Introduction
By the grace of God, this quarter we will study the biographies of men and women who lived in the world before the flood. Today the customs of everyday life more and more resemble the conditions of the antediluvian world. At that time, virtually everyone belonged to the violent, idolatrous, immoral generation that denied God. A brief account of their lives appears in the book of Genesis. Jesus Himself told His followers to go back to the beginning and learn about this history. “And He answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female”?
Matthew 19:4.
Sometimes the Scriptures tell about the sins of men who were righteous. Why? The inspired pen states: “A faithful delineation of character, God has caused to be given in inspired history, of the best and greatest men in their day. These men were mortal, subject to a tempting devil. Their weakness and sins are not covered, but are faithfully recorded, with the reproof and punishment which followed. ‘These things were written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come.’” —Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, p. 95.
The antediluvian world was not a place where people lived in caves, dressed in skins, and depended on hunting. They were a long-lived race; and great economic, scientific, and technological excellence was everywhere, rivaling modern advancements.
“There perished in the Flood greater inventions of art and human skill than the world knows of today. The arts destroyed were more than the boasted arts of today.” —Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 1089; Conflict and Courage, p. 34.
“In the antediluvian world there were many wonderful works of art and science. These descendants of Adam, fresh from the hand of God, possessed capabilities and powers that we never now look upon….
“There are many inventions and improvements, and labor-saving machines now that the ancients did not have. They did not need them. ” —Conflict and Courage, pp. 34, 33.
Nearing the end of this world, we see its inhabitants increasingly demonstrating the same intemperance, spiritual ignorance, neglect, and indifference that reigned in the antediluvian world. Therefore, the principles of health reform are not insignificant or secondary but are critically important for the sanctification of the soul.
“Guilt rests upon us as a people who have had much light, because we have not appreciated or improved the light given upon health re-form. Through misunderstanding and perverted ideas many souls are deceived. Those who teach the truth to others and who should be shepherds of the flock will be held accountable for their willing ignorance and disregard of nature’s laws. This is not a matter to be trifled with, to be passed off with a jest. As we approach the close of this earth’s history, selfishness and violence and crime prevail as in the days of Noah, when the old world perished in the waters of the Flood. As Bible believers, we need to take our position for righteousness and truth.” —Counsels on Health, p. 505.
Among all the gifts that God has bestowed upon man—including life, redemption, and freedom—health is the most essential for happiness, prosperity, and longevity.
“Health is a treasure. Of all temporal possessions it is the most precious. Wealth, learning, and honor are dearly purchased at the loss of the vigor of health. None of these can secure happiness, if health is lacking. It is a terrible sin to abuse the health that God has given us; such abuses enfeeble us for life, and make us losers, even if we gain by such means any amount of education.” —Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 20.
Therefore, in these lessons, we will examine modern spiritual and physical health by reviewing and analyzing the biographies of some of the antediluvians with whom we are familiar in the book of Genesis. Jesus said that the father of the family has to draw on not only old and new things, but also something new from the old. “Then said He unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.” Matthew 13:52.
The words of God expressed by the apostle John are applicable to His chosen people today who are on the borders of eternity. God longs for us to prosper in all things. And by His grace we can move forward for His glory. “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 2.
Here are some general principles for receiving the greatest possible blessings in studying the Sabbath School Lessons. As we study, we should take to heart and mind some tips found in the book Education. They will facilitate the learning of important lessons for the development of the Christian character.
“As a means of intellectual training, the opportunities of the Sabbath are invaluable. Let the Sabbath school lesson be learned, not by a hasty glance at the lesson scripture on Sabbath morning, but by careful study for the next week on Sabbath afternoon, with daily review or illustration during the week. Thus the lesson will become fixed in the memory, a treasure never to be wholly lost….
“Meditation on the themes thus suggested will open to the student treasures of which he has never dreamed. He will prove in his own life the reality of the experience described in the scripture: ‘Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.’” —Education, pp. 251, 252.
Do not leave your Sabbath school study until the last day of the week. Beginning on Sabbath afternoon, it would be excellent to review the next week’s lesson. You will find that frequently the lesson mentions something that you will face in your fight against sin during the week.
In addition, take advantage of the broadcast prepared every week by the Ministerial Research Institute and posted on the Internet as an educational and ministerial support for Sabbath school teachers and students. Share the lesson with your neighbors, friends, and acquaintances. May God accompany you in your walk with Him just as He did faithful Enoch.
—The brethren of the Ministerial Research Institute and the General Conference