Bible Study Guides - What Is Needed

July 10, 2011 – July 16, 2011

Key Text

“Let them [the children] learn first to shew piety at home.” I Timothy 5:4.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 7, 45–50.

Introductory

“Our work for Christ is to begin with the family in the home.” Maranatha, 102.

1 LIFE-LONG COMMITMENT

By His example, how did Christ show us what is needed in our relationships with one another? John 15:13; Philippians 2:2–8.

Note: “Let each give love rather than exact it. Cultivate that which is noblest in yourselves, and be quick to recognize the good qualities in each other.” The Adventist Home, 107.

“In your life union your affections are to be tributary to each other’s happiness. Each is to minister to the happiness of the other. This is the will of God concerning you.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 45.

Of what is marriage a symbol? Isaiah 54:5; Ephesians 5:25.

Note: “Christ honored the marriage relation by making it also a symbol of the union between Him and His redeemed ones. He Himself is the Bridegroom; the bride is the church, of which, as His chosen one, He says, ‘Thou art all fair, My love; there is no spot in thee’ [Song of Solomon 4:7].” The Adventist Home, 26.

How long is this relationship to last? Hosea 2:19; Romans 7:2, 3.

Note: “Marriage is a step taken for life.” The Adventist Home, 340.

“This vow links the destinies of the two individuals with bonds which nought but the hand of death should sever.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 507.

2 LOVE IN ACTION

What speaks even louder than our words? Titus 2:7; I John 3:7–11.

Note: “Divine truth exerts little influence upon the world, when it should exert much influence through our practice. The mere profession of religion abounds, but it has little weight. We may claim to be followers of Christ, we may claim to believe every truth in the word of God; but this will do our neighbor no good unless our belief is carried into our daily life. Our profession may be as high as heaven, but it will save neither ourselves nor our fellow men unless we are Christians. A right example will do more to benefit the world than all our profession.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 383.

“Actions speak louder than the most positive profession of godliness.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 579.

“Our words, our actions, our deportment, our dress, everything, should preach. Not only with our words should we speak to the people, but everything pertaining to our person should be a sermon to them, that right impressions may be made upon them, and that the truth spoken may be taken by them to their homes. Thus our faith will stand in a better light before the community.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 618.

What does Christ teach us regarding those to whom we are to extend our love? Matthew 5:44–48.

Note: “You should help those who stand most in need of help, those who are less favorably situated, who are erring and faulty, and who may have injured you and tried your patience to the utmost. It is just such ones that Jesus pities, because Satan has more power over them and is constantly taking advantage of their weak points and driving his arrows to wound them where they are least protected. Jesus exercises His power and mercy for just such pitiable cases.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 75.

“As Christ has borne, and continues to bear, with our errors, our ingratitude and our feeble love, so should we bear with those who test and try our patience. Shall the followers of the self-denying, self-sacrificing Jesus be unlike their Lord? Christians should have hearts of kindness and forbearance.” Ibid., vol. 3, 111.

3 THE REMNANT’S CHARACTERISTICS

What is the virtue so greatly needed in our lives? Hebrews 12:1.
How can we have the patience to exercise when circumstances and individuals test us? Luke 21:19; Matthew 7:7.

Note: “Self denial, self-sacrifice, benevolence, kindness, love, patience, fortitude, and Christian trust are the daily fruits borne by those who are truly connected with God. Their acts may not be published to the world, but they themselves are daily wrestling with evil, and gaining precious victories over temptation and wrong. Solemn vows are renewed, and kept through the strength gained by earnest prayer and constant watching thereunto.” The Sanctified Life, 11.

“Whenever little annoyances and trials arise, ask God in silent prayer to give you strength and grace to bear them patiently. There is a power in silence; do not speak a word until you have sent up your petition to the God of heaven.” Historical Sketches, 157, 158.

“The abuses of the stomach by the gratification of appetite, are the fruitful source of most church trials. Those who eat and work intemperately and irrationally, talk and act irrationally. An intemperate man cannot be a patient man.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 50.

“Impatient words are spoken and unkind deeds are done, dishonest practices are followed and passion is manifested, and all because the nerves of the brain are diseased by the abuse heaped upon the stomach.

“Some cannot be impressed with the necessity of eating and drinking to the glory of God. The indulgence of appetite affects them in all the relations of life. It is seen in their family, in their church, in the prayer meeting, and in the conduct of their children. … God has bountifully provided for the sustenance and happiness of all His creatures; and if His laws were never violated, and all acted in harmony with the divine will, health, peace, and happiness, instead of misery and continual evil, would be experienced.” Ibid., 53, 54.

“All should cultivate patience by practicing patience. By being kind and forbearing, true love may be kept warm in the heart, and qualities will be developed that Heaven will approve.” The Adventist Home, 106.

4 ANOTHER BUILDING BLOCK

What else is needed in order to be fit representatives of our gracious Lord? I Corinthians 9:26; 10:31.

Note: “A practical knowledge of the science of human life is necessary in order to glorify God in our bodies. It is therefore of the highest importance that among the studies selected for childhood, physiology should occupy the first place. …

“Parents should arouse and in the fear of God inquire, What is truth? A tremendous responsibility rests upon them. They should be practical physiologists, that they may know what are and what are not correct physical habits, and be enabled thereby to instruct their children. The great mass are as ignorant and indifferent in regard to the physical and moral education of their children as the animal creation. And yet they dare assume the responsibilities of parents.

“Every mother should acquaint herself with the laws that govern physical life. … To parents is committed the sacred charge of forming the characters of their children in childhood. They should be to their children both teacher and physician. They should understand nature’s wants and nature’s laws.” Counsels on Health, 38, 39.

How does caring for the physical body affect our character development and witnessing? III John 2; Psalm 67:2; I Corinthians 9:27.

Note: “Our habits of eating and drinking show whether we are of the world or among the number whom the Lord by His mighty cleaver of truth has separated from the world.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 58.

“Should we dress in plain, modest apparel without reference to the fashions; should our tables at all times be set with simple, healthful food, avoiding all luxuries, all extravagance; should our houses be built with becoming plainness, and furnished in the same manner, it would show the sanctifying power of the truth, and would have a telling influence upon unbelievers. But while we conform to the world in these matters, in some cases apparently seeking to excel worldlings in fanciful arrangement, the preaching of the truth will have but little or no effect. Who will believe the solemn truth for this time, when those who already profess to believe it contradict their faith by their works?” Ibid., 90.

5 WISDOM

What is necessary in order to rightly train a family and/or to relate properly to the church family and the world around us? Philippians 1:9; Colossians 1:9, 10.

Note: “Children are committed to their parents as a precious trust, which God will one day require at their hands. We should give to their training more time, more care, and more prayer. They need more of the right kind of instruction.” The Adventist Home, 161.

What should we consider with regard to having a family and the size of the family? I Timothy 5:8.

Note: “Parents should not increase their families any faster than they know that their children can be well cared for and educated.” The Adventist Home, 163.

What description is given of God’s wisdom, and how can we obtain it? James 3:17; 1:5.

Note: “Give the Word its honored position as a guide in the home. Let it be regarded as the counselor in every difficulty, the standard of every practice. Will my brethren and sisters be convinced that there can never be true prosperity to any soul in the family circle unless the truth of God, the wisdom of righteousness, presides?” Child Guidance, 509.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What type of commitment is necessary in your life?

2 What is the most effective way to witness?

3 Describe a most essential virtue you must have and how you gain it.

4 What is the connection between your physical well-being and your ability to share Christ with others?

5 How can you know how to accomplish the tasks before you?