1. How should we conduct ourselves in relation to amusements, entertainment and recreation?
There are some amusement such as dancing, card playing, theatre going and gambling which those who are getting ready for heaven will not engage in. These amusements open the door to great evil.
1 John 2:6 Fill in the blanks: He that saith he _________ in Him, ought ________ also so to ____ even as He walked.
What this is saying is, that, if we are abiding in Christ we would not do anything that He would not do. What type of exercise and recreation did Jesus engage in? Jesus attended social events such as weddings, social dinners, etc. He did a lot of walking. Sometimes He retreated to the mountainside where He could be refreshed. Sometimes He went in a boat with His disciples.
Some other healthful recreational activities are swimming, fishing, volleyball playing, playing tennis, golfing, jogging, gardening, bicycling, horseback riding, and sailing. Recreation is needful to those who are engaged in physical labor, and is still more essential to those whose labor is principally mental. It is not essential to our salvation nor for the glory of God to keep the mind laboring constantly and excessively even on religious things. Recreation allows for the renewing of mind, body and spirit, as most often it involves some form of exercise. Christians should only participate in wholesome forms of leisure activities that will truly refresh physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Reading and listening to music:
The same high standard applies to reading and listening to music. Music is a gift from God to inspires pure, noble and elevated thoughts. Good music enhances the finest qualities of character. While debased music destroys the rhythm of the soul. All music relating to Jazz, rock, or related hybrid forms or any language expressing foolish, or trivial sentiments, should be avoided.
Reading offers much that is valuable too. But such things as wild adventure, novels, and fiction material should be avoided.
What about movies, television, radio and videos:
These media can be great educational agencies, They have changed the whole atmosphere of our modern world and have brought us within easy contact with the life and thought. Unfortunately, video and television brings influences into the home that are neither wholesome nor uplifting. Unwholesome, violent, sensual movies and television programs should be avoided. Even good programs can be destructive if watched excessively. Christians will not only be selective in what they watched, but will also set time limits on their watching so that relationships and the responsibilities of life will not suffer. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, that by beholding we become changed.
Dress
2. What does the Bible have to say about -dress? 1 Peter 3:3-5, 1Timothy 2:9,l0, Fill in the blanks: whose ___________let it not be that ________ adorning of __________ the hair, and of wearing of ________ or of putting on of __________: but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not __________, even the ___________ of a meek and quiet ________, which is in the sight of God of __________ price. For after this__________ in the old time the _________ ________ also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves. In like manner also, that ___________ _________ themselves in ________ apparel, with _________ and __________; not with ________ ______, or________, or __________, or ___________ _________; But which _________ women _________ godliness with good works.
God provided the first clothing for Adam and Eve, and knows that we have need of clothing today. We should base our choice of clothing on the principles of simplicity, modesty, practicality, health, and attractiveness. The way a Christian dresses demonstrates to the world who they are and what they are. Christians should not mar the beauty of their character with styles that arouse the lust of the flesh. We should avoid clothes that accentuate the parts of the body that stimulate sexual desires. Modesty promotes moral health. The Christian's aim is to glorify God, not self. Because we are stewards of the funds God has entrusted to us, we will practice economy, avoiding gold, pearls, or costly clothing. That means the wearing of rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, showy tie tacks, and cufflinks and pins should be avoided. They are needless adornment. How can a Christian give an account to God for the money they spend on such things when all around us people are dying of hunger, and lack of the basic essentials of life? The same is true of expensive cars and luxurious homes. The same is also true for cosmetics. The Bible associates gaudy cosmetics with paganism and apostasy (2 Kings 9:30; Jeremiah 4: 30). Therefore Christians should maintain a natural, healthy, appearance. Cosmetics destroys the outer layer of the skin or epithelium. The outer skin loses that lively, vibrant look; and takes on a lifeless appearance. Whenever reformation was wrought in Israel, it was all ways accompanied by dress reform Genesis 35:1-4; Exodus 33:5.
The Bible speaks about one woman who painted her face:
What happened to her? They threw her out a window to her death. 2 Kings 9:30-37.
Food:
What does the Bible have to say about food? when the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, He had to reinstruct them in all things, food included. He left no "stone unturned." There was nothing they needed to know that He did not teach them. So they had no excuse to sin.
Leviticus chapter 11 contains a list of clean and unclean animals. They were allowed to eat the clean animals. the unclean ones they were to leave alone.
3. What distinguishing mark did God give about the following so that His people would know what is clean and what is not?
a. Beast - verse 3 _______________________________________________________
b. Creatures of the sea - verse 9 ___________________________________________
4.. List 15 types of fowls that should not be eaten. Verse 13-19__________________ _____________________________________________________________________
5. I will name some animals, you give the Bible reason why they should not be eaten:
a. Camel - Verse 4 ______________________________________________________
b. Coney - Verse 5 _____________________________________________________
c. Hare - Verse 6 _______________________________________________________
d. Swine or pig - Verse 7 ________________________________________________
6.. List seven beasts that may be eaten. Deuteronomy 14:4, 5.___________________
__________________________________________________________________
7. I will name some creatures of the sea tell why they should not be eaten: Deuteronomy 14:9,10.
a. conch ______________________________________________________________
b. crab _______________________________________________________________
c. oysters _____________________________________________________________
d. shrimp _____________________________________________________________
8. List six creeping things that should not be eaten. Leviticus 11:29, 30___________ _____________________________________________________________________
9. What kind of food did God give man in the Garden of Eden? Genesis 1:29________ _____________________________________________________________________
10. What type of food was man supposed to eat after he sinned? Genesis 3:18_______ _____________________________________________________________________
God made some beast clean and some unclean. In the beginning God made all creatures. During the time of the flood the Lord told Noah to take seven of each clean beast and two of each unclean beast in the ark with him (Genesis 7:2). There is nothing anyone can do to change an unclean beast to a clean beast. No faith, nor prayer, nor study of God's Word can change the creative attributes of any creature. By nature unclean animals do not constitute the best foods. Many are either scavengers or predators, from the lion and swine to the vulture and the bottomless sucker type fish.. Because of the nature of their habits they are more apt to be carriers of disease. Studies have shown that in addition to the moderate amounts of cholesterol found in both pork and shellfish, both foods contain a number of toxins and contaminants which are associated with human poisoning.
There is no record in the Bible of any child of God eating or sacrificing unto God any of the creatures that God said is unclean. There were some in Isaiah's day who hide to eat swine's flesh, but the Lord testified against them. Isaiah 6:17.
God's original diet for man comprised - plant bearing seed and fruit that had seeds in them. They shall be yours for meat, said the Lord (Genesis 1:29). After the fall God added the plants of the field. The diet God planned consisting of grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables, offers the right nutritional ingredients to support optimal health.
Drinking:
11. What does the Bible say about drinking? fill in the blanks: Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a __________, strong drink is _________: and whosoever is _________ thereby is not wise.
12. Fill in the blanks: Proverbs 23:20, 21: Be not among _________ _________; among _______eaters of flesh: for the _________ and the __________ shall come to poverty: and __________ shall clothe a man with rags.
13. What is the scripture admonition to us? Fill in the blanks: Ephesians 5:18 and be not _______ with ________ wherein is _________; but be ________ with the spirit.
14. Fill in the blanks: Isaiah 5: 11 Woe unto them that ______ up early in the ______, that they may _______ strong drink, that continue _______ night, till wine ________ them!
15. Proverbs 23:29 ask six questions, List them.
(a) _________________________________________________________________
(b) _________________________________________________________________
(c) _________________________________________________________________
(d) _________________________________________________________________
(e) _________________________________________________________________
(f) _________________________________________________________________
16. What is the answer? Proverbs 23:30 Fill in the blanks: They that ________ long at the wine; they that go to __________ mixed wine.
Anything that destroys our bodies or tend to endanger our health should be avoided.
17. Fill in the blanks: 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; Romans 12: 1. What? Know ye not that your body is the Temple of the ________ _________, which is in you. Which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are ________ with a price: therefore _________ God in your body, and in your spirit which are God's. I beseech you therefore, __________, by the _________ of God, that ye present your ________ a _________ sacrifice, holy, ___________ unto God, which is your __________ service.
18. What does the scripture say will happen to those who defile the temple of God? 1Corinthians 3:17 _____________________________________________________
19. What should be the condition of the temple of God? 1 Corinthians 3:17 last part ____________________________________________________________________
Good Christian living includes the wise and proper use of that which is good, total abstinence of that which is harmful, and act in harmony with the principles of heaven. For the spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord, we are to involve ourselves only in those things which will produce Christ like purity, health and joy in our lives. This means that our amusements and entertainments should meet the highest standard of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest and neat; befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment, but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It also means that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified in the scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Even caffeinated teas, coffee, cola's and some other widely used drinks are best if left alone, because of their harmful effects.
Good Christian living includes proper living habits, wholesome foods and drinks, and obedience to God's words. The Bible sums it up this way: Philipians 4:8; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Fill in the blanks: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are ______, whatsoever things are _______, whatsoever things are _____, whatsoever things are ______, whatsoever things are ______, whatsoever things are of good ________; If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Whether therefore Ye _____ or ______, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the ______ of God
May the Lord bless you as you continue to learn and do more and more of His will.
