CHURCH OF GOD

SUNDAY SCHOOL QUARTERLY

THE RESPONSIBILITIES
OF FAMILIES
 THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF FAMILIES

CONTENTS

Training Our Youth for the Way of Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

The Home Influence Has Great Effect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
The Husband and Wife Relationship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Correction and Discipline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
The Children's Responsibilities in the Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Why Do We Have Rules and Laws? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Laws of Loyalty and Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Laws for Building a Good Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
The Importance of Courtship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Rules for Christian Marriage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Christian Principles in Earning a Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
The Christian's Use of Money and Goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Adversaries of the Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

NOTE TO THE TEACHERS

This booklet is intended to be a help in preparing Sunday school les-

sons. The title, subject, and topics are only the menu. It is your respon-
sibility to prepare the meal.
The proper ingredients are the salty inspirations of the Holy Spirit,
seasoned with His grace. Bake the ingredients at a hot temperature in the
oven of prayer. The time-tested recipe for preparing a nutritious meal is
found in 2 Timothy 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a
workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of
truth."
 LESSON 1

TRAINING OUR YOUTH FOR THE WAY OF LIFE

Scripture Texts: Joshua 1:7-9; Psalm 19:7-14; 2 Timothy 3:14-17

In this series of lessons, we will study some of the more important aspects
of the training our children must receive to become successful in life and the
source from which this help must come.

MEMORY VERSE: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he
is old, he will not depart from it. —Proverbs 22:6

Help From the Crippling Effect of Improper Training

"The way" children should be trained in is the highway of holiness (Isaiah

35:8). Children have responsibilities within the family, but they need training
to understand those responsibilities. To be successful in the way of life, the
child must be trained concerning his responsibilities as a child, teenager, and
adult to prevent him from being crippled in any aspect of "the way" in the
years to follow.
Training is much more than teaching. What is taught to the children must
first be modeled in the lives of the parents. In addition to obeying the rules
of the home, children need to learn the importance of obeying the laws of
God and the laws of the land. Parents are to set the example. Can obedience
from the children be expected when the pattern is not set before them?
Children must be taught how to respect the rights and feelings of others.
Parents should teach by example. When teaching the laws of the home or
when discipline is needed, be firm but also be loving and patient. Children
need parents to take the time to listen and explain. This is important. A child
who has not been trained properly in the home very well might have a
deficiency in character that causes unnecessary struggles in his life. If he was
not taught obedience and submission in the home, it will be more difficult to
submit his will in obedience to God's laws. This can contribute to "an up-
and-down experience" or "a limp in his walk with God."
Training means "to direct the growth of, to form by instruction, discipline
or drill, and to teach so as to be fitted or qualified and prepared for the great-
est tests of life." This will not happen by chance. Many hours of prayer and
tears are necessary to successfully bring about this training. Begin during the
months the child is being formed by praying and dedicating him to God. Start

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the training in the early years; do not wait until school age to begin. The
training should not stop until he is out from under parental care and
guidance. If you have failed to provide the proper training, you can begin
NOW in the right direction. God is ready to help.

A Good Training Program

The military knows the benefits of a balanced training program. Much of

its program can be helpful to us with our children. They check up and treat
any defects. (Parents need to be alert to and correct any character "defects,"
such as lying or stealing.) Just as the military informs soldiers of their rights,
rules, and punishment for breaking those rules, children need to know what
is expected of them in the home and the consequences of disobedience. Godly
training includes love and explanation.
A good training program includes teaching healthy eating habits, exercise,
modest dress, and proper care of the body. The military trains soldiers to be
experts in their particular field of work. It also prepares them for the great,
responsible task ahead—defending our country. Likewise, children need to
be prepared for the life that is ahead. They need godly training in the way
they should go.
Character and personality defects caused by improper parental training
can hinder children in their walk with God.

JUST A THOUGHT

Those who deserve love least,

need it most.

____________

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 LESSON 2

THE HOME INFLUENCE HAS GREAT EFFECT

Scripture Texts: Joshua 24:14-16; 2 Timothy 1:5-6

Each generation has a responsibility to pass along the teaching and train-
ing proved successful in past generations. This is the key to all the following
lessons.

MEMORY VERSE: When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is

in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice;
and I am persuaded that in thee also. —2 Timothy 1:5

Children Tend to Become as Their Elders

In most cases, children will grow to become like their parents and grand-
parents. Children grow faster and learn more in the first three to four years
of their lives than in any other period of growth. Our home training program
must be well-rounded and balanced and adhered to closely. When parents
have no self-esteem, are always beaten down, and frequently have a negative
attitude, the children will become the same way. God, in His Word, tells
mothers to be "keepers at home" (Titus 2:5). It is a full-time job to give
training to a family. This is one reason the devil is attacking the home in so
many ways and trying to destroy marriage.
Most couples are capable of becoming parents, but not all realize their
great responsibility as parents to their children. It is much more than provid-
ing food, clothing, and shelter. Lines of communication must be opened and
maintained between parents and child. Children must feel their parents are
interested in their feelings and problems. Children need parents to give them
time and the freedom to express their problems.
If parents listen to the small things, children will feel free to discuss the
heavy burdens that come along a little later. Share their bad moments by giv-
ing them an ear, and they will allow you to share their good moments. Share
without criticism, and give input of praise and encouragement. Allow the
child to make mistakes and errors of judgment. Teach him that this is a nor-
mal part of growth and that it should not cause him to feel inferior or un-
comfortable. Do not be overcritical. You are training that child to be either
strong in mind, body, and soul, or you are making him a cripple, unable to
cope with the great tests of life that lie ahead. Remember, each of your

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children is a different person and must be taught as a separate and distinct
person.
If a child lives with criticism, he learns to criticize. If he lives with hostil-
ity, he learns to fight. If he faces ridicule, he learns to be shy. If he is
shamed, he learns to feel guilty. If he is shown tolerance, he learns to be
patient. If he is encouraged, he learns confidence. If he is praised, he learns
to appreciate others. If his parents are fair, he learns justice. If he obtains
approval, he learns self-esteem. If he is shown friendship, he will be friendly.
If he is given love and acceptance, he will love and accept others.
Parents, it will be difficult to help our children to understand and respect
us as parents or to respect themselves if we do not model that in self respect
and our respect of others. The home influence has a great effect on our
children.

JUST A THOUGHT

You can preach a better sermon with your life

than with your lips.

____________

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 LESSON 3

THE HUSBAND AND WIFE RELATIONSHIP

Scripture Texts: Ephesians 5:21-29, 33; Genesis 3:16; Romans 12:3-4

The Scripture gives the order of authority for things to run smoothly in
the home and all other situations of life. God is the head of Christ. Christ is
the head of the man. Man is the head of the woman. If all are not placed and
held in their rightful order, serious problems will arise in the home.

MEMORY VERSE: But I would have you know, that the head of every man
is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is
God. —1 Corinthians 11:3

Togetherness

Even before He made man, God, in His wisdom, had plans for a success-
ful home life. The home is the oldest of all institutions, being older than the
church or the state. It is the basis of all civilization and order. As goes the
home, so goes the world. The man is the head of the home. The woman is the
heart of the home. God's plan is for the man to provide the income—become
the breadwinner. God's plan is for the woman to stay at home, keep house,
and bring up children. When these objectives are taken out of perspective and
men think they have a better plan, trouble in the home is sure to come. The
husband is the leader of the home. He is responsible for choosing whom that
household will serve (Joshua 24:14-16). This responsibility is to be handed
down from generation to generation (Deuteronomy 31:7; Joshua 11:15).
Lean not to your own understanding of what is best for your home, but
seek God's help and guidance. There are many enemies to the Christian
home, and only by God's divine guidance are we able to detect them before
they do a destroying work. Whatever injures the home strikes at God's plan
for a sacred work.
It is a very dangerous practice for parents to attempt to give their children
all that they ask for or desire. It is a good practice to give the children a
weekly allowance and to teach them to spend it wisely. Teach them to tithe
from their allowance. If they do not learn to tithe while young, chances are
they will not tithe when they earn their own income. This would be a good
time to create a simple plan for budgeting their finances. Teach them the im-
portance of saving. Children can reap great dividends for success in their

5
early marriage by learning to budget their limited income. Financial problems
cause family trouble in a high number of marriages. Teaching our children
the value of money and proper budgeting can help prepare them for when
they are raising their own families.

A Smooth Mixture

Providing food and raiment is important for a good home life. Yet, more
important is providing a happy, peaceful, godly atmosphere for the children
every day. Parents should have each child take part in the family worship.
Parents should strive to make each child feel equally important and loved.
God does not show respect of persons with His children, and neither should
we as parents. Showing partiality and favoritism to a particular child will
bring havoc to the family structure. A good example of this is the resentment
Joseph's brothers had toward him (Genesis 37:3-4). Teach children that
things which do not belong to them alone are to be shared with others. On the
other hand, some things do belong to them alone, and other members of the
family need to be taught to respect this. Children should be trained, by ex-
ample, that some things talked about and done in the family are not to be
talked about outside the family.
Teach the child about the physical development and sacredness of his
body and how to care for it properly. Certainly, he should be taught his body
is the temple of God, and it should not be defiled. Parents can teach their
children to love and respect them as parents by loving and respecting one
another as husband and wife.
Stewardship of the home has in it more love than force. It succeeds, espe-
cially through the sharing and helping process. When importance is placed
on helping others instead of getting everything possible for one's self, growth
in character develops and life takes on a new meaning, both in the home and
in the community.

JUST A THOUGHT

The most impressive evidence of tolerance is a

Golden Wedding Anniversary .

____________

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 LESSON 4

CORRECTION AND DISCIPLINE

Scripture Texts: Ephesians 6:14; Colossians 3:20-21; Hebrews 12:7-9;

Proverbs 3:12

In Deuteronomy 6:4-10, God gave instruction on how to teach children

constantly—day after day and week after week—until they are brought into
another land, in which much shall be obtained. This is the ultimate purpose
for our interest and training of our children. Is not faithful church attendance
of great importance here?

MEMORY VERSE: Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be
long upon the land which the L ORD thy God giveth thee.
—Exodus 20:12

The Question

The question may be asked, "How severely should we punish our child?"
The purpose of punishment is to reach a goal. Consider the purpose of the
punishment and what is required to reach that goal, which is to cause the
child's will to be brought into subjection of the will of another. Be careful of
disciplining out of anger. We correct the child because we love him (Prov-
erbs 3:12).
Several things determine the severity of the punishment.

1. Is this the first time or has it happened before?

2. How severe was it? While even small transgressions should not be ig-
nored, handle it according to the severity.
3. Was it a true misunderstanding, or was it outright disobedience?
4. Did the child attempt to cover the wrong?
5. Was the disobedience against the law of the home, man's law, or the
law of God?

Others could be mentioned, but these will do for the present. When you,
as a parent, have told your children what discipline will be given, do not fail
them; follow through. Say what you mean and mean what you say. The chil-
dren, in time, may apply a Scripture found in Proverbs 12:22 to the parents,
if the parents fail to do as they say. The Bible states we should not spare the

7
rod (Proverbs 13:24) because, in doing so, we will spoil the child. This is
true, contrary to modern thinking and child psychology. Spoiled children find
it difficult to be brought under the law of the community in which they live.

God's Answer

Read Proverbs 22:15; 23:13; 29:15-18; 20:30. Do not let the child's cry-
ing and pleading cause you to change your mind (Proverbs 19:18). Correc-
tion, when done correctly, proves your love for the child. Correction and dis-
cipline should have the support of both parents at all times in the presence
of the children. Any differences on the subject should never be discussed in
the presence of the children. This can hinder your prayers.
Other forms of correction can be used to good advantage as well. Rather
than the rod, for example, confining them to their rooms, dropping their al-
lowances for a time, and taking away certain privileges for a short time can
be beneficial. Use whichever proves to be best for the particular child. The
child's will must be brought into submission while he is still young and
tender. If parents do not enforce laws on children in the home, law enforce-
ment officers may have to use force if they break the laws of the community.
More importantly, God will not be able to get them to submit to His laws
when they face the choice of taking God's way or walking after their own
ways. God's wrath was kindled against Eli, the priest, because his sons did
evil. Eli was chastened severely and cursed by God for neglecting to do his
duty in governing his children (1 Samuel 2:12, 27-30; 3:13-14).
It would be wrong to punish or correct a child for doing something that
you are doing. We should be careful not to blame a child when the root of the
matter may be in us. At all times, keep your punishment under control. We
need God in our hearts, so that His gentleness, mercy, love, and righteous-
ness might always be manifested before the children. This teaches them to
grow up to be men and women of faith with confidence in God. Wisdom and
knowledge are hidden in Christ Jesus, and it takes wisdom from above to
know when to correct, in what way to correct, and the amount of correction
or punishment needed.

JUST A THOUGHT

It is a bit difficult to sell anyone a product you have never

used, or a religion you have never lived.

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 LESSON 5

THE CHILDREN'S RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE HOME

Scripture Texts: Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 15:32; Ephesians 6:1-3; Luke

2:49-52; Lamentations 3:27

Government without the consent of the governed will fall. Legislated mor-
ality cannot survive a rebellious heart. Old-fashioned obedience is still a vir-
tue, even though modern conditions tend to make children independent at an
early age. Obedience is just and proper, and God requires it of children. The
lesson texts clearly express this truth.

MEMORY VERSE: Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well
pleasing unto the Lord. —Colossians 3:20

Maintaining Family Solidarity

In Luke 2:52, the development of Jesus pictures the normal development

of the child. The home is the principal means of this development. Children
should show respect for authority at home. They should know that service to
God includes doing family duties. As parents grow older and weaker, the
children who are able have an obligation to repay them the love and care re-
ceived from them. This includes financial support when needed, but
especially important is love and consideration. Love makes it a joy. Rarely,
in these modern times, does a child have any occasion to honor his parents
with physical substance. This is good. No one wants a return to the poverty
that formerly made parents depend upon the charity of their offspring in their
last days. We thank God that in our time, for their own sakes, our dear par-
ents are generally self-reliant, maintaining the dignity of independence in
life's sunset. But there is a danger here of which we should be aware. It may
cause an adverse effect on family closeness and honor of one's parents,
resulting from the child's never sacrificing for them. In honoring our parents,
we honor God as well. A child's actions outside the home reflect on all
aspects of the family.
The home is the child's first school, and here he is learning the most valu-
able lessons of his life. If properly disciplined in the home, he will be more
likely to develop a strong inner character, enabling him to live a disciplined
life and get along with others when he leaves his parents' home. He will have
the much-needed training concerning physical and moral development.

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 By bearing the yoke early, children become men and women, not over-
grown babies. They learn self-discipline, both physically and spiritually.

Obedience

In Colossians 3:20, children are commanded to "obey your parents in all

things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord." In Ephesians 6:1, children are
commanded to obey simply because "this is right," leaving no question as to
God's attitude toward children's obedience to their parents. Is there any better
reason than that it "is right"?
Children have as sure a position and as definite responsibilities as the
other members of the family. They are to obey clear and plain, not unwill-
ingly, but from love and respect. The commandment found in Exodus 20:12
requires this but also offers long life as a reward for doing so. Many individ-
uals have shortened their lifespan as a result of dishonoring their fathers and
mothers.
It is important for children to obey their parents to maintain family soli-
darity. Rebelling against parental authority is a very serious sin in the sight
of God. He said, "Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft" (1 Samuel 15:23), a
very serious charge indeed. In the event there is a divided condition in the
home and a parent commands the child to violate God's law, the child should
always hold God's law as a priority. To honor God's law from the heart al-
ways holds priority over every man-made law of the home or the community.

Self-Discipline

"It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth" (Lamentations
3:27). A child should learn to work, to bear responsibility, to meet hard
things in life, and hold steady. Only in these ways can he gain self-discipline.
Through these, children learn to carry their part in life. Children who are
allowed to always take and never give, to seek pleasure rather than to give
service, learn to be leeches and not fruit bearers. Learn to work, and you will
find out soon enough that the world does not owe you anything.
The will of the parents rules the home, not the will of the children. The
child obeys whether his parents see him or not. In 2 Timothy 3:1-2, God tells
us, "In the last days perilous [or dangerous] times shall come." That time is
now. The times are dangerous because many sinful customs make it harder
to stand for the right. One of these sins is children being disobedient to their
parents. This sin is prevalent today. No matter what others may do, God's
command of obedience to parents still stands.

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 Overcoming in the Battle

Youth may ask, "How can I win in this battle of life which I have been
thrown into?" Thank God, there is a way through safely and with victory at
the end. Ecclesiastes 12:1 shows us the way. Be saved early in life. Obey
God's voice as soon as you are old enough for Him to talk to you and convict
your heart of sin. The devil always tries to get us to put off surrendering to
God because he knows it becomes more difficult as we get older, and he may
prevent it altogether. For this same reason, God tells us to be saved in the
days of our youth.

JUST A THOUGHT

Happiness is enjoying what you have

instead of fretting over what you do not have.

____________

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 LESSON 6

WHY DO WE HAVE RULES AND LAWS?

Scripture Texts: Micah 4:1-5; 1 Kings 21:1-15; Galatians 3:24; Romans

13:8; Ephesians 20:1-17; Genesis 2:15-17

Rules and laws have come a long way since God gave the first one to
Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Rules and laws were in God's plan
from the beginning. God knew man needed laws to help guide him along the
road of life. As there are signs on our streets and highways, so are there
signs on life's road to remind us that others are depending on our actions as
well as we are depending on theirs. Without laws and rules, life everywhere
would be in chaos. Many laws made by man are derived from the original ten
laws given to man by God in Exodus 20:1-17.

MEMORY VERSE: For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this;
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
—Galatians 5:14

To Do or Not to Do

The story is told of a man who set sail for a distant country. A violent
storm came up, and his ship sank. Of all the passengers, he alone escaped.
He was stranded on a deserted island amid a great sea. So Robinson Crusoe
set out to build a house. He looked about until he found just the site he
wanted. The wonder of wonders! He did not have to ask anyone if he could
use it, nor did he have to pay for it. He did not have to sign any papers, nor
did he have to get a permit to build. He hunted about for materials to use.
When he found them, he took them and did not have any fear of the police
coming to arrest him for stealing. Anything he wanted, he took. Anything he
wanted to do, he could do. Did he need rules?
King Ahab was a powerful king of Israel. One day, he saw a beautiful
vineyard near his palace. He wanted it for a garden of herbs for his use. He
sent for its owner, Naboth. When Naboth came, King Ahab asked him to sell
the vineyard. Yet, according to the rules God had given the Israelites, each
man was to keep his own land and hand it down to his sons. So Naboth re-
fused to sell. King Ahab went back to his palace and all his luxuries, but he
was very unhappy. He lay down on his bed, turned his face to the wall, and
refused to eat. When the queen found him, she asked what was bothering

12
him. He told her he wanted the vineyard but could not get it. She suggested
that as he was king, he might take it anyway; so they planned a scheme
whereby Naboth would be killed. When word came of Naboth's death, King
Ahab took the vineyard. He thought now he would be happy, but God sent
a severe punishment upon him for his wicked deed.
What is the difference between these cases? One man took what he want-
ed, and we say that he did right. Another man did the same, but we say that
he did wrong. Were rules important here?

Why Laws Are Necessary

When the pioneers left the coast of Virginia and started across the Alle-
gheny Mountains into the Ohio Valley, they went into a land that had no
laws. Here, they had to take care of themselves. There were no policemen or
soldiers to protect them from enemies. Soon, they found they needed a leader;
so they chose someone to be their leader. They had to tell him what his
powers were; so they gave him certain rights and authority. One of their first
projects was to build a stockade around their settlement to protect them from
Indians and other enemies. Some refused to help with the work. So the leader
was called for, and together they made a law. Everyone must either do his
share or get out of the settlement.
More problems came day after day. How would they take care of their
property? How could they keep their land if someone else should want it? If
two people wanted the same piece of land, how could they decide to whom
it should go? They met and created rules to make their property safe. Some
rules may have been such as these: everyone must register at a certain place,
stating the date he came and the location of the land he desired. Another may
have been, no one shall trespass on another man's property without his con-
sent. So there came into being a long list of regulations regarding property
rights.
Another problem concerned the conduct of the people. But someone says,
"Are we not to be free to do as we please away out in the wilderness?" We
can never be entirely free to do as we please as long as there is another per-
son near us. The law may state the gates would be closed at a certain time
and anyone not in by that time would not be permitted to enter. As more peo-
ple came, the laws became more numerous, and someone had to enforce the
laws. That is how we began our system of having policemen enforce the laws
made by the people. These rules were necessary so that everyone might enjoy
the greatest freedom and happiness possible. Without them, no one was safe.
As our Scripture lesson shows, if everyone would obey the rules of right

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living, there would be no need for swords or weapons of warfare. We could
use them all in making things for peace and happiness. There would be more
plows and pruning hooks instead of swords and spears. There would be no
need for armed men to use force to make people respect the rights of others.
All would love each other and do what is right.

Rules in the Game

We know that in order to play a game, there must be certain rules, or no

one will know how to play. If in a baseball game, every player went out and
did as he took a notion, without an idea of the rules, what kind of game
would you have? When we all play by the rules, we are much happier and
play together with greater ease and better results. Try to think about what
your life would be like without rules.

Rules in the Home

Perhaps the first place where we run into rules is in the home. Here we
are always hearing "Don't do this" and "Do that." When we do not realize the
reason for these statements, we are likely to dislike them. How would you
like to live in a home where there were no rules, a place where everyone may
do just as he pleases when he pleases?
Imagine such a day in the home. Mother gets up a little tired and decides
she will not get breakfast at seven, but will wait until she feels like it. Father
has to go to work without his breakfast. Children have to go to school with-
out their breakfast. When the family comes home that night, they expect to
find things in order, but Mother has not yet recovered, and everything is
topsy-turvy. When the son goes to his room to get some of his possessions,
he finds his sister or brother wanted them, and he cannot find them. Someone
has decided that his bed is more comfortable and has moved it to their room.
When the daughter needs to charge her cell phone, she finds that someone has
taken her charger. Someone is listening to music as loudly as possible, mak-
ing it impossible for his siblings to concentrate on homework. Even when it
is time to go to bed, sleep is disturbed by a brother or sister making a lot of
noise. Consider if one complains, and the reply is, "Well, I have a right to do
just what I want to do." Are you not glad there are rules in your home upon
which you can depend? With this in mind, how could you help to make the
home happier by your attitude toward the rules?

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 Rules in the Community

John Jones told his mother all about how very unhappy he was. Nobody
liked him. He had no friends. He was always getting into trouble. He had run
across the neighbor's newly planted flower bed and spoiled several valuable
plants. He was out with a group of boys who made a lot of noise and fright-
ened some elderly citizens of the neighborhood one night last week. He had
taken Henry's ball and bat. However, Henry had left them out in the yard.
Are they not "finders keepers, losers weepers"? Why should the grocer have
been so upset when John spoiled his carefully made signs? Why should
everyone be so angry about John marking all over the walls in the community
recreation center? What would you say caused John's unhappiness? What
would you tell him if you were his mother? How could John regain the good-
will of these people?

JUST A THOUGHT

When the Rule of Law disappears,

we are ruled by the whims of men.

____________

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 LESSON 7

LAWS OF LOYALTY AND RESPONSIBILITY

Scripture Texts: Romans 13:8-10; Philippians 2:1-5

There are certain rules we must follow if we are to be loyal. In our

Scripture lesson, we find the secret of true loyalty is love—love for others
more than for ourselves. If we truly love someone, it is not very hard for us
to do things for that person. You do not mind giving up some of your most
treasured possessions to your best friend. The reason is, you want to see that
person happy. It makes you happy even if you have to give up some of your
own pleasures. Mothers and fathers give up much for their children, not be-
cause they like to go without, but because of love. If we want to be more
loyal, let us learn to have more love for others.

MEMORY VERSE: And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy
God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and
with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. —Luke 10:27

A Child's Loyalty to the Home

A few years ago, you came into the world a tiny, helpless baby. Kind,
loving hands received you gladly and took care of you. You were fed and
tended with the most watchful care. You were given clothes, a place to sleep
and to play. Everything that could be done to make you happy and well was
done. When you became ill at various times, someone walked the floor with
you or worked over you, even though that someone was very worn and tired
from a hard day's work. As you grew older and started school, someone
worked long and hard to furnish you with what you needed to get your educa-
tion. Throughout your life, Father and Mother have given their very best to
you. Many times, they sacrificed their own desires so that you might be made
happy. About all that you have been able to give to them in return is your
sincere love and loyalty. How well have you done this? This test will help
you to check yourself:

1. _______I have been kind and courteous to Mother and Father.

2. _______I have not said unkind things about my family to anyone out-
side my home.
3. _______I have tried to do my part in keeping my home a happy place

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 in which to live.
4. _______I have been loyal to the ideals and rules of my home.

Loyalty to School

Joe was a member of the basketball team. The team had strict training
rules, which he had been very careful to obey. One evening, he was invited
to a party that lasted over two hours past the training bedtime. Joe did not
want to break the rules, but in order to be polite to his hostess, he decided it
was necessary. The coach heard about it and would not let Joe play the next
game. His team lost.

1. Was Joe loyal to his team?

2. Was it worth it?
3. Was it necessary?

Mary and some of her friends went out on a hike. They were to write a
story about their trip for an assignment. After Mary had written her story,
Susan asked if she might borrow it to get an idea concerning how she should
write hers. Instead of writing in her own style, she copied Mary's story.
When the teacher received both copies, she accused Mary of cheating. Susan
did not tell the truth. Mary said nothing, but wrote another story. When
someone asked her about it she said, "I must be loyal to Susan."

1. Should Mary help her friend by letting her get by with cheating? Why?
2. Should you be loyal to your friends when it means doing wrong?
3. What do we mean by being loyal?
4. Was this loyalty?

Loyalty to Friends

Outside the members of your home are many people whom you call
friends. They are those with whom you like to be. You enjoy their company
above others. When you are with them, you are happy, and when they are
gone, you miss them. They would do many things for you, and you would be
glad to do much for them. If every friend were taken away from you, how
much of your happiness would go with them?
Check the following list as you think of the loyalty you owe to your
friends:

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 1. _______I should keep my promises to my friends.
2. _______I should tell others the faults of my friends.
3. _______I should stand by my friend when he is in trouble or in need.
4. _______I should keep the secrets my friend trusts with me.
5. _______I should never tell on my friends, even if they have done
something that harms others.
6. _______I should be completely honest with my friends.

Loyalty to the Church

No other institution can help us more throughout our lives than God's
church, if we will give it our loyalty. When we are part of the family of God,
we are with people who are interested in the same things we are. We find
help in our times of discouragement and sorrow. We find opportunities to
make other lives happier and better. Can you imagine what the world would
be without the Church of God? If the church is worth all this to us, then we
owe something to it. How can we express our loyalty to the church?
A real test of loyalty is the test of responsibility. If you are asked to do
some task for your family, your school, or your church, what do you do?
Some people think such a task is not very important, and they pay very little
attention to it unless it is something they particularly want to do. Could the
following be said about you: "It is useless to ask him to do anything. He
never does anything well. You cannot depend upon him"? You may not have
thought of it as being disloyal, but is it not? Another person always com-
plains about being asked to spend a little time or do a little work for someone
else. It is so hard to get him to do things, thus no one ever asks him to help.
Is he being loyal? Compare these people with the one who is always willing
to do what needs to be done. If you ask that person to do something, you can
depend on it being done well. Who is the more loyal? Who will be the most
successful?

Loyalty to God

It may sometimes become confusing as to whom we owe the greatest

loyalty, for loyalties are often hard to determine. As you discovered in the
stories at the beginning of the lesson, there are times when there seems to be
no way by which one can be loyal to two conflicting persons. However, there
is One to whom we owe our first loyalty. That is God. He calls out the very
best that we have and, in return, gives the very best to us. If we are always
loyal to Him, there can be no doubt of our choosing the best loyalty to

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others.
Think of some men in the Bible who were loyal to God, although they had
to do some hard things. Consider people in your life who have been loyal to
God. What have been the results of their loyalty?

JUST A THOUGHT

Do not compromise your loyalty to God

for the sake of fitting in with man.

____________

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 LESSON 8

LAWS FOR BUILDING A GOOD LIFE

Scripture Texts: Proverbs 3:1-7; Romans 12:9-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:14-

22; Daniel 1:8-21

The lesson Scriptures present what should be a building brought together

by the framing of what was presented in the past lessons. Daniel (as de-
scribed in Daniel 1:8-21) proved by example that young people can attain
spiritual maturity before God and escape the world's defilement if they truly
desire to do so.

MEMORY VERSE: But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not de-
file himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he
drank. —Daniel 1:8

Laws Made by God

We have been studying about laws, one kind or another, for the last sever-
al lessons. For the most part, the laws have been man made. They were made
because someone saw a need for them and felt they would make people better
and happier. There are other kinds of laws that we will talk about today.
They are the laws made by God.
A common law of nature is what we call the Law of Gravity. We say that
if an object is put into space, it will fall until it comes to rest against some
object. This does not happen because we say it is the law. We say it is the
law because we know that it happens that way. Natural laws cannot be
changed by any action of man. They exist because God created them.
Jeremiah 33:25 calls them "the whole order of nature" (Amplified Bible).
God also has a moral law, which He has "written in [man's] hearts"
(Romans 2:15). Punishment for disobedience to these laws was not made by
man. The penalty belongs to God's law and naturally follows disobedience.
In many cases, people may seem to get by without paying the penalty, but
Romans 6:23 warns, "The wages of sin is death."
There are certain laws to regulate the working of our bodies, which are
delicately made. We may look at certain machinery and marvel at how it
operates. Yet, there is no machine more complicated and beautifully arranged
than the human body. The more complicated the machine, the greater the
necessity for order in its operation. So it is with our bodies. If we eat the

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wrong foods, often the results are an upset stomach. If we do not get the
proper rest, we are too tired to be our best. If we fail to drink water as we
should, we might become dehydrated or develop a headache. If our bodies are
not given the proper rest and nutrition, we should not be surprised at the
results.

Why Protect Our Health?

No one enjoys being ill. Not only can it be depressing, but it hinders us
from being our best. We know to be good citizens of our country, we must
obey its laws. If we wish to be good businessmen, we must follow carefully
the rules that regulate business. If we wish to be good musicians, we must
learn and obey the rules that govern music. Likewise, we must learn and
follow health rules if we expect to have good health. What business could be
more important than keeping our bodies at their best?
In 2023, the American Hospital Association reported there are over 6,000
hospitals in the United States. Why do we need so many? While emergency
care is part of the hospital's care (such as broken bones, injuries, or ac-
cidents), often people are there because they failed to take the proper care of
their health. Strength and health have been wasted by careless and wrong
living. Many times, it is because of a lack of good teaching concerning the
care and protection of health.

Alcohol and Your Health

Alcohol, no doubt, could be at the top of the list of causes of poor health.
Few other things can cause more difficulty, unhappiness, poor health,
poverty, cruelty, crime, and a host of other evils than alcohol. Tests have
proven that alcohol affects many parts of the body. First, alcohol affects the
brain, the organ of our thoughts and the seat of our actions. The monitor that
warns us there is a danger for us in doing this or that now does not function
properly. We assume an attitude of indifference to the guiding of the con-
science and to the teaching that has, up to this time, allowed us to distinguish
between the deeds of right and wrong. That is why so much crime is caused
by those who use alcohol.
Alcohol affects the nervous system, the arms, legs, eyesight, and speech.
It will cause one to feel safe when he is not. Alcohol also has a great effect
on the vital organs of the body. There is a test that will prove this to you.
Break a raw egg into a dish of alcohol. The egg will be cooked in a few
minutes. If alcohol will do that to an egg, what will it do when poured into

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the stomach, irritating and gradually eroding the stomach lining? Much could
also be said about tobacco and drugs.

You, Your Friends, Neighbors, and Alcohol

Many people think it is their business alone if they want to drink alcohol.
They say, "We live in a free country; that is my right." Yet, drinking often
affects more than just the person who is drinking. We understand the wrong
of a man shooting a gun and killing someone. Is it not the same idea when a
man drinks alcohol, drives his car onto the highway, then hits and kills
someone? Many have been killed by drunk drivers, leaving behind grieving
families whose lives have been destroyed. Whose rights were violated?
Consider, if you have experienced unpleasant situations at social events
by people nearby who have been drinking, whose rights are violated there?

What Shall We Do About It?

Daniel showed the people of his day that he could be true to his best. He
presented a beautiful picture of an ideal Christian. If we make this ideal ours
and try our very best to live up to it, we will avoid the temptations of intoxi-
cating drinks, tobacco in all forms, drugs, and anything that could become
an ungodly habit. When we do this, we will influence our friends and neigh-
bors, which can cause them to desire the same ideals we have.
Daniel "purposed in his heart" to do what was right. It was a difficult
situation, but he would not stoop to disobey what he knew to be right. He put
his ideal to the test, and the test proved he was right.
Those who violate the law regarding the harmful effects of alcohol, tobac-
co, and drugs will surely pay the penalty. How much better to purpose in our
heart to avoid all these things that defile the body.

JUST A THOUGHT

Health is like money—we never have a true idea

of its value until we lose it.

____________

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 LESSON 9

THE IMPORTANCE OF COURTSHIP

Scripture Texts: Romans 12:1-2; Ecclesiastes 12:1; Titus 2:6-12; James

1:27; 1 Corinthians 6:12; Romans 14:21

Some homes become Christian after establishment. This is good, but the
best way is that a home be founded upon Jesus Christ from its beginning. For
that to occur, the courtship must also be Christian.
So much depends upon our dating and courtship—our lives, the lives of
others, the homes we set up, and our service to God—that they must not be
guided by chance or one's own human judgment. Parents and older saints can
give good counsel, but God promises to direct the path of those who trust
Him and lean not to their own understanding.

MEMORY VERSE: Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

—Amos 3:3

Protect Your Body

In Romans 12:1-2, God commands all people to present their bodies "a
living sacrifice" for all of life. "Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit"
(1 Corinthians 6:19). In our bodies, we carry on all activities of this earthly
life. The body is the tool of the mind and spirit. We can protect body, mind,
and spirit by giving them over in holy, acceptable service unto God. Young
people, as well as older ones, who give themselves in this way will not be
conformed to this world. They will not follow the pattern set by worldly peo-
ple. People thus dedicated will conduct their courtship in a pleasing manner
to God. They will not be conformed to this world but transformed by Christ's
life within them so that they do God's perfect will.
In the earlier lessons, we tried to encourage the youth to view their teen
years as a time for serious thought and planning, not just as a time of fun and
frivolity. In this lesson, we will see how our lives can be a beautiful part of
God's plan.
In Ecclesiastes 12:1, we are reminded, "Remember now thy Creator in the
days of thy youth." That is the best time to think about God and turn to Him.
Mental and physical faculties are at their best. Hope, zeal, and initiative are
strong. The heart is not yet hardened, nor is the body bound by sin. Young
people who are saved at an early age will be able to carry on a Christian

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courtship, establish a Christian home, and desire to serve God with their
joined lives.
When God advised young men and women "to be sober minded" (Titus
2:6), He did not mean for them to be pessimistic or sour. He meant for them
to set their minds on things that really matter, to seek wheat rather than
chaff. He meant for them to desire eternal things (wheat) more than passing,
temporary things (chaff).

Deny Yourself

In Titus 2:12, we are told to deny "ungodliness and worldly lusts." Unre-
generated young people are guided by desires, or lusts, and uncontrolled by
God's will. This is sin. Worldly possessions, popular favor, power, material
security, pleasure, thrills, and adventure—when seeking any of these things
comes before seeking God, they are "worldly lusts." God wants us to "live
soberly, righteously, and godly."
God gave young people a desire for the companionship of the opposite
sex. It is a good desire. He made rules for its right enjoyment. They are good
rules. Only when we break His rules and let lust rule does trouble come.
Some, disobeying God, bring a lifetime of sorrow upon themselves and their
families. Even things within a courtship that seem to be lawful must be
considered carefully. If an act would hurt one's reputation or bring dishonor
to another, we must not do it. Even though it is lawful, if it dishonors Christ,
we must not do it.

Protect Your Mind and Spirit

We cannot follow the world's courtship standards set by movies, TV

shows, videos, and social media. Respectable people, let alone Christians,
should reject as unthinkable some of the physical intimacies common today,
such as freely touching and handling of one of the opposite sex, making out,
improper positions (such as lying down together), and kissing when there is
no real love or engagement. Young people should never be alone together
without other adults in the house. These, and like practices, cater to worldly
and youthful lust, which often lead to sin and heartbreak.
Many young people see so much false, or counterfeit, love that they do
not know when there is true love. Playing with the false defiles lives and
often has serious consequences. Manipulating another's affections leads to
deep problems. Unhappiness, divorce, bitterness, and sin follow the trail of
these cheated ones.

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 Dating

It is wrong to date a person whom, for any reason, one has no right to
marry. We should not make intimate friends of those who do not love the
Lord or those of false religion. Dating those invites problems. Any act that
defiles your body, any thought that defiles your spirit, and any word or story
that defiles your mind will bring destruction to you. Right courtship is
carried on when we realize body, mind, and spirit belong to God. "Ye are
bought with a price [the price of the life of the Son of God]" (1 Corinthians
6:20). That measures our obligation to glorify God in our bodies, minds, and
spirits.

JUST A THOUGHT

Nothing is politically right

when it is morally wrong.

____________

25
 LESSON 10

RULES FOR CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE

Scripture Texts: Genesis 2:18-24; 1 Timothy 3:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14-16;

Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 6:19

When two Christian people are truly in love, know one another well, have
prayed together, and know it is the will of God for them to marry, then (and
only then) will God be pleased to sanction their union in marriage. With this
foundation laid, they can build a Christian home. They build a Christian
home as they establish Biblical principles and practices by which to carry on
their daily activities.

MEMORY VERSE: What therefore God hath joined together, let not man
put asunder. —Mark 10:9

One Man, One Woman for Life

From the beginning, it was God's will that men and women should marry.
Therefore, marriage is good if carried out in God's way. This was the rule.
His way includes a basic principle that husband and wife cleave to one
another. The word "cleave" means to adhere closely. In marrying, one
separates from all others and holds fast to the husband or wife. Many
marriages are not joined together by God and therefore cannot be considered
as a sacred or heavenly union. After this sacred union is entered, one can
never go back and be entirely outside of it. Divorce may divide man and wife,
but it can never completely erase the ties that made them one. Any effort to
separate a man and wife or any act tending to damage their union is a sin,
whether coming from one of them or an outside party. "Let not man put
asunder" (Matthew 19:6).

Marriage Is Honorable to God

Marriage was instituted by God at Creation before man sinned (Genesis

1:27-28). Therefore, it was made to fit good people in a good society. It is
not a concession to man's sinful tendencies, as was divorce temporarily (Mat-
thew 19:8). "Marriage is honorable in all . . . but whoremongers and adul-
terers God will judge" (Hebrews 13:4) because they are going contrary to
God's established plan. They are sinning. Society, in large part, has changed

26
its attitude toward the so-called modern lifestyle, but God's attitude is still
the same. It is still sin. All living in sin reap the same wages. How can the
modern philosophy on single parents ever lead to a happy marriage or
healthy home life for children? Children need both a mother and a father.
In 1 Timothy 3:12, we are taught that a leader in the Church of God must
be a fit example in all ways. He is not under any different rules than others,
for God has one standard for all. One point of that standard is, a man must
have but one wife and a woman but one husband. Another point is that he
rules his children and house well.
God's way is one husband and one wife bound together for life. The only
thing that can break this tie and give either freedom to marry another is the
death of one of them. God sets a limitation on all saved persons who are free
to marry again. Every marriage is subject to this limitation—ONLY IN THE
LORD, only a person who is saved and who is free to marry. God gives no
one the right to marry an unsaved person. This would show dishonor to God.
It is only saved men and women whose purified personalities, qualities, and
capabilities will complement each other in God's perfect plan. Only when a
partner breaks the marriage union by committing adultery is the other partner
permitted a divorce (Matthew 19:9).

Lean Not to Your Own Understanding

Since the companion you choose should be your life companion, it is most
important you get help from One who knows all about each of us. Outward
beauty soon fades, but inner beauty increases with the passing years. A
beautiful woman is not always good, but a good woman is always beautiful.
The same is true of the handsome man. The fleshly mind has difficulty seeing
the beauty that does not fade. Ask God and have faith in His wisdom. He has
never made a bad match. Proverbs 31:30 says, "Beauty is vain."
"As the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman"
(1 Corinthians 11:11. As pertains to marriage, these words teach the basic
equality and mutual dependence of the sexes. Since this is true, each should
honor and respect the other in the Lord. We all owe our being entirely to
God. Proverbs 31:10-31 shows the picture of the model woman. Young man,
ask God to help you find her.

JUST A THOUGHT

Some wives meet their husbands with a kiss,

others with orders to wipe their feet.

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 LESSON 11

CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES IN EARNING A LIVING

Scripture Texts: Luke 12:13-48; 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12; James 4:13-17;

1 Timothy 6:6-11; Proverbs 11:1; 20:6

Christianity deals with the money problem in a most fundamental and

searching way. Jesus had a deep concern about what the love of money can
do to the soul of man. Jesus taught much about prayer and about money. Our
lesson today is the first of two lessons about economic relationships. It deals
with the application of Christian principles to the earning and possessing of
money under the guidance of God's Spirit.

MEMORY VERSE: Divers weights are an abomination unto the L ORD; and
a false balance is not good. —Proverbs 20:23

A Fundamental Principle

Throughout Luke, Chapter 12, Jesus spoke about deep spiritual issues.
He dealt with practical, earthly matters, but He seriously pointed out their
heavenly implications. Right amid His serious message about the eternal mat-
ters of the soul, Jesus was interrupted by a man who had a grievance against
his brother because of disappointment over an inheritance. The grievance ap-
peared to have been real and justified. The man had evidently been cheated
in the division of property. However, Jesus refused to interfere. He was talk-
ing about matters much more important than the division of earthly goods.
In fact, this whole lesson shows the immense contrast between the value of
things temporal and the value of things eternal.
Jesus had just been speaking about courts. The reference to courts of law
must have suggested to the man in the crowd that Jesus, with His wisdom
and moral influence, might settle his grievance. He, who at the end of time
will judge men, said, "Who made me a judge or a divider over you?" (Luke
12:14).
Jesus did not teach that the primary duty of Christianity was to establish
economic justice. Earnest as He was to bring about economic justice and to
encourage honest dealings among men, He realized this sort of thing follows
the changing of men's hearts. He knew the secret lies not in making the
brother divide but in making over the brother's heart until he is willing to
divide.

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 When a man puts his possessions first, then he does not possess these
things—they possess him. If the preaching of the Gospel can endanger your
work or business, you are in the wrong line of work.

Not Rich Toward God

After the interruption, Jesus spoke about "a certain rich man" (Luke
12:16-21). Unlike the one who had wrongfully appropriated some of the in-
heritance, this man was probably a self-made man—what we would call a
successful businessman. Just as a shortage of funds can cause people to do
wrong to obtain what they want, so a surplus of funds can cause problems
to arise. The rich man wondered what to do with his excess. Should he hoard
it or should he distribute his goods to help others? Poverty and needs were
all about him. What a blessing he could have been to himself and others had
he been willing to share. He decided to hoard, and he would attempt to feed
his soul on material things.
All men should make their decisions realizing they face death and the
Judgment. This unwise man also faced death and the Judgment. God called
him a fool. We are foolish when we lay up much of this world's goods but are
not rich toward God. The trouble with this man was not that he laid up treas-
ure, but that he laid it up for himself. He exalted the needs of his body and
neglected the needs of his soul. God asked him, "Whose shall those things
be," not the things "which thou hast possessed" but the things "which thou
hast provided?" (Luke 12:20).

Christians Work for a Living

In James 4:13-17, we are taught a great truth—to consider the Lord's will
in the matter of getting gain. Christ said in John 5:17, "My Father worketh
hitherto, and I work." In 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10, Paul told how some of the
Christians in Thessalonica had slowed down so far as profitable work was
concerned. These disciples were saying: "What's the use of working? The
Lord will come soon, and the world will be destroyed; let us give ourselves
to prayer and watchfulness." Paul had taught them to look for the return of
the Lord, but in the meantime, he believed they should stick to their daily
work and shun no responsibility. Paul knew there were loafers in Thessalon-
ica, people who were using the great hope of Christ's Second Coming as an
excuse for being lazy and shiftless. Christians should work as if Christ was
not coming for a long while and, on the other hand, as if He was coming back
the next hour. Paul set a good example for these people and us by working

29
with his hands. He was impressed with the dignity of labor.
Useful employment does something essential to the enrichment of men's
hearts and minds. Here in verse 7, Paul referred to idle people as "disor-
derly." He also said, "If any would not work, neither should he eat" (verse
10). Could anything be plainer or more just than that? Paul represents the
man who works both with his hands and with his head. He was a tentmaker.
At the same time, he was one of the greatest intellectuals in history.

Christian Principles in Modern Life

We live in a society in which economics plays an important part. Money

has a significance in modern life that it did not have in earlier times. In the
past, most people raised their own food and made their own clothes. Today,
men work for wages and salaries. Without money to buy food, we might
starve to death. Today, we purchase almost everything we use. We need
money because of the economic significance of this present age.
Can Christian principles be applied to this modern situation? Well, if they
cannot, there is no hope for any of us. First Timothy 6:10 tells us, "For the
love of money is the root of all evil." The danger is not in having money, but
in coveting it. It is an impossibility to covet money and not err from the faith.
When we covet money, we will be tempted to shade the balance and to give
a man less than we have agreed to give. This includes a day's work and in
a business transaction. We should give a fair day's work for a fair day's pay.
A Christian will, at all times, honor his word to his fellowman. He will never
give a second thought about taking advantage of anyone. He will be honest
in all his dealings.
This kind of living could result in Christians being taken advantage of by
others. Yet, the perfect and infallible principles of Jesus Christ are the only
things that will bring true happiness. Paul was a workman; Paul was a
thinker; Paul was a great Christian; and Paul was happy. We can find our
happiness in this modern world only if we put first things first. Money is
never, under any circumstances, the first thing. We must possess money
without having it possess us.

JUST A THOUGHT

If you would like to leave footprints in the sand of time,

you had better wear work shoes.

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 LESSON 12

THE CHRISTIAN'S USE OF MONEY AND GOODS

Scripture Texts: Mark 10:29-30; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; Philippians 4:11-13;

Matthew 7:12; 1 Timothy 5:8

Our lesson today deals with stewardship of the money and goods God has
entrusted to our care. Our last lesson had to do with acquiring under the
guidance of God's Spirit. Today's lesson deals with using, under the guidance
of God's Spirit, what we have acquired.

MEMORY VERSE: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteous-
ness; and all these things shall be added unto you —Matthew 6:33

The Divine Exchange

The Christian life is not all taking from God's hand to ours. It is also
giving up for His sake—from our hand to others. The heart where Christ
dwells prefers Him above comfort, ease, or satisfaction of appetite. If, in sur-
rendering these, one keeps his trust anchored in God, He will provide sub-
stitutes more precious than those lost. In Mark 10:29-30, He promises the
use of plenty of the necessary goods here in this life and "in the world to
come eternal life." Even with persecution, who can say the exchange is not
profitable?

The Riches of God's Grace

First Timothy 6:8 tells us to be content with "having food and raiment."
This is an important lesson for all people to learn. If friends and neighbors
purchase many things we cannot afford, that should not affect our content-
ment with what we are blessed with. Trying to "keep up with the Joneses,"
so to speak, has led to the ruin of many good Christian financial situations.
If young people have learned, to some extent, to budget their income
before they are married, they will have much less difficulty living within a
budgeted income after they are married. Plan a workable budget, and live
within these means. There is no way to know how many people have been led
to a bankrupt condition because they allowed greed to cause them to be dis-
satisfied with their situation. They continued to ask for loans they did not
need, that they never could expect to repay. This is spoken about in Hebrews

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13:5. This tight financial position causes people to decrease, and many times
to stop altogether, their giving to the Christian cause. They rob God. What
greater sin can a man commit than this? This brings spiritual bankruptcy.
First John 3:17 makes this truth clear. THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU USE
THAT CREDIT CARD!
When people invest wisely in heavenly business, God will help them in-
vest wisely in earthly business. If an individual seeks God's wisdom in all
financial matters, God will help him to meet those obligations. When a
Christian cannot meet an obligation at the time it is due, he will never shun
it, but he will meet the creditor and give an honest explanation of his plan to
pay.
When we have godly contentment, there will rarely be a need for both hus-
band and wife to find outside employment to supply material needs.

Christian Responsibility for the Use of Goods

Psalm 24:1 gives the true basis of stewardship. The Lord owns it
ALL—ourselves and all creation; we own nothing. We only hold some in
trust for the Owner, God. We must give an account for our use of it. In
Isaiah 55:2, we are warned not to spend money "for that which is not bread."
This simply tells us not to be wasteful. Spend to provide for the needs of
your family. In 1 Timothy 5:8, we are told of the importance of providing for
one's family. While some money might be used for self, none must be used
selfishly.

Contributions

These days, there are many requests for contributions or donations.

Should we give? Withhold? Investigate? Many times, a simple investigation
will plainly show them to be unworthy of our financial support.
To what cause ought we give? Not give? Will we not be responsible for
the money we give to agencies who do not regard the teachings of God's
Word? How about agencies that support organizations which work against
God's true cause? Before making a contribution, check them out.

JUST A THOUGHT

Christians need only to be shown a worthy need,

and they will desire to supply it.

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 LESSON 13

ADVERSARIES OF THE HOME

Scripture Texts: Isaiah 33:14-16; John 8:1-11; 1 John 3:15; John 17:6-15;
1 John 2:15-17

Christians must be pure in thought AND deed. It is not enough to believe

in high principles alone; it is necessary to live by them as well. We must not
judge others by a standard we are not willing to accept for ourselves.
The old concern was with fruits. The new concern is with roots. Jesus did
not destroy the legalism and positive demand of the Mosaic Law; He
breathed life and power on it. Evil acts stand condemned, and no excuse can
be made for them. They will meet judgment and suffer the consequence. The
eye and the heart are the brokers of sin.

MEMORY VERSE: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the
world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
—1 John 2:15

The Evil of Adultery

Since Jesus came into the world, women have enjoyed a freedom they
never had before. Yet, with new freedom comes new responsibilities and new
dangers. Civilizations have risen and fallen on the moral purity or impurity
of their women. In our day of loose morals, we see a civilization deteriorating
and institutions filling with those who have broken themselves upon the sev-
enth commandment.
The sanctity of marriage is the cornerstone of our civilization. Whatever
the specific form it may involve, the "want to" stamps guilt upon the soul.
The seventh commandment seems to prohibit only the act of adultery. Christ
taught a higher standard in John 8:3-11.
Is it possible to forgive sin without condoning it? Did not Christ forgive
adultery here, without minimizing the heinousness of the sin? The sin of
adultery leads to many other sins. God only knows how many have been led
to the sin of murder, resulting from the sin of adultery. Abortion is murder.
It only adds sin to sin. To desire to terminate a pregnancy is murder in the
sight of God. First John 3:15 deals with this principle. The sixth command-
ment recognizes the value of a life and makes a man or a woman answerable
to God for taking the life of another.

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 The Evils of Gambling and Dancing

In the service of Christ, the lusts of the flesh have no part. The Christian
has the mind of Christ and has ceased from his sins and worldly lusts to
serve God. Gambling and dancing bring a life of frivolity, self-gratification,
and vice. They also cause a pullback to former associates and worldly mind-
ed friends. God's Word states in Titus 2:12 and Romans 13:14, we should
deny "ungodliness and worldly lusts" and "make not provision for the flesh."
These vices carry with them a sort of intoxication that causes men to throw
caution to the wind. Once in this whirlpool, one is at the mercy of the spirit
of the age. These vices are morally injurious. Dancing thrives on sensual
pleasure. Would such dancing survive without the mixture of the sexes? The
obvious answer is, "No."
Gambling causes one to depend on luck and fraud. It becomes his god. No
one expects to find honesty in a gambler. Dancing and gambling become un-
controllable habits. They become as binding on the lives of men and women
as tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.

The Evils of the Theater and Television

The theater and television are commercial, worldly institutions that are
not subject to reform. They use methods that bring in money. Little do they
care about the morals or the spiritual life of the people. Their success is
measured only by the dollars they bring in. The nature of the theater and TV
industry is carnal. Paul wrote in Romans 8:7, "The carnal mind is . . . not
subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."
One might as well think of reforming the barrooms, dance halls, or places
of prostitution as to expect the theater and television to reform. They make
sin a thing to laugh at. They destroy the moral code. They depreciate virtue.
They teach crime. They present exaggerated views of real life, rendering life
to be unrealistic. Indecency corrupts the audience. Immodest dress, indecent
conduct, and the breaking down of moral barriers weaken the will of those
who watch.
Christian men of all ages have persistently opposed the movie theater.
Can we not see the danger of these worldly channels in the weakening of the
Christian home?
Many more vices endanger the foundation of the home. The Holy Spirit
will give warning of them if we sincerely desire to know what He has to say
to us.

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 JUST A THOUGHT

If you do not want the fruits of sin,

stay out of the orchard.

____________

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These lessons are adapted from lessons by Mary Lehmann.
Revised and published with written permission from
© Bible Paths Publications
P.O. Box 299
Keithville, LA 71047

This quarterly has been published by

The Church of God, God's Acres
675 N. Cedar Street
Newark, OH 43055
[Link]

For copies of this quarterly, contact:

The Gospel Trumpeter
Attn: Sunday School Dept.
675 N. Cedar Street
Newark, OH 43055

Compiled and edited

April 1988
REVISED O CTOBER 2023

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