Jesus asked, “What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). This question clearly defines the value of man’s soul in God’s estimation. God also said, “Behold, all souls are mine” (Ezekiel 18:4). God loves the souls of men so greatly that He sent His Son to earth to provide salvation for whosoever believes in Him. God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

QUESTIONS

1. We have been studying about being respectful toward things that are holy. In this lesson we will be studying the relationship between God and mankind. In what way or ways can a man qualify as being holy?
2. God did not send Jesus to earth to die for His friends only. “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. . . . For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life” (Romans 5:8,10). Name several notable sinners who were saved through the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in New Testament times. Name several who have been saved in our time.
3. Sometimes in our endeavors to serve God we are disappointed that our efforts fail to succeed to the extent that we desire. Our purpose may be ever so high and noble, but the end result is so short of our expectations. Peter fully expected that he would remain the faithful disciple, though every other might fail. Jesus knew before it happened that Peter would deny Him, yet what was Jesus’ attitude toward Peter? If we are trying to do our best for Him, what is Jesus’ attitude toward us?
4. When we want to be our best for the Lord it is necessary to keep our focus on Him. Twelve spies went into the Promised Land to see what kind of land it was. They all consented that it was a good land—all that God had promised. But ten spies brought back a discouraging report: the people of the land were giants, the cities were walled, and it was a land “that eateth up the inhabitants thereof.” Joshua and Caleb, though they saw all these things, kept their focus on God and His promises. Their admonition: “Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is departed from them, and the Lord is with us” (Numbers 14:9). How can we keep our focus upon God, thus doing and being what He wants?
5. “Who am I, O Lord God?” (2 Samuel 7:18) asked King David when the prophet brought him word that the Lord had promised to establish his house and kingdom forever. The young man David had started from very unpretentious beginnings, and he seemed to maintain an attitude of humility throughout his life, even after becoming king of the Children of Israel. What are some of the other evidences that we have in Scripture that show David’s humility? (See 1 Samuel 24:14 and Psalms 34:6; 40:17.) Why is it important that we maintain a humble attitude before God? See James 4:6.
6. As Solomon’s Temple was being built in Jerusalem, it was intended to be “exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries” (1 Chronicles 22:5). The people gave willingly of their substance in order that the House of God might be renowned throughout the world as the place where God’s Spirit dwelled. This was to be a house of sacrifice and worship for all who came according to God’s Word. Of what material is God’s temple made in the world today? What similarities might be drawn between Solomon’s Temple and God’s temple today?
7. Solomon’s Temple was dedicated and the glory of the Lord filled the house. “Now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever” (2 Chronicles 7:16). And so it is with God’s temple today. “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (1 Corinthians 3:17). In what ways might the temple of God be defiled in our time?