Sunday
June 7
1. IN EDEN
a. What is the definition of true education? Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10.
“True education is the preparation of the mental, moral, and physical powers for the performance of every duty, pleasant or otherwise, the training of every habit and practice, of heart, mind, and soul for divine service.”—Selected Messages, bk. 3, p. 228.
“The true object of education is to restore the image of God in the soul.”— Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 595.
b. What environment were Adam and Eve provided for their education? Genesis 2:8, 15.
“The system of education instituted at the beginning of the world was to be a model for man throughout all aftertime.”—Child Guidance, p. 294.
“When in counsel with the Father before the world was, it was designed that the Lord God should plant a garden for Adam and Eve in Eden and give them the task of caring for the fruit trees and cultivating and training the vegetation. Useful labor was to be their safeguard, and it was to be perpetuated through all generations to the close of earth’s history. To have a whole-sided education, it is necessary to combine science with practical labor.”—The Signs of the Times, August 13, 1896.
Monday
June 8
2. THE SCHOOLS OF THE PROPHETS
a. To restore a more godly plan of education, what was provided for the “sons of the prophets” in Israel? 1 Samuel 7:15, 16; 2 Kings 2:2–5, 15.
“Three of these schools [of the prophets], one at Gilgal, one at Bethel, and one at Jericho, are mentioned in the record. Just before Elijah was taken to heaven, he and Elisha visited these centers of training.”—Prophets and Kings, pp. 224, 225.
“In these ‘schools of the prophets’ young men were educated by those who were not only well versed in divine truth, but who themselves maintained close communion with God and had received the special endowment of His Spirit.”— The Signs of the Times, July 20, 1882.
b. Name the main subjects studied in the schools of the prophets. Psalm 86:11; John 17:3.
“The chief subjects of study in these schools [of the prophets] were the law of God, with the instructions given to Moses, sacred history, sacred music, and poetry. In those schools of the olden time, it was the grand object of all study to learn the will of God, and man’s duty toward Him. In the records of sacred history were traced the footsteps of Jehovah.”—Christian Education, p. 62.
“Do you think [those in the school of the prophets] took the study books that were in the common schools? No, No! What were they taught? To have a knowledge of Jesus Christ.”—Spalding and Magan Collection, p. 357.
“In both the school and the home much of the teaching was oral; but the youth also learned to read the Hebrew writings, and the parchment rolls of the Old Testament Scriptures were open to their study. . . . The great truths set forth by the types in the service of the sanctuary were brought to view, and faith grasped the central object of all that system—the Lamb of God, that was to take away the sin of the world. A spirit of devotion was cherished. Not only were the students taught the duty of prayer, but they were taught how to pray, how to approach their Creator, how to exercise faith in Him, and how to understand and obey the teachings of His Spirit. Sanctified intellect brought forth from the treasure house of God things new and old, and the Spirit of God was manifested in prophecy and sacred song.”—Education, p. 47.
Tuesday
June 9
3. USEFUL TRADES
a. Where did Jesus obtain His education? Matthew 13:54–56.
“The child Jesus did not receive instruction in the synagogue schools. His mother was His first human teacher. From her lips and from the scrolls of the prophets, He learned of heavenly things. The very words which He Himself had spoken to Moses for Israel He was now taught at His mother’s knee. As He advanced from childhood to youth, He did not seek the schools of the rabbis. He needed not the education to be obtained from such sources; for God was His instructor. . . .
“Throughout His life on earth, Jesus was an earnest and constant worker. He expected much; therefore He attempted much. After He had entered on His ministry, He said, 'I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work' (John 9:4). Jesus did not shirk care and responsibility, as do many who profess to be His followers. It is because they seek to evade this discipline that so many are weak and inefficient.”—The Desire of Ages, pp. 70-73.
b. Where do we find appropriate material for true education apart from the Bible? 2 Thessalonians 3:8–10.
“Manual training is deserving of far more attention than it has received. Schools should be established that, in addition to the highest mental and moral culture, shall provide the best possible facilities for physical development and industrial training. Instruction should be given in agriculture, manufactures—covering as many as possible of the most useful trades—also in household economy, healthful cookery, sewing, hygienic dressmaking, the treatment of the sick, and kindred lines. Gardens, workshops, and treatment rooms should be provided, and the work in every line should be under the direction of skilled instructors.
“The work should have a definite aim and should be thorough. While every person needs some knowledge of different handicrafts, it is indispensable that he become proficient in at least one. Every youth, on leaving school, should have acquired a knowledge of some trade or occupation by which, if need be, he may earn a livelihood.”—Education, p. 218.
Wednesday
June 10
4. THE BIBLE IN EDUCATION
a. What is the diligent study of the Bible able to do for us? Psalm 119:98–101; Proverbs 2:1–5.
“Above all other books, the word of God must be our study, the great textbook, the basis of all education; and our children are to be educated in the truths found therein, irrespective of previous habits and customs.”—Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 131, 132.
“The Bible teaches the whole will of God concerning the sons and daughters of Adam. The Bible is the rule of life, teaching us of the character we must form for the future, immortal life.”—Fundamentals of Christian Education, pp. 390, 391.
b. As we give ourselves to study and be educated, what should be our priorities? Isaiah 55:2, 3; Psalm 25:4, 5.
“Today young men and women spend years and years in acquiring an education which is but wood and stubble, to be consumed in the last great conflagration. Many spend years of their life in the study of books, obtaining an education that will die with them. Upon such an education God places no value. This supposed wisdom gained from the study of different authors, has excluded and lessened the brightness and value of the word of God. Many students have left school unable to receive the word of God with the reverence and respect that they gave it before they entered, their faith eclipsed in the effort to excel in the various studies. The Bible has not been made a standard matter in their education, but books mixed with infidelity and propagating unsound theories have been placed before them.”—Ibid., pp. 446, 447.
“Men need not the dim light of tradition and custom to make the Scriptures comprehensible. It is just as sensible to suppose that the sun, shining in the heavens at noonday, needs the glimmerings of the torchlight of earth to increase its glory.”—Ibid., p. 391.
“The Bible should not be brought into our schools to be sandwiched in between infidelity. The Bible must be made the groundwork and subject matter of education. It is true that we know much more of the word of the living God than we knew in the past, but there is still much more to be learned. It should be used as the word of the living God, and esteemed as first, and last, and best in everything. Then will be seen true spiritual growth.”—Ibid., p. 474.
Thursday
June 11
5. EDUCATION FOR ETERNITY
a. What does Inspiration say about the Scriptures? 2 Timothy 3:15, 16.
“Through all eternity the Scriptures will be shining forth brighter and brighter, like precious gems; but we do not half understand these truths. The precious Bible truth that we have accepted must do a great work for us, and the more we understand these things, the better will we understand how to make an impression upon other minds.”—The Review and Herald, April 10, 1888.
b. What will be the subjects of study in the kingdom of God, and who will teach the redeemed? Matthew 23:10; Ephesians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 2:9.
“[In the New Jerusalem,] immortal minds will contemplate with never-failing delight the wonders of creative power, the mysteries of redeeming love. There will be no cruel, deceiving foe to tempt to forgetfulness of God. Every faculty will be developed, every capacity increased. The acquirement of knowledge will not weary the mind or exhaust the energies. There the grandest enterprises may be carried forward, the loftiest aspirations reached, the highest ambitions realized; and still there will arise new heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new truths to comprehend, fresh objects to call forth the powers of mind and soul and body.”—The Great Controversy, p. 677.
“The theme of redemption is one that the angels desire to look into; it will be the science and the song of the ransomed throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. Is it not worthy of careful thought and study now? Should we not praise God with heart and soul and voice ‘for His wonderful works to the children of men’? (Psalm 107:8).”—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 318.
Friday
June 12
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
a. What vital aspect of Christian education is often overlooked today?
b. Why were the “schools of the prophets” successful in their mission?
c. How can we come closer to the way Jesus was educated?
d. In what sense is the Bible often eclipsed in many Christian schools?
e. What role does education have in eternity?