TEMPERANCE

JOHN THE BAPTIST






Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from www.amazingfacts.org with the Sacramento church



To study the lesson with Dr Derek Norris of the Lake Forest church, click on the following link:

http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q205-29-temperance



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“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand” (Phil. 4:5).

Too Much of a Good Thing
Janalee Shaw, Sykesville, Maryland, U.S.A.
Sabbath Introduction
1 Cor. 9:25–27

Her friends have nicknamed Rachel the Duracell Energizer Bunny in acknowledgment of her devotion to her exercise routine. A petite brunette in her mid-fifties, Rachel worries about the effects of aging on her physical appearance, so she exercises four to five hours every day. She’s been doing this so long that she’s now losing muscle mass. Her personal trainer describes the results: Rachel “is gaunt with more noticeable wrinkles on her face and her body is much flabbier than it used to be. . . . In between her aerobics and weight-training sessions she showers at the gym and blows her hair dry, putting on layers of makeup. She dons the mask of youth, but in my eyes and in the eyes of the other trainers, she looks like an old woman with layers of makeup.”1

Even healthful habits can become destructive.

This energizer bunny belongs to a group of people who are classified as exercise addicts. Knowing moderate amounts of exercise will lead to weight loss and increased health, they reason that greater amounts of exercise will result in greater weight loss and better health. What they don’t realize is that excessive amounts are actually detrimental. In addition to advancing the effects of aging on one’s appearance, exercising too much can also lead to loss of coordination and appetite, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and loss of ability to ward off infection. The potential emotional effects of overexercising include irritability, apathy, depression, emotional sensitivity, and reduced self-esteem.2 Thus even healthful habits can become destructive if they are followed intemperately.

We tend to think of temperance primarily in terms of substances we should not consume, but it should apply to every aspect of our lives. Our heavenly Father has designed us to live balanced lives. When we allow any one part of our life to overshadow all of the other parts, we are being intemperate. Then, because our finely tuned body has been thrown off balance, we experience physical, mental, and even moral weakening.

World-class athletes know self-control is necessary if they expect to perform to the best of their ability. Each aspect of their lives is carefully monitored to ensure it will not interfere with the accomplishment of their ultimate goal. We should likewise practice self-control, ensuring that we live in such a way that nothing will weaken our ability to reach our eternal goal (1 Cor. 9:25–27).
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1. Debbie Mandel, “Hooked on the Pain: Exercise Addiction,” SelfGrowth.com, http://www.selfgrowth .com/articles/Mandel4.html (accessed February 15, 2009).
2. The American Council on Exercise, “Fit Facts,” http://www.acefitness.org/fitfacts/pdfs/fitfacts/itemid_6.pdf (accessed February 15, 2009).



Avoid What Is Bad—Use in Moderation What Is Good
Benedict Oli, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Sunday Logos
Gen. 9:20−27; Prov. 20:1; 23:31−35;
1 Cor. 6:19; 10:31; 2 Pet. 1:5−9


The Temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19)
The culture of Corinth during the time of the apostles was similar to the modern-day obsession with materialism and self-gratification. Paul addressed many of the issues that the Christians in Corinth were struggling with. Conventional wisdom of the time claimed that whatever was done in the body had no impact on the spiritual and mental experience of a person. Therefore, many Corinthians indulged in intoxicating spirits, immoral activities, and gluttony with no thought of eternal consequences. Like many today, the Corinthians believed they were free to do with their bodies as they chose.

Hold on to Jesus Christ. Honor Him in all you do.

Paul pleads with us not to be fooled by popular belief. We are ultimately accountable to God for how we treat the bodies that He made and then purchased. Therefore, it is our duty to keep this temple in the best possible condition.

In 1 Corinthians 6:19 Paul compares the body to a temple. Most of us see the modern church as a place where people worship God. The understanding of the temple in biblical times included more than this. In addition to being a place where people went to worship, the temple was where God dwelled. For that reason, the entire building was holy. Likewise, it is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our hearts that hallows our body. Our bodies are not holy of themselves. They are sanctified by the holy God who abides in those people who have surrendered their lives to Him.

Temple Housekeeping (1 Cor. 10:31)
The broader application of 1 Corinthians 10:31 guides us as to how Christians are to conduct themselves in all situations. No matter what we are doing, we are to do it in a manner and spirit in which God can be glorified. In eating and drinking it is important for us to nourish our body temples in such a way that will promote the best possible health. In addition to the huge amount of information about healthful living available today, Seventh-day Adventists have been gifted with a health message through the writings of Ellen G. White. This message comprises clear guidelines on how to maintain our body temples. If we intentionally do something that we know is wrong, we have sinned (James 4:17).

A Lack of Self-Control = An Ineffective Christian (2 Pet. 1:5–9)
Self-control, the cornerstone of temperance, is mentioned in Peter’s list of
attributes necessary for a fruitful Christian life. During the time Peter wrote this list—also known as “Peter’s ladder”3—many similar lists existed. However, all of them had a temporal, philosophical focus, while Peter’s list is a product of divine inspiration.

Self-control, or lack of it, impacts one’s destiny. Self-control is listed as a fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:23). If the Holy Spirit dwells within a person, the fruit of self-control will be evident in that person. Without self-control, our knowledge of Christ means nothing.

Results of Disobedience (Gen. 9:20–27; Prov. 20:1; 23:31–35)
The Bible records the results of drinking alcohol. Despite his wisdom, Solomon gave in to every tempting lust that assailed him, including alcohol (Eccles. 2:3). In hindsight, he warned against the folly of its use. He points out that consuming it leads to shame and violence, and that people under its influence easily disregard what is right and become scornful of godly matters.4
One of the saddest accounts in the Bible is found in Genesis 9:20–27. Following is a summary of the story and its corresponding lessons for us:

Noah became drunk and lay naked in his tent. How shameful for this mighty preacher of God, the man who found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Our lesson? No matter what great things God has done for you and through you—do not take your salvation for granted.

Ham saw his father, and with much laughter told his brothers. Ham, a believer in what Noah preached, was now behaving like those who had scoffed at Noah as he built the ark. Our lesson? Once saved does not mean always saved. Do not let down your guard against sin.

Shem and Japheth maintained their uprightness of character. Our lesson? It does not matter if the people who gave you the good news are slipping and falling, don’t slip and fall with them. Furthermore, if members whom you came in with start to falter, do not be discouraged. Hold on to Jesus Christ. Honor Him in all you do.

It seems easier to give in to the lust of the flesh rather than be temperate, for what our human nature wants is opposite from what the Spirit wants (Gal. 5:17). To live a life that honors God means that we need to deny ourselves perceived pleasures. God never said that the road to salvation would be easy, but He did promise to help us overcome every trial (Ps. 50:15).

REACT
1. Why is it unsafe to indulge in harmful substances even in small amounts?
2. Does being temperate mean abstaining from evils only? What about the prospects of having too much of a good thing?
____________
1. Robert H. Gundry, A Survey of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2003), p. 376.
2. H. D. M. Spence and Joseph S. Exell, The Pulpit Commentary, vol. 19 (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 1978), p. 222.
3. The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 597.
4. Ibid., vol. 3, p. 1014.



The Will to Glorify God
Joy Josephine Torato, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Monday Testimony
1 Cor. 10:31

“God calls for a living sacrifice, not a dead or dying one. When we realize the requirements of God, we shall see that He requires us to be temperate in all things. The end of our creation is to glorify God in our bodies and spirits, which are His. How can we do this when we indulge the appetite to the injury of the physical and moral powers? God requires that we present our bodies a living sacrifice. Then the duty is enjoined on us to preserve that body in the very best condition of health, that we may comply with His requirements. ‘Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.’ ”1

“God requires that His people be temperate in all things.”

“Satan is no novice in the business of destroying souls. He well knows that he can lead men and women into wrong habits of eating and drinking, he has gained, in a great degree, the control of their minds and baser passions. In the beginning man ate of fruits of the earth, but sin brought into use the flesh of dead animals as food. This diet works directly against the spirit of true refinement and moral purity.

“God requires that His people be temperate in all things. The example of Christ, during that long fast in the wilderness, should teach His followers to repulse Satan when he comes under the guise of appetite. Then may they have influence to reform those who have been led astray by indulgence, and have lost moral power to overcome the weakness and sin that has taken possession of them. Thus may Christians secure health and happiness, in a pure, well-ordered life and a mind clear and untainted before God.”2

“Physical inaction lessens not only mental but moral power. The brain nerves that connect with the whole system are the medium through which heaven communicates with man and affects the inmost life. Whatever hinders the circulation of the electric current in the nervous system, thus weakening the vital powers and lessening mental susceptibility, makes it more difficult to arouse the moral nature.”3

REACT
1. Identify and list the things that hinder you from obtaining both physical and spiritual health.
2. What does Paul imply in 1 Corinthians 9:27? What is he saying about the mind’s relation to the body?
____________
1. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 65.
2. Temperance, p. 162.
3. Education, p. 209.

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Works and Salvation
Roboam Kakap, Kokopo, Papua New Guinea
Tuesday Evidence
Eph. 2:8–10

In the Old Testament, the word grace is translated from the Hebrew word chen. Chen usually describes the action of a superior person or being who is showing undeserved favor to an inferior.1 In Ephesians, Paul used charis to describe God’s grace. His letter is most likely a circular letter addressed to Ephesian believers in all the churches of Ephesus.2 In it, he focuses on two themes: the church’s spiritual privileges and the church’s responsibilities. Among the privileges, Paul talks about the privilege of receiving God’s grace.

Good works are the result of salvation, not the cause of it.

In Ephesians 2:8, 9, Paul points out that we are saved by grace through faith. It is God’s unmerited favor toward us that forgives our sins and gifts us with salvation. It is our faith that believes this is so and enables us to accept God’s grace. Paul makes it clear that it is also God’s unmerited favor toward us that enables us to break sinful habits and to live in a way that honors God.

However, it is not enough to acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Even the demons believe that, but this knowledge does not save them (James 2:19). Having access to the grace of God requires faith on the part of the sinner. This faith is not merely an abstract belief. It also involves obedience.

We are saved by God’s grace through the faith we have in Him. And it is the grace of God that motivates us to do good works. We must remember that good works are the result of salvation, not the cause of it. Belief that accepts God’s grace without any corresponding good deeds is worthless (James 2:26). Faith and actions work together so that our faith is made complete by our actions.
Practicing a diligent temperate life will not save anyone. The basis of our salvation is the grace of God. It is the strength of His love for His sin-fallen creatures that bridges the gap between the Creator and His lost children. It is the grace of God that also strengthens us to do good works. The only kind of faith that saves is the faith that responds in obedience and bears much good fruit. Jesus makes it clear that those who fail to produce good fruit will not be saved (Matt. 7:19).

REACT
1. What kind of fruit are you producing (see Galatians 5:16–26)?
2. Is there ever a proverbial fence to sit on when it comes to temperance?
____________
1. J. D. Douglas, New Bible Dictionary, 3rd ed. (Leicester: InterVarsity Press, 1996), p. 433.
2. Robert H. Gundry, A Survey of the New Testament, 4th ed. (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2003), p. 423.



Temperance
Vanessa Geita, Madang, Papua New Guinea
How-to Wednesday
1 Cor. 10:31; 2 Pet. 1:5–9

God is interested in all aspects of our lives, including our health. Our responsibility is to take care of our bodies so that whatever we do brings glory to Him. Most people think of what they eat and drink when they think of temperance. To many people, temperance is controlling the urge to eat or drink more than what is enough. However, temperance should also be applied to other aspects of life, such as watching television or movies, listening to music, surfing the Internet, spending money, selecting one’s wardrobe, sleeping, talking, and even controlling one’s imagination.

No one can force any one else to be temperate.

So how can we be temperate in all that we do, think, and say? Here are a few tips:

Prioritize. Start each day with prayer and Bible study, asking God to lead you through each step of the way as He desires, so that you will do what you need to do and not waste your time on things that are insignificant. Too many activities, even good activities, tend to complicate life and consume time so that we spend less time with God. Give your first and best attention to the things that matter most—the things of eternal value.

Know your limits. Ignorance is a lame excuse in this day and age when information is literally at our fingertips. Take time to learn about the dangers of excessiveness in anything and everything you do. We will be accountable on judgment day for knowing what is right but not doing it.

Draft a timetable or schedule. You do not have to strictly follow it, but a timetable can be a guide regarding how to spend your time doing the things you need to do for the day, the week, the month, and the year.

Be responsible. Temperance is a choice each of us has to make on his or her own. No one can force any one else to be temperate. Be diligent in all you do, think, and say for your own good, but even more so, for the glory of God.

REACT
1. In what areas of your life do you need to be more temperate?
2. As you review 2 Peter 1:5–9, ask yourself how you can apply the principles found there in your efforts to practice temperance.
3. What good activities are currently taking too much of your time at the expense of spending time with God?
4. How does a life lived temperately glorify God?



“Forbidden Pleasures”
Gina Renee Wahlen, Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A.
Thursday Opinion
Prov. 23:31, 32

“Laura Catagena swore off air conditioning, careerism, and sex . . . but her comfortable suburban upbringing only made it that much harder to try to live as Jesus would,” stated the Washington Post Magazine on its front cover of January 25, 2009. In her cover article, “The Trouble With Saintliness,” Darragh Johnson chronicles Laura’s struggles between living a temperate lifestyle and resisting the temptation of forbidden pleasures.

Prisons are filled with intemperate people who could not control themselves.

For many, the word temperance means a long list of dos and don’ts. It often conjures up images of early twentieth century temperance societies with their posters and laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol. Living a life of temperance is often portrayed as a boring existence in which one is deprived of the pleasures of life. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

It means choosing what is best, regardless of immediate circumstances and temptations. When it comes to living a life of success or of failure, it is often temperance that draws the line between the two. Prisons are filled with intemperate people who could not control themselves. On the other hand, people who are successful have learned that self-control—temperance—is the path that led them to success.

Thomas Yellich, a philanthropy professional, says, “Our society is based on consumption. . . More food, more drugs, more sex, just more of all things seems to be what will make us all happy eventually. Only it is not true.” “Learn self-control, discipline, limits, [and] responsibility and not only will you become a better person, you will become happy.”*

The irony of forbidden “pleasures” is that while the initial moment may be gratifying, the lasting results are often devastating. Rather than delivering freedom and happiness, intemperance delivers just the opposite—chains and misery. Read Proverbs 23:31, 32.

To be temperate is to use the mind that God has given you, recognizing that forbidden momentary pleasures do not bring lasting happiness, and choosing a better way.
____________
*Thomas Yellich, response to Bill Gates, “A New Approach to Cap[italism in the 21st Century,”
http://creativecapitalism.typepad.com/creative_capitalism/2008/06/bill-gates-crea.html#comment
-12-633912 (accessed May 5, 2009).



Under Control
Sandra Araújo-Delgado, Apison, Tennessee, U.S.A.
Friday Exploration
Prov. 25:28; 1 Cor. 10:31;
Gal. 5:22, 23; 2 Pet. 1:5

CONCLUDE
Our fallen nature constantly drives us to satisfy our cravings without restraint. Often the results are regrettable. Our society is plagued with obesity, alcoholism, and drug addiction, showing clearly that we are reaping what we sowed. As Christians, we are not immune to self-gratification. We can be self-indulgent with our time, our bodies, and with other resources such as talents and money. We may even embrace excess in the name of a “good cause.” God’s model for us is one of balance in everything we do. Only in living a balanced life can we glorify God and find true contentment.

CONSIDER
•Designing a logo for a temperance fair. Consider changing the negative image the word temperance often has.
•Charting your daily activities for one week. Analyze your results to find out if any area of your life is overshadowing another.
•Rephrasing Luke 9:23. E-mail your paraphrase to some friends and ask what it means to them.
•Taking a walk in a nearby park. Document any instances in nature where you can observe temperance or balance.
•Writing an article on temperance for your school newspaper or church newsletter. Use 1 Corinthians 10:31 as your basis.
•Making a collage of things in your life that may require self-control, such as watching TV, reading, talking on the phone, surfing the Internet, listening to music, and any others you might think of.
•Writing the statement “By God’s power, I will choose what is best regardless of the circumstances.” Place it where you can see it every day.

CONNECT
Prophets and Kings, chapter 39.