The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1932-12-08
~ IMPROVED
UNIFORM INTERNATIONAL
CUNDAyl
.OcHOoL
',(By REV P. B. FITzWATER. D. D.. Mem
Der of Faculty, Moody Bible
Institute of Chicago.)
g, 1882, Western Newspaper Union.
Lesson for December II
THE CHRISTIAN USE OF LEISURE


Nehemiah 1918; Zechariah S:4-5;
Matthew 11:16-19; Mark 6:3O-32; Cor
inthians 10: $3.50.
GOLDEN T EXT-Whether therefore
!ye eat, or drink. or whatsoever we do,
do all to the glory of God. Cor. 1921.
PRIMARY TOPIC-Jesus Watching
Children Play.
JUNIOR TOPIC-Pleasing God in
Our Games
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
iIC-The Best Way to Rest and Play.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
1C-The Christians Rest and Recrea-
ton.
The topic of today's lesson is rather
a strange one to attempt to set to the
texts selected by the lesson committee.
By leisure is meant freedom from
ones regular occupation. The in
structed Christian gladly uses his leis-
ure in the worship and service of God.
I. Hearing the Word of God Read
(Neh. 8:9-1S).
The people turned aside from their
common interests and demanded from
Ezra, the scribe, the reading of Gods
word. The Mosaic economy provided
regular periods for cessation from Sec
ular activities, such as the Sabbath,
the Sabbatic Year and the Year of Ju-
bilee so as to afford recreation and
spiritual refreshment to the people.
In the case of these Jews, this period
of reading of the Word of God meant
not only physical refreshment, but
spiritual revival.
1. Conviction of sin ". %. "The
word of God is quick and powerful"
(Heb. 4:12). It brings conviction of
sin (Acts 2:37).
2. Weeping turned into joy wv.
(10-12). Forgiveness follows percep-
ton and confession of sin. When the
sinner is forgiven, God would have him
enter into joy. Continued mourning
'"The joy of the Lord is your strength. :"
3. Blessing to be shared with others
.(vv. 10-12). True joy manifests itself
in giving to others. Pure religion goes
out to minister to the poor DANES
1:27).
H. Obedience of the people. From
the reading of the Scriptures they
found the Feast of Tabernacles had
long been neglected. They kept the
feast in way that had not been
known since the days of Joshua
". ~.
u. Children Playing Czech. S:4-5).
Playing is natural to children.
Zechariah pictures a time when the
streets of Jerusalem shall be safe for
the play of children. This will be
realized when Jesus Christ reigns
as king.
Ill. The Need of Vacation mark
6:30-32).
The tragic death of John the Baptist
had taken place, and the disciples had
just returned from strenuous mis-
sionary tour. Christ perceived their
need and invited them to come apart
with him for a time of rest. 1t is a
grave mistake to assume, because we
are engaged in the Lords work and
the need is so urgent, that vacation
can be dispensed with. Such periods
are needed in order that we may work
again.
This retreat, called by Christ, was
for the purpose of hearing a report
of their work, to take counsel about
the work, and to be refreshed by
prayer.
~. Do All Things for the Glory of
God Il Cor. 1O:23-33).
The occasion for this teaching was
the uncertainty as to the right atti-
tude toward things sacrificed unto
idols. In mingling with society many
perplexing questions arise such as,
amusements, way Of spending Sunday,
way of spending vacation, enjoyment
of luxuries, etc. This portion of Gods
Word contains principles adequate for
guidance in all of these matters.
l. "All things are lawful for me"
". 23). This declaration is limited,
of course, by things which are right in
themselves. 1t is not true that Chris
tian is free to do things which are
wrong in themselves. He can only in
dulge in lawful things as they are ex-
pedient and unto edifcation.
2. LET no man seek his own" w..
24. The Christians law of life is I'M
selfishness. The one dominated by
love considers the others interest rath-
er than his own.
3. "Do all to the glory of God" ~.
81. This is the grand and supreme
life of the Christian. In all our con-
Germs we should have Gods glory be-
fore us constantly. How could one
ask Gods blessing upon the intoxicat-
ing cup dancing, gambling, theater 60
ing, Sunday dissertation, ETC.?
4. "Give no occasion for anyone to
stumble ". 32). We should so live
that no one can ever say that we have
been the occasion for their downfall.
5. Follow the example Of Jesus
Christ Il Cor. ~. Christ gave up
all for the sake Of others.