From the Sabbath'Sc,hool Department -

"
Greetings to all fellow-students:

We are continuing our policy of im~roving the lesson

quarterlies in order that students may)growin grace and
get more benefit from their study. We again stress the
daily'study, and as each section is completed it be
. checked in the boiprovided.
In this quarterly, at the end of each lesson there are
,several questions to review the subject studied. It is the
purpose 'of"the lesson to teach something. To merely
identify the question and repeat that part of the text
which gives the answer is not necessarily learning more
than a few words. The lessons should be read, marked
and inwardly digested. The review questions at the end
are calculated to help each student to realize how far the
lesson has been assimilated. No reference is given for
them because these already have been given in the
questions.
The second set of questions designated "Thought
Questions" are more general, ,and the answers will
readily come to mind after studying the lesson helps
where these' are available.

Your brethren in Christ,

The General Conference Sabbath

School Department

I, . .

Sabba(h School Lesson Quarterly "The Law of GOd" for January-March, 1975, is
, publi~hea in the U.S.A. by the Seventh Day Adventist Refonn Movement Genera.!
Conference. Mailing address: P.O. Box 312, Blackwood, NJ 08012, U.S.A. When
a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.

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FOREWORD
In an age when the spirit ofrebellion is in the air, when the old established
customs are being questioned and often rejected, there is an urgent need for
established guide lines. Revolt against the establishment originated in
heaven, and now is. openly manifest on every hand.

Unfortunately, with many the least suggestion of restrictions of any kind

or regulations only meet opposition and a desire to find a way to evade or dis-
regard such requirements. It seems to be the natural response in humanity.
However, the results testify for themselves. Law and order has become a
political necessity if society is to survive and be safe: The law of the jungle is
already prevailing in parts of our big cities. Personal safety is in hazard con-
tinually. Rebellions, revolts, military coups, wars and aggressions cannot be
stopped. Human beings, precious souls for whom Christ died, are being
treated as entirely expendable, cold statistics to be duly reported by the
media. Even the highest. places reveal evidences of moral corruption.
Credibility has ceased to be an absolute and is only relative. Truth is almost a
stranger.

What has led to this state of affairs? We directly accuse all who
downgrade the law of God-those who say it is done away either openly or in
their hearts. God has given His law to be a fence of protection for His people.
True, the two great principles make the way narrow and straight. The first
four commandments, if observed, keep man out of trouble with his God and
Creator; the second table of six, keep man from getting into trouble with his
fellow man. Only within the law of liberty is the man truly free. Without, he
can only be the slave of sin, under the law, and will ultimately be subject to his
inevitable penalty of death-the eternal, second death.

How man should love the law of God, that spiritual law that is holy, just
and good and is given of God to convert carnal sinners to become spiritual.
holy, just and good men, the sons of God! How can 'this be? Christ came to pay
the penalty for our transgressions when under the law and bring us back into
the new covenant. His promise is not to do away with the law, because this is
impossible. Calvary is an eternal witness that it could not be changed, even for
the ~on of God. His promise is to put that law into our hearts and minds to
guide us. Then we will desire to obey, w.e will want to do all that is right, and
more, we will be happy to see how the law is magnified to apply to every detail
of our conduct.

It is the desire and prayer of the publishers that every student of these
lessons will love the law and daily pray that the Holy Spirit will put it into his
heart and mind. Thus the righteousness of Christ will become our
righteousness, our right doing (by His grace), as His mind is in us leading us to
will and to do His good pleasure. The law is what Jesus uses to sanctify us
truly.
The General Conference Sabbath School Department

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 Lesson Titles for the Quarter

1. The Law of God

2. The Law of God Through the Ages
3. The Law Distinguishes Two Tendencies
4. The First Commandment
5. The Second Commandment
6. The Third Commandment
7. The Fourth Commandment
8. The Fifth Commandment
9. The Sixth Commandment
10. The Seventh Commandment
11. The Eight Commandment
12. The Ninth Commandment
13. The Tenth Commandment

The Blessing of Daily Study

"Every day some portion of time should be appropriated to
the study of the lessons, not merely in learning to mechanically
repeat the words, while the mind does not comprehend the
meaning; but to go to the very foundation, and become familiar
with what is brought out in the lesson." -Counsels on Sabbath
School Work, page 53.

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Lesson 1 Sabbath, January 4, 1975

KEY TEXT: "For ever, 0 Lord, thy word is settled in heaven."

Psalm 119:89.
LESSON HELP: Steps to Christ, pp. 59-62.

Authorship 0 Sunday
December 29
1. What evidence can be cited concerning the origin of the law of God?
James 4:12; Romans 2:18.

NOTE: "The law of God is as sacred as God Himself. It is a revelation of His

will, a transcript of His character, the expression of divine love and wisdom."
-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 52.

2. Where is the original law kept, of which Moses received only a copy?
Psalm 119:89; Hebrews 8:5; Revelation 11:19.

Characteristics o Monday
December 30
3. How can we prove that the law of God is a transcript of His character?
Psalm 40:8; Romans 2: 18.

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4. What characteristics should the plan of salvation develop in us and
how is this done? Matthew 5:48; John 14:23; 1 John 3:24.

Fundamental Principles o Tuesday

December 31
5. What are the two fundamental principles of the law? Matthew 22:36-
39; Luke 10:25-28,

6. Which commandments reveal each principle and what is common to

both groups? Matthew 22:40; Deuteronomy 5:6-14, 16-21.

NOTE: " ... These two great principles embrace the first, four com-
mandments, showing the duty of man to God, and the last six, showing the
duty of man to his fellowman. The principles were more explicitly stated to
man after the fall, and worded to meet the case of fallen intelligences. This
was necessary in consequence of the minds of men being blinded by transgres-
sion (ST April 15, 1875)." -SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 1104.

Functions o Wednesday
January 1
7. What is sin and what alone can reveal it? 1 John 3:4; Romans 3:20;
James 1:22-25.

NOTE: "Without the law, men have no just conception of the purity and
holiness of God or of their own guilt and uncleanness. They have no true con-
viction of sin and feel no need of repentance." -The Great Controversy,
p.468.

8. To Whom does the law refer the convicted sinner for help?
Romans 3:23-26.

NOTE: "When the law was proclaimed from Sinai, God made known to men
the holiness of His character, that by contrast they might see the sinfulness of
their own. The law was given to convict them of sin, and rev~l their need of a
Saviour. It would do this as its principles were applied to the heart by the Holy
Spirit. This work it is still to do. In the life of Christ the principles of the law
are made plain; and as the Holy Spirit of God touches the heart, as the light of
Christ reveals to men their need of His cleansing blood and His justifying
righteousness, the law is still an agent in bringing us to Christ, that we may be
justified by faith ...." -The Desire of Ages, p. 308.

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Salvation o Thursday
January 2
9. As Christ cannot help sinners by exempting them from obedience to
the law, what is He willing to do for them? Matthew 1:21;
Galatians 2:20.

NOTE: "Then with Christ working in you, you will manifest the same spirit
and do the same good works - works of righteousness, obedience." -Steps to
Christ; p. 63.
"The followers of Christ are to become like Him - by the grace of God to
form characters in harmony with the principles of His holy law." -The Great
Controversy, p. 469. -

10. What restoration takes place in the hearts of repentant sinners who
receive Christ personally? Ezekiel 36:25-27; Romans 3:31.

NOTE: "It is the work of conversion and sanctification to reconcile men to

God by bringing them into accord with the principles 6f His law. In the begin-
ning, man was created in the image of God. He was in perfect harmony- with
the nature and the law of God; the principles of righteousness were written
upon his heart. But sin alienated him from his Maker...." -The Great Con-
troversy, p. 467.

REVIEW QUESTIONS o Friday

January 3

1. How can we show, from the Bible, that the law often commandments
is an expression of God's character?

2. How can we prove that salvation goes hand in hand with obedience to
the law of God? -

THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1. What two great errors touching law-and-salvation relationship have

been prevalent in the religious world?

2.. What is the relationship between faith, grace and the law of God?

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Lesson 2 Sabbath, January 11, 1975

THE LAW OF GOD

THROUGH THE AGES

KEY TEXT: "Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he com-
manded to a thousand generations." 1 Chronicles 16:15.
LESSON HELP: Early Writings, p. 216; Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 85.

In the Days of Our First Parents o Sunday

January 5
1. Whereby do we know that the law of God existed in Eden?
Romans 5:12-14; Hosea 6:7(RSV).

NOTE: "Adam and Eve at their creation had knowledge of the original law of
God. It was imprinted upon their hearts, and they were acquainted with the
claims of law upon them." -SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 1084.

2. How do we know that the law was binding also upon Cain?
Genesis 4:7; Romans 7:8 (last part); 1 Corinthians 15:56.

In the Days of the Patriarchs o Monday

January 6
3. How can it be proved that the requirements of the law were known to
the antediluvian world? How does the judgment of God upon the
antediluvians give evidence of the existence of the law? 2 Peter 2:5;
Genesis 6:5,7; Romans 4:15· (first part).

NOTE: "Adam taught his descendants the law of God, and it was handed
down from father to son through successive generations. But notwithstanding
the gracious provision for man's redemption, there were few who accepted it
and rendered obedience. By transgression the world became so vile that it was
necessary to cleanse it by the Flood from its corruption. The law was preserved
by Noah and his family, and Noah taught his descendants the Ten Com-
mandments.... " -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 363.

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4. Whereby can it be shown that the law existed in the days of Sodom
and Gomorrah? And also in the days of Joseph? Genesis 13: 13; 18:20;
19:13; 39:9; Romans 4:15 (first part).

Before Sinai D Tuesday

January 7
5. What incident shows that the law existed before the people of Israel
came to Mount Sinai? Exodus 16:28-30.

6. What other incident proves beyond doubt that the law existed before
Sinai? Exodus 18:17-20.

Given by Christ D Wednesday

January 8
7. Who was the messenger (or angel) of the covenant from Whom Moses
received the Decalogue for the people? Malachi 3:1; Acts 7:38;
1 Corinthians 10:9.

NOTE: "It was Christ who, amid thunder and flame"had proclaimed the law
upon Mount Sinai." -Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 45.

8. What should we therefore call that law? 1 Corinthians 9:21;

Galatians 6:2.

Confirmed by Christ and the Apostles D Thursday

January 9
9. How did Christ confirm the law and enjoin it upon His followers?
Isaiah 42:21; Matthew 5:17-20; Luke 16:17.

NOTE: "He [Christ] suffered the full penalty of a broken law for the whole
world. This He did, not that men might continue in transgression, but that
they might return to their loyalty and keep God's commandments and His law
as the apple of their eye." -Testimonies to Ministers, p. 134.

10. How do Paul, James and John prohibit defying the law of God or
speaking against it? Romans 2:23; James 2:10-12; 4:11; 1 John 3:4.

REVIEW QUESTIONS D Friday

January 10
1. Which commandments did our first parents transgress?

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2. How can we prove that those are wrong who believe they do not have
to fulfill (keep or practice) the law of God because Christ did it for
them?

THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1. What men has God always had all ~hrough the ages?

2. Being one of these men, how did Enoch walk with God?

Notes On This Lesson:

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Lesson 3 Sabbath, January 18,1975

THE LAW

DISTINGUISHES

TWO TENDENCIES

KEY TEXT: "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corrup-
tion; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life
everlasting." Galatians 6:8.
LESSON HELP: Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pp. 141-144.

The Carnal Tendency (Death) D Sunday

January 12
1. Who are under (the condemnation of) the law and why? Who make the
law necessary? Romans 3:19; 8:7; James 2:9; 1 Timothy 1:9.

2. How did Jesus and Paul rebuke the Jews for breaking the law?
John 7:19; Matthew 23:2, 3; Romans 2:23, 25.

The Spiritual Tendency (Life) D Monday

January 13
3. What is the attitude of the spiritual man toward the law? Why are
such not under the law? Psalm 1:2; Romans 7:22; Galatians 5:18,
22,23.

NOTE: " ... If our hearts are renewed in the likeness of God, if the divine
love is implanted in the soul, will not the law of God be carried out in the life?

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When the principle of love is implanted in the heart, when man is renewed
after the image of Him that created him, the new-covenant promise is
fulfilled, 'I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write
them.' Hebrews 10:16. And if the law is written in the heart, will it not shape
the life? .. ." -Steps to Christ, p. 60.

4. How did Jesus and Paul emphasize the need of keeping the law? What
will happen to those who have been warned but do not stop breaking
the law? Matthew 19:17-19; 1 Corinthians 7:19; Hebrews 10:26.

Breach Made in the Law D Tuesday

January 14
5. What power has been opposed to the truth of God? 2 Thes-
salonians 2:3, 4; Daniel 8: 12~

6. What did this power attempt to do with the law of God? What false
doctrine is responsible for much of the misery in the world?
Daniel 7:25.

NOTE: "The papacy has attempted to change the law of God. The second
commandment, forbidding image worship, has been dropped from the law,
and the fourth commandment has been so changed as to authorize the obser-
vance of the first instead of the seventh day as the Sabbath...." - The Great
Controversy, p. 446.
"Already the doctrine that men are released from-obedience to God's re-
quirements has weakened the force of moral obligation and opened the
floodgates of iniquity upon the world. Lawlessness, dissipation, and corrup-
tion are sweeping in upon us like an overwhelming tide... ." -Ibid., p. 585.

Restoration (Repairing the Breach) D Wednesday

January 15
7. What was predicted, in the Old Testament, with reference to the law
of God? Isaiah 58:12-14; 8:16; Malachi 4:4,5.

8. How is this prediction repeated in the New Testament?

Matthew 17:11; Acts 3:21.

The Remnant People of God D Thursday

January 16
9. How may those be described who do this work of restoration by the
threefold message of Revelation 14? What is the real test of dis-
cipleship today? Revelation 14: 12.

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NOTE: " ... However weak and compassed with infirmity the people of God
may be, those who turn from disloyalty to God in this wicked and perverse
generation, and come back to their allegiance, standing to vindicate the holy
law of God, making up the breach made by the man of sin under the direction
of Satan, will be accounted the children of God, and through the righteousness
of Christ will stand perfect before God...." ~ Testimonies to MinLsters, p_ 41.

10. What will they have to suffer as the result of doing this work?
Revelation 12:17.

NOTE: "The warfare against God's law, which was begun in heaven, will be
continued until the end of time. Every man will be tested. Obedience or dis-
obedience is the question to be decided by the whole world. All will be called
to choose between the law of God and the laws of men. Here the dividing line
will be drawn. There will be but two classes. Every character will be fully
developed; and all will show whether they have chosen the side of loyalty or
that of rebellion." -The Desire of Ages, p.763.

REVIEW QUESTIONS o Friday

January 17
1. How can we prove that those who do not submit to the law of God are
enemies of God?

2. According to Paul, how do professed believers dishonor God?

THOUGHT QUESTIONS
1. Why does the Bible say that the Antichrist would only "think to
change" the law of God (Daniel 7:25)?

2. How shall we urgently call the attention of the world to the com-
mandments of God?

Notes On This Lesson:

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Lesson 4 Sabbath, January 25, 1975

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT

KEY TEXT: "Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry."

1 Corinthians 10:14.
LESSON HELP: Prophets and Kings, pp. 221, 222; The Desire of Ages,
pp. 520-523.

Two Witnesses o Sunday

January 19
1. What is the first commandment and where is it found? Ex-
odus 20:2, 3.

2. In what words and under what circumstance was the first command-
ment confirmed in the New Testament? Matthew 4: 10.

Amplitude of the Commandment o Monday

January 20
3. What is the extent of the first commandment? What does it forbid?
Why was John the Revelator rebuked by the angel? Revelation 19:10.

NOTE: "Jehovah, the eternal, self-existent, uncreated One, Himself the

Source and Sustainer of all, is alone entitled to supreme reverence and
worship. Man is forbidden to give to any other object the first place in his
affections or his service. Whatever we cherish that tends to lessen our love for
God or to interfere with the service due Him, of that do we make a god."
-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 305.

4. How did our first parents break the first commandment by listening
to the serpent? Genesis 3:4-6.

False Gods o Tuesday

January 21
5. What relationship does Paul see between indulgence of appetite and
the first commandment? Philippians 3:19.

6. What does the apostle say about covetousness in the light of the first
commandment? Colossians 3:5 (last part).

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False Gods (Continued) D Wednesday
January 22
7. What was the predominant sin ofIsrael in the days of Elijah? How is
this sin being repeated today? 1 Kings 18:17, 18, 21.

NOTE: " ... The world today has its Ahabs and its Jezebels. The present age
is one of idolatry, as verily as was that in which Elijah lived. No outward
shrine may be visible; there may be no image for the eye to rest upon; yet
thousands are following after the gods of this world - after riches, fame,
pleasure, and the pleasing fables that permit man to follow the inclinations of
the unregenerate heart. Multitudes have a wrong conception of God and His
attributes, and are as truly serving a false god as were the worshipers of Baal.
Many even of those who claim to be Christians have allied themselves with in-
fluences that are unalterably opposed to God and His truth. Thus they are led
to turn away from the divine and to exalt the human." -Prophets and Kings,
pp. 177, 178.
"The lover of self is a transgressor of the law." -Christ's Object Lessons,
p.392.

8. What is one of the most common forms of idolatry today?

2 Timothy 4:3, 4; 2 Peter 2:1.

NOTE: " ... It is as easy to make an idol offalsedoctrines and theories as to

fashion an idol of wood or stone. By misrepresenting the attributes of God,
Satan leads men to conceive of Him in a false character. With many, a
philosophical idol is enthroned in the place of Jehovah; while the living God,
as He is revealed in His word, in Christ, and in the works of creation, is
worshiped by but few. Thousands deify nature while they deny the God of
nature. Though in a different form, idolatry exists in the Christian world to-
day as verily as it existed among ancient Israel in the days of Elijah...."
-The Great Controversy, p. 583.

False Gods (Continued) D Thursday

January 23
9. Against what particular form of idolatry did Sister White protest?

NOTE: "And the General Conference is itself becoming corrupted with

wrong sentiments and principles." -Testimonies to Ministers, p. 359.
"The highhanded power that has been developed, as though position has
made men gods, makes me afraid, and ought to cause fear." -Ibid., p. 36l.
" ... When men who profess to serve God ignore His parental character,
and depart from honor and righteousness in dealing with their fellow men,
Satan exults, for he has inspired them with his attributes. They are following
in the track of Romanism." -Ibid., p. 362.
" ... In order to reign and become a' power they [men who exercise
highhanded power] employ Satan's methods to justify their own principles.

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They exalt themselves as men of superior judgment, and they have stood as
representatives of God. These are false gods." -Ibid., p. 364.

10. In what blasphemous worship is the Christian world involved? What

does the first angel's message call upon men to do? Revelation 13:4-
8; 14:6, 7.

REVIEW QUESTIONS 0 Friday

January 24
1. Of all the false gods that we have to overcome, which is one of the
hardest to conquer?

2. How is the professed Christian world today worshiping at the altars

of Baal?

THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1. How do we know that the rich young man (Luke 18: 18-23) did not keep
all the commandments?

2. What will every true Christian place on the altar of God?

Notes On This Lesson:

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Lesson 5 Sabbath, February 1, 1975

THE SECOND COMMANDMENT

KEY TEXT: "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers
shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father
seeketh such to worship him." John 4:23.
LESSON HELP: Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 306; The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 237-240.

Two Witnesses D Sunday

January 26
1. What is the second commandment and where was it first formally
recorded? Exodus 20:4-6.

2. What teaching of Jesus has bearing on the second commandment?

John 4:24.

Not for Those Who Have Light and Knowledge D Monday

January 27
3. Why is the worship of God by images and similitudes strictly for-
bidden?

NOTE: " ... The attempt to represent the Eternal One by material objects
would lower man's conception of God. The mind, turned away from the in-
finite perfection of Jehovah, would be attracted to the creature rather than to
the Creator. And as his conceptions of God were lowered; so would man
become degraded." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 306.

4. What Bible explanation shows that those who use graven images lack
understanding? Isaiah 44:9-18; Romans 1:21-23,25.

Reformations D Tuesday
January 28
5. What reformation touching the second commandment had to be made
among the people of God in the days of the patriarchs? What change
did God bring, for their safety, as a result of that reformation?
Genesis 35: 1-5.

6. What reformation did Moses make to restore the second com-

mandment? Why was immediate death penalty meted out on those
who persisted in their rebellion? Exodus 32:20, 25-32.

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NOTE: " ... Unless punishment had been speedily visited upon transgres-
sion, the same results would again have been seen. The earth would have
become as corrupt as in the days of Noah. Had these transgressors been
spared, evils would have followed, greater than resulted from sparing the life
of Cain. It was the mercy of God that thousands should suffer, to prevent the
necessity of visiting judgment upon millions. In order to save the many, He
must punish the few...." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p.325.

More Reformations o Wednesday

January 29
7. What reformation was made among the children of Israel shortly
before the death of Joshua? Joshua 24:14-25.

8. What reformation was later initiated by Gideon? Judges 6:25-31.

Warnings for Today o Thursday

January 30
9. If Christ we.re on earth today, what would He say about a modern
species of idolatry-multiplication of photographs? John 2:16.

NOTE: "As I visit the homes of our people and our schools, I see that all the
available space on tables, what-nots, and mantelpieces is filled up with
photographs. On the right hand and on the left are seen the pictures of human
faces. God desires this order of things to be changed. Were Christ on earth, He
would say, 'Take these things hence.' I have been instructed 'that these pic-
tures are as so many idols, taking up the time and thought which should be
sacredly devoted to God." -Messages to Young People, p.316.

10. What will men one day do with their idols, when they see that these
cannot help them? Isaiah 2:17-21.

REVIEW QUESTIONS 0 Friday

January 31
1. What detrimental effect does the use of images have upon the minds of
those who have them?

2. What kind of worshipers is God calling?

THOUGHT QUESTIONS
1. What is the meaning of God's jealousy mentioned in the second com-
mandment (Exodus 20:5)?

2. How do we harmonize God's threat in the second part of verse 5 with

His words in Ezekiel 18:20?

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Lesson 6 Sabbath, February 8, 1975

THE THIRD COMMANDMENT

KEY TEXT: "Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an
offering, and come before him: worship the Lord in the beauty
of holiness." 1 Chronicles 16:29.
LESSON HELP: Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 469; Testimonies, vol. 2,
p. 71; Thoughts From the Mount of.Blessing, pp. 66, 67.

Two Witnesses o Sunday

February 2
1. What is the third commandment and where was it first formally
recorded? Exodus 20:7.

2. What do we read about the third commandment in the New

Testament? Matthew 5:33-37.

Amplitude of the Commandment o Monday

February 3
3. What is the scope of the third commandment? Psalm 111:9.

NOTE: "This [the third] commandment not only prohibits false oaths and
common swearing, but it forbids us to use the name of God in a light or
careless manner, without regard to its awful significance. By the thoughtless
mention of God in common conversation, by appeals to Him in trivial matters,
and by the frequent and thoughtless repetition of His name, we dishonor Him.
'Holy and reverend is His name.' Psalm 111:9. All should meditate upon His
majesty, His purity and holiness, that the heart may be impressed with a
sense of His exalted character; and His holy name should be uttered with
reverence and solemnity." -Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 306, 307.

4. What does it mean to hallow God's holy name? Matthew 6:9;

James 2:7.

NOTE: "This [the Lord's] name is hallowed by the angels of heaven, by the
inhabitants of unfallen worlds. When you pray, 'Hallowed be Thy name,' you
ask that it may be hallowed in this world, hallowed in you. God has
acknowledged you before men and angels as His child; pray that you may do
no dishonor to the 'worthy name by which ye are called.' James 2:7. God
sends you into the world as His representatives. In every act of life you are to
make manifest the name of God. This petition calls upon you to possess His
character. You cannot hallow His name, you cannot represent Him to the

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world, unless in life and character you represent the very life and character of
God. This you can do only through the acceptance of the grace and
righteousness of Christ." -Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 107.

Punishment for Transgression o Tuesday

February 4
5. How were those punished in Israel who blasphemed the holy name of
God? Leviticus 24:10-16.

6. What should those know who question the love and justice of God in
this matter? Ecclesiastes 8: 11.

NOTE: "There are those who will question God's love and His justice in
visiting so severe punishment for words spoken in the heat of passion. But
both love and justice require it to be shown that utterances prompted by
malice against God are a great sin. The retribution visited upon the first
offender would be a warning to others, that God's name is to be held in
reverence. But had this man's sin been permitted to pass unpunished, others
would have been demoralized; and as the result many lives must eventually
have been sacrificed." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 408.

A Serious Warning o Wednesday

February 5
7. With what reverence do the holy angels mention the name of God?
Isaiah 6:1-3.

NOTE: "Holy angels have been displeased and disgusted with the irreverent
manner in which mlmy have used the name of God, the great Jehovah. Angels
mention that sacred name with the greatest awe, ever veiling their faces when
they speak the name of God; and the name of Christ is so sacred to them that
they speak it with the greatest reverence ...." -Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 410.

8. Who is often really responsible when the name of God is blasphemed?

Why? Romans 2:24.

NOTE: " ... A religion that leads men to place a low estimate upon human
beings, whom Christ has esteemed of such value as to give Himself for them; a
religion that would lead us to be careless of human needs, sufferings, or rights,
is a spurious religion. In slighting the claims of the poor, the suffering, and the
sinful, we are proving ourselves traitors to Christ. It is because men take upon
themselves the name of Christ, while in life they deny His character, that
Christianity has so little power in the world. The name of the Lord is
blasphemed because of these things." -Thoughts From the Mount of Bless-
ing, p. 137.

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Our Relationship to God D Thursday
February 6
9. What is the significance of the title by which Jesus told us to address
God? Luke 11:2; John 14:6; 1:12.

NOTE: H... He [Christ] taught man to address the Supreme Ruler of the
universe by the new name-'Our Father.' This name signifies His true relation to
us, and when spoken in sincerity by human lips, it is music in the ears of God.
Christ leads us to the throne of God by a new and living way, to present Him to
us in His paternal love. -Review and Herald, Sept. 11,1894." -Fundamen-
tals of Christian Education, p. 309.

10. In what way should we have God's name writteJ).j.!}-J.ur foreheads?

Deuteronomy 6:4-8; Jeremiah 23:6; Revelation un. I
,r~rrf
NOTE: HIn all you do, let your thought be, 'Is this the way of the Lord? Will
this please my Saviour? He gave His life for me; what can I give back to God? I
can only say, "Of Thine own, 0 Lord, I freely give Thee." 'Unless the name of
God is written in your forehead,-written there because God is the center of
your thoughts,-you will not be meet for the inheritance in .light. ..."
-Counsels on Stewardship, p. 46.

REVIEW QUESTIONS D Friday

February 7
1. What should believers know concerning the repetition of the Lord's
name unnecessarily in prayer?

2. In what way should we honor His name?

THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1. How was the name of God revealed to Moses? How is it revealed to us?

2. How can we glorify the name of God?

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 A Test of Loyalty

"Every man has been placed on trial, as were

A,dam and Eve in Eden. As the tree of knowledge
was ,placed in the midst of the garden of Eden, so
the' Sabbath command is placed in the midst of
the decalogue. In regard to the fruit of the tree of
knowledge, the restriction was made, 'Ye shall
not eat of it, ... lest ye die' [Gen. 3:3]. Of the
Sabbath, God said, Ye shall not defile it, but
keep it holy.... As the tree of knowledge was the
test of Adam's obedience, so the fourth command
is the test that God has given to prove the loyalty
of all His people. The experience of Adam is to be
a warning to us so long as time shall last. It warns
us not to receive any assurance from the mouth of
men or of angels that will detrad one jot or tittle
from the sacred law of Jehovah."
-Review and Herald, August 30,1898.

-22-
Lesson 7 Sabbath, February 15,1975
thousands of them that Io~ M~. and
kttp My commandments.
III
Thou shah not lake the name of
lhe Lon:I thy God in. nin: for lhe
Lord will nol hold him guiltlcu thai
taketh His nam<: in vain.

THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT

KEY TEXT: "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and
be glad in it." Psalm 118:24.
LESSON HELP: The Desire of Ages, pp. 281-289.

Two Witnesses D Sunday

February 9
1. What is the fourth commandment and where was it first formally
recorded? Exodus 20:8-11.

2. Whereby do we know that the Sabbath is not a Jewish institution?

When and for whom did God make the ·Sabbath? Genesis 2:2, 3;
Mark 2:27.

Purposes D Monday
February 10
3. Of what is the Sabbath a commemorative institution? Exodus 31:15-
17.

NOTE: "In Eden, God set up the memorial of His work of creation, in placing
His blessing upon the seventh day. The Sabbath was committed to Adam, the
father and representative of the whole human family. Its observance was to be
an act of grateful acknowledgment, on the part of all who should dwell upon

-23-
the earth, that Cod was their Creator and their rightful Sovereign; that they
were the work of His hands and the subjects of His authority. Thus the institu-
tion was wholly commemorative, and given to all mankind. There was nothing
in it shadowy or of restricted application to any people." -Patriarchs and
Prophets, p. 48.

4. What additional significance did God place upon the Sabbath?

Ezekiel 20:20.

NOTE: "To us as to Israel the Sabbath is given 'for a perpetual covenant.' To

those who reverence His holy day the Sabbath is a sign that God recognizes
them as His chosen people. It is a pledge that He will fulfill to them His cove-
nant. Every soul who accepts the sign of God's government places himself un-
der the divine, everlasting covenant. He fastens himself to the golden chain of
obedience, every link of which is a promise." -Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 350.
"The Sabbath is a golden clasp that unites God and His people." -Ibid.,
p.351.

A Serious Conflict o Tuesday

February 11
5. What does the fourth commandment contain? Revelation 7:2; 14:1.

NOTE: "The fourth commandment alone of all the ten contains the seal of
the great Lawgiver, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Those who obey
this commandment take upon themselves His name, and all the blessings it
involves are theirs...." -Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 350.

6. What counterfeit sabbath has been introduced by the enemy?

Daniel 7:25; Revelation 14:9; 13:16.

NOTE: "John was called to behold a people distinct from those who worship
the beast and his image by keeping the first day of the week. The observance
of this day is the mark of the beast (Letter 31,1898)." -SDA Bible Commen-
tary, vol. 7, p. 979.

A Work of Restoration o Wednesday

February 12
7. Upon whom does God pronounce a blessing in the last days? Isaiah
56:1,2,6,7.

8. What work of restoration is going on under the third angel's message?

Isaiah 58:12-14.

NOTE: "The breach was made in the law of God when the Sabbath was
changed by the Roman power. But the time has come for that divine institu-

-24-
tion to be restored. The breach is to be repaired and the foundation of many
generations to be raised up." -The Great Controversy, p.453.

The Final Issue D Thursday

February 13
9. What point of truth will be especially controverted under the final
test? What two classes will then be clearly distinguished?
Malachi 3:18.

NOTE: "History will be repeated. False religion will be exalted. The first day
of the week, a common working day, possessing no sanctity whatever, will be
set up as was the image at Babylon. All nations and tongues and peoples will
be commanded to worship this spurious sabbath. This is Satan's plan to make
of no account the day instituted by God, and given to the world as a memorial
of creation." -SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 976.
"While one class, by accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers,
receive the mark of the beast, the other choosing the token of allegiance to
divine authority, receive the seal of God." -The Great Controversy, p. 605.

10. Where will the Sabbath be kept forever, free from the opposing in-
fluence of Satan? Isaiah 66:22, 23.

REVIEW QUESTIONS D Friday

February 14
1. What are the reasons for Sabbath keeping in the Christian dispen-
sation?

2. How can we prove that God wants us to keep the seventh day (which
is a specific day) and not just one in seven?

THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1. In Luke 6:7 and Matthew 26:59-61 there is strong evidence that the
watchful Jews had never seen Jesus break the Sabbath. Explain.

2. In Acts 22: 12 there are two strong evidences that Ananias, a disciple,
was a strict Sabbathkeeper. Explain.

-25-
Lesson 8 Sabbath, February 22, 1975

THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT

KEY TEXT: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming
of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the
heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the
children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a
curse." Malachi 4:5, 6.

LESSON HELP: Messages to Young People, pp. 331, 332.

Two Witnesses o Sunday

February 16
1. What is the fifth commandment and where was it first formally
recorded? Exodus 2Q:12.

2. How is the fifth commandment repeated in the New Testament?

Ephesians 6:1-3.

Amplitude of the Commandment o Monday

February 17
3. What is the scope of the fifth commandment in its broadest sense?
Colossians 3:20; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:5; 2:18; Romans 13:1-6.

NOTE: " ... And he who rejects the rightful authority of his parents is rejec-
ting the authority of God. The fifth commandment requires children not only
to yield respect, submission, and obedience to their parents, but also to give
them love and tenderness, to lighten their cares, to guard their reputation, and
to succor and comfort them in old age. It also enjoins respect for ministers and
rulers and for all others to whom God has delegated authority." -Patriarchs
and Prophets, p. 308.

" ... The ten precepts of Jehovah are the foundation of all righteous and
good laws. Those who love God's commandments will conform to every good
law of the land. But if the requirements of the rulers are such as conflict with
the laws of God, the only question to be settled is: Shall we obey God, or
man?" -Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 361, 362.

4. What work to be carried on in our day will elevate the fifth com-
mandment? Malachi 4:5, 6.

-26-
Filial Duties D Tuesday
February 18
5. What should children understand so that they may feel their in-
debtedness to Christian parents? Proverbs 1:8,9; 4:1-6, 20-23.

NOTE: "Children should feel that they are indebted to their parents, who
have watched over them in infancy and nursed them in sickness. They should
realize that their parents have suffered much anxiety on their account.
Especially have conscientious, godly parents felt the deepest interest that
their children should take a right course. As they have seen faults in their
children, how heavy have been their hearts. If the children who caused those
hearts to ache could see the effect of their course, they would certainly relent.
If they could see their mother's tears and hear her prayers to God in their
behalf, if they could listen to her suppressed and broken sighs, their hearts
would feel, and they would speedily confess their wrongs and ask to be
forgiven...." -Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 395, 396.
"Children, when they become of age, will prize the parent who labored
faithfully, and would not permit them to cherish wrong feelings or indulge in
evil habits." -The Adventist Home, p. 292.

6. What does the Bible enjoin upon children and grandchildren as their
first religious duty? 1 Timothy 5:4.

A Contrast D Wednesday
February 19
7. What law was given to the people of Israel for an incorrigible son?
Deuteronomy 21: 18-21; Leviticus 20:9.

NOTE: "Fond and indulgent parents, let me present for your instruction the
directions given in the Bible for dealing with a rebellious son: 'If a man have a
stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the
voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken
unto them; then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring
him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the g"lte of his place; and they
shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he
will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. And all the men of his
city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from
among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.' " -Testimonies, vol. 4,
pp. 204, 205.

8. How did the leaders of the Jewish people set aside the fifth command-
ment, and how did Jesus rebuke them for this evil? Matthew 15:4-6.

NOTE: " ...They [the scribes and Pharisees] taught the people that the devo-
tion of their property to the temple was a duty more sacred than even the sup-

-27-
port of their parents; and that, however great the necessity, it was sacrilege to
impart to father or mother any part of what had been thus consecrated. An un-
dutiful child had only to pronounce the word 'Corban' over his property, thus
devoting it to God, and he could retain it for his own use during his lifetime,
and after his death it was to be appropriated to the temple service. Thus he
was at liberty, both in life and in death, to dishonor and defraud his parents,
under cover of a pretended devotion to God." -The Desire of Ages, p. 397.

Jesus, Our Example o Thursday

February 20
9. What example of filial love, respect and obedience was given us by
Jesus? Luke 2:40, 50, 51.

NOTE: "As a child, Jesus manifested a peculiar loveliness of disposition. His

willing hands were ever ready to serve others;" -The Desire of Ages, p.68.
"Jesus did not ignore His relation to His earthly parents. From Jerusalem
He returned home with them, and aided them in their life of toil." -Ibid.,
p.82.

10. What did Jesus willingly learn from His mother and from Joseph?
Mark 6:3.

NOTE: "The child Jesus did not receive instruction in the synagogue schools.
His mother was His first human teacher. From her lips and from the scrolls of
the prophets, He learned of heavenly things. The very words which He
Himself had spoken to Moses for Israel He was now taught at His mother's
knee. As He advanced from childhood to youth, He did not seek the schools of
the rabbis. He needed not the education to be obtained from such sources; for
God was His instructor." -The Desire of Ages, p.70.
"Jesus lived in a peasant's home, and faithfully and cheerfully acted His
part in bearing the burdens of the household. He had been the Commander of
heaven, and angels had delighted to fulfill His word; now He was a willing ser-
vant, a loving, obedient son. He learned a trade, and with His own hands
worked in. the carpenter's shop with Joseph...." -Ibid., p.72.

REVIEW QUESTIONS 0 Friday

February 21
1. Where is the limit in the application of the fifth commandment?

2. What work of reconciliation should be done in our days in the spirit

and power of Elijah?

THOUGHT QUESTIONS
1. Who are responsible for disrespect in youngsters? How?

2. What thought is especially dreadful?

-28-
Lesson 9 Sabbath, March 1,1975

THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT

KEY TEXT: "For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to
save them." Luke 9:56.
LESSON HELP: Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pp.55-59.

Two Witnesses o Sunday

February 23
1. What is the sixth commandment and where was it first formally
recorded? Exodus 20: 13.

2. How does the New Testament confirm the sixth commandment?

Matthew 26:52; Revelation 13: 10.

Punishment for Transgression o Monday

February 24
3. What law was given in the days of old to punish the transgressors of
the sixth commandment? Genesis 9:6; Leviticus 24:17.

4. What will be the final destiny of those who violate the sixth com-
mandment? Revelation 21 :8; 22: 15.

Amplitude of the Commandment o Tuesday

February 25
5. What is the all-embracing meaning of the sixth commandment?

NOTE: "All acts of injustice that tend to shorten life; the spirit of hatred and
revenge, or the indulgence of any passion that leads to injurious acts toward
others, or causes us even to wish them harm (for 'whosoever hateth his brother
is a murderer'); a selfish neglect of caring for the needy or suffering; all self-
indulgence or unnecessary deprivation or excessive labor that tends to injure
health-all these are, to a greater or less degree, violations of the sixth com-
mandment." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p.308.

6. How is the sixth commandment often transgressed without open

violence? Matthew 5:21,22; 1 John 2:9; 3:15.

NOTE: "Murder first exists in the mind. He who gives hatred a place in his
heart is setting his feet in the path of the murderer, and his offerings are
abhorrent to God." -The Desire of Ages, p. 310.

-29-
Additional Applications D Wednesday
February 26
7. How else is the sixth commandment often violated?
1 Corinthians 3:16, 17.

NOTE: " ... Our bodies are not our own. God has claims upon us to take care
of the habitation He has given us, that we may present our bodies to Him a liv-
ing sacrifice, holy and acceptable. Our bodies belong to Him who made them,
and we are in duty bound to become intelligent in regard to the best means of
preserving them from decay. If we enfeeble the body by self-gratification, by
indulging the appetite, and by dressing in accordance with health-destroying
fashions, in order to be in harmony with the world, we become enemies of
God." -Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 63.

8. What selfish neglect of duty is also a violation of the sixth com-

mandment? Luke 10:30-32; 16:19-21.

NOTE: "There are today close beside us many who are hungry, naked, and
homeless. A neglect to impart of our means to these needy, suffering ones
places upon us a burden of guilt which we shall one day fear to meet. All
covetousness is condemned as idolatry. All selfish indulgence is an offense in
God's sight." -Christ's Object Lessons, p. 261.

More Additional Applications D Thursday

February 27
9. What should the Christians' attitude be toward their enemies?
Romans 12:18-21; Matthew 5:44,45.

10. What declaration of Christ forbids any participation in bloodshed?

Luke 9:56.

REVIEW QUESTIONS D Friday

February 28
1. In what ways can the sixth commandment be broken without killing?

2. How is health reform related to the sixth commandment?

THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1. What spirit should a true Christian always show towards those who
have had disagreements with him?

2. How can much evil be prevented?

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Lesson 10 Sabbath, March 8, 1975

THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT

KEY TEXT: "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."
Matthew 5:8.

LESSON HELP: Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 426-431.

A Commandment to Safeguard the Family o Sunday

March 2
1. What is the seventh commandment and where was it first formally
recorded? Exodus 20: 14.

2. Where and when was the marriage institution originated?

Genesis 1:27,28; 2:24.

Confirmed D Monday
March 3
3. How did Christ confirm both the marriage institution and the seventh
commandment? Matthew 19:4-6; John 8:11; Matthew 5:27,28.

NOTE: "When the thought of evil is loved and cherished, however secretly,
said Jesus, it shows that sin still reigns in the heart." -Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing, p. 60.

4. What admonitions show that the seventh commandment condemns

immorality under any form? Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 6:9,18;
Revelation 21:27.

How Debased D Tuesday

March 4
5. How did Satan succeed in corrupting the marriage institution?
Genesis 4:19; 6:2; 16:3; 29:27.

NOTE: "Poligamy was practiced at an early dat~. It was one of the sins that
brought the wrath of God upon the antediluvian world. Yet after the Flood it
again became widespread. It was Satan's studied effort to pervert the
marriage institution, to weaken its obligations and lessen its sacredness; for in
no surer way could he deface the image of God in man and open the door to
misery and vice." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 338.

-31-
6. What else played an important role in debasing the sanctity of
marriage? Deuteronomy 24:1-4; Matthew 19:7,8.

Rules Protecting the Institution D Wednesday

March 5
7. What practice is not permitted by the seventh commandment?
Luke 16:18; Matthew 19:9; Romans 7:1-3; 1 Corinthians 7:39.

8. What rules did the apostle Paul set down for the believers?
1 Corinthians 7:10-15.

Restoration of the Institution D Thursday

and Punishment of Transgressors March 6

9. What is the purpose of the gospel toward marriage? Luke 19:10;

1 John 3:8 (last part).

NOTE: "Like every other one of God's good gifts entrusted to the keeping of
humanity, marriage has been perverted by sin; but it is the purpose of the
gospel to restore its purity and beauty." -Thoughts From the Mount of Bless-
ing, p.64.
"In the time of the end every divine institution is to be restored."
-Prophets and Kings, p. 678.

10. What will be the end of those who do not respect the seventh com-
mandment? 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Revelation 22:15.

REVIEW QUESTIONS D Friday

March 1
1. When Christ said, "in the beginning it was not so," what did He con-
firm and exalt as having the highest authority?

2. What are the two conflicting tendencies toward the seventh com-
mandment and the marriage institution?

THOUGHT QUESTIONS
1. What does the Spirit of Prophecy say about our influence?

2. What is shaping our future life and deciding our destiny?

-32-
Lesson 11 Sabbath, March 15, 1975

THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT

KEY TEXT: "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do
to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the
prophets." Matthew 7:12.

LESSON HELP: Counsels on Stewardship, pp. 315-319.

Two Witnesses D Sunday

March 9
1. What is the eighth commandment and where was it first formally
recorded? Exodus 20: 15.

2. How does Paul confirm the eighth commandment? Romans 2:21;

Ephesians 4:28.

Amplitude of the Commandment D Monday

March 10
3. What is the full scope of the eighth commandment? Romans 13:8.

NOTE: "Both public and private sins are included in this prohibition. The
eighth commandment condemns manstealing and slave dealing, and forbids
wars of conquest. It condemns theft and robbery. It demands strict integrity in
the minutest details of the affairs of life. It forbids overreaching in trade, and
requires the' payment of just debts or wages. It declares that every attempt to
advantage oneself by the ignorance, weakness, or misfortune of another is
registered as fraud in the books of heaven." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 309.

4. What is expected from Christians in all their business transactions?

What warning should they heed? Proverbs 16:11; 11:1.

NOTE: "The Christian in his business life is to represent to the world the
manner in which our Lord would conduct business enterprises. In every trans-
action he is to make it manifest that God is his teacher. 'Holiness unto the
Lord' is to be written upon daybooks and ledgers, on deeds, receipts, and bills
of exchange. Those who profess to be followers of Christ, and who deal in an
unrighteous manner, are bearing false witness against the character of a holy,
just, and merciful God...." -The Desire of Ages, p. 556.

-33-
Employers and Employees o Tuesday
March 11
5. In what way do employers often overlook the requirements of the
eighth commandment? Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:14, 15;
James 5:4-6.

NOTE: " ... What a revelation will be made in the day of God, when
hoarded treasures, and wages kept back by fraud, cry against their possessors,
who were professedly good Christians, and flattered themselves that they were
keeping the law of God, when they loved gain better than they loved the
purchase of Christ's blood, the souls of men." -Counsels on Stewardship,
p.123.
"A man who sincerely fears God would rather toil day and night, suffer
privation, and eat the bread of poverty than to indulge a passion for gain
which would oppress the widow and the fatherless or turn the stranger from
his right. The crimes that are committed through love of display and love of
money constitute this world a den of thieves and robbers, and cause angels to
weep...." -Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 490.

6. How is the eighth commandment often transgressed by employees?

What instruction should they heed? How does this relate to indolence?
Ephesians 6:5-8; 2 Thessalonians 3: 10.

NOTE: "Brother B's religious experience was not sound.... At times he

labored earnestly and manifested a good interest in the work. Then again he
would be careless of his time and spend precious moments in unimportant
conversation, hindering others from doing their duty and setting them an ex-
ample of recklessness and unfaithfulness...." - Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 25.
"The word of God teaches that if a man will not work, neither shall he eat.
The Lord does not require the hard-working man to support those who are not
diligent. There is a waste of time, a lack of effort, which brings to poverty and
want. If these faults are not seen and corrected by those who indulge in them,
all that might be done in their behalf is like putting treasure into a basket with
holes. But there is an unavoidable poverty; and we are to manifest tenderness
and compassion toward those who are unfortunate. -R. & H.; Jan. 3, 1899."
-Counsels on Stewardship, p. 122.
Debts and Taxes o Wednesday
March 12
7. What responsibility is put upon the borrower by the word of God? Ex-
odus 22:14; 2 Kings 4:7; Psalm 37:21.

NOTE: "The practice of borrowing money to relieve some pressing necessity,

and making no calculation for canceling the indebtedness, however common,
is demoralizing. The Lord would have all who believe the truth converted from
these self-deceiving' practices. They should choose rather to suffer want than
to commit a dishonest act...." -Counsels on Stewardship, p. 255.

-34-
 "The world has a right to expect strict integrity in those who profess to be
Bible Christians. By one man's indifference in regard to paying his just dues,
all our people are in danger of being regarded as unreliable." -Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 179.

8. What is the divine instruction about taxes? Matthew 22:21;

Romans 13:7.

Robbing God o Thursday

March 13
9. How does the prophet describe unfaithfulness in the payment of tithes
and offerings? Malachi 3:8-10.

NOTE: "God lays His hand upon all man's possessions, saying: I am the
owner of the universe, and these goods are Mine. The tithe you have wIthheld I
reserve for the support of My servants in their work of opening the Scriptures
to those who are in the regions of darkness, who do not understand My law. In
using My reserve fund to gratify your own desires you have robbed souls ofthe
light which I made provision for them to receive. You have had opportunity to
show loyalty to Me, but you have not done this. You have robbed Me; you
have stolen My reserve fund. [Malachi 3:9 .quotedt-Testimonies, vol. 6,
p.387.

10. What warnings against robbing God of rightful service may be

learned from the parable of the talents? What counsel is given
through David? Matthew 25:14-29; Psalm 76:11.

NOTE: "There are men in the ranks of Sabbathkeepers who are holding fast
their earthly treasure. It is their god, their idol; and they love their money,
their farms, their cattle, and their merchandise better than they love their
Saviour, who for their sakes became poor, that they, through His poverty,
might be made rich. They exalt their earthly treasures, considering them of
greater value than the souls of men. Will such have the 'Well done' spoken to
them? No; never. The irrevocable sentence, 'Dt'part,' will fall upon their
startled senses. Christ has no use for them. They have been slothful servants,
hoarding the means God has given them, while their fellow men have perished
in darkness and error." -Counsels on Stewardship, p. 123.

" ... Many a man devotes months and years to the acquirement of a trade
or profession that he may become a successful worker in the world; and yet he
makes no special effort to cultivate those talents which would render him a
successful laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. He has perverted his powers,
misused his talents. He has shown disrespect to his heavenly Master. This is
the great sin of the professed people of God...." -Counsels on Stewardship,
p.124.

-35-
REVIEW QUESTIONS oFriday
March 14
1. What are the requirements of the eighth commandment?

2. What are some of the most common ways in which the eighth com-
mandment is often transgressed?

THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1. When the hearts of men are softened by the presence of the Holy
Spirit, what is the result?

2. What are the conditions for receiving God's promises?

Notes On This Lesson:

-36-
Lesson 12 Sabbath, March 22, 1975

THE NINTH COMMANDMENT

KEY TEXT: "These ... things doth the Lord hate: ... A false witness that
speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."
Proverbs 6:16, 19.
LESSON HELP: Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pp. 198, 199;
Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 335-337.

Two Witnesses o Sunday

March 16
1. What is the ninth commandment and where was it first formally
recorded? Exodus 20: 16.

2. What is written in the New Testament concerning the ninth com-

mandment? Colossians 3:9.

Amplitude of the Commandment o Monday

March 17
3. What is the significance of the ninth commandment in its broadest
application?

NOTE: "False speaking in any matter, every attempt or purpose to deceive

our neighbor, is here included. An intention to deceive is what constitutes
falsehood. By a glance of the eye, a motion of the hand, an expression of the
countenance, a falsehood may be told as effectually as by words. All inten-
tional overstatement, every hint or insinuation calculated to convey an
erroneous or exaggerated impression, even the statement of facts in such a
manner as to mislead, is falsehood. This precept forbids every effort to injure
our neighbor's reputation by misrepresentation or evil surmising, by slander
or tale bearing. Even the intentional suppression of truth, by which injury
may result to others, is a violation of the ninth commandment." -Patriarchs
and Prophets, p. 309.

4. From what condition must the truth be completely free if it is the

truth? 1 John 2:21.

"The Father of Lies" o Tuesday

March 18
5. Who was the first transgressor of the ninth commandment and how
did our Lord describe him? John 8:44.

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6. How did Satan deceive Eve in the very beginning and how has he con-
tinued to use the tree of mingled knowledge? Genesis 2:9, 16, 17.

NOTE: "It is one of Satan's devices to combine with falsehood just enough
truth to give it plausibility." -The Great Controversy, p. 587.
"Satan desired to make it appear that this knowledge of good mingled
with evil would be a blessing, and that in forbidding them to take of the fruit
of the tree, God was withholding great good." -Education, p. 24.
"The tree of knowledge, so-called, has become an instrument of death.
Satan has artfully woven himself, his dogmas, his false theories into the in-
struction given. From the tree of knowledge he speaks the most pleasing
flattery in regard to the higher education. Thousands partake of the fruit of
this tree, but to them it means death. Christ says to them: 'Ye spend money
for that which is not bread. You are using your God-intrusted talents to secure
an education which God pronounces foolishness.' " -Fundamentals of Chris-
tian Education, p. 471.

Those Who Reject Truth o Wednesday

March 19
7. What condition leads men to accept falsehood? 2 Thessalonians 2:10-
12.

NOTE: "When men's hearts are softened and subdued by the constraining
influence of the Holy Spirit, they will give heed to counsel; but when they turn
from admonition until their hearts become hardened, the Lord permits them
to be led by other influences. Refusing the truth, they accept falsehood, which
becomes a snare to their own destruction." -Prophets and Kings, p.425.

8. What may be expected from the enemies ofthe truth? Matthew 5:11.

NOTE: "Men's hearts are no softer today than when Christ was upon the
earth. They will do all in their power to aid the great adversary in making it as
hard as possible for the servants of Christ, just as the people did with Christ
when He was upon the earth. They will scourge with the tongue of slander and
falsehood. They will criticize, and turn against the servant of God the very ef-
forts he- is leading them to make. They will, with their evil surmisings, see
fraud and dishonesty where all is right and where perfect integrity exists. They
lay selfish motives to the charge of God's servants, when He Himself is leading
them, imd when they would give even their lives if God required, if by so doing
they could advance His cause...." -Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 234.

Two Classes o Thursday

March 20
9. What condition specifically mentioned must be reached by the
144,000? Revelation 14:5.

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10. What will be the end of all those who willfully ignore the ninth com-
mandment? Proverbs 19:5, 9; 21:28; Revelation 21:27; 22:15.

REVIEW QUESTIONS o Friday

March 21
1. What actually constitutes falsehood?

2. How can silence, in some cases, be equivalent to a lie?

THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1. Under what condition only, will a believer speak the exact truth?

2. What other quality, besides truthfulness, should characterize our

words?

Notes On This Lesson:

1<~",
THE THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
(See back page for details)

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Lesson 13 Sabbath, March 29, 1975

THE TENTH COMMANDMENT

KEY TEXT: " ... [He] that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days."
Proverbs 28:16.

LESSON HELP: Counsels on Stewardship, pp. 209-216.

Two Witnesses D Sunday

March 23
1. What is the tenth commandment and where was it first formally
recorded? Exodus 20:17.

2. How does Paul confirm the tenth commandment? Romans 7:7.

An Ample Commandment D Monday

and the Widespread Transgression March 24

3. What is the extent of the tenth commandment?

NOTE: "The tenth commandment strikes at the very root of all sins,
prohibiting the selfish desire, from which springs the sinful act. He who in
obedience to God's law refrains from indulging even a sinful desire for that
which belongs to another will not be guilty of an act of wrong toward his fellow
creatures." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 309.

4. How common has covetousness become? What are its results?

1 Timothy 6:10.

NOTE: " ... We have before us the fearful doom of Achan, of Judas, of
Ananias and Sapphira. Back of all these we have that of Lucifer, the 'son of
the morning,' who, coveting a higher state, forfeited forever the brightness and
bliss of heaven. And yet, notwithstanding all these warnings, covetousness
abounds.
"Everywhere its slimy track is seen. It creates discontent and dissension
in families; it excites envy and hatred in the poor against the rich; it prompts
the grinding oppression of the rich toward the poor. And this evil exists not in
the world alone, but in the church. How common even here to find selfishness,
avarice, overreaching, neglect of charities, and robbery of God 'in tithes and
offerings.' Among church members 'in good and regular standing' there are,
alas! many Achans...." -Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 496, 497.

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Names Which Stand as Warning D Tuesday
March 25
5. What names in the Old Testament stand as a warning against
covetousness? Joshua 7:20, 21; Numbers 22:15-22.

6. What names in the New Testament stand as a warning against the

same sin? John 12:4-6; Acts 5:1-10.

The Beginning of All Evils D Wednesday

March 26
7. Where and how does sin start? James 1:14, 15.

NOTE: "In the sermon on the mount, Christ presented before His disciples
the far-reaching principles of the law of God." -SDA Bible Commentary,
vol. 3, p. 1145.
"When the thought of evil is loved and cherished, however secretly, said
Jesus, it shows that sin still reigns in the heart. The soul is still in the gall of
bitterness and in the bond of iniquity." -Thoughts From the Mount of Bless-
ing, p.60.
" ... If we would not commit sin, we must shun its very beginnings. Every
emotion and desire must be held in subjection to reason and conscience. Every
unholy thought must be instantly repelled. To your closet, followers of Christ.
Pray in faith and with all the heart. Satan is watching to ensnare your feet.
You must have help from above if you would escape his devices."
-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 177.

8. Where do wars have their origin? James 4: 1, 2.

Steps to Victory D Thursday

March 27
9. How should Christians close the door against Satan right from the
beginning? Psalm 119:9-11; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:1,2.

10. What should be the prayer and attitude of all who would be over-
comers? Psalms 51:10; 39:1; Proverbs 4:23; Isaiah 42:20.

NOTE: "Yet 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. The mind should not be left to wander at random upon every sub-
ject that the adversary of souls may suggest...." -Patriarchs and Prophets,
p.460.

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REVIEW QUESTIONS D Friday
March 28
1. Why does the tenth commandment strike at the root of all sins?

2. With whom, where and how did covetousness begin?

THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1. What should we do if we want to work for our own interest?

2. Why did Christ require of the rich young man that which He did not
ask of Nicodemus, who was also rich?

Notes On This Lesson:

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 THE LAW OF GOD
AS GIVEN BY JEHOVAH AS CHANGED BY MAN
I I
Thou shalt have no other gods I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt
before me. not have strange gods before me.
II II
Thou shalt not make unto thee Thou shalt not take the name of
any graven image, or any likeness the Lord thy God in vain.
of any thing that is in heaven above,
or that is in the earth beneath, or
that is in the water under the earth:
thou shalt not bow down thyself to
them, nor serve them: for I the
Lord thy God am a jealous God,
visiting the iniquiry of the fathers
upon the children unto the third
and fourth generation of them that
hate me; and shewing mercy unto
thousands of them that love me, and
keep my commandments.
III III
Thou shalt not take the name of Remember thou keep holy the
the Lord thy God in vain; for the Sabbath day.
Lord will not hold him guiltless
that taketh his name in vain.
IV IV
Remember the sabbath day, to Honor thy father and thy mother.
keep it holy. Six days shalt thou
labour, and do all thy work: but
the seventh day is the sabbath of
the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt
not do any work. thou. nor thy son,
nor thy daughter, thy manservant,
nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle,
nor thy stranger that is within thy
gates: for in six days the Lord made
heaven and earth, the sea, and all
that in them is, and rested the
seventh day: wherefore the Lord
blessed the sabbath day, and hal-
lowed it.
V V
Honour thy father and thy Thou shalt not kill.
mother: that thy days may be long
upon the land which the Lord thy
God giveth thee.
VI VI
Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
VII VII
Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal.
VIII VIII
Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness
against thy neighbor.
IX IX
Thou shalt not bear false witness Thou shalt not covet thy neigh-
against thy neighbour. bor's wife.
X X
Thou shalt not covet thy neigh- Thou shalt not covet thy neigh-
bour's house, thou shalt not covet bor's goods.
thy neighbour's wife. nor his man·
servant, nor his maidservant, nor
his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing
that is thy neighbour's. (PETER GEIERMANN, The Convert's
Ctllechism 0/ Cdtholic Doctrine [1946
(Ex. 20:3-17.) ed.J, pp. 37,38.)

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-44-
 All
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ot Home
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ary activities. These tracts may be ordered from your local church
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-46-
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF HEALTH REFORM was printed for
the first time in 1916 in a question and answer format, and now a
facsimile photo-reprint has been prepared for you and your SDA
friends.

Fundamental Principles
of
Health Reform
~Is It A Sin To Eat Flesh?
Taken from the Bible and
.. The Spirit of Prophecy"
~Did Christ Eat Fish?
Thf 8nb'oPlU of Thy Word. GwtlA Light. P,. InJ:l$O

~C an We Be Christians
And Not Live Up To
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Health Reform Message?

Takoma Park W.,hlaj,oa, D. C.

191'

Find the answers for the above questions as well as many others on
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Order your copy NOW from your local church secretary, or directly
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Post Office Box 749
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