games the last few strides of the contestants in the race were made with agonizing effort to keep up undiminished speed. So the Christian, as he nears the goal, will press onward with even more determination than at the first of his course.

TT 165.3

Paul contrasts the chaplet of fading laurel received in the foot races, and the crown of immortal glory that will be given to him who runs with triumph the Christian race. “They do it,” he declares, “to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” The Grecian runners spared themselves no toil or discipline. How much more willing should be our sacrifice and self-denial!

TT 165.4

“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1, 2. Envy, malice, evil-thinking, evil-speaking, covetousness—these are weights that the Christian must lay aside. Every practice that brings dishonor on Christ must be put away, whatever the sacrifice. One sin cherished is sufficient to work degradation of character and to mislead others.

TT 166.1

The competitors in the ancient games, after they had submitted to self-denial and rigid discipline, were not even then sure of victory. “In a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize.” One hand only could grasp the coveted garland. As some reached forth to secure the prize, another, an instant before them, might grasp the coveted treasure.

TT 166.2

In the Christian warfare, not one who complies with the conditions will be disappointed at the end of the race. The weakest saint, as well as the strongest, may wear the crown of immortal glory. The principles laid down in God’s Word are too often looked upon as unimportant—too trivial to demand attention. But nothing is small that will help or hinder. And the reward given to those who win will be in proportion to the energy and earnestness with which they have striven.

TT 166.3

The apostle compared himself to a man running in a race, straining every nerve to win. “I do not run aimlessly,” he says, “I do not box as one beating the air; but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” The words, “I pommel my body,” literally mean to beat back by severe discipline the desires, impulses, and passions.

TT 166.5

Paul realized the need of putting a strict guard on himself, that earthly desires might not overcome spiritual zeal. He continued to strive against natural inclinations. His words, his practices, his passions—all were brought under the control of the Spirit of God.

TT 166.6

Paul knew that the Corinthian believers had before them a life struggle from which there would be no release. He pleaded with them to lay aside every weight and press forward to the goal of perfection in Christ.

TT 167.1

He reminded them of the miraculous way in which the Hebrews were led from Egypt—they were conducted through the Red Sea, while the Egyptians, trying to cross in like manner, were all drowned. Israel “ate the same supernatural food and all drank the same supernatural drink. For they drank from the supernatural Rock which followed them, and the Rock was Christ.” The Hebrews had Christ as leader. The smitten rock typified Him, wounded for men’s transgressions that the stream of salvation might flow to all.

TT 167.2

Yet, because of the Hebrews’ lust for the luxuries left behind in Egypt, and because of their rebellion, the judgments of God came on them. “Now these things are warnings,” the apostle declared, “for us, not to desire evil as they did.” Love of ease and pleasure had prepared the way for sins that called forth the vengeance of God. When the children of Israel sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play, they threw off the fear of God. Making a golden calf, they worshiped it. And it was after a luxurious feast connected with the worship of Baal-peor that many Hebrews fell through licentiousness. The anger of God was aroused, and 23,000 were slain by the plague in one day.

TT 167.3

If the Corinthians should become boastful and self-confident, they would fall into grievous sin. Yet Paul gave them the assurance: “God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

TT 167.4

Paul urged his brethren to do nothing, however innocent, that would seem to sanction idolatry or offend those who might be weak in the faith. “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God.”

TT 167.5

The apostle’s words are especially applicable to our day. By idolatry he meant not only the worship of idols, but self-serving, love of ease, the gratification of appetite and passion. A religion that sanctions self-indulgence is not the religion of Christ.

TT 168.1

By a comparison of the church with the human body, the apostle illustrated the close relationship that should exist among all members of the church. “The body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body... . But as it is, God arranged the organs in the body, each one of them, as He chose... . God has so adjusted the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior part, that there may be no discord in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”

TT 168.2

And then Paul set forth the importance of love: “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”

TT 168.3

No matter how high the profession, he whose heart is not filled with love for God and his fellowmen is not a true disciple of Christ. In his zeal he might even meet a martyr’s death, yet if not actuated by love, he would be a deluded enthusiast or an ambitious hypocrite.

TT 168.4

“Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful.” The noblest characters are built on the foundation of patience, love, and submission to God’s will.

TT 169.1

Love “is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.” Christ-like love places the most favorable construction on the motives and acts of others. It does not listen eagerly to unfavorable reports, but seeks to bring to mind the good qualities of others.

TT 169.2

This love “never ends.” As a precious treasure, it will be carried by its possessor through the portals of the city of God.

TT 169.3

Among the Corinthian believers, some had gone so far as to deny the doctrine of the resurrection. Paul met this heresy with a very plain testimony regarding the unmistakable evidence of the resurrection of Christ. He was “raised on the third day,” after which “He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared also to me.”

TT 169.4

“If there is no resurrection of the dead,” Paul argued, “then Christ has not been raised; if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain and your faith is in vain... . For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life we who are in Christ have only hope, we are of all men most to be pitied.”

TT 169.5

“I tell you a mystery,” he declared. “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable nature must put on the imperishable, and this mortal nature must put on immortality.”

TT 169.6

The apostle sought to set before the Corinthian believers that which uplifts from the selfish and the sensual and glorifies life with the hope of immortality. “My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

TT 170.1

Thus the apostle spoke plainly, yet in love. Light from the throne of God was shining, to reveal the hidden sins that were defiling their lives. How would it be received?

TT 170.2

Paul dreaded a further alienation and sometimes longed to recall his words. Those who have felt responsible for churches or institutions, can appreciate his depression and self-accusing. Servants of God who bear the burden of His work for this time know something of the same experience of labor, conflict, and anxious care. Burdened by divisions in the church, realizing the peril of churches that harbored iniquity, compelled to bear a searching testimony in reproof of sin, Paul was at the same time weighed down with fear that he might have dealt with too great severity. With anxiety he waited to receive some tidings as to the reception of his message.

From Trials to Triumph

The Race Where Everyone Can Win

TT 166.4

Paul realized that his conversation, his influence, his refusal to yield to self-gratification, must show that his religion was not a profession merely, but a daily, living connection with God. One goal he ever strove earnestly to reach—“the righteousness from God that depends on faith.” Philippians 3:9, RSV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 29, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 29, 1893, par. 6

Our laborers must learn at the foot of the cross the lessons to be communicated to the people. Thus will they bring sheaves to Jesus Christ. In the first chapter of Corinthians, Paul has given us instruction which every true laborer needs to study, especially the following verses: “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” 1 Corinthians 1:23-25. Here is a lesson of special consequence to every worker in the vineyard of the Lord. It will not result in solid work for men to preach to please the ears of the people, while the truth is not held forth in a manner to bring them to the cross of Jesus Christ. The messenger of God must present eternal truths plainly, and keep in distinct view before the people their peril in neglecting eternal interests. While self is kept out of sight, Jesus Christ must be ever lifted up and exalted. Set in type 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-3. The apostle feared lest his work should stand in the wisdom of men and not in the power of God, and thus his labor prove to be a work which would not produce a harvest.

8LtMs, Ms 29, 1893, par. 7

Set in type 1 Corinthians 2:4-9. Now the explanation of this wisdom that the world hath not seen, nor heard, nor known: “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things which are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:10-16. The words contained in this chapter should be imprinted on every soul of those who are [laborers] in the vineyard of the Lord.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 128, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 128, 1908, par. 8

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.

23LtMs, Ms 128, 1908, par. 9

The apostle explains his design and reminds the Corinthians that he not only believed, but he acted the gospel when he first preached among them. Why was this, that his work should not stand among them as “in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God”? [Verse 5.] He determined not to come with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in the wisdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, that the gospel should come to them in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that their faith should not stand expressing the wisdom of men, but in connection with the power of God. The apostle might have expressed much wisdom upon many varied things that would interest a congregation, but their attention must not be scattered from Jesus Christ. Christ Jesus and Him crucified was his message, for this was the sum and substance of the whole gospel, to present to them as saving leaves from the tree of life.

23LtMs, Ms 128, 1908, par. 15

Paul has written, “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: (in discernment and experience in the things of His Spirit that God bestows upon the humble, praying, believing saints) yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Corinthians 2:4-8.

23LtMs, Ms 128, 1908, par. 17

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” Verses 9, 10. Every heart that received Christ was entrusted with the ability to discern Christ in His message. “For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” Verses 11, 12.

23LtMs, Ms 128, 1908, par. 18

Will man dare place himself as judge of another man’s experience and conscience, or to define in his human judgment another man’s duties? Let every man receive his light and knowledge from the highest authority. Let him move guardedly, lest he interrupt the Lord’s plans. “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” Verse 13. There is to be a close seeking of God to understand the comparing of spiritual things with spiritual.

23LtMs, Ms 128, 1908, par. 19

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual (in his experience) judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.” Verses 14, 15. “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him? (let these words be fully understood.) But we have the mind of Christ.” Verse 16.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 114, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 114, 1898, par. 11

The apostle Paul declares: “We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” [1 Corinthians 2:12-16.]

13LtMs, Ms 114, 1898, par. 17

Paul says, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” [1 Corinthians 2:1-5.]

13LtMs, Ms 114, 1898, par. 22

The apostle Paul became fully conscious that to know Jesus Christ by an experimental knowledge was for his present and eternal interest. The church at Corinth did not make the fear of Christ the first and last and best in everything, and this was causing them to hide their light under a bushel. They were becoming weak. They were fearful of offending the Jews and the learned heathen. Paul informed the church that he had not come to them with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit and of power, “that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” [1 Corinthians 2:5.] This is the lesson that many need to learn in our day.

13LtMs, Ms 114, 1898, par. 23

“Howbeit,” said Paul, “we speak wisdom among them that are perfect; yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to naught.” [Verse 6.] “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things which are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” [1 Corinthians 1:26-31.]

13LtMs, Ms 114, 1898, par. 24

Again he says: “We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory.” [1 Corinthians 2:7.] “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret before the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever.” [Romans 16:25-27.]

13LtMs, Ms 114, 1898, par. 27

This mystery many are too much exalted in their own opinion to receive. “Which none of the princes of this world knew, for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” [1 Corinthians 2:8.] There is a science of education that the Most High would have these great men understand; but they cannot see the Truth, the Life, the Light of the world. Human science is not divine enlightenment. Divine science is the demonstration of the Spirit of God, inspiring implicit faith in Him.

13LtMs, Ms 114, 1898, par. 32

“It is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his spirit: for the spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we may know the things that are freely given us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritual discerned.” [1 Corinthians 2:9-14.]

God’s Amazing Grace

Determination the Key, August 5

AG 225.1

For I am determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 41, 1887

5LtMs, Ms 41, 1887, par. 24

Jesus did not yield up His life until He had accomplished the work which He came to do. The great plan of redemption was triumphantly carried out. Through a life of obedience, the fallen sons of Adam could finally be exalted to the presence of God. When the Christian comprehends the magnitude of the great sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven, then will the plan of salvation be magnified before him, and to meditate upon Calvary will awaken the deepest and most sacred emotions of his heart. Contemplation of the Saviour’s matchless love should absorb the mind, touch and melt the heart, refine and elevate the affections, and completely transform the whole character. The language of Paul the apostle is, “I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” [1 Corinthians 2:2.] And we may look toward Calvary and exclaim, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” [Galatians 6:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 8b, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 8b, 1891, par. 23

Paul went to Athens, and there he met eloquence with eloquence, logic with logic, oratory with oratory. There he showed his ability and smartness. And what was the effect? Afterwards he said, “I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” [1 Corinthians 2:2.] There is no time for anything else but that during our short lifetime.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 42, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 42, 1892, par. 5

Satan casts his hellish shadow before us to intercept our views of God, of His love and tender compassions; but we must not allow this. Our faith must penetrate the thick cloud of darkness. We must not look at the cloud, and talk about it, and dread it, for by beholding we become changed. We must keep the eye of faith on Jesus. The Apostle Paul declared to his Corinthian brethren that he determined to know nothing among them save Jesus Christ and Him crucified. [1 Corinthians 2:2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 205, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 205, 1899, par. 10

When we more fully comprehend the magnitude of the sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven, then will the plan of salvation be magnified, and reflections of Calvary will awaken tender, sacred emotions in the Christian’s heart. Praises to God and the Lamb will be in our hearts and on our lips. The languages of the apostle Paul is, “I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified.” [1 Corinthians 2:2.] We also may look toward Calvary and exclaim, “God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” [Galatians 6:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 75a, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 75a, 1900, par. 24

Paul says, “I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ and him crucified.” [1 Corinthians 2:2.] Instead of seeking to find fault with our brethren, let us dwell on the great love of Christ. The Saviour humbled Himself to bear the reproach of men. Step by step He descended in the valley of humiliation that He might stand at the head of humanity, a perfect pattern in human flesh for every son and daughter of Adam. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] Let those who name the name of Christ study His work. When divine inspiration comes to them, there will be repentance and confession and humiliation of soul in every church.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 132, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, par. 29

The first thing to bring unity is to pray for the work and the workers. This unity cannot be a mechanical thing. It must be a living experience in the heart, and the Lord alone can give that experience. I do not know how we can do this, unless we take the time to talk more about it. (1 Corinthians 2:2): “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” Paul had one topic, he had one theme, one great question. You know he said, “This one thing I do.” [Philippians 3:13.] Jesus said to Martha, “One thing is needful.” [Luke 10:42.] David said, “One thing have I desired.” [Psalm 27:4.] Now there is but one theme, one thing in this world, under the shining sun, that is worthy of the attention of men, and that is this theme—the gospel of Jesus Christ. We should abandon ourselves altogether to the one great question. That certainly teaches us the oneness of God’s great work. I understand that everything connected with the third angel’s message is of this one great theme. The third angel’s message in all its fulness is the gospel in all its fulness. It is not a part of the gospel; it is not a feature of the gospel; it is not an appendage of the gospel. It is the gospel itself. It is the gospel given to the world today in a fulness that has never been revealed before. It is the gospel given to man as certainly as it has not been preached since apostolic times. Jesus did proclaim a complete gospel, but light has been shining forth, and now in these last days God would have all that is intended for humanity before translation to come out now. Of course we shall see more and more of it—it will take eternity to reveal all these things. If we have anything in our work that we cannot pray for, that we cannot be swallowed up in, we ought to cut it off at once. Take the different lines of work. The evangelical work, of going out and preaching to the people, giving Bible readings, visiting from house to house; and church work, we look upon that as purely gospel work. It is. But the gospel work is not limited to that. We have the work of distributing literature, sowing reading matter all over the world. There is no denomination in the world that has such a fine, rich literature as we have. We have a message to give to the people in a short time—every nation, kindred, tongue, and people—that we must save as far as it is possible to save them; and in this age it cannot be done without distributing literature everywhere. In order to do that, we must have facilities for doing that. God has raised up men who have given their minds to that, and He has provided facilities that are wonderful for that purpose. I feel that is our gospel work just as much as it is to go out and preach a sermon to the people.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

Talk to the Teachers

9MR 69.3

Paul went to Athens, and there he met eloquence with eloquence, logic with logic, oratory with oratory. There he showed his ability and smartness. And what was the effect? Afterwards he said, “I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). There is no time for anything else but that during our short lifetime.

That I May Know Him

Christ Is Our Message! November 29

TMK 339.1

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2.

The Upward Look

Remove the Rubbish of Criticism, August 13

UL 239.1

I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Love Stronger than Death

1TT 231.3

Many who profess to be Christians become excited over worldly enterprises, and their interest is awakened for new and exciting amusements, while they are coldhearted, and appear as if frozen, in the cause of God. Here is a theme, poor formalist, which is of sufficient importance to excite you. Eternal interests are here involved. Upon this theme it is sin to be calm and unimpassioned. The scenes of Calvary call for the deepest emotion. Upon this subject you will be excusable if you manifest enthusiasm. That Christ, so excellent, so innocent, should suffer such a painful death, bearing the weight of the sins of the world, our thoughts and imaginations can never fully comprehend. The length, the breadth, the height, the depth, of such amazing love we cannot fathom. The contemplation of the matchless depths of a Saviour’s love should fill the mind, touch and melt the soul, refine and elevate the affections, and completely transform the whole character. The language of the apostle is: “I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2. We also may look toward Calvary and exclaim: “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 24—Preaching the Power of the Cross in Corinth

TT 130.4

In Corinth the apostle followed a course different from his labors in Athens, where he met logic with logic, philosophy with philosophy. He realized that his teaching in Athens had been productive of but little fruit. In his efforts to arrest the attention of the careless and indifferent in Corinth he determined to avoid elaborate arguments, and “to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” He would preach not “in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and power.” 1 Corinthians 2:2, 4, RSV.

Ministry to the Cities

New Testament Cities

MTC 21.5

In preaching the gospel in Corinth, the apostle followed a course different from that which had marked his labors at Athens. While in the latter place, he had sought to adapt his style to the character of his audience; he had met logic with logic, science with science, philosophy with philosophy. As he thought of the time thus spent, and realized that his teaching in Athens had been productive of but little fruit, he decided to follow another plan of labor in Corinth in his efforts to arrest the attention of the careless and the indifferent. He determined to avoid elaborate arguments and discussions, and “not to know anything” among the Corinthians “save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” He would preach to them “not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Corinthians 2:2, 4).

MTC 22.4

Human to Be Hidden Behind the Divine.—The apostle’s [Paul’s] efforts were not confined to public speaking; there were many who could not have been reached in that way. He spent much time in house-to-house labor, thus availing himself of the familiar intercourse*Nineteenth-century definition: communication, interaction. of the home circle. He visited the sick and the sorrowing, comforted the afflicted, and lifted up the oppressed. And in all that he said and did he magnified the name of Jesus. Thus he labored, “in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling” (1 Corinthians 2:3). He trembled lest his teaching should reveal the impress of the human rather than the divine.—The Acts of the Apostles, 250. (1911)

Conflict and Courage

Paul Exalts the Cross, December 1

CC 341.1

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.... And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. 1 Corinthians 2:2-4.

Lift Him Up

The One Object of Supreme Regard, August 20

LHU 246.1

I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.... And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. 1 Corinthians 2:2-4.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 13—Days of Preparation

AA 127.1

As he pondered these things in his heart, Paul understood more and more clearly the meaning of his call “to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:1. His call had come, “not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father.” Galatians 1:1. The greatness of the work before him led him to give much study to the Holy Scriptures, in order that he might preach the gospel “not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect,” “but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,” that the faith of all who heard “should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:17; 2:4, 5.

AA 127.2

As Paul searched the Scriptures, he learned that throughout the ages “not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-29. And so, viewing the wisdom of the world in the light of the cross, Paul “determined not to know anything, ... save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2.

From Trials to Triumph

Paul’s “University” in the Desert

TT 68.1

As he pondered these things, Paul understood more clearly his call “to be an apostle of Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 1:1. His call had come “not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father.” Galatians 1:1, RSV. He gave much study to the Scriptures, that he might preach “not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power,” “but in demonstration of the Spirit and power,” that the faith of all who heard “might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:17; 2:4, 5, RSV. Viewing the wisdom of the world in the light of the cross, Paul “decided to know nothing ... except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2, RSV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 115, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 115, 1897, par. 28

The Priest and Sacrifice were now taken hold of by God in order. The One who was obedient unto death is now taken into eternal unison both as God and man. The Father says to Him, “Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” [Psalm 110:4.] When by faith we see Christ in His human and divine nature, it is because God has revealed Him. The hidden wisdom which no man ever can or will explain to the sense of men, “God ordained before the world unto our glory, which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory.” See 1 Corinthians 2:2-11.