Steps to Christ - Chapter 5

Scripture

2. What is the greatest battle to be fought?

The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it can be renewed in holiness.

3. Summary:

A. Satan's representation of God's government:

The government of God is not, as Satan would make it appear, founded upon a blind submission, an unreasoning control.

B. God's government as it really is:

It appeals to the intellect and the conscience.

4. Why does God not force our submission?

A mere forced submission would prevent all real development of mind or character; it would make man a mere automaton. Such is not the purpose of the Creator. He desires that man, the crowning work of His creative power, shall reach the highest possible development.

5. List some of the idols that might keep us from God.

Mammon is the idol of many. The love of money, the desire for wealth, is the golden chain that binds them to Satan. Reputation and worldly honor are worshiped by another class. The life of selfish ease and freedom from responsibility is the idol of others. But these slavish bands must be broken.

7. Rather than asking how little we must give to God, what should be our aim?

Those who feel the constraining love of God, do not ask how little may be given to meet the requirements of God; they do not ask for the lowest standard, but aim at perfect conformity to the will of their Redeemer.

8. What answer can be given to those who think it is too great a sacrifice to yield all to Christ?

Every moment of our lives we have been partakers of the blessings of His grace, and for this very reason we cannot fully realize the depths of ignorance and misery from which we have been saved.

9. What do we give up when we give “all”?

The Son of God gave all–life and love and suffering–for our redemption. And can it be that we, the unworthy objects of so great love, will withhold our hearts from Him?

10. Discuss the statement: “God does not require us to give up anything that it is for our best interest to retain.”

In all that He does, He has the well-being of His children in view. Would that all who have not chosen Christ might realize that He has something vastly better to offer them than they are seeking for themselves. Man is doing the greatest injury and injustice to his own soul when he thinks and acts contrary to the will of God.

11. Does God ask His children to save all joy and happiness for the future? How do you think the Christian can be at peace even in adversity?

It is a mistake to entertain the thought that God is pleased to see His children suffer. All heaven is interested in the happiness of man. Our heavenly Father does not close the avenues of joy to any of His creatures.

12. How do you understand the exercise of the power of choice, or the will?

The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure.

13. What is the difference between desires for goodness and choosing to be a Christian?

Desires for goodness and holiness are right as far as they go; but if you stop here, they will avail nothing. Many will be lost while hoping and desiring to be Christians. They do not come to the point of yielding the will to God. They do not now choose to be Christians.