The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1914-05-20
PAGE FOUR
Sunday School Notes
Side Lights on Next Sundays Lesson
for Teacher, and Pupils.
7 Edited by Charles K. Meyers

duONS, OupiOLldUle servants, the
great teachings of the same have lit
tie reference to the thoughts which
naturally come from reading it. In
fact, the lesson is composed of four
parts, each leading to different points
of looking at the kingdom which
Jesus came to establish on earth. a
Part one. This relates to RESPONSE
bility for our example and influence
on the children or those young in the
faith. In the lesson verses Jesus
says, ut were better for him that a
milestone be hanged about his neck,
and he be cast into the sea, than
that he should offend one of these lit
tie ones" He used like language at
the time when He had in His arms lit
tie children. Jesus begins by saying
that it is impossible that sin or wrong
should not come in the world, but
added, "Woe unto him through, whom
the offense cometh.'' The RESPONSE
bility of parents, teachers and in fact
everyone of manly and womanly age,
for their influence and example be.
fore the children is OF mighty import.
This brings to mind the statement of
the Apostle Paul, who said it was not
good to do anything whereby another
is made weak and to Offend He added
further, that one does not walk up.
rightly who leads astray by his con-
duct, one for whom Christ died. - %,
This part of the lesson brings up
the full problem of responsibility for
our example. If indeed one is to be
held to strict account for his or her
influence. there will be much to be
considered. When one thinks how the
children look up to their elders for
direction, there can be no doubt of
the need Of care, not by word or deed
to lead them away from trust in God
and following the paths He would
have them take. This part of the
lesson is thus OF mighty import and
well cause one to think what his life
has been before the little ones.
Part two. Here Jesus speaks of the
duty Of forgiveness. 1t will be remem-
bered that one asked Jesus as to how
many times an offender should be for
given and was surprised to be told
"seventy.times SEVEN" In the lesson
of today it is told that if brother
VI IlSopdSS against uo, ~ ~
buke him, but if he repent forgive.
In the consideration of this subject
comes the right and wrong way to
"rebuke." 1t is needless to Say it is
not in a way to humiliate before the
public or to arouse anger. There will
be no repentance under such circum-
stances. 1t is well to remember the
advice or direction of Paul when he
said, that christians should be kindly
disposed one to the other, forgiviDg
one another even as God for Christ's
sake has forgiven them. When one
thinks of how much he needs to be
forgiven in his dealings with God and
man, it can we'll lead to forgiving
spirit. Every time the Lords prayer
is said with thought request is made
for forgiveness for our wrong doing
as we forgive those who do wrong to
us. Thus there is no doubt of the
fact that we must be ready to forgive.
and then to wipe the matter. out of
active memory. This forgiveness can
well be practiced in the home and
with the children, for there, if hard
unrelenting spirit is shown, the price
less quality of love will soon have no
place, and the parents and the chill
dren be so estranged that nothing
will cement their hearts together. -.
Part three. The disciples made re-
quest that their faith be increased and
in reply Jesus told them that ii they
had faith as grain OF mustard seed"
they could do most wonderful things
move mountains into the sea or trans
port huge trees there also. This part
of the talk of Jesus brings up the en-
tire subject of faith, what it is, how
obtained and how made use Of. Paul
makes that wonderful review of the
triumphs Of faith in Hebrews where
he shows what was done by Abraham
Moses, the children of Israel under
Joshua, and the long line Of worthless
said that by faith in Him one need
never see spiritual DEATH 1t is also
said that without faith it is impossible
to please God. l have often said that
one way to have faith is to believe
what God says in the bible is exact
ly true and act as if it was. Faith
comes by prayer, and seeking after.
and by trust in what the bible prom
ises and commands.
Part four. In this part of the les
son Jesus tells OF servants who on
doing their exact duty to their master
are entitled to no special praise or
reward. AS laid down by the leading
Jews of Jesus day, justification from
God came from following to the very
letter large number OF rules of con-
duct. This idea Jesus came to COM
bat by His teachings. Justification
though works was now to be succeed
ed by Justification through faith. We
are now no longer servants, but sons
and obey Jesus because we love him.
AS servants, people simply did I'M
thinking grinding service, but as sons
and joint heirs with Christ there was
freedom and cheerful doing His will.
1t is in this latter class are found the
christians of today. They indeed find
freedom, escape from the bondage OF
bad habits, and joy in doing Gods
will. May we all indeed have this
freedom, is my earnest wish.