The Hope pioneer., 1919-12-25

GOLDEN TEXT-Ye shall be my wit.
nesses.-Acts 1:S
SELECTION FOR READ1NG-1 John
1919.
PRIMARY ToP1c-Two Strong Friends
of Jesus.
JUNIOR TOP1C-Witnesses for Jesus.
INTERMEDIATE TOPIC--Steps in the
Training Of Peter and John.
SENIOR AND ADULT TCPIC-Quali-
fed 10 Serve
good way to review the lessons Of
the six months course of study in the
lives of Peter and John will be to ar
range them under three heads, as fol-
lows: l. Their Call; II. Their Train
Ing; III. Their Service. The first half
OF the studies, the part we have now
completed, have had to do with the
calling and training of Peter and John.
The last half. the lessons for the first
quarter of 1920, will have to do with
their service.
I. Their Call.
l. To be disciples (Lesson ~ John
:29-4o.
Before Christ trains for service he
calls to salvation.
2. To be fishers of men Gesson p
Mark :14-2O
1t would seem that after their con-
version the disciples had gone back
to their trade of fishing. Those who
are called by Christ unto salvation
should go back to their ordinary call
ings in life, if they be honorable, until
hn dnfi limit fnIv
service.
II. Their Training.
l. Jesus in Peters home (Lesson 81
Mark :29-39
Christ's entry into Peters home and
the healing of his wife's mother
showed to his disciples that he was
sympathizing Saviour.
.. A lesson in trust Hesson ~ Matt.
IA :22-33
The pressing and abiding need Of
the disciples in their ministry was to
trust the Lord.
8. Peters great confession (Lesson
81 Matt. 1G:13-24.
The Lord had been revealing him.
self in various ways to the disciples.
He now examined them to see what
they knew about himself. Peter, as
spokesman for the rest of the disciples.
confessed both the Messiahship and
Deity of Christ.
4. Witnesses of Christ's glory lies
son y Luke 9:2S-36.
The disciples were offended at the
revelation of the cross; their hopes
were shattered because they could not
see beyond the cross. The transfigura-
tion convinced them not only Of his es-
sential glory, but gave them fore
gleam of his triumph in his coming
kingdom (1I Peter :16-1S).
3. Jesus cOrrects Johns narrowness
uesson 81 Luke 9:46-56.
The disciples needed to know that
all who are really doing the Lords
work. casting out devils, and casting
them out in Christ's name, should be
received into fellowship and hidden
Godspeed. Religious intolerance is
displeasing to Jesus.
6. Jesus teaches true greatness lies.
son 81 John 1916.
The truly great are those who take
the lowest place in service for others.
Z. Peter and John asleep in Geth.
semane (Lesson 10Y Mark IA :32-42.
Though Christ was suffering the aw-
full agony in the garden, his disciples
were asleep. Because they did not
watch and pray, they failed in the hour
of temptation.
8. At the trial crucifixion and resur.
rection Of Jesus Uesson 11) John
1S:15-1S; 19:25-27: 2O:1-1O; 21:15-19.
Peters presumptuous self.confidence
kept him from needing the Lords
warming. He played the coward and
even indulged in oaths. Note the steps
In Peters downfall: (1) Self-confl-
dence Mark 14:29). Jesus had just
told them that all of them should be
offended. but Peter was determined to
show the Lord that he was mistaken in
him. (2) Failure to watch Mark
4:3O. Self-cOnfdence is always fol.
lowed by unwatchfulness. One who
thinks himself strong will go to sleep.
t3) Failure to pray mark IA 1857. 1t
Is the one who realizes his weakness
who always seeks the communion of
God in prayer. (4) Zeal without
knowledge MARK HAD. Peter
thought now to make up for his lack
OF watchfulness and prayer by out.
ward acts. Many today are equally
foolish. (5) Following afar off mark
14:54). Christ's rebuke Of Peter for
his ignorant zeal cut him to the quick.
He was not ready to forsake him, but
followed afar off, no doubt wondering
what would be the outcome. (6)
Warming himself at the enemies fire
(Mark 14:54). (O Open denial MARX
ii :66-72).