‘I will restore health unto thee’  

MEMORY VERSE: ‘Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.’ 3 John v.2.

STUDY HELP: Counsels for the Church, page 214.

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Psalm 103:1-5.

LESSON AIM: To study some of the guidance God has given because of His concern for our health.  

Introduction  

‘The health reform is one branch of the great work which is to fit a people for the coming of the Lord. Men and women cannot violate natural law by indulging depraved appetites and lustful passions, without violating the law of God. Therefore He has permitted the light of health reform to shine upon us, that we may realise the sinfulness of breaking the laws which He has established in our very being.’ Maranatha, page 119.  

‘The Lord . . . who healeth all thy diseases’  

1.        How are we shown God’s desire for man to be free from disease? Psalm 103:1-3.

NOTE: God ‘designs that the subject [of health reform] shall be agitated, and the public mind deeply stirred to investigate it; for it is impossible for men and women, while under the power of sinful, health-destroying, brain-enervating habits, to appreciate sacred truth. Those who are willing to inform themselves concerning the effect which sinful indulgence has upon the health, and who begin the work of reform, even from selfish motives, may in so doing place themselves where the truth of God can reach their hearts. And, on the other hand, those who have been reached by the presentation of Scripture truth are in a position where the conscience may be aroused upon the subject of health. They see and feel the necessity of breaking away from the tyrannising habits and appetites which have ruled them so long. There are many who would receive the truths of God’s word, their judgment having been convinced by the clearest evidence; but the carnal desires, clamouring for gratification, control the intellect, and they reject truth because it conflicts with their lustful desires. The minds of many take so low a level that God cannot work either for them or with them. The current of their thoughts must be changed, their moral sensibilities must be aroused, before they can feel the claims of God.’ Christian Temperance & Bible Hygiene, page 9.  

2.        Upon what condition will the Lord keep us free from disease? Exodus 15:26.

NOTE: ‘Our bodies are Christ’s purchased possession, and we are not at liberty to do with them as we please. All who understand the laws of health should realise their obligation to obey these laws, which God has established in their being. Obedience to the laws of health is to be made a matter of personal duty. We ourselves must suffer the results of violated law. We must individually answer to God for our habits and practices. Therefore the question with us is not “What is the world’s practice?” but “How shall I as an individual treat the habitation that God has given me?”’ Child Guidance, page 367.