Tuesday, October 10, 2023

NEWSTART +6 – Temperance (Part 1)







“…DISEASE is an effort of nature to free the system from conditions that result from a violation of the laws of health…”  {MH 127.1)

Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power--these are the true remediesEVERY PERSON should have a knowledge of nature's remedial agencies and how to apply them…”  {MH 127.2}

Press home the TEMPERANCE question with all the force of the Holy Spirit’s unction…” (Ev 534.3)

WHY?
It is as truly a sin to violate the laws of our being as it is to break the Ten CommandmentsTo do either is to break God's laws.”  {CD 17.3}

“…Become more intelligent in regard to the laws of life. .  .”  {11MR 187.3}

 “We should EDUCATE OURSELVES, not only to live in harmony with the laws of health, but to teach others the better way…” (CG 361.2)

EDUCATE IN REGARD TO THE LAWS OF LIFE:
“…Educate people in regard to the laws of life…” {GCDB, January 30, 1893 par. 2}

WHY?
“…Educate people in the laws of life so that they may know how to preserve health…”  {MM 259.3)

“…It is the duty of every person, for his own sake, and for the sake of humanity, to inform himself in regard to the laws of life and conscientiously to obey them…” (MH 128.1)

True religion and the laws of health go hand in hand…”  (7T 137.1)

You are to apply the laws of life and health to your own caseIn violating the laws of health…you misrepresent your maker…”  {KC 20.4}

“…GAINING an INTELLIGENT KNOWLEDGE OF TEMPERANCE, would be MEDICINE ABOVE ALL DRUGS.”
{20MR 373.2}

BIBLE:                                                                                     
“And every man that striveth for the mastery is TEMPERATE in all things…” (1 Corinthians 9:25)
***Temperance is one of the fruits of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)

SOP:
The light that the Lord has given on this subject in his word is plain, and men will be tested and tried in many ways to see if they will heed itEvery church, every family, needs to be instructed in regard to Christian temperance…”  (6T 378.2)

EDUCATE ON THE QUESTION OF TEMPERANCE:
“…My message is, Educate, educate on the question of temperance.”  1908. {Te 244.2)

THIS TOPIC OF TEMPERANCE IS TO RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM GOD’S PEOPLE:
The TEMPERANCE question is to receive decided support from God's people…” {Te 249.1}

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...” {MH 171.1}

TEMPERANCE IS TO BE ON AN ELEVATED PLATFORM IN THE HOME AND CHURCH:
In the family circle and in the church we should place Christian temperance on an elevated platform…”
 {Te 165.3}

WHY?
“…When TEMPERANCE is presented as a part of the gospel, many will see their need of reform…” (Te 238.5/7T 75.2)

Every day one in a position of trust has decisions to make on which depend results of great importanceHe has often to think rapidly, and this can be done successfully only by those who practice strict temperance…” (Te 168.2/7T 199.2)

Strictly temperate habits, combined with exercise of the muscles as well as of the mind, will preserve both mental and physical vigor, and give power of endurance to those engaged in the ministry, to editors, and to all others whose habits are sedentary…” (3T 487.1)

Through intemperance some sacrifice one half, and others two thirds of their physical, mental, and moral powers and become playthings for the enemy.” {CG 394.2}

In order to preserve health, temperance in all things is necessary…” (Te 141.3)

“…In order to reach the highest standard of moral and intellectual attainmentsit is necessary to seek wisdom and strength from God, and to observe strict TEMPERANCE in all the habits of life…” (Te 154.3)

Intemperance of any kind is a violation of the laws of our being.”  {HL 27.5}

“… Intemperance lies at the foundation of all the evil in our world.” {Te 165.3} 1893

“…TEMPERANCE in all things has more to do with our restoration to Eden than men realize. The transgression of physical law is the transgression of God's law.” {CD 43.2-3}

HOW ARE WE TO PRESENT THE TOPIC OF TEMPERANCE?
“…Present TEMPERANCE with all its advantages in reference to health…” (MM 259.3)
***In other words, don’t just say “don’t eat this and don’t eat that, but explain the reasons why from a health perspective.

WHAT IS TEMPERANCE?
True TEMPERANCE teaches us to dispense entirely with everything hurtful, and to use judiciously that which is healthful.”  {Te 138.2/PP 562.1}

“…TEMPERANCE does not consist merely in abstaining from intoxicating liquors and tobacco; it extends farther than this. It must regulate what we eat.” {CD 406.1}

TEMPERANCE is to be practiced in eating as well as in drinking. Many people eat more food than nature requires…”  {5MR 224.2}

“…Many…SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS, eat too freelyTheir health would be much better if they ate less.

QUESTION: WHAT IS CONSIDERED LESS?
ANSWER: “…Thestomachrelieve it of one-half to two-thirds of the laborious task they require it to perform…”  {SpM 41.3}

TEMPERANCE ALONE IS THE FOUNDATION OF ALL THE GRACES THAT COME FROM GOD, THE FOUNDATION OF ALL VICTORIES TO BE GAINED…”  (Te 201.4)

QUESTION: IN HOW MANY ASPECTS OF OUR LIVES ARE WE TO BE TEMPERATE?
ANSWER: “…We must practice TEMPERANCE in all --temperance in labor, in study, in eating and in drinking (in others she says dressing as well) ...” {ST, January 27, 1909 par. 6}

KEEP CLEAR OF ALL INTEMPERANCE:
“…Keep clear of intemperance...” {6T 336.2}

WHY?
You cannot afford to weaken your mental or physical powers, lest you become unable to discern spiritual things.”  {6T 336.2}

“… Intemperance lies at the foundation of all the evil in our world.”  1893 {Te 165.3}

WE ARE TO RISE HIGHER AND HIGHER ON CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE AS WE NEAR TO THE CLOSE OF TIME:
As we near the close of time we must rise higher and still higher upon the question of health reform and Christian TEMPERANCE…” {6T 112.2}

HOW IS THIS TO BE DONE?
“…Upon the question ofChristian TEMPERANCEpresenting it in a more positive and decided manner…”  {6T 112.2}

 “…Guard strictly against intemperance in every form…” (Te 181.2)

The principles of TEMPERANCE must be carried further than the mere use of spirituous liquorsThe use of stimulating and indigestible food is often equally injurious to health, and in many cases sows the seeds of drunkenness…” {PP 562.1}

DIFFERENT WAYS OF INTEMPERANCE:
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
  • Dressing
  • Drinking
  • Eating
  • Poor combination of food
  • Sleeping
  • Tobacco
  • Too many dishes at one meal
  • Too many kinds of food at one meal
  • Too much food at one meal
  • Too much Talking
  • Working
  • Working for the Lord
  • And MORE

WHERE DOES INTEMPERANCE BEGIN?
“…Intemperance begins at our tables…” (PC 3.5)

“…Intemperance commences at our tables, in the use of unhealthful food…”  {CD 427.2}

“…TEMPERANCE…must regulate what we eat.” {CD 406.1}

Intemperance in eating, even of food of the right quality, will have a prostrating influence upon the system, and will blunt the keener and Holier emotionsStrict TEMPERANCE in eating and drinking is highly essential…”  {HR, August 1, 1875 par. 5/.7}

***REMEMBER: The Area Adam and Eve fell on was the area of appetite.  And this was the first temptation that Satan brought to Jesus because He knew how powerful appetite is and how much it has to do with our spirituality and salvation.


WE ARE TO CUT BACK ON HOW MUCH WE EAT
Nearly all of the human family eat more than the system requiresEven so-called health reform needs reforming upon this pointrelieve it one-half to two-thirds of the laborious task they require it to perform...” {SPM 41.3}

  • For the average person, it is said that a person should not eat more than 2 cups of food at a meal.
  • We are counseled not to go back for seconds.  We are supposed to get all our food at one time, even the dessert. (I read it in the SOP, but don’t remember where).
  • Portion control is very important when it comes to losing weight.
  • We are counseled not to eat more than 3-4 dishes at a meal

“Do not have too great a variety at a meal; three or four dishes are a plenty. At the next meal you can 
have a change…” {CD 109.5}


WHAT HEALTH PROBLEMS DOES EATING TOO MUCH CAUSE?
Nearly all of the human family eat more than the system requires.
This excess decay becomes a putrid mass. Catarrhal difficulties, kidney disease, headache, and heart troubles, are the result of immoderate eating.” (SpM 41.3)
***AND there are other health problems related to this as well.

WHAT DOES AN INDULGED APPETITE SPIRITUALLY DO TO GOD’S PEOPLE?
The case of Aaron's sons has been placed upon record for the benefit of God's people, and should teach those especially who are preparing for the second coming of Christ, that the indulgence of a depraved appetite destroys the fine feelings of the soul, and so affects the reasoning powers which God has given to man, that spiritual and holy things lose their sacredness. Disobedience looks pleasing, instead of exceeding sinful.”  {Te 149.2}

WHAT GOD REQUIRES OF US:
·       God requires continual advancement from his peopleThey need to learn that indulged appetite is the greatest hindrance to mental improvement and soul sanctification. As a people, with all our profession of health reform, WE EAT TOO MUCH.” {3SM 291.4}

  • God requires of his people continual advancement. We need to learn that indulged appetite is the greatest hindrance to mental improvement and soul sanctification. With all our profession of health reform, MANY OF US EAT IMPROPERLY.” (CD 45.3)

WHAT ELSE DOES INTEMPERANCE ENTAIL IN REGARDS TO THE FOOD WE EAT?
There is intemperance in…the many varieties of food taken at one meal. In the preparation of food there are unhealthful mixtures which ferment in the stomach and cause great distress. And yet these go on, continuing their indulgence, which lays the foundation for numerous difficulties…” {15MR 282.4}

  • Too many dishes at one meal.
  • Too many kinds of food at one meal.

“…at each meal eat only two or three kinds of simple food, taking no more of these than will satisfy the demands of hunger.” {CD 110.5}      ***Read Proverbs 23:1-2/Philippians 3:19

WHAT DOES INTEMPERANCE SHOW REGARDING GOD’S PEOPLE?
Our habits of eating and drinking show whether we are of the world or among the number that the Lord by His mighty cleaver of truth has separated from the world…” {Te 141.2} 1897

WHEN WILL GOD’S PEOPLE BE TRULY TEMPERATE?
Men will never be truly TEMPERATE until the grace of Christ is an abiding principle in the heart...” {Te 102.2}

“…He who is converted from errors in eating, drinking, and dressing is being prepared to hear and receive the truth into a good and willing heart…” (CH 221.4)

WHAT FRUIT WILL BE SHOWN WHEN A PERSON IS TRULY TEMPERATE?
…Abstinence from all hurtful food and drink is the fruit of true religion. He who is thoroughly converted will abandon every injurious habit and appetite. By total abstinence he will overcome his desire for health-destroying indulgences.”  {CD 457.1}
QUESTION: WHAT SHOULD WE DO TO PROVE OUR LOYALTY TO GOD?
ANSWER: SIGN THE TEMPERANCE PLEDGE

“…Especially does the temperance reform demand our attention and support…we should present to the people the principles of true TEMPERANCE and call for signers to the temperance pledge…”  (CH 433.1)
Here is a work opened before the young, the middle-aged, and the aged. When the TEMPERANCE pledge is presented to you, sign it. More than this, resolve to put all your powers against the evil of intemperance, and encourage others who are trying to do a work of reform in the world.” --Review and Herald, Jan. 14, 1909.
{Te 198.1}

  • ALL ARE TO SIGN THIS PLEDGE, INCLUDING YOUTH:

Let no excuse be offered when you are asked to put your name to the temperance pledge, but sign every pledge presented and induce others to sign with you…Never let an opportunity pass to cast your influence on the side of strict temperance.”  {CH 441.2}

  • WHY PEOPLE WON’T SIGN THE TEMPERANCE PLEDGE:
“…we were sorry that any who claimed to believe the truth should refuse to sign the pledgethey choose to leave the bars down, so that they can readily step over and accept temptation without making the effort to resist it…” {Te 200.1}

WILL YOU SIGN THE TEMPERANCE PLEDGE?  YES or NO (sign below)

HISTORY OF THE TEMPERANCE PLEDGE:

SOME THINGS FOR ALL TO REMEMBER:
  • True temperance teaches us to dispense entirely with everything hurtful, and to use judiciously that which is healthful. There are few who realize as they should how much their habits of diet have to do with their health, their character, their usefulness in this world, and their eternal destinyThe appetite should ever be in subjection to the moral and intellectual powers. The body should be servant to the mind, and not the mind to the body.” --Patriarchs and Prophets, page 562 {Te 138.2}

  • The laws of our being cannot be more successfully violated than by crowding upon the stomach unhealthful food just because it is craved by a morbid appetite.  -- H. to L., Chap. I, p. 52.  {HL 27.6}

  • “…Intemperance, licentiousness, and profanity are sisters.” {CH 441.1}




THE TEMPERANCE PLEDGE:

 “I SOLEMNLY PROMISE, BEFORE GOD, TO ABSTAIN FROM TOBACCO, SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS, SNUFF, TEA, COFFEE, FLESH-MEATS, BUTTER, SPICES, RICH CAKE, MINCE PIES, A LARGE AMOUNT OF SALT, AND ANIMAL FAT OF ALL KINDS, 
BAKING POWDER, SODA, OR
SALERATUS IN ANY FORM, AND CHEESE, AND FROM ALL EXCITING ARTICLES OF FOOD, AND TO ABSTAIN FROM EATING BETWEEN MEALS, AND TO DO ALL I CAN TO INDUCE OTHERS TO DO LIKEWISE”


MY PERSONAL PLEDGE, BEFORE GOD


Signed:__________________________________




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