Education

1. THE MASTER
TEACHER

2. WHAT IS EDUCATION?
It is the process of teaching or learning in a school or college, or the knowledge that you get
from this.
From Oxford Advanced Learners English Students Dictionary

3. What are our ideas about education?
Our ideas of education take too narrow and too low a range. There is
need of a broader scope, a higher aim. True education means more than
the pursual of a certain course of study. It means more than a
preparation for the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being,
and with the whole period of existence possible to man. {Ed. P 13.1}

4. So what then is true education?
It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the
spiritual powers. It prepares the student for the joy of service in this world
and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come. {Ed 13.1}
In a knowledge of God all true knowledge and real development have their
source. Wherever we turn, in the physical, the mental, or the spiritual
realm; in whatever we behold, apart from the blight of sin, this knowledge
is revealed. Whatever line of investigation we pursue, with a sincere
purpose to arrive at truth, we are brought in touch with the unseen, mighty
Intelligence that is working in and through all. The mind of man is brought
into communion with the mind of God, the finite with the Infinite. The
effect of such communion on body and mind and soul is beyond estimate.
{Ed 14.2}
In this communion is found the highest education. It is God's own method
of development. {Ed 14.4}

5. Insights from the spirit of prophecy
In these days much is said concerning the nature and importance of
"higher education." The true "higher education" is that imparted by
Him with whom "is wisdom and strength" (Job 12:13), out of whose
mouth "cometh knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 2:6. {Ed
14.1}

6. The nature of Adam at creation
When Adam came from the Creator's hand, he bore, in his physical, mental, and spiritual nature,
a likeness to his Maker. "God created man in His own image" (Genesis 1:27), and it was His
purpose that the longer man lived the more fully he should reveal this image--the more fully
reflect the glory of the Creator. All his faculties were capable of development; their capacity
and vigor were continually to increase. Vast was the scope offered for their exercise, glorious
the field opened to their research. The mysteries of the visible universe--the "wondrous works
of Him which is perfect in knowledge" (Job 37:16)--invited man's study. Face-to-face, heart-to-
heart communion with his Maker was his high privilege. Had he remained loyal to God, all this
would have been his forever. Throughout eternal ages he would have continued to gain new
treasures of knowledge, to discover fresh springs of happiness, and to obtain clearer and yet
clearer conceptions of the wisdom, the power, and the love of God. More and more fully would
he have fulfilled the object of his creation, more and more fully have reflected the Creator's
glory. {Ed 15.1}

7. What happened then?
But by disobedience this was forfeited. Through sin the divine likeness was
marred, and well-nigh obliterated. Man's physical powers were weakened, his
mental capacity was lessened, his spiritual vision dimmed. He had become subject
to death. Yet the race was not left without hope. By infinite love and mercy the
plan of salvation had been devised, and a life of probation was granted. To restore
in man the image of his Maker, to bring him back to the perfection in which
he was created, to promote the development of body, mind, and soul, that the
divine purpose in his creation might be realized--this was to be the work of
redemption. This is the object of education, the great object of life. {Ed 15.2}
Does our system of education really have a provision for this?

8. What is the basis of this Education?
Love, the basis of creation and of redemption, is the basis of true education.
This is made plain in the law that God has given as the guide of life. The first
and great commandment is, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind."
Luke 10:27. To love Him, the infinite, the omniscient One, with the whole
strength, and mind, and heart, means the highest development of every
power. It means that in the whole being--the body, the mind, as well as the
soul--the image of God is to be restored. {Ed 16.1}
No education can be complete that does not teach right principles in
regard to dress. Without such teaching, the work of education is too often
retarded and perverted. Love of dress and devotion to fashion are among the
teacher's most formidable rivals and most effective hindrances. {CG 419.1}
Message on proper dressing/ dress reform is a love message from God to
all of us.

9. Dress- an important aspect of true education!
Our words, our actions, and our dress are daily, living preachers, gathering with
Christ, or scattering abroad. This is no trivial matter, to be passed off with a jest.
The subject of dress demands serious reflection and much prayer. . . . {CH
600.1}
Cleanse the fountain, and the streams will be pure. If the heart is right, your
words, your dress, your acts, will all be right.--Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 158. (1857)
{Ev 272.3}
We are nearing the close of this world's history. A plain, direct testimony is now
needed, as given in the Word of God, in regard to plainness of dress. This
should be our burden. But it is too late now to become enthusiastic in making a
test of this matter. The dress of our people should be made most simply. . . . No
one precise style has been given me as the exact rule to guide all in their
dress. . . . {Ev 272.4}

10. Utility of clothes
• To cover our nakedness -Genesis 3:21
• For beauty and glory - Exodus 28:40-42
• To protect us from harsh environmental conditions e.g cold, dirt, rain, too
much exposure to sunshine etc. - 1st
Kings 1:1
• To distinguish between gender (male and female) – Deutronomy 22:5
• For identity values – Exodus 15:38-40, prov. 7:10

11. Back to education
Since God is the source of all true knowledge, it is, as we have seen, the
first object of education to direct our minds to His own revelation of
Himself. Adam and Eve received knowledge through direct communion
with God; and they learned of Him through His works. All created
things, in their original perfection, were an expression of the thought of
God. {Ed 16.3}
The Holy Scriptures are the perfect standard of truth, and as such should
be given the highest place in education. To obtain an education worthy of
the name, we must receive a knowledge of God, the Creator, and of
Christ, the Redeemer, as they are revealed in the sacred word. {Ed 17.1}

12. Cont’
The Holy Scriptures are the perfect standard of
truth, and as such should be given the highest
place in education. To obtain an education worthy
of the name, we must receive a knowledge of God,
the Creator, and of Christ, the Redeemer, as they
are revealed in the sacred word. {Ed 17.1}

13. What is the work of education?
It is the work of true education to develop this power (power to think
and to do), to train the youth to be thinkers, and not mere reflectors of
other men's thought. Instead of confining their study to that which men
have said or written, let students be directed to the sources of truth, to
the vast fields opened for research in nature and revelation. Let them
contemplate the great facts of duty and destiny, and the mind will
expand and strengthen. Instead of educated weaklings, institutions of
learning may send forth men strong to think and to act, men who are
masters and not slaves of circumstances, men who possess breadth of
mind, clearness of thought, and the courage of their convictions. {Ed
17.2}

14. What is the benefit of such an education?
Such an education provides more than mental discipline; it provides more than
physical training. It strengthens the character, so that truth and uprightness are
not sacrificed to selfish desire or worldly ambition. It fortifies the mind against
evil. Instead of some master passion becoming a power to destroy, every motive
and desire are brought into conformity to the great principles of right. As the
perfection of His character is dwelt upon, the mind is renewed, and the soul is
re-created in the image of God. {Ed 18.1}
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that ye may prove what is good, and acceptable and perfect will of
God.” Romans 12:2
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:5

15. What is our aim?
Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God's ideal for His children.
Godliness--godlikeness--is the goal to be reached. Before the student there is
opened a path of continual progress. He has an object to achieve, a standard to
attain, that includes everything good, and pure, and noble. He will advance as fast
and as far as possible in every branch of true knowledge. But his efforts will be
directed to objects as much higher than mere selfish and temporal interests as the
heavens are higher than the earth. {Ed 18.3}
Success in any line demands a definite aim. He who would achieve true success
in life must keep steadily in view the aim worthy of his endeavor. {Ed 262.1}
God will accept only those who are determined to aim high. He places every
human agent under obligation to do his best. Moral perfection is required of all.
Never should we lower the standard of righteousness in order to accommodate
inherited or cultivated tendencies to wrong-doing. {COL 330.2}

16. Much more . . .
We need to understand that imperfection of character is sin. All righteous
attributes of character dwell in God as a perfect, harmonious whole, and every one
who receives Christ as a personal Saviour is privileged to possess these attributes.
{COL 330.2}
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
Matthew 5:48
Do perfect people sin? And do you sin? Are you perfect?
“ . . . but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” Hebrews 4:15
“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and
he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” 1st
John 3:9
“Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds.
as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.” Galatians 3:16

17. Much more . . .
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God,
which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1st
Peter 1:23
“In the beginning was the Word and the word was with God, and the word was
God” John 1:1
But Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character is an easy
matter. A noble, all-round character is not inherited. It does not come to us by
accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits and
grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form the
character. It is formed by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict after conflict
must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We shall have to criticize ourselves
closely, and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected. {COL 331.1}
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the
Lord:” Hebrews 12:14

18. Jesus and the Education system of His time
Jesus followed the divine plan of education. The schools of His time, with their
magnifying of things small and their belittling of things great, He did not seek. His
education was gained directly from the Heaven-appointed sources; from useful
work, from the study of the Scriptures and of nature, and from the experiences of
life--God's lesson books, full of instruction to all who bring to them the willing hand,
the seeing eye, and the understanding heart. {Ed 77.2}
Christ came to demonstrate the value of the divine principles by revealing their
power for the regeneration of humanity. He came to teach how these principles are to
be developed and applied. {Ed 77.1}
Christ came to the world with the accumulated love of eternity. Sweeping away the
exactions which had encumbered the law of God, He showed that the law is a law of
love, an expression of the Divine Goodness. He showed that in obedience to its
principles is involved the happiness of mankind, and with it the stability, the very
foundation and framework, of human society. {Ed 76.3}

19. Jesus and the education system of His time
There was but one hope for the human race--that into this mass
of discordant and corrupting elements might be cast a new
leaven; that there might be brought to mankind the power of a
new life; that the knowledge of God might be restored to the
world. {Ed 76.1}
Christ came to restore this knowledge. He came to set aside
the false teaching by which those who claimed to know God
had misrepresented Him. He came to manifest the nature of
His law, to reveal in His own character the beauty of holiness.
{Ed 76.2}

20. Caste system in education during the time of Jesus?
During the time of Jesus, the Greek education, suggested by Alexander the
great, had penetrated the system of education. Scholars of that time were
educated in Greece. There was a caste system among the teachers:
•Rabbi (Degree)
•Tanna (Masters Degree)
•Gayon (Doctorates
•Sadi
•Rabbun
At this time the systems of heathenism were losing their hold upon the
people. Men were weary of pageant and fable. They longed for a religion
that could satisfy the heart. While the light of truth seemed to have departed
from among men, there were souls who were looking for light, and who were
filled with perplexity and sorrow. They were thirsting for a knowledge of the
living God, for some assurance of a life beyond the grave. {DA 32.3}

21. Why marvel at someone who never ‘learned’?
“And the Jews marveled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having
never learned?” John 7:15
“And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that
had authority, not as the scribes” Mark 1:22
“And when the Sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue:
and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man
these things? And what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even
such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Luke 6:2
Jesus taught as one who had ‘power to read’(authority)- someone with a
formal degree. Would you not marvel if someone who has never gone to
class teaches you calculus much better than a talented professor? This is the
surprise that ‘caught up’ the Jews!
What is the secret then?

22. What was the secret?
Jesus followed the divine plan of education. The schools of His time, with
their magnifying of things small and their belittling of things great, He did
not seek. His education was gained directly from the Heaven-appointed
sources; from useful work, from the study of the Scriptures and of nature,
and from the experiences of life--God's lesson books, full of instruction to
all who bring to them the willing hand, the seeing eye, and the understanding
heart. {Ed 77.2}
In His childhood, the bible records: "The Child grew, and waxed strong in
spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him." Luke 2:40.
Jesus acquired a wholesome education:
•Useful work – Development of the physical powers
•Study of the scriptures – Development of the spiritual powers
•Study of nature – Development of the mental powers

23. Perfect example from the Master Teacher!
In a knowledge of God all true knowledge and real development have their source.
Wherever we turn, in the physical, the mental, or the spiritual realm; in whatever we
behold, apart from the blight of sin, this knowledge is revealed. Whatever line of
investigation we pursue, with a sincere purpose to arrive at truth, we are brought in
touch with the unseen, mighty Intelligence that is working in and through all. The
mind of man is brought into communion with the mind of God, the finite with the
Infinite. The effect of such communion on body and mind and soul is beyond
estimate. {Ed 14.2}
The most complete illustration of Christ's methods as a teacher is found in His
training of the twelve first disciples. Upon these men were to rest weighty
responsibilities. He had chosen them as men whom He could imbue with His Spirit,
and who could be fitted to carry forward His work on earth when He should leave it.
To them, above all others, He gave the advantage of His own companionship.
Through personal association He impressed Himself upon these chosen
colaborers. "The Life was manifested," says John the beloved, "and we have seen it,
and bear witness." 1 John 1:2. {Ed 84.1}

24. What is the importance of communion?
Only by such communion--the communion of
mind with mind and heart with heart, of the
human with the divine--can be communicated
that vitalizing energy which it is the work of
true education to impart. It is only life that
begets life. {Ed 84.2}

25. How do we then commune with God?
Whatever line of investigation we pursue, with a
sincere purpose to arrive at truth, we are brought in
touch with the unseen, mighty Intelligence that is
working in and through all. The mind of man is
brought into communion with the mind of God, the
finite with the Infinite. The effect of such
communion on body and mind and soul is beyond
estimate. {Ed 14.2}

26. For how long did the Master teacher teach?
In the training of His disciples the Saviour followed the system of education
established at the beginning. The Twelve first chosen, with a few others who
through ministry to their needs were from time to time connected with them,
formed the family of Jesus. They were with Him in the house, at the table, in
the closet, in the field. They accompanied Him on His journeys, shared His
trials and hardships, and, as much as in them was, entered into His work.
{Ed 84.3}
Sometimes He taught them as they sat together on the mountainside,
sometimes beside the sea, or from the fisherman's boat, sometimes as they
walked by the way. Whenever He spoke to the multitude, the disciples
formed the inner circle. They pressed close beside Him, that they might lose
nothing of His instruction. They were attentive listeners, eager to understand
the truths they were to teach in all lands and to all ages. {Ed 85.1}
Jesus was with them full time! We should commune with the Master teacher
fully not Just for some few hours in a day!

27. True education and science.
True education does not ignore the value of scientific knowledge or literary acquirements; but
above information it values power; above power, goodness; above intellectual
acquirements, character. The world does not so much need men of great intellect as of
noble character. It needs men in whom ability is controlled by steadfast principle. {Ed
225.1}
The greatest want of the world is the want of men--men who will not be bought or sold, men
who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right
name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand
for the right though the heavens fall. {Ed 57.3}
But such a character is not the result of accident; it is not due to special favors or endowments
of Providence. A noble character is the result of self-discipline, of the subjection of the
lower to the higher nature--the surrender of self for the service of love to God and man. {Ed
57.4}

28. Education that restores the image of God in the soul
The education to be secured by searching the Scriptures is
an experimental knowledge of the plan of salvation. Such an
education will restore the image of God in the soul. It will
strengthen and fortify the mind against temptation, and fit
the learner to become a co-worker with Christ in His mission
of mercy to the world. It will make him a member of the
heavenly family; and prepare him to share the inheritance of the
saints in light. {COL 42.2}

29. Importance of tilling the soil in true education
In tilling the soil, in disciplining and subduing the land, lessons may constantly be learned.
No one would think of settling upon a raw piece of land, expecting it at once to yield a
harvest. Earnestness, diligence, and persevering labor are to be put forth in treating the soil
preparatory to sowing the seed. So it is in the spiritual work in the human heart. Those
who would be benefited by the tilling of the soil must go forth with the word of God in
their hearts. They will then find the fallow ground of the heart broken by the softening,
subduing influence of the Holy Spirit. Unless hard work is bestowed on the soil, it will not
yield a harvest. So with the soil of the heart: the Spirit of God must work upon it to refine
and discipline it before it can bring forth fruit to the glory of God. {COL 88.1}
The blessing of the Lord will rest upon those who thus work the land, learning spiritual
lessons from nature. In cultivating the soil the worker knows little what treasures will open
up before him. While he is not to despise the instruction he may gather from minds that
have had an experience, and from the information that intelligent men may impart, he
should gather lessons for himself. This is a part of his training. The cultivation of the soil
will prove an education to the soul. {COL 88.3}

30. How true education is gained
The true higher education is gained by studying and obeying the
word of God. But when God's word is laid aside for books that do not
lead to God and the kingdom of heaven, the education acquired is a
perversion of the name. {COL 107.3}
QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO ASK YOURSELF
1.Is your education a perversion of the name ‘education’?
2.What is the position of God in your education?
3.Without the blueprint of education given to me by Christ, is my
education a damage for gain or a gain for damage?

31. Highest service?
The education and training of their children to be
Christians is the highest service that parents can
render to God. {AH 269}

32. True education is education eternal!
True education is the preparation of the physical, mental,
and moral powers for the performance of every duty; it is
the training of body, mind, and soul for divine service.
This is the education that will endure unto eternal life.
{COL 330.3}
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, because
thou has rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that
thou shall be no priest to me: seeing that thou hast
forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy
children” Hosea 4:6