Middletown transcript., 1921-09-17
LESSON FOR. SEPTEMBER 18
ABSTINENCE FOR SAKE OF oTH-
ERS TEMPERANCE LESSON).

ABSTINENCE FOR SAKE OF oTH-
ERs TEMPERANCE LEss0N).
| LESSON TEXT Cor. 1923 80; 3:16, II.
| GOLDEN TEXT-Whether therefore ye
eat. or drink. or whatsoever ye do. do all
! TO the glory of God.-I Cor. 1881.
REFERENCE MATERIAL-Rom. 1911;
| A:13-21; ISL. 2; Cor. $3.50; 9:19-H.
| PRIMARY TOPIC-A Clean. Strong
| Body.
JUNIOR TOPIC--How to Win the Race.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC
Presenting Ones Rody Living Sacri-
| flee. -G
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
The True Meaning Of Temperance.
The occasion Of this teaching was
the uncertainty as to the right atti-
tude toward ''things sacrificed unto
idols" This problem was most vital
while the Christians were in the midst
Of the heather, and with some mOdi-
fications no less vital still: In min
Cling with society many perplexing
questions arise, such as amusements,
way Of spending Sunday, enjoyment
Of luxuries, owning stock in certain
corporations, etc. Our lesson contains
principles adequate for our guidance
in all these problems.
1t was customary to divide the an
imal offered in sacrifice into three
parts. One part was consumed on
the altar, another part was given to
the priest, and the third part was
kept by the party bringing the offer
ing. The priests part was frequently
sold in the markets. The part which
the Offerer kept was sometimes eaten
at home and sometimes in the court
Of the temple. The Christian who
bought meat in the market was liable
to get meat which had been dedicated
to the idol god. Then, too. one would
be invited to eat socially at the table
Of someone who had kept his portion
Of his Offering and now set it before
his guests. Some with adequate
knowledge had no scruples about it;
others with less knowledge thought it
sinful. The one who has knowledge
should bear with the weak one, and at
the same time should seek to teach his
brother the truth go as to set him free
from bondage OF superstition. The
glory of God should control in all
things. -. .-
!. "AIl Things Are Lawful for Me"
". 2s).
This declaration is limited, of
course, by things which are right in
themselves. It Is not true that q
Christian is free to do those things
which are wrong. The Christian can
only indulge in lawful things" as
they are expedient and unto edifica-
ton. AS individual Christians we
have liberty to do many things which
because of their influence on our fel-
low Christians we should abstain
from. Certain amusements may be
lawful to indulge in, but such indul-
gence may influence others in the
wrong way and result in their ruin.
Even with ones self that which is not
edifying should be ruled out.
II. "Let No Man Seek His Own"
". 24).
The Christian is under the control
of love. The controlling principle of
love is unselfshness. The one domi-
mated by love considers the others in
terests rather than his own. One has
a perfect right to arise at midnight
and play the piano, but if he lives
in an apartment, or even in house
in town, it is wrong to do so, for he
would disturb his neighbor.
III. "Eat the Food Set Before You"
wv. 25-3O.
1t is not incumbent upon us to be
on the hunt for occasions Of the con-
science either of ourselves or others.
Exercise your freedom in the enjoy
ment of all right things which the
Lord places before you, but as soon
IS it is brought to your attention that
certain things are to the disadvan-
age of others, you should desist; that
S. exercise self-contrOl.
~. "Do All to the Glory Of Gnd"
". BY.
This is the grand and supreme rule
# life for the Christian. The Chris
ian is not at liberty to do that upon
which he could not ask the blessing of
aod. In all our concerns here below
We should have Gods glory before us
constantly. In ou: eating, employ
nents and pleasures, we shculd have
S our transcendent aim GOd's glory.
low could one ask Gods blessing up
n the intoxicating cup, dancing, gam
ling, theatergoing, Sunday desecra-
ion. luxurious extravaganza. etc?
v. "Give No Occasion for Anyone to
". 32).
We should so live that no one can
yer say that we have been the occa-
lon of their downfall.
VI. Follow the Example Of Jesus
hrist Q1:D.
Christ through love gave up all for
he sake of others. He did not please
imself. Everyone, therefore, who is
Christian should initiate Him.
VII. The Christians Body Is the
empIe Of the Holy Ghost 6 :16, ~.
This great truth is true of the
hurch as body, but that which is
'ue Of the body is true of the indi-
Idual composing the body; so the =
oint in this Scripture is the serious
of defling the body.