Bible Study Guides - Food for Life

February 3, 2013 – February 9, 2013

Key Text

“I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14.

Study Help: Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 123–128; Testimonies, vol. 6, 369–379.

Introduction

“A pure and noble life, a life of victory over appetite and lust, is possible to everyone who will unite his weak, wavering human will to the omnipotent, unwavering will of God.” The Faith I Live By, 154.

“As brethren of our Lord, we are called with a holy calling to a holy, happy life. Having entered the narrow path of obedience, let us refresh our minds by communion with one another and with God. As we see the day of God approaching, let us meet often to study His Word and to exhort one another to be faithful unto the end. These earthly assemblies are God’s appointed means by which we have opportunity to speak with one another and to gather all the help possible to prepare, in the right way, to receive in the heavenly assemblies the fulfillment of the pledges of our inheritance.

“Remember that in every assembly you meet with Christ, the Master of assemblies. Encourage a personal interest in one another; for it is not enough simply to know men. We must know men in Christ Jesus. [Emphasis author’s.] We are enjoined to ‘consider one another’ (Hebrews 10:24). This is the keynote of the gospel. The keynote of the world is self.

“I would encourage those who assemble in little companies to worship God. Brethren and sisters, be not disheartened because you are so few in number. The tree that stands alone upon the plain, strikes its roots deeper into the earth, spreads out its branches farther on every side, and grows stronger and more symmetrical while wrestling singly with the tempest of rejoicing in the sunshine. So the Christian, cut off from earthly dependence, may learn to rely wholly upon God, and may gain strength and courage from every conflict.” Our High Calling, 166.

1 STUDY THE HUMAN BODY

God has given us instruction to study many things. What is first on His priority list? What is one of the first things we should learn and teach our children? Psalm 86:11.

Note: “Parents should seek to awaken in their children an interest in the study of physiology. From the first dawn of reason the human mind should become intelligent in regard to the physical structure. We may behold and admire the work of God in the natural world, but the human habitation is the most wonderful. It is therefore of the highest importance that among the studies selected for children, physiology occupy an important place. All children should study it. And then parents should see to it that practical hygiene is added.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 125.

Why is this study important? Psalm 119:73.

Note: “Since the laws of nature are the laws of God, it is plainly our duty to give these laws careful study. We should study their requirements in regard to our own bodies and conform to them. Ignorance in these things is sin.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 369.

“There are matters not usually included in the study of physiology that should be considered—matters of far greater value to the student than are many of the technicalities commonly taught under this head. As the foundation principle of all education in these lines, the youth should be taught that the laws of nature are the laws of God—as truly divine as are the precepts of the Decalogue. The laws that govern our physical organism, God has written upon every nerve, muscle, and fiber of the body. Every careless and willful violation of these laws is a sin against our Creator. How necessary, then, that a thorough knowledge of these laws should be imparted!” Child Guidance, 363.

2 “FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE”

I Corinthians chapter 12 is a lesson based on the physical body. What can we learn about its organization at different structural levels? I Corinthians 12:18, 14.

Note: “As in the study of physiology they [pupils] see that they are indeed ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:14), they will be inspired with reverence. Instead of marring God’s handiwork, they will have an ambition to make all that is possible of themselves, in order to fulfill the Creator’s glorious plan. Thus they will come to regard obedience to the laws of health, not as a matter of sacrifice or self-denial, but as it really is, an inestimable privilege and blessing.” Education, 201.

Can one part of the body be affected without it influencing another? I Corinthians 12:26. What are we told about the study of the physical body?

Note: “The harmonious action of all the parts—brain, bone, and muscle—is necessary to the full and healthful development of the entire human organism.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 426.

Why is it important to preserve in good health even the smallest parts of our organism? I Corinthians 12:25; Luke 16:10.

Note: “The endowments of mind and body are to be carefully guarded. Our gifts are not to be weakened by self-indulgence. Every power is to be carefully preserved, that it may always be ready for instant use. No part of the physical organism is to be weakened by misuse. Each part, however small, has an influence on the whole. The abuse of one nerve or muscle lessens the usefulness of the whole body. Those for whom Christ has given His life should bring their habits and practices into conformity to His will.” The Upward Look, 379.

3 THE BLOOD IS THE CURRENT OF LIFE

From where does the life necessary for each cell come? Leviticus 17:14; Deuteronomy 12:23.

Note: “In order to have good health, we must have good blood; for the blood is the current of life. It repairs waste and nourishes the body. When supplied with the proper food elements and when cleansed and vitalized by contact with pure air, it carries life and vigor to every part of the system. The more perfect the circulation, the better will this work be accomplished.” The Ministry of Healing, 271.

What is needed to get the blood with its oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body? Genesis 2:8.

Note: “Simple lessons in the use of the various organs of the body should be given to children to commit to memory. The idea that it is physical exercise that strengthens every organ and gives new life and nourishment to every part of the living machinery, should be firmly imprinted on the mind. This is the law that God has ordained shall govern the body. Every part must be exercised. The harmonious working of the whole is required in order for the members of a family to do service in the home, and help each other to acquire education and discipline. The brain must plan and devise, and the muscles must carry out the will of the brain.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 5, 222, 223.

“Perfect health depends upon perfect circulation.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 531.

What should we ask of God so that we will do what is best for our well-being? Psalm 86:11; I Corinthians 6:20.
Why does fermentation in the stomach affect the whole body?

Note: “Disturbance is created by improper combinations of food; fermentation sets in; the blood is contaminated and the brain confused.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 257.

4 DRUGS POISON THE BLOOD

Realizing the importance of good blood, against what else should we guard ourselves? Revelation 21:27; 18:23.

Note: “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

“And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived” (Revelation 21:27; 18:23). …

“When you understand physiology in its truest sense, your drug bills will be very much smaller, and finally you will cease to deal out drugs at all. The physician who depends upon drug medication in his practice shows that he does not understand the delicate machinery of the human organism. He is introducing into the system a seed crop that will never lose its destroying properties throughout the lifetime. I tell you this because I dare not withhold it. Christ paid too much for man’s redemption to have his body so ruthlessly treated as it has been by drug medication.” Medical Ministry, 229.

What should we use instead? Revelation 22:2.

Note: “The Lord has taught us that great efficacy for healing lies in a proper use of water. These treatments should be given skillfully. We have been instructed that in our treatment of the sick we should discard the use of drugs. There are simple herbs that can be used for the recovery of the sick, whose effect upon the system is very different from that of those drugs that poison the blood and endanger life.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 288. [Ellen White is here speaking of drugs that are poisons. Her statement would not apply to all medicines that are called drugs.]

5 MAKING RIGHT CHOICES

Who is responsible for the choices we make? Joshua 24:15, last part.

Note: “The Lord does not propose to save us in companies. Individually we are to make our choice. One by one we are to appropriate the grace of God to the soul, and one cannot decide for another what course he shall take.” The Faith I Live By, 154.

What should we remember in dealing with one another? Romans 14:13; 15:1; II Timothy 2:24, 25.

Note: “The people partook largely of the same spirit [of the Pharisees], intruding upon the province of conscience and judging one another in matters that lay between the soul and God. It was in reference to this spirit and practice that Jesus said, ‘Judge not, that ye be not judged’ (Matthew 7:1). That is, do not set yourself up as a standard. Do not make your opinions, your views of duty, your interpretations of Scripture, a criterion for others and in your heart condemn them if they do not come up to your ideal. Do not criticize others, conjecturing as to their motives and passing judgment upon them.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 123, 124.

Often it is thought that we should not speak to one another of things which may offend. What does the word of God say? Romans 15:14; Hebrews 3:13; James 3:2. But what should we do in the first place? Hebrews 12:13.
What biblical examples show that there is a place for church rules? Acts 15:28, 29; I Corinthians 5:11; Deuteronomy 21:20, 21.

PERSONAL REVIEW

1 Why should I care for the most seemingly unimportant parts of the body?

2 Am I studying the anatomy and physiology of the body as God instructed? Am I helping others to understand this study?

3 Am I where God wants me to be for the betterment of my physical, mental, and spiritual well-being?

4 Am I adding any poison to my system or only the good things which God has given?

5 Am I willing to be an example and help to others instead of being a stumbling block by living with wrong habits or attitudes?

Messengers of Mercy

“In matters of conscience the soul must be left untrammeled. No one is to control another’s mind, to judge for another, or to prescribe his duty. God gives to every soul freedom to think, and to follow his own convictions. ‘Every one of us shall give account of himself to God.’ No one has a right to merge his own individuality in that of another. In all matters where principle is involved, ‘let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind’ (Romans 14:12, 5). In Christ’s kingdom there is no lordly oppression, no compulsion of manner. The angels of heaven do not come to the earth to rule, and to exact homage, but as messengers of mercy, to co-operate with men in uplifting humanity.” The Desire of Ages, 550, 551.

Preparing Youth for a Healthy Life

“Wrong habits render the youth less susceptible to Bible instruction. The children are to be guarded against the indulgence of appetite, and especially against the use of stimulants and narcotics. The tables of Christian parents should not be loaded down with food containing condiments and spices.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 126.

Avoiding Health Dangers

“Thousands who are afflicted might recover their health if, instead of depending upon the drugstore for their life, they would discard all drugs and live simply, without using tea, coffee, liquor, or spices, which irritate the stomach and leave it weak, unable to digest even simple food without stimulation. The Lord is willing to let His light shine forth in clear, distinct rays to all who are weak and feeble.” Medical Ministry, 229.