Strange and Contradictory Contentions 

Memory Verse: "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:9).

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 1:8-14.

Introduction: You will note from the reading selected for today's lesson, an emphasis upon the principle that we should be established firmly in genuine Bible truth, and not be entangled with the ideas and precepts of men. If mankind were to be delegated to the task of formulating and administering God's laws and judgments for breaking His law, we would shortly find ourselves in such chaos as has never been imagined possible.
  It is not to be supposed that churches which deny the Sabbath truth are silent on the subject of Sabbath-keeping. Since their objections are formulated by man, it is not strange that great confusion reigns among those who oppose Sabbath observance.
  For example, some anti-Sabbath writers not only fail to agree with other writers, but their own logic does not agree with itself. It is often claimed that keeping the Sabbath was a regulation of passing concern, only to Israel in Palestine. As "positive evidence" of this, it is pointed out that rotation of the earth on its axis and the dependence of the earth on the sun for daylight, causes the Sabbath to end in Palestine, earlier than in Western lands, and to begin in Palestine, later than in Eastern lands.
  This is supposed to prove that it is impossible to keep the Sabbath. But, these same people teach that it is possible to keep the first day of the week, that it always has been kept by Christians, and still is kept by Christians. They say, what man commands is possible to observe, while obedience to God's command is impossible!
  Similarly, it is pointed out that the Polar Regions give a unique difficulty, having long periods of darkness during winter and extended intervals of daylight during summer. Therefore, it is supposed to be impossible to determine when the Sabbath comes. However, these people have no difficulty determining when the first day of the week comes, either by clocks or by observing the positions of the sun and stars. Yet, they say, a Sabbath-keeper is supposed to be unable to tell when the Sabbath comes there!

Lesson Questions:

1. Does the fact that Jesus did not enumerate the Sabbath commandment with the ones named for the "rich young man" prove it is not to be kept? Matthew 19:16-22.

2. Did Christ enumerate the commandments regarding other gods, idols, vain use of God's name, coveting, or loving God? Matthew 19:16-22. Are these invalid because of being left out?

3. It is claimed that since Acts 15:28,29 does not include the Sabbath, it proves the Sabbath is not to be kept. What other commandments are omitted? Compare with Exodus 20:3-17. Why were they omitted?

4. Does "breaking bread" on any day of the week give sanctification to that day? Acts 20:7,11; Acts 2:46. Breaking of bread continued daily in the regular eating of meals. Does the expression, "breaking bread," mean taking Communion? Luke 24:30,35; 1 Corinthians 10:16.

5. What is the purpose of the Law of God? 1 Timothy 1:5-10; Romans 7:7.

6. In what way might the admonition of 2 Timothy 2:23-26 be of help in the study of the Sabbath question?

7. Did Paul "fully manifest" his teachings, or were there others of his not publicized? 2 Timothy 3:10,11,14.

8. Are we living in the time spoken of in 2 Timothy 4:3,4?

9. Discuss James 2:8-12. Did he speak of the Ten Commandments? Verse 11.

10. On whom is the last blessing in the Bible pronounced, and against whom does Satan make war? Revelation 22:14; 12:17.