The Bible Students' Class: Pride and Humility

 •  12 min. read  •  grade level: 9
 
Since last month the following have expressed a desire to join Class, and we accordingly give their numbers:-
118 W. A., Finsbury. 119 G. L. 120 A. P.
121 a. C. D. 122 C. J. L. 123 S. R. W.
As several have written to inquire the manner in which they can join, we extract the following from the first number of the Magazine: — “With regard to the Class, any Bible Students can join it at any time by sending their full names and addresses, together with their first papers on the subjects proposed for the month. In the next number of the “Bible Student,” their letters will be acknowledged and their reference numbers giver.”
The subject selected for this month is:” Pride and Humility as spoken of in Scripture by precept and example.”
The subdivision is arranged as follows: Old Testament Scriptures speaking of PRIDE, its varieties, its characteristics, its punishments, its results, its judgment by God.
Genesis to Esther, by 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61.
Job to S. Solomon, by 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69.
Isaiah to Malachi, by 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77.
New Testament Scriptures-
Gospels and Acts, by 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.
Epistles and Revelation, by 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24.
Examples of Pride in Old Testament-
Genesis to Psalms, by 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86.
Proverbs to Malachi, by 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95.
Examples of Pride in New Testament—
By 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30.
Old Testament Scriptures speaking of HUMILITY as above-
Genesis to Psalms, by 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101.
Proverbs to Malachi, by 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107.
New Testament Scriptures—
Gospels and Acts, by 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37.
Epistles and Revelation, by 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47.
Examples of Humility in Old Testament—
Genesis to Psalms, by 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113.
Proverbs to Malachi, by 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123.
Examples of Humility in New Testament, Christ excepted-By 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53.
Illustrations of the Humility of Christ—
By 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
We see clearly from the complete way in which the subject for last month has been worked out by the Class, that it has indeed been a labor of love, and we do not need the numerous letters we have received to assure us of the profit and blessing that have been received by the seekers. Truly no more blessed theme for reflection and instruction can be found.
We have received papers from all but Nos. 7, 23, 24, 39, 54, 72, 75, 82, 86, 87, 95, 96, 99, 102, 104, and 113, who we hope will be able to send us papers next time. We have however received three or four papers without a number, which we conclude came from some of the above.
We would point out to some of our correspondents the difference between “types” and “titles.” Many have given long lists of the latter because there were none of the former in their portions. “Metaphors” would seem to be on the border land between the two, but as a rule we have not included such in the lists. We shall be glad to receive suggestions with a view to rendering the following lists more complete and correct.
On comparing the papers we have found it advisable to subdivide the second division of types into two sections, making three in all.
DIVISION I. —Direct types of Christ with Scriptural proofs annexed.
(In many of these instances, even were there no direct proofs forthcoming, they would still be regarded as types, coming under Division 2.)
ADAM. —(Genesis 2-4;) Romans 5:14. Head of the Old creation (chapter 1:26). Christ of the New (1 Corinthians 15:22; Revelation 3:14). In relationship with Eve (figure of the Church. Ephesians 5:32).
MELCHIZEDEK. —(14:18-24;) Hebrews 7 Now Christ, though a Priest after the order of Melchizedek, is for us, all that Aaron was for Israel. In the Millennium He will be manifested as the antitype of Melchizedek, blessing restored Israel as King and Priest, God being then revealed as the Most High God, the possessor of heaven and earth. (Daniel 7) It will be observed that it is in his position as king and priest, rather than in his person, that Melchizedek is typical.
ISAAC. —(17-28.) “And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” (Genesis 22:18). “Thy seed which is Christ.” (Galatians 3:16, 17.) The heir of the promises, he is sacrificed willingly (Hebrews 10:7) and raised again in figure, (chapter 22; Hebrews 11:19) is given all his father’s possessions, (24:36; John 16:15) and remains hidden in the father’s house while Eliezer (type of the Holy Spirit) returns to the far country and obtains a bride for him (the Church in figure) who receives tokens of favor and bridal gifts, and is brought to him across the wilderness.
MOSES. —The Mediator of the Old Covenant, (Exodus 20:19) Christ, of the New. (Hebrews 8:6). Taking his piece with his oppressed brethren and seeking to be their deliverer, he is rejected by them (John 1:11); in his rejection, he receives a Gentile bride, (the Church in figure) is faithful in all his house, (Hebrews 3) and as a prophet is the forerunner of Christ. (Deuteronomy 18:15).
To obtain a full view of the One who not only delivers His people from bondage but, after carrying them through the wilderness, brings them into a land of rest, we must combine the types of Moses and Joshua; we may add that Moses and Aaron present to us the Apostle and High Priest of our profession. (Hebrews 3:1).
AARON. —As high priest. (Hebrews 5:1-5; also chapter 9.) The materials of which his holy garments of glory and beauty (in the Septuagint the same words as are translated glory and honor, Hebrews 2:9) were made, typify in a most striking way the varied excellencies of our Lord, and the manner in which He bears His people in priestly service on His heart and shoulder before God. Aaron likewise on the great day of atonement (Leviticus 16) offered the sacrifice for the people and made an atonement for them in the Holy place. (Hebrews 9:11-14).
THE PASSOVER. —(Exodus 12) Christ our Passover. (1 Corinthians 5:7). A Lamb without blemish. Not a bone to be broken. (John 19:36).
MANNA. —(16:15.) “1 am the living bread which came down from heaven.” (John 6:51.)
THE ROCK. —(17:6.) “And that Rock was Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:4.) THE HEBREW SERVANT. —(21:2-6.) Psalm 40:6; Hebrews 10:5. THE MERCY SEAT. —(25:17-22.) “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (or mercy seat).” (Romans 3:25.)
THE VAIL. —(26:31-33.) “Through the vail, that is to say, His flesh.” (Hebrews 10:20.)
THE OFFERINGS. —(Leviticus.) Without going into detail we may say Hebrews 10 and 11 give clear proofs that the offerings are directly typical of Christ, though it might perhaps be difficult to give direct proofs that each offering is typical. It is as a whole however that they give so deeply interesting and instructive a view of His person and of the different aspects of His work.
BURNT OFFERING. —The voluntary offering by Christ of Himself in devotedness to God unto death for a sweet savor. (John 10:18; Ephesians 5:2; Hebrews 10:7.)
MEAT OFFERING. —Similar to the burnt offering, save that it does not present to us prominently the thought of death, or the consuming by fire (judgment of God); it would represent the perfection of Christ in life on the earth, devoted to the Father’s will and acceptable to Him. (Matthew 3:17; 17:5; John 6:38; Hebrews 10:7, and many other passages).
PEACE OFFERING.-Here in addition to much that has already been presented in the burnt offering, we find that the one who offered the sacrifice partook, in company with his friends and with the priest (chapter 7:11-21; 28-34) of some of that which was not wholly consumed as a sweet savor to God, typifying the communion of the believer with the death of Christ. (Compare chapter 7:21 and 1 Corinthians 11:27-34.)
SIN AND TRESPASS OFFERINGS. —In all their various details present the work of Christ as that which meets the sinner’s need, and the manner in which the sins of the one who comes to God are dealt with by Him.
Taking the prominent instance of the two goats in Leviticu 16 we may say that there are brought out the truths of Romans 3 and 4; propitiation and substitution. The identity of the offerer and offering, as expressed by the laying on his hands, points to the truth that Christ was made sin for us.
We may note that in the sin offering, the offering is identified with the guilt of the offerer, in the burnt offering the offerer is identified with the sweet savor of the offering.
BRAZEN SERPENT. —Numbers 21:9; John 3:14.
JOSHUA. —The leader of God’s people into the promised land. (Hebrews 4) See also remarks under Moses.
DAVID. — “A man after mine own heart which shall fulfill all my will.” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22; Hosea 3:5; Ezekiel 37:25; Matthew 12:3, 4) The anointed of God, who though long in the place of rejection, his rightful throne usurped by another, is finally owned as king, and leads his people to victory, yielding up the kingdom to SOLOMON. —Type of Christ as king in Millennial glory and in peace.
(Luke 11:31) (This type should perhaps come under Division 2.) ELIAKIM. —2 Kings 18:26; Isaiah 22:20-22; Revelation 3:7.
JONAH. —Luke 11:29, 30, 32, in testimony and death.
DIVISION It —Indirect types and figures of Christ.
LIGHT. —Genesis 1:3; John 1:9; 8:12; Acts 26:13.
The SUN to rule the day. —Genesis 1:16; Malachi 4:2. “The Sun of Righteousness.” Psalm 84:11; Isaiah 60:1.
The SUN to divide the light from the darkness. —Genesis 1:18; John 3:19; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 6:14.
These three are figurative, rather of the effects of the work and presence of Christ on earth, than of Himself.
The FIRSTLING of the flock. —Genesis 4:4; John 1:29.
The RAM of God’s providing. —Genesis 22:13; Revelation 5:12; John 3:16. JOSEPH —Loved of his father, (Matthew 3:17) hated by his brethren, (John 1:11; 8:37) sold by them for silver, (Matthew 26:15) passed for dead, (Acts 2:23) in his rejection by them is exalted to the place of power, (Philippians 2:9,10) and receives a Gentile bride, (Ephesians 3:6; Revelation 19:7) reveals himself in grace to his brethren in the time of their distress, (when the recollection of their former treatment of him causes them trouble of heart, Zechariah 12:10) and places them in the best of the land. (Zechariah 8:12, &c.)
The ARK of God. —Of which the mercy seat formed a part, (Romans 3:25) and wherein were placed the tables of the law. (Psalm 40:8; Hebrews 10:7.)
The TABERNACLE. —In all the details of its structure and furnishing; of these we can here but briefly indicate a few of the most striking. The brazen altar. (Hebrews 13:10) The golden altar of incense. (Hebrews 13:15; Revelation 8:3) The door of the court, made of the same materials as the vail. (Hebrews 10:20) The sockets of the tabernacle boards made of silver—the redemption money. The wood everywhere covered with gold—Divine righteousness in Christ; save in the brazen altar whereon the sacrifices were consumed with fire—the judgment of God.
The FIRSTFRUITS. —Leviticus 23:10; 1 Corinthians 15:20.
The NAZARITE. —Numbers 6 Christ in consecration to God, separated from all the claims that nature has on man, (Luke 2:49; John 2:4; also Matthew 26:29).
The RED HEIFER. —Numbers 19 The believer, knowing the value of the blood (v. 4) as the ground of his justification, is in failure restored through the application of the water—the word in all its testimony to Christ.
The CITIES OF REFUGE. —Numbers 35; Hebrews 6:18. It 13 interesting also to notice that the Jews having ignorantly slain Christ (chapter 35:11; Acts 3:17) are kept out of their land and do not again take possession of it so long as He exercises on high a priesthood such as was that of Aaron (chapter 35:23) but are eventually restored to it.
The ARK in JorDaniel —Joshus 3:13. Christ in death drying up the waters for us.
The OLD CORN of the land. —The believer regarded as risen and seated in heavenly places (Canaan) in Christ, (Ephesians 2:6) feeds upon Christ risen and glorified (Colossians 1), in contrast with his position in the wilderness, feeding upon the manna (Christ in humiliation as the bread which came down from heaven.)
CYRUS. —Isaiah 45:1. The Anointed of God.
STONE cut out without hands. —Daniel 2:34; Matthew 21:42-44. This stone is more strictly typical of the Kingdom to be established by Christ, than of Christ Himself.
DIVISION 3. —Presumed types or figures of Christ.
HERB yielding seed after its kind. —Genesis 1. 12; John 12:24.
The FRUIT TREE yielding fruit. —Genesis 1:11; John 15:5.
The TREE OF LIFE. —Genesis 2:9. Christ the Source of life. (Revelation 2:7.)
COATS of SKINS. —Genesis 3:21. The righteousness of God in Christ; death the only thing that can cover a sinner’s nakedness before God (Matthew 22:12, &c.)
ABEL. —Genesis 4:2. Cain being perhaps figurative of the Jews. (See Lamech’s prophecy (Genesis 4:23, 24) which may refer to Christ.)
The ARK. —Genesis 6:14. Safety in Christ alone. (Acts 4:12.)
The PILLAR of FIRE and of the CLOUD. —Exodus 13:22; John 18:6. Our Guide and Protector.
The TREE cast into the water at Marah. —Exodus 15:25. Christ’s cross making the bitter sweet. (1 Peter 4:13.)
The precious INCENSE. —Exodus 31:34. Christ’s fragrance.
AARON’S ROD that budded. —Numbers 17. Priestly grace in the power of a life which is the conqueror of death, (the buds growing out of a dry rod) that which leads through the wilderness.
The SCARLET THREAD. —Joshua 2:18. The death of Christ giving safety.
SHILOH —Joshua 18; Genesis 49:10. Perhaps Christ as a gathering center.
JUDGES. —Generally. (Luke 1:71).
SAMSON. —A Nazarite, bound by his own people whom he sought to deliver, and given up to his enemies, is conqueror even in death. (Judges 21: 30; Hebrews 2:14.)
BOAZ. —Redeemer of Israel’s inheritance, receives a Gentile bride, (Ruth).
SAMUEL the Prophet. —(See also 1 Samuel 2:26; and Luke 2:52.)
The TEMPLE. —Revelation 21:22.
ESTHER. —In her work for her people. (observe Esther 4:10;5. 1.) (resurrection).
ELIHU. —Job 32
A TREE planted by the waters. —Psalm 1.
ISAIAH. —Chapter 8:18; Hebrews 2:12.
JEREMIAH. —Chapter 11:19; 38:7-14; Isaiah 53:7; Psalm 69:2.
EZEKIEL. —As priest, Son of Man, prophet, messenger to Israel, bearer of the iniquity of Israel. (chapter 4:4.)
DANIEL. —Chapter 1:9,17; Luke 2:47, 52,