THE POWER OF CHOICE

Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from http://www.amazingfacts.com/

CLICK ON THE LINK THAT FOLLOWS FOR A VIDEO OF THE SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON PRESENTED BY DR DEREK MORRIS OF THE LAKE FOREST CHURCH

http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q204-10-power-choice

www.cqbiblestudy.org

The Power of Choice
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank” (Dan. 1:8, NKJV).


Making the Right Choice
Sandro A. Dela Roca, Dagatan, Taysan, Batangas, Philippines
Sabbath Introduction
Gen. 2:16, 17; Deut. 30:10–19


God created us as individuals capable of making decisions. We can analyze and categorize, but the query lingers today as it did in the Garden of Eden, “Is it evil, or is it good?”
I believe that what we are now and what we are to become depend on the choices we make. We may choose to remain silent in a particular situation or to speak forcefully in another. We must choose which god to serve, which foods to eat, which liquids to drink. Ultimately, what we choose is what we become as individuals.

I couldn’t stand the idea that I had no choice but to obey.

During my high school years, I formally trained in a military course integrated in the curriculum. I had no choice but to enroll. Not taking the course meant I could not graduate. What I hated most about the program was General Orders Rule #2, which stated, “Obey first before you complain.” Being inquisitive, I couldn’t stand the idea that I had no choice but to obey, or else I would be punished by having to do any number of pushups my superior assigned. The strictness of this discipline still lingers as I realize the significance of obeying God.

Since the Fall, God reminds us over and again about making the right choices. He even provides parameters to help us restore His lost image as stated in Deuteronomy 30:10–19. In these verses, “Moses challenged Israel to choose life, to obey God, and therefore continue to experience his blessings. God doesn’t force his will on anyone. He lets us decide whether to follow him or reject him. This decision, however, is a life-or-death matter. God wants us to realize this, for he would like us all to choose life. Daily, in each new situation, we must affirm and reinforce this commitment.”*

If we obey His decrees written in the Book, we participate in the process of restoration. The Lord reveals to us principles for physical well-being to elevate our spiritual maturity. But do we have enough power to make the right choices? This is the focus of our study this week.

REACT
Think about choices you have made. How important were they?
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*Life Application Study Bible (Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Pub.; Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 1991), p. 321.



Decisions Over the World’s Temptations
Mariel Joyce L. Perez, Dagatan, Taysan, Batangas, Philippines
Sunday Evidence
1 Cor. 10:31

As Christians, we know that our bodies are the temple of God. So we must take care of them the very best we can. But people sometimes choose to put things into their bodies that are not healthful. Perhaps they do so because they are depressed, and they hope that what they eat and drink or the drugs they take will make them feel better. Sometimes people drink in hopes of forgetting their problems. But tobacco and alcohol are both poisons and do a great deal of harm to one’s body. These poisons increase the risk for behavior and brain-function disorders.

“Alcohol-dependent adolescents perform more poorly on tests of condition.”

“Researchers found that alcohol-dependent adolescents perform more poorly on tests of condition. The effect of nicotine on adolescent brains reveals the following results: (1) chemical receptors for nicotine (a sign of addiction) increase twice as much in adolescents as in adults; and (2) nicotine exposure caused permanent behavioral problems, especially in females.”*

On the other hand, healthful choices can powerfully effect positive changes in us. Regarding unhealthful foods, we know that meat contains cholesterol, which can cause many different diseases. That is why many people now choose to eat more vegetables, fruits, and other recommended healthful foods. They want to enjoy a good, long life. Because of their healthful diets, Seventh-day Adventists are known to live longer, healthier lives than people with other eating habits. Choosing to eat a healthful diet, to exercise, and to think good thoughts help us to sleep better and to have clearer minds.

God gave us the power of choice. We can use this power for good or for evil. We decide what to choose among the things that surround us. Whose steps should we follow? What kind of diet should we choose? It’s good to know that God is always available to help us with every choice we encounter in our journey. When we face difficult choices regarding our health, remember that He is ready to guide us.

REACT
1. What are some biblical guidelines in choosing the foods we eat?
2. How can people at any age resist temptation?
3. Why did God give us the power of choice knowing that we would often choose unwisely?
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*Elvira Galvez, “Alcohol, Nicotine and the Brain,” Sci-Tech Magazine, vol. XIX, no. 4, pp. 12, 13.



The Power of Choice
Jervenesence Salathiel O. Florece, Dagatan, Taysan, Batangas, Philippines
Monday Logos
Gen. 2:16, 17; 3:1−13; Deut. 30:10−19; Ps. 119:11; John 3:16; Col. 3:2; Heb. 11:8−10


The Fall (Gen. 3:1–13)
“In the midst of the garden, near the tree of life, stood the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This tree was especially designed of God to be the pledge of their [Adam and Eve’s] obedience, faith, and love to Him.”1

God did not create us to be robots.

When Adam and Eve were placed in the beautiful Garden, they had everything for their happiness; but God chose to test their loyalty before they could have eternal security. Satan was permitted to test them. If they endured the trial, they would be in perpetual favor with God.
Eve found herself gazing with mingled curiosity and admiration upon the fruit of the forbidden tree. God had given her the freedom and wisdom to choose between good and evil. He had freely given her the good, but she was considering the evil. The tempter plucked the fruit and passed it to her. She received it, ate it, and was delighted with it. It seemed delicious to her taste. As soon as she disobeyed, she became a powerful medium through which the fall of her husband could occur. Here is where sin entered our world.

Freedom of Choice (Gen. 2:16, 17)
God instructed our first parents with regard to the tree of knowledge. He did not deprive them of the ability to eat the forbidden fruit. He left them as free moral agents to believe His word and obey His command. However, our first parents chose to believe the words of the serpent instead of believing in God. They basically distrusted His goodness in favor of cherishing the words of Satan.

God created humans with the power to think, to discern what is good and what is right. He did not create us to be robots. As a result, we have the freedom to choose and to decide what we will do with our lives. God wants us to exercise this power and freedom for our good and for His glory.

Wrong Choices and Their Results (Deut. 30:10–19)
“Eve really believed the words of Satan, but her belief did not save her from the penalty of sin. She disbelieved the words of God, and this was what led to her fall.”2

We must not neglect the opportunity to study God’s truths. They are given to save us from deception. Neglecting them will result in ruin. Every wrong choice has unpleasant and sometimes serious consequences; but when we hide God’s Word in our hearts, when we learn to walk by Jesus’ side, we will also learn how to make choices that are true to the faith we confess.

God’s Choice (John 3:16; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20)
When Adam and Eve sinned, God set into motion the plan of salvation. This plan was conceived out of His love for us (John 3:16). Despite our sins, God loves us and wants to save us. That’s why He sent His Son to die for us. Because we are valuable in His sight, He wants us to live happy, healthy, and holy lives. That’s also why He wants us to choose to obey His will, to exercise the freedom of choice by choosing what is good for our bodies. Then we will be able to glorify Him with a redeemed body (1 Cor. 6:19, 20).

“It is Paul’s insistence that, though he is free to do anything, he will let nothing master him. The great fact of the Christian faith is, not that it makes a man free to sin, but that it makes a man free not to sin. It is easy to allow habits to master us; but the Christian strength enables us to master them. When a man really experiences the Christian power, he becomes, not the slave of his body, but its master. Often a man says, ‘I will do what I like,’ when he means that he will indulge the habit or passion which has him in its grip; it is only when a man has the strength of Christ in him that he can really say, ‘[I] will do what I like,’ not, ‘I will satisfy the things that have me in their power.’ ”3

REACT
1. How can you use the power of choice more wisely?
2. What might you be neglecting that would cause you to make unhealthful choices?
3. What basic mistake did Adam and Eve make, and how can you avoid making the same mistake?
4. How do we face temptations similar to those faced by Adam and Eve?
5. When Adam and Eve chose to sin, they blamed others for their poor choice. Do you ever find yourself blaming others for your poor choices? If so, why and how can you learn to take responsibility for your choices?
6. What does Hebrews 11:8–10 teach us about Abraham and the choices he made? What can you personally learn from those choices?
7. We want to make good choices, but when faced with difficult or tempting possibilities, we sometimes fail. How can we “program” our minds so that we can be more successful? (Ps. 119:11; Phil. 4:8; Col. 3:2.)
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1. The Story of Redemption, p. 24.
2. Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 55.
3. William Barclay, The Letters to the Corinthians, rev. ed. (Philadelphia, Penn.: Westminster Press, 1975), pp. 56, 57.



One Choice Out of Many Choices
Jerome B. Balbastro, Dagatan, Taysan, Batangas, Philippines
Tuesday Testimony
Gen. 3:2

When we are puzzled about choosing the one right choice from among many choices, it can be like the shadows of a night haunted by the noise of crickets. From such a night, we might believe that everything is dark rather than reach for the sunrise as our decision unfolds.

Perhaps to choose is to be human.

One thing that requires good decision-making and can lead to either our “day” or our “night” is appetite. “In the wilderness of temptation Christ met the great leading temptations that would assail man. There He encountered, single-handed, the wily, subtle foe, and overcame him. The first great temptation was upon appetite; the second, presumption; the third, love of the world. Satan has overcome his millions by tempting them to the indulgence of appetite. Through the gratification of the taste, the nervous system becomes excited and the brain power enfeebled, making it impossible to think calmly or rationally. The mind is unbalanced. Its higher, nobler faculties are perverted to serve animal lust, and the sacred, eternal interests are not regarded.”1

“The uncontrolled indulgence and consequent disease and degradation that existed at Christ’s first advent, will again exist, with intensity of evil, before His second coming.”2

“Indulgence of appetite would have involved the sacrifice of physical vigor, clearness of intellect, and spiritual power.”3

Satan may lurk all around us, but we need not fall as his prey. “Every man has the opportunity, to a great extent, of making himself whatever he chooses to be. The blessings of this life, and also of the immortal state, are within his reach. He may build up a character of solid worth, gaining new strength at every step. He may advance daily in knowledge and wisdom, conscious of new delights as he progresses, adding virtue to virtue, grace to grace. His faculties will improve by use; the more wisdom he gains, the greater will be his capacity for acquiring. His intelligence, knowledge, and virtue will thus develop into greater strength and more perfect symmetry.”4

Every religious philosophy deals with the concept of choice. Perhaps to choose is to be human. Whether we like it or not, the power of choice is ours. The main question is, How will we use that power?
__________
1. Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 151.
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid., p. 155.
4. Ibid., p. 15.



Restoration
Lyka Manalo, Dagatan, Taysan, Batangas, Philippines
Wednesday How-to
Gen. 1:29; Ps. 23:3; 119:11; Matt. 28:19, 20; 1 Cor. 10:31; James 5:16; Rev. 1:3

Our bodies are not ours. We are just stewards of them. Therefore, we need to treasure them. We can actually compare our bodies to photographs. Family pictures, for example, are treasures that can be damaged by water exposure, light exposure, and careless handling. If they are digital photos, they can be deleted accidently or our computers can crash and lose them. When our pictures are damaged or lost, we try to restore them any way we can.

When our pictures are damaged or lost, we try to restore them any way we can.

How does sin damage us? And how can we restore ourselves? Here are some ways:

Scan pictures. The first step to restore photos is to scan them. This will be the mirror to help you to see all distortions. By returning to the original diet God has given you, you can restore your body (Gen. 1:29).

Save. After scanning, begin saving the parts of the photo that you have restored. Whenever you start to restore your body, always remember to have a goal and to keep that goal in mind. Save it in your memory, so you won’t forget it (1 Cor 10: 31).

Fix flaws. The third step is finding what else you need to fix. Your whole body has been damaged because of sin. The only possible way to fix it is to ask the Lord for help (Ps. 119:11).

Remove marks and scratches. Adobe Photoshop Elements and Adobe Photoshop have dust and scratch filters that can delete imperfections. After restoring your body, temptations will still come your way. Two elements that will remove those temptations are prayer and the study of God’s Word.

Print and archive. After you’re done with all of the above steps, you’re ready to print and archive the pictures. You’re ready to share your living testimony and to be a more effective person in spreading the good news of Jesus’ soon return (Matt. 28:19, 20).



Feelings in Lieu of Choices
Villanueva Asis, Dagatan, Taysan, Batangas, Philippines
Thursday Opinion
Prov. 16:25; Matt. 13:18–23

In an accounting refresher course, our instructor used the phrase in lieu. She told us that it means “as if,” “would have been,” or “assumed to be.” We were discussing the topic “cash received in lieu of stock dividends.” She explained how to recognize stock dividends when they are declared and received. However, a problem arises when cash is received in lieu of cash dividends. When this occurs, she said that the “as if” approach is to be followed. This means stock dividends are “assumed to be received” and “subsequently sold” to the cash received.
What if this were compared to our choices? Does this mean to say that our feelings are “assumed to be” the choices we make?

We all know that for every choice we make, there are consequences—either good or bad.

However, sometimes people don’t take their choices seriously because they rely only on their feelings. They believe that it is better to make choices based on how they feel rather than on careful reasoning. We are sometimes blinded by our feelings to the point that we cannot see what the possible consequences of a choice could be.

Consider the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:3–8. If we choose to hear God’s Word and accept it quickly and joyfully, but then do not allow His Word to take root in our lives, we shall quickly be swept away by trouble or persecution. God surely wants us to choose, instead, to take the seed that fell on good soil. He knows we will be more fruitful and profitable when the reaping time comes.

Our salvation depends on how we choose and what we choose. We should base our choices not on feelings but on principles and on Scripture. As we live out the Word in our lives, the correct choices will be made clear. It is not true that feelings are “in lieu” of choices. It is unsafe for us to rely on our feelings. Learn to obey God. It is His plan for us to live a life of usefulness.

REACT
1. What is the remedy or remedies for having made a wrong choice?
2. How can we evaluate God’s will if we are faced with several good choices?
3. When might there be a time when feelings should influence how we make a choice?




The Right Choice
Sandra Araújo-Delgado, Apison, Tennessee, U.S.A.
Friday Exploration
Deut. 30:19; Josh. 24:15

CONCLUDE

Today more than ever we protect our right to choose. We see the power to choose and to shape one’s destiny as a basic human right. But while most of us have been given the opportunity to get behind the steering wheel of our lives, we often lack the wisdom to make sound choices. As Christians, we believe that God gave us freedom of choice not as a right but as a gift; and with that gift He also gave us in His Word guidelines on how to choose well.

CONSIDER
•Playing a word association game with a friend. Each of you write down whatever comes to your mind when you think of the words choice, responsibility, and consequence. Compare and discuss your answers.
•Making a list of the choices you have made in two different areas of your
• life and rank them in order of importance to you.
•Analyzing the life of Joshua. Make a video report highlighting his character qualities and the fortitude that compelled him to make wise choices in difficult circumstances.
•Singing the song “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.” Write your reactions to the lyrics.
•Setting a goal to form a new healthful habit. Follow your progress in a journal for three weeks.
• Interviewing five people with the question: Do you feel the need to make better health choices? If so, why? Write a report on their answers.
•Reflecting on the role your feelings play when making a decision. Ask God to help you make good choices based on His Word.

CONNECT
Patriarchs and Prophets, chapter 49.

http://www.cqbiblestudy.org/site/1/lessons/2010-2/English/STUDENT/CQ-10-Q2-02.pdf

THE POWER OF CHOICE

Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from http://www.amazingfacts.com

CLICK ON THE LINK THAT FOLLOWS FOR A VIDEO OF THE SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON PRESENTED BY DR DEREK MORRIS OF THE LAKE FOREST CHURCH

http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q204-10-power-choice

www.ssnet.org

The Power of Choice

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SABBATH AFTERNOON

Read for This Week's Study:

Gen. 2:16, 17; 3:1-13; Deut. 30:10–19; Ps. 119:11; Col. 3:2; Heb. 11:8–10.

Memory Text:

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank” (Daniel 1:8).

Jackie and Carol (not their real names) were sisters, separated by two years, who grew up together in a loving home. By the time she reached adolescence, Jackie was applying herself diligently to her studies. She did well and, after graduating from high school, went to university to study business. Today, she is in her mid-thirties, holds a responsible position with an investment company, is married, and lives comfortably in her own home. Carol chose to party and enjoy herself. She dropped out of high school and began to experiment with tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. Today she is a single mother, living on government assistance, in rehabilitation for her drug dependency, and remains slightly jealous—though grudgingly proud—of her sister’s success. Both girls had the same opportunities, the same chances, and the same set of choices. Jackie chose one way, Carol another. Each now is living with the consequences of those choices. Choices—we all have them, we all have to make them, and we all have to live with the consequences of the ones we make. Hence, the important question for us all is: What will those choices be, and how can we know how to make the right ones? This week we will look a little more at the power of choice.

The Week at a Glance:

God gave humans the power of choice. With those choices, however, come consequences.

*Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, April 10.

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SUNDAY

April 4

The Reality of Freedom

We often hear people talk about “freedom.” Political movements usually, in one way or another, make great proclamations about “freedom.” One state in the United States boasts the motto: “Live free or die.”

Freedom is, in fact, a very complicated subject. The word means different things to different people in different contexts. It’s not always easy to pin down exactly what people mean when they talk about “freedom.”

One thing, though, is certain: when God created humans, He made them moral beings, and in order for humans to be truly moral they had to have moral freedom. In other words, they had to have the capacity to chose wrongly, if they wanted to. If not, if they didn’t have that option, they really couldn’t be free.

Read Genesis 2:16, 17. What is implied in God’s words to Adam? How is Adam’s moral freedom revealed in these texts

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In Genesis 3:1–6, we see the moral freedom given to both Adam and Eve. Why would God have warned them against eating of the tree unless they had been given the power of choice? Hence, we see perfect beings in a perfect environment allowed moral freedom. At the very foundation of human existence, the reality of our freedom has been made readily apparent.

Read Genesis 3:1–6. What are the places where Eve and Adam both exercised free will? How could they at each of these stages have made better choices? What can we learn from these texts about the kind of choices we make?

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Human moral freedom must be something very important in the eyes of God. After all, look at what our abuse of that freedom cost Him. So sacred, so fundamental, is this gift that, rather than deny it to us, God would go to the cross instead of leaving us to our demise because of how we misused this gift.

What basic mistake did both Adam and Eve make? How can we, with the knowledge of their mistakes, avoid doing similar things in our own context? In what ways do we face similar temptations?

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MONDAY

April 5

The Consequences: Guilt and Fear

Read Genesis 3:7–13 and answer the following questions:

1) If you could define, in one word, what the couple experienced, what would that word be, and why? How do we in our own experience today sometimes face the same thing?3:21.

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2) What other emotion did they experience that they had not known before? Again, in what ways do we experience the same thing, and why?

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When the Watergate scandal in the United States was exposed by the press in the early 1970s, it was revealed that much of the White House activity focused on cover-up operations. When President Richard Nixon finally resigned, it was not because he either had authorized the break-in to the Democratic Party’s premises or had a part in planning the break-in; instead, he was guilty of trying to cover up what others had done.

In a sense, what we see in these verses is Adam and Eve attempting a cover-up job, trying to hide from God what they had done or at least trying to shift the blame from themselves.

Of course, most folk who know the Lord know that it’s impossible to hide anything from Him. When the hair of our head is numbered (Matt. 10:30), we can’t fool Him about our actions. But we can fool ourselves, can’t we? How easily we find ways to try to shift the blame on others. If only my boss hadn’t done this, then I wouldn’t have done that. If only my spouse hadn’t done this, then I wouldn’t have done that. If only God had taken away the temptation when I prayed, then I wouldn’t have fallen. If only this, if only that. . . .

Sure, we sometimes face powerful temptations, temptations that pull at the very fabric of our being. The

situation is worse, too, because we already come with corrupted and fallen natures, which makes it that much easier for us to succumb when tempted and tried. As bad as sin is, as bad as the consequences often are, we make it worse when we refuse to accept responsibility. After all, how can we overcome sin if, in our own minds, we don’t blame ourselves for it?

How open are you to accepting responsibility for your wrong choices? Or do you always find ways to blame others for it? If so, when are you going to stop?

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TUESDAY

April 6

Choices: Good and Bad

However much our natures changed after the fall of Adam and Eve, as humans we still have the power of choice. We still have free will. What we do with that free will is, really, entirely up to us. We can surrender to God and obey Him, or we can choose to go our own sinful way.

Read Hebrews 11:8–10. What does this tell us about Abraham and his choices? What can we learn from those choices?

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Think of the incredible implications of these words. According to Jesus, the most important of all commandments wasn’t to keep the Sabbath, nor was it any of the prohibitions against killing, stealing, and adultery. On the contrary, the most important of all the commandments dealt with what was in our hearts, in our souls; it dealt with what is inside of us and not with our outward actions, however important they might be.

Indeed, if the most important commandment deals with our love to God, then the foundation of all the commandments deals with a relationship. After all, what is love if not a relationship—one in which we love God above and beyond everyone and everything else?

What were, however, some of the wrong choices that Abraham made? What were the consequences of those choices too? See Genesis 16; Gen. 21:9–14.

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“Polygamy had become so widespread that it had ceased to be regarded as a sin, but it was no less a violation of the law of God, and was fatal to the sacredness and peace of the family relation. Abraham's marriage with Hagar resulted in evil, not only to his own household, but to future generations.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 145.

Read Daniel 1:8–16.The words “Daniel purposed in his heart” indicate that Daniel’s choice was both conscious and firm. The consequences of this deliberate and reasoned decision influenced the whole life of Daniel and occasioned his special blessing and attention by the Lord. Daniel re-affirmed his commitment to the Lord daily in his seasons of prayer and devotion.

It is one thing to say that we should make right choices; it is another to have the conviction of heart to do it. What are ways that we can program our minds so that we are more likely to make the right choices? Ps. 119:11, Phil. 4:8, Col. 3:2?.

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In the end, we are free to choose for the Lord or free to choose against Him. There is no middle ground. We are on one side or the other. This doesn’t mean that we don’t make mistakes or fall (look at Abraham, for instance); it means, instead, that we must “purpose in our hearts” to seek to do God’s will, whatever the costs. We must “purpose in our hearts” to choose what is right, and what is right is what God commands us to do. What is important, one thing that we should never forget, is that if we fall, if we make the wrong choices, God does not cast us off. The danger, instead, is that we can feel so guilty, we can feel so bad, that we are in danger of giving up. In such cases, our only hope is to cast ourselves at the foot of the cross and claim the forgiveness offered in Jesus.

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WEDNESDAY

April 7

Choice and the Next Generation

Read Deuteronomy 30:10–19. What is the essence of the Lord’s words to His people? What points jump out at you? More important, how do you understand the idea that their choice will impact the life of their seed, their children? What does that mean? How can our choices impact our children?

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The consequences of life choices affect not just ourselves but often our children, as well. Our influence is so much greater than we imagine, especially on our children.

One example is that of drinking alcohol. A whole lot of hoopla has been made of the supposed “benefit” of one glass of alcohol per day. This promotion, empowered by liquor industry lucre, has fooled many. Few people, though, are aware that these studies seriously are flawed and when corrections for these flaws have been applied, it is found that these touted benefits are nonexistent.

Alcohol remains what it has always been, one of the great scourges of humanity; and with all the warnings we have been given about it, how foolish to let our guard down now.

It is known that about 7 percent of persons who take a first drink will become alcoholic or problem drinkers. The choice to introduce alcohol into our homes, even just a little here and there, may or may not have repercussions on us individually. We may not be damaged greatly by it. But what of our children? What about the example you leave? If you drink, it’s much more likely your children will, as well. Is it worth choosing something that may steal the life of your child? Studies clearly have shown that children raised in homes where alcohol is present are much more at risk of alcohol problems than are children raised in homes where alcohol is not consumed. That simple fact alone should make us even more cautious about the examples we set.

Read again Deuteronomy 30:10–19. Your choices impact not just yourself but your children, too. And if you don’t have children, why risk making a choice that, in the end, presents so many hazards? God gave us these health principles for our good. Do we have the faith to trust Him at His Word?

Who has not seen examples of the devastation brought by alcohol use? Why be foolish and risk that for yourself or, even worse, why do something that influences others in the wrong direction?

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THURSDAY

April 8

Choice and Chance

“And of Zion it will be said, ‘This one and that one were born in her; and the Most High Himself shall establish her.’ The Lord will record, When He registers the peoples: ‘This one was born there’ Selah.” (Ps. 87:5, 6, NKJV).

Though all have the power of choice, not all have an equal array of opportunities. Some choices limit future possibilities and opportunities. Some individuals suffer disadvantages without the choice being theirs. Consider the disadvantages that cloud the lives of some: children born into homes where drugs are used, where domestic violence prevails, where poverty is extreme. Consider the ravages of violent corruption and desperation. We all, to one degree or another, have been placed in situations that are not of our own choosing.

Read Psalm 87:5, 6. What is the message there for all of us regarding some of the circumstances that are not of our own choosing? How too should these verses help us better understand the meaning of Matthew 7:1, 2?

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God knows our circumstances; God knows that many of us have been brought into horrible situations not of our own doing. God alone fully knows the backgrounds of us all.

Who hasn’t, at times, met people struggling with some terrible issues, issues brought about by choices that others made: a choice of a parent to abandon the family; a choice of a spouse to commit adultery; a choice of a friend to betray someone who had trusted him or her? The variables are as endless as they are scary.

Yet, the good news in all this is that we can make one choice that is the most important of all. We can choose to follow Jesus. As we choose Jesus as our personal Savior, as we repent from our sinful ways, and as we are baptized, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through this gift, God now enters and influences our hearts and minds to direct our actions and to lead us to bear fruit. We become branches of the True Vine.

According to Galatians 5:22, 23, the fruit of the Spirit does not come individually but as a cluster. It is the result of the Spirit taking control of our will, at least to the degree that we choose to let Him. In other words, through the power of God working in our lives, we can—by our choices—allow the Lord to negate some of the negative things brought upon us by choices we ourselves had never made.

What are some of the things you have struggled with that are the result of choices that others, not you, have made? How has God worked in your life to negate some of the negative results of those choices? What better choices can you yourself make that could help in the healing process?

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FRIDAY

April 9

Further Study:

Read Ellen G. White, “Good Angels More Powerful Than Evil Angels,” p. 96, in Selected Messages, book 1. “Every soul has a heaven to win, and a hell to shun. And the angelic agencies are all ready to come to the help of the tried and tempted soul. He, the Son of the infinite God, endured the test and trial in our behalf. The cross of Calvary stands vividly before every soul. When the cases of all are judged, and they [the lost] are delivered to suffer for their contempt for God and their disregard of His honor in their disobedience, not one will have an excuse, not one will need to have perished. It was left to their own choice who should be their prince, Christ or Satan.”—Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, book 1, p. 96. “God does not compel men to give up their unbelief. Before them are light and darkness, truth and error. It is for them to decide which they will accept. The human mind is endowed with power to discriminate between right and wrong. God designs that men shall not decide from impulse, but from weight of evidence, carefully comparing scripture with scripture.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 458.

Discussion Questions:

In class, discuss the whole question of “freedom.” What does freedom mean? Is someone who chooses to be a slave really free? How free are we, really? What are the limits of freedom? When can freedom be a bad thing? Think about all the negative effects of alcohol. Think of the lives ruined through its use. When contrasted with the supposed “benefits,” why is it so smart never to get involved with it at all? Some folk have been born into loving, Christian homes with parents who loved them, cared for them, and taught them about Jesus and His grace. Others have been born into homes where the parents abused them and neglected them, and even if they did talk about Jesus, they certainly didn’t reflect Christ in their lives. Their actions revealed them to be agents of Satan, not of Christ. What hope does the gospel hold out to these people? What promises can you point them to? There’s no question, some folk have been born in horrible circumstances with consequences that, to one degree or another, will haunt them for the rest of their lives. At the same time, why must we be careful not to spend the rest of our lives blaming our parents, or our poor upbringing, for our problems? How can we learn to, through God’s grace, move beyond these things?

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		I N S I D E Story
		Long-Distance Faith Silas Motea is a lay Bible worker who lives in Johannesburg, South Africa. He studied the Bible with a young couple who were baptized. Then Stella, the young wife, lost her job. For months she searched for work and sometimes wondered why God was allowing this trial. At last she found a new job in her field of expertise. She shared her faith with her new coworkers, and that's when she met Mpho, a woman who wanted to know more about the Bible. The two women began studying the Bible together. Mpho found the Bible studies so compelling that she stopped in the middle of one Bible study and called her mother long distance to share what she was learning. Mpho's mother, Siongile, was excited too and wanted to know more. But she lived 250 miles (400 kilometers) away. Stella didn't know anyone who lived near Siongile, so Mpho arranged to call her mother every day so she could join the Bible studies over the telephone. Stella, Mpho, and Siongile studied together, long distance, almost every day. Siongile was excited about what she was learning and wanted someone to visit her. Stella didn't know anyone who lived in Siongile's area, so she asked Motea and his wife, who lived much closer to Siongile, to visit. They were happy to go. When the couple arrived at Siongile's home, they found that the woman had invited several neighbors to join her for the Bible study. During the Bible study Motea learned that Siongile had been searching for God even before her daughter had called her. And when Siongile learned that her daughter was studying with Adventists, she asked an Adventist nurse to take her to church. Siongile was so excited about what she was learning that Motea and his wife spent the entire day studying the Bible with her. They stayed overnight and continued their Bible studies the following day. In two days the trio had completed an entire series of Bible studies, and Siongile sighed, "Why did I have to wait so long to find this message? If I had learned this while I was still young, I could have raised my children in this faith and shared the good news with my friends!" Siongile traveled 250 miles [400 kilometers] to tell her other children what she was learning. Both Siongile and Mpho have been baptized; and Siongile wants to become a literature evangelist so she can share her new faith with others. Our mission offerings help provide materials to reach those who are searching.
		Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org

THE POWER CHOICE

Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from http://www.amazingfacts.com

CLICK ON THE LINK THAT FOLLOWS FOR A VIDEO OF THE SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON PRESENTED BY DR DEREK MORRIS OF THE LAKE FOREST CHURCH

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Genesis 2:16; Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:1-13; Deuteronomy 30:10-19; Psalm 119:11; Colossians 3:2; Hebrews 11:8-10 (New International Version)

New International Version (NIV)
Genesis 2:16 Listen to this passage 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica
Genesis 2:17 Listen to this passage 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica
Genesis 3:1-13 Listen to this passage Genesis 3 The Fall of Man 1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" 2 The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' " 4 "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. 5 "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. 8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?" 10 He answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid." 11 And he said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?" 12 The man said, "The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it." 13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica
Deuteronomy 30:10-19 Listen to this passage 10 if you obey the LORD your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. The Offer of Life or Death 11 Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. 12 It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" 14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. 15 See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, 18 I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. 19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica
Psalm 119:11 Listen to this passage 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica
Colossians 3:2 Listen to this passage View commentary related to this passage 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica
Hebrews 11:8-10 Listen to this passage 8By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

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Working for the Intemperate

Every true reform has its place in the work of the gospel and tends to the uplifting of the soul to a new and nobler life. Especially does the temperance reform demand the support of Christian workers. They should call attention to this work and make it a living issue. Everywhere they should present to the people the principles of true temperance and call for signers to the temperance pledge. Earnest effort should be made in behalf of those who are in bondage to evil habits.

There is everywhere a work to be done for those who through intemperance have fallen. In the midst of churches, religious institutions, and professedly Christian homes, many of the youth are choosing the path to destruction. Through intemperate habits they bring upon themselves disease, and through greed to obtain money for sinful indulgence they fall into dishonest practices. Health and character are ruined. Aliens from God, outcasts from society, these poor souls feel that they are without hope either for this life or for the life to come. The hearts of the parents are broken. Men speak of these erring ones as hopeless; but not so does God regard them. He understands all the circumstances that have made

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them what they are, and He looks upon them with pity. This is a class that demand help. Never give them occasion to say, "No man cares for my soul."

Among the victims of intemperance are men of all classes and all professions. Men of high station, of eminent talents, of great attainments, have yielded to the indulgence of appetite until they are helpless to resist temptation. Some of them who were once in the possession of wealth are without home, without friends, in suffering, misery, disease, and degradation. They have lost their self-control. Unless a helping hand is held out to them, they will sink lower and lower. With these self-indulgence is not only a moral sin, but a physical disease.

Often in helping the intemperate we must, as Christ so often did, give first attention to their physical condition. They need wholesome, unstimulating food and drink, clean clothing, opportunity to secure physical cleanliness. They need to be surrounded with an atmosphere of helpful, uplifting Christian influence. In every city a place should be provided where the slaves of evil habit may receive help to break the chains that bind them. Strong drink is regarded by many as the only solace in trouble; but this need not be, if, instead of acting the part of the priest and Levite, professed Christians would follow the example of the good Samaritan.

In dealing with the victims of intemperance we must remember that we are not dealing with sane men, but with those who for the time being are under the power of a demon. Be patient and forbearing. Think not of the repulsive, forbidding appearance, but of the precious life that Christ died to redeem. As the drunkard awakens to a sense of his degradation, do all in your power to show that you are his friend. Speak no word of censure. Let no act or look express reproach or aversion. Very likely the poor soul curses himself. Help him to rise. Speak words that will encourage faith. Seek

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to strengthen every good trait in his character. Teach him how to reach upward. Show him that it is possible for him to live so as to win the respect of his fellow men. Help him to see the value of the talents which God has given him, but which he has neglected to improve.

Although the will has been depraved and weakened, there is hope for him in Christ. He will awaken in the heart higher impulses and holier desires. Encourage him to lay hold of the hope set before him in the gospel. Open the Bible before the tempted, struggling one, and over and over again read to him the promises of God. These promises will be to him as the leaves of the tree of life. Patiently continue your efforts, until with grateful joy the trembling hand grasps the hope of redemption through Christ.

You must hold fast to those whom you are trying to help, else victory will never be yours. They will be continually tempted to evil. Again and again they will be almost overcome by the craving for strong drink; again and again they may fall; but do not, because of this, cease your efforts.

They have decided to make an effort to live for Christ; but their will power is weakened, and they must be carefully guarded by those who watch for souls as they that must give an account. They have lost their manhood, and this they must win back. Many have to battle against strong hereditary tendencies to evil. Unnatural cravings, sensual impulses, were their inheritance from birth. These must be carefully guarded against. Within and without, good and evil are striving for the mastery. Those who have never passed through such experiences cannot know the almost overmastering power of appetite or the fierceness of the conflict between habits of self-indulgence and the determination to be temperate in all things. Over and over again the battle must be fought.

Many who are drawn to Christ will not have moral courage to continue the warfare against appetite and passion. But

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the worker must not be discouraged by this. Is it only those rescued from the lowest depths that backslide?

Remember that you do not work alone. Ministering angels unite in service with every truehearted son and daughter of God. And Christ is the restorer. The Great Physician Himself stands beside His faithful workers, saying to the repentant soul, "Child, thy sins be forgiven thee." Mark 2:5, A.R.V. margin.

Many are the outcasts who will grasp the hope set before them in the gospel and will enter the kingdom of heaven, while others who were blessed with great opportunities and great light which they did not improve will be left in outer darkness.

The victims of evil habit must be aroused to the necessity of making an effort for themselves. Others may put forth the most earnest endeavor to uplift them, the grace of God may be freely offered, Christ may entreat, His angels may minister; but all will be in vain unless they themselves are roused to fight the battle in their own behalf.

The last words of David to Solomon, then a young man, and soon to receive the crown of Israel, were, "Be ... strong, ... and show thyself a man." 1 Kings 2:2. To every child of humanity, the candidate for an immortal crown, are these words of inspiration spoken, "Be ... strong, ... and show thyself a man."

The self-indulgent must be led to see and feel that great moral renovation is necessary if they would be men. God calls upon them to arouse and in the strength of Christ win back the God-given manhood that has been sacrificed through sinful indulgence.

Feeling the terrible power of temptation, the drawing of desire that leads to indulgence, many a man cries in despair, "I cannot resist evil." Tell him that he can, that he must resist. He may have been overcome again and again, but it need not be always thus. He is weak in moral power,

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controlled by the habits of a life of sin. His promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand. The knowledge of his broken promises and forfeited pledges weakens his confidence in his own sincerity and causes him to feel that God cannot accept him or work with his efforts. But he need not despair.

Those who put their trust in Christ are not to be enslaved by any hereditary or cultivated habit or tendency. Instead of being held in bondage to the lower nature, they are to rule every appetite and passion. God has not left us to battle with

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evil in our own finite strength. Whatever may be our inherited or cultivated tendencies to wrong, we can overcome through the power that He is ready to impart.

The Power of the Will

The tempted one needs to understand the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man--the power of decision, of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. Desires for goodness and purity are right, so far as they go; but if we stop here, they avail nothing. Many will go down to ruin while hoping and desiring to overcome their evil propensities. They do not yield the will to God. They do not choose to serve Him.

God has given us the power of choice; it is ours to exercise. We cannot change our hearts, we cannot control our thoughts, our impulses, our affections. We cannot make ourselves pure, fit for God's service. But we can choose to serve God, we can give Him our will; then He will work in us to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus our whole nature will be brought under the control of Christ.

Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in the life. By yielding up the will to Christ, we ally ourselves with divine power. We receive strength from above to hold us steadfast. A pure and noble life, a life of victory over appetite and lust, is possible to everyone who will unite his weak, wavering human will to the omnipotent, unwavering will of God.

Those who are struggling against the power of appetite should be instructed in the principles of healthful living. They should be shown that violation of the laws of health, by creating diseased conditions and unnatural cravings, lays the foundation of the liquor habit. Only by living in obedience to the

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principles of health can they hope to be freed from the craving for unnatural stimulants. While they depend upon divine strength to break the bonds of appetite, they are to co-operate with God by obedience to His laws, both moral and physical.

Those who are endeavoring to reform should be provided with employment. None who are able to labor should be taught to expect food and clothing and shelter free of cost. For their own sake, as well as for the sake of others, some way should be devised whereby they may return an equivalent for what they receive. Encourage every effort toward self-support. This will strengthen self-respect and a noble independence. And occupation of mind and body in useful work is essential as a safeguard against temptation.

Disappointments; Dangers

Those who work for the fallen will be disappointed in many who give promise of reform. Many will make but a superficial change in their habits and practices. They are moved by impulse, and for a time may seem to have reformed; but there is no real change of heart. They cherish the same self-love, have the same hungering for foolish pleasures, the same desire for self-indulgence. They have not a knowledge of the work of character building, and they cannot be relied upon as men of principle. They have debased their mental and spiritual powers by the gratification of appetite and passion, and this makes them weak. They are fickle and changeable. Their impulses tend toward sensuality. These persons are often a source of danger to others. Being looked upon as reformed men and women, they are trusted with responsibilities and are placed where their influence corrupts the innocent.

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Even those who are sincerely seeking to reform are not beyond the danger of falling. They need to be treated with great wisdom as well as tenderness. The disposition to flatter and exalt those who have been rescued from the lowest depths sometimes proves their ruin. The practice of inviting men and women to relate in public the experience of their life of sin is full of danger to both speaker and hearers. To dwell upon scenes of evil is corrupting to mind and soul. And the prominence given to the rescued ones is harmful to them. Many are led to feel that their sinful life has given them a certain distinction. A love of notoriety and a spirit of self-trust are encouraged that prove fatal to the soul. Only in distrust of self and dependence on the mercy of Christ can they stand.

All who give evidence of true conversion should be encouraged to work for others. Let none turn away a soul who leaves the service of Satan for the service of Christ. When one gives evidence that the Spirit of God is striving with him, present every encouragement for entering the Lord's service. "Of some have compassion, making a difference." Jude 22. Those who are wise in the wisdom that comes from God will see souls in need of help, those who have sincerely repented, but who without encouragement would hardly dare to lay hold of hope. The Lord will put it into the hearts of His servants to welcome these trembling, repentant ones to their loving fellowship. Whatever may have been their besetting sins, however low they may have fallen, when in contrition they come to Christ, He receives them. Then give them something to do for Him. If they desire to labor in uplifting others from the pit of destruction from which they themselves were rescued, give them opportunity. Bring them into association with experienced Christians, that they may gain spiritual strength.

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Fill their hearts and hands with work for the Master.

When light flashes into the soul, some who appeared to be most fully given to sin will become successful workers for just such sinners as they themselves once were. Through faith in Christ some will rise to high places of service and be entrusted with responsibilities in the work of saving souls. They see where their own weakness lies, they realize the depravity of their nature. They know the strength of sin, the power of evil habit. They realize their inability to overcome without the help of Christ, and their constant cry is, "I cast my helpless soul on Thee."

These can help others. The one who has been tempted and tried, whose hope was well-nigh gone, but who was saved by hearing a message of love, can understand the science of soulsaving. He whose heart is filled with love for Christ because he himself has been sought for by the Saviour and brought back to the fold, knows how to seek the lost. He can point sinners to the Lamb of God. He has given himself without reserve to God and has been accepted in the Beloved. The hand that in weakness was held out for help has been grasped. By the ministry of such ones many prodigals will be brought to the Father.

For every soul struggling to rise from a life of sin to a life of purity, the great element of power abides in the only "name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12. "If any man thirst" for restful hope, for deliverance from sinful propensities, Christ says, "let him come unto Me, and drink." John 7:37. The only remedy for vice is the grace and power of Christ.

The good resolutions made in one's own strength avail nothing. Not all the pledges in the world will break the power of evil habit. Never will men practice temperance in

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all things until their hearts are renewed by divine grace. We cannot keep ourselves from sin for one moment. Every moment we are dependent upon God.

True reformation begins with soul cleansing. Our work for the fallen will achieve real success only as the grace of Christ reshapes the character and the soul is brought into living connection with God.

Christ lived a life of perfect obedience to God's law, and in this He set an example for every human being. The life that He lived in this world we are to live through His power and under His instruction.

In our work for the fallen the claims of the law of God and the need of loyalty to Him are to be impressed on mind and heart. Never fail to show that there is a marked difference between the one who serves God and the one who serves Him not. God is love, but He cannot excuse willful disregard for His commands. The enactments of His government are such that men do not escape the consequences of disloyalty. Only those who honor Him can He honor. Man's conduct in this world decides his eternal destiny. As he has sown, so he must reap. Cause will be followed by effect.

Nothing less than perfect obedience can meet the standard of God's requirement. He has not left His requirements indefinite. He has enjoined nothing that is not necessary in order to bring man into harmony with Him. We are to point sinners to His ideal of character and to lead them to Christ, by whose grace only can this ideal be reached.

The Saviour took upon Himself the infirmities of humanity and lived a sinless life, that men might have no fear that because of the weakness of human nature they could not overcome. Christ came to make us "partakers of the divine nature," and His life declares that humanity, combined with divinity, does not commit sin.

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The Saviour overcame to show man how he may overcome. All the temptations of Satan, Christ met with the word of God. By trusting in God's promises, He received power to obey God's commandments, and the tempter could gain no advantage. To every temptation His answer was, "It is written." So God has given us His word wherewith to resist evil. Exceeding great and precious promises are ours, that by these we "might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:4.

Bid the tempted one look not to circumstances, to the weakness of self, or to the power of temptation, but to the power of God's word. All its strength is ours. "Thy word," says the psalmist, "have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee." "By the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer." Psalms 119:11; 17:4.

Talk courage to the people; lift them up to God in prayer. Many who have been overcome by temptation are humiliated by their failures, and they feel that it is in vain for them to approach unto God; but this thought is of the enemy's suggestion. When they have sinned, and feel that they cannot pray, tell them that it is then the time to pray. Ashamed they may be, and deeply humbled; but as they confess their sins, He

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who is faithful and just will forgive their sins and cleanse them from all unrighteousness.

Nothing is apparently more helpless, yet really more invincible, than the soul that feels its nothingness and relies wholly on the merits of the Saviour. By prayer, by the study of His word, by faith in His abiding presence, the weakest of human beings may live in contact with the living Christ, and He will hold them by a hand that will never let go.

These precious words every soul that abides in Christ may make his own. He may say:

"I will look unto the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation:
My God will hear me.
Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy:
When I fall, I shall arise;
When I sit in darkness,
The Lord shall be a light unto me."
Micah 7:7, 8.

"He will again have compassion on us,
He will blot out our iniquities;
Yea, Thou wilt cast all our sins into the depths of the sea!"
Micah 7:19, Noyes.

God has promised:

"I will make a man more precious than fine gold;
Even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir."
Isaiah 13:12.

"Though ye have lain among the pots,
Yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver,
And her feathers with yellow gold."
Psalm 68:13.

Those whom Christ has forgiven most will love Him most. These are they who in the final day will stand nearest to His throne.

"They shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads." Revelation 22:4.

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[Table of Contents] [Chapter 10] [Chapter 12]

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