impure Archives - Steps to Life

June 13 – 19, 2021

Key Text:

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13).

Study Help: The Ministry of Healing, 261–268; Testimonies, vol. 8, 312–328.

Introduction

“The mind should not be left to wander at random upon every subject that the adversary of souls may suggest.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 460.

Sunday

1 CONTROL OF THE MIND

1.a. What battle is being waged for the control of our minds? Why is it important to be under the constant control of the Spirit of God? Acts 26:18; Luke 11:24–26.

Note: “We must inevitably be under the control of the one or the other of the two great powers that are contending for the supremacy of the world. It is not necessary for us deliberately to choose the service of the kingdom of darkness in order to come under its dominion. We have only to neglect to ally ourselves with the kingdom of light. If we do not co-operate with the heavenly agencies, Satan will take possession of the heart, and will make it his abiding place. The only defense against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin. We may leave off many bad habits, for the time we may part company with Satan; but without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves to Him moment by moment, we shall be overcome. Without a personal acquaintance with Christ, and a continual communion, we are at the mercy of the enemy, and shall do his bidding in the end.” The Desire of Ages, 324.

1.b. What has Satan been doing for the last 6,000 years? Isaiah 14:3–17.

Note: “For thousands of years Satan has been experimenting upon the properties of the human mind, and he has learned to know it well. By his subtle workings in these last days he is linking the human mind with his own, imbuing it with his thoughts; and he is doing this work in so deceptive a manner that those who accept his guidance know not that they are being led by him at his will. The great deceiver hopes so to confuse the minds of men and women that none but his voice will be heard.” Medical Ministry, 111.

Monday

2 THE CHOICE IS OURS

2.a. What choice is every man given? Revelation 3:20; 22:17 (John 7:37); Matthew 16:24.

Note: “I entreat you to open the door of your heart and let your Saviour in. Give Him the whole heart—that which He has purchased. Ever bear in mind that it is you who must choose. God forces no man. He has chosen you, and engraven your name in the palms of His hands. Will you not give yourself fully to Him?” The Upward Look, 25.

2.b. What precious hope does the follower of Christ have regarding the final victory over sin? John 16:33, last part; 2 Timothy 4:7, 8.

Note: “Today, Satan has great power in the world. He has been permitted to have proprietorship of this earth for an appointed time. During this period, when iniquity prevails, men and women are given a chance to take sides. In every possible way, Satan tries to make the broad road attractive and the narrow road grievous, humiliating, and objectionable. He lays ingenious plans to allure men and women to indulge appetite. Cheap, unsatisfying pleasures are made all and in all in this degenerate age. Satan throws his glamour about these amusements, which eclipse eternal things. Many will sell their birthright, as did Esau, for trifling consideration … . worldly pleasure will appear more desirable to them than the heavenly birthright.

“But Christ has overcome in our behalf.” The Upward Look, 39.

Tuesday

3 CAUTION REGARDING MUSIC

3.a. Describe the effectiveness of Lucifer’s musical ability in heaven. Ezekiel 28:13.

Note: “Satan had led the heavenly choir. He had raised the first note; then all the angelic host had united with him, and glorious strains of music had resounded through heaven in honor of God and His dear Son.” The Story of Redemption, 25.

3.b. Research information indicates that music is a powerful stimulant affecting the whole body through the mind. How can Satan in his fallen state use music to deceive, if possible, even the very elect? Exodus 32:17–19.

Note: “They [the Israelites] ventured upon the forbidden ground, and were entangled in the snare of Satan. Beguiled with music and dancing, and allured by the beauty of heathen vestals, they cast off their fealty to Jehovah.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 454.

“They [young Sabbath-keepers] have a keen ear for music, and Satan knows what organs to excite to animate, engross, and charm the mind so that Christ is not desired. …

“The introduction of music into their homes, instead of inciting to holiness and spirituality, has been the means of diverting their minds from the truth. Frivolous songs and the popular sheet music of the day seem congenial to their taste. The instruments of music have taken time which should have been devoted to prayer. Music, when not abused, is a great blessing; but when put to a wrong use, it is a terrible curse.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 497.

“The low, common pleasure parties, gatherings for eating and drinking, singing and playing on instruments of music, are inspired by a spirit that is from beneath. They are an oblation unto Satan.” Messages to Young People, 382.

Wednesday

4 LOOKING UP

4.a. Where are we to focus our attention and our thoughts? Colossians 3:1, 2.

Note: “You should control your thoughts. This will not be an easy task; you cannot accomplish it without close and even severe effort. Yet God requires this of you; it is a duty resting upon every accountable being. You are responsible to God for your thoughts. If you indulge in vain imaginations, permitting your mind to dwell upon impure subjects, you are, in a degree, as guilty before God as if your thoughts were carried into action.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 561.

4.b. How only can man have proper thoughts and a “right mind”? Hebrews 12:1, 2; John 17:17, 19; Psalms 119:9, 97.

Note: “We have a work to do to resist temptation. Those who would not fall a prey to Satan’s devices must guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 460.

“Christ alone can direct the thoughts aright. He alone can give noble aspirations and fashion the character after the divine similitude. If we draw near to Him in earnest prayer, He will fill our hearts with high and holy purposes, and with deep longings for purity and righteousness.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 323.

Thursday

5 THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION

5.a. How is the book of nature useful in quickening the mind? Romans 1:20.

Note: “Through the creation we are to become acquainted with the Creator. The book of nature is a great lesson book, which in connection with the Scriptures we are to use in teaching others of His character, and guiding lost sheep back to the fold of God. As the works of God are studied, the Holy Spirit flashes conviction into the mind. …

“Too often the minds of students are occupied with men’s theories and speculations, falsely called science and philosophy. They need to be brought into close contact with nature.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 24, 25.

5.b. How can Christ’s presence be made more real to each of His followers? Psalms 1:1–3; 8:3, 9. On what topics should our minds dwell? Matthew 5:5, 8; Philippians 4:8; 2 Peter 3:13.

Note: “On the holy rest day, above all other days, we should study the messages that God has written for us in nature. We should study the Saviour’s parables where He spoke them, in the fields and groves, under the open sky, among the grass and flowers. As we come close to the heart of nature, Christ makes His presence real to us, and speaks to our hearts of His peace and love.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 26.

“Our minds should be constantly dwelling on the goodness of God and the future home of the saints, and we should ever be striving for perfection of character, that at last we may be given entrance into the City of God.” The Upward Look, 325.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Discuss the battle being waged for the control of the human mind.

2 Discuss the individual freedom to choose.

3 How does the enemy of souls use music to influence the human mind?

4 How is the mind brought under “right control” and how does it become “right-minded”?

5 Where should the mind’s eye be focused? Mention some practical ways in which this aim can be achieved.