1 Peter 5:6-11 KJV, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
1 Corinthians 15:57-58 KJV, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
EG White, SOP Vol 4, 1884, p. 124, “Now the Lord moved upon a member of the Diet to give a true delineation of the effects of papal tyranny. With noble firmness, Duke George of Saxony stood up in that princely assembly, and specified with terrible exactness the deceptions and abominations of popery, and their dire results. In closing he said:—
‘These are but a few of the abuses which cry out against Rome for redress. All shame is laid aside, and one object alone incessantly pursued: money! evermore money! so that the very men whose duty it is to teach the truth, utter nothing but falsehoods, and are not only tolerated but rewarded; because the greater their lies, the greater are their gains. This is the foul source from which so many corrupt streams flow out on every side. Profligacy and avarice go hand in hand. Alas! it is the scandal caused by the clergy that plunges so many poor souls into everlasting perdition. A thorough reform must be effected.'”
EG White, SOP Vol 4, 1884, p. 140, “Had the Reformer yielded a single point, Satan
and his hosts would have gained the victory. But his unwavering firmness was the means of emancipating the church, and beginning a new and better era. The influence of this one man, who dared to think and act for himself in religious matters, was to affect the church and the world, not only in his own time, but in all future generations. His firmness and fidelity would strengthen all, to the close of time, who should pass through a similar experience. The power and majesty of God stood forth above the counsel of men, above the mighty power of Satan.
Luther was soon commanded by the authority of the emperor to return home, and he knew that this notice would be speedily followed by his condemnation. Threatening clouds overhung his path;. but as he departed from Worms, his heart was filled with joy and praise. ‘Satan himself,’ said he, ‘kept the pope’s citadel; but Christ has made a wide breach in it, and the devil has been compelled to confess that Christ is mightier than he.'”
EG White, SOP Vol 4, 1884, p. 141, “God had provided a way of escape for his servant in this hour of peril. A vigilant eye had followed Luther’s movements, and a true and noble heart had resolved upon his rescue. It was plain that Rome would be satisfied with nothing short of his death; only by concealment could he be preserved from the jaws of the lion. God gave wisdom to Frederick of Saxony to devise a plan for the Reformer’s preservation. With the co-operation of true friends, the elector’s purpose was carried out, and Luther was effectually hidden from friends and foes. Upon his homeward journey, he was seized, separated from his attendants, and hurriedly conveyed through the forests to the castle of Wartburg, an isolated mountain fortress.”
1 Corinthians 10:13-14 KJV, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but 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 to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.”
Deceptions, Temptations, Idolatry:
1 Philosophy of men- lies of papacy i.e. trinity doctrine, Sunday sacredness, immortality of the soul.
2 Power and money- love for self. Corruption in high places. The doctrine of indulgences sparked the reformation.
3 Profligacy and hedonism- licentious or dissolute behavior. Waste of needed resources.
4 Pursuing pleasure and heathenism- leaning on false gods and idols of the world.
5 Pride of life- lacking self-denial. Living for oneself thus making ego or self an idol.
Let us be firm in the truth and faithful to God, our infinite Father, and His Son Jesus Christ.
Have a wonderful preparation day. We will continue to hear another testimony and study of Revelation 5:3 tomorrow on our Sabbath Service via Zoom at 11am US Eastern Standard Time (New York Time). Our clocks will be advanced an hour called “spring forward” on Sunday, March 12, 2023. This is the start of the Daylight Saving Time till November 5, 2023 when it will return to Standard Time, called “fall backward.”
Sincerely in the Blessed Hope.