Sabbath Afternoon - September 9, 2023

Reading for the Week

Eph. 6:10-20; Deut. 20:2-4; Rom. 13:11-14; 1 Thess. 5:6-8; 1 Cor. 15:23, 24.

Prayer Thought

Hundreds, yea, thousands, who have heard the message of salvation are still idlers in the marketplace, when they might be engaged in some line of active service. To these Christ is saying, "Why stand ye here all the day idle?" and He adds, "Go ye also into the vineyard." Matthew 20:6, 7. Why is it that many more do not respond to the call? Is it because they think themselves excused in that they do not stand in the pulpit? Let them understand that there is a large work to be done outside the pulpit by thousands of consecrated lay members. {AA 110.3}

We are pressing on to the final conflict, and this is no time to compromise; it is no time to hide your colors. When the battle rages sore, let no one turn traitor. It is no time to lay down or conceal our weapons and give Satan the advantage in the warfare, but unless you watch and keep your garments unspotted from the world, you will not stand true to your Captain. . . . Call to your fellow watchmen, crying, “The morning cometh, and also the night.” {CTr 347.2}

Memory Text

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. {Ephesians 6:10, 11}

This week's SS Lesson will gaze into the controversy that exist when someone will be called to stand for the right and Paul has given guidelines how to face the enemy of souls. This will include the description of the armour to take in as Christian soldiers.

Study Outline
Preparation for the Battle (Ephesians 6:10)

Sunday-September 10, 2023

Battle Speech - A Call

Ephesians 6:10-20; Deut. 20:2-4; Judges 7:15-18; 2 Chron. 20:13-20; 2Chron. 32:6-8; Neh. 4:14, 19, 20.

Monday-September 11, 2023

Finding Strength in Christ - Forces for Victory

Ephesians 6:11-20; 2:21; 4:1, 17; 5:8; 6:1, 21; 1:19-22; 2:4-6; 3:16, 17

The Battle {Ephesians 6:10. 13}

Tuesday-September 12, 2023

The Great Controversy in Paul’s Letters - The Cosmic Conflict

Romans 13:11-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. Phil.2:9-11; 1 Cor. 15:54-58, 2 Thess. 2:8, Rom. 16:20; Eph. 1:18-20; 1:20-23; 3:16, 20; 2:1-10; 3:10; 4:7-11; 4:20-24. Psalm 68:18

Wednesday-September 13, 2023

Standing on the Ancient Battlefield - Standing Firm

Ephesians 6:10-20; Eph. 6:11, 13, 14; Phil. 1:27.

The Enemy {Ephesians 6:17}

Thursday-September 14, 2023

Wrestling Against Evil Powers - Principalities and Powers

Ephesians 1:21; Ephesians 3:10; Ephesians 6:10-20; Isa. 59:15-17; Rom. 16:20; 1 Cor. 15:23, 24; 2 Thess. 2:8.

Friday-September 15, 2023

Further Study and Meditation


_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Preparation for the Battle (Ephesians 6:10)

Sunday-September 10, 2023

Battle Speech - A Call

Ephesians 6:10-20; Deut. 20:2-4; Judges 7:15-18; 2 Chron. 20:13-20; 2Chron. 32:6-8; Neh. 4:14, 19, 20.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  {Ephesians 6:10}


Battle Cry Not End at the Grave - Kingdom of Christ on Earth with His Glory

The battle cry is sounding along the line. Let every soldier of the cross push to the front, not in self-sufficiency, but in meekness and lowliness of heart. Your work, my work, will not cease with this life. For a little while we may rest in the grave; but when the call comes, we shall take up our work in the kingdom of God to advance the glory of Christ. This holy work must be begun upon earth. We are not to study our own pleasure or convenience. Our question must be What can I do to lead others to Christ? How can I make known to others the love of God which passeth knowledge?—Signs of the Times, Dec. 27, 1899. {BLJ 367.5} 


Please visit these links for further study:

Meat In Due Season - 5. Mighty Stone and the Great Image of Daniel 2 (google.com)

Meat In Due Season - 6. The Establishment of the Kingdom of Glory (google.com)

https://3angelscry.org/pdf-god-restores-his-children-into-his-everlasting-kingdom/

https://3angelscry.org/pdf-thy-kingdom-come/ 

Strong in the Strength of the Lord 

He should seek to be in the society of those who are the most spiritual and should seek to be benefited with their light and strengthened by their influence. Before he is aware of it when in the society of unbelievers, he is partaking of their spirit, thinking as they think, and acting as they act. This is all wrong. He should plant his feet firmly on the platform of eternal truth and be strong in the strength of God. Then will he have the strength to exert a good influence over others. Then, instead of being borne down by the unbelief and darkness of others, when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. He too frequently goes upon the enemy's battlefield unarmed. He should not be there at all, but he realizes not his weakness and walks right into danger without the armor on. He is kept in a state of continual weakness, when he might be growing in grace, and in the knowledge of the truth.  {PH098 3.3}  


Consider the Following

When an ancient army prepared to go to the battlefield, the general would stand at the front and rally his men to embolden them for the impending battle (1 Samuel 4:9).

But when God's people faced an army, the rallying cry included a different aspect. The soldiers' courage was not based on their own strength but on the fact that God fought for them (Deuteronomy 20:2-4; 2 Chronicles 32:6-8).

Aware of the spiritual battle we are immersed in, Paul encourages us to strengthen ourselves "in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10).

We can only overcome enemies much more powerful than us by relying on Christ and putting on His armor.


Monday-September 11, 2023

Finding Strength in Christ - Forces for Victory

Ephesians 6:11-20; 2:21; 4:1, 17; 5:8; 6:1, 21; 1:19-22; 2:4-6; 3:16, 17

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. […] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:11, 13)


Striving in Christ's Strength

But because this experience is his, the Christian is not therefore to fold his hands, content with that which has been accomplished for him. He who has determined to enter the spiritual kingdom will find that all the powers and passions of unregenerate nature, backed by the forces of the kingdom of darkness, are arrayed against him. Each day he must renew his consecration, each day do battle with evil. Old habits, hereditary tendencies to wrong, will strive for the mastery, and against these he is to be ever on guard, striving in Christ's strength for victory.  {AA 476.3}  

Struggle for Victory and Faith Marshals its Forces

In every soul two powers are struggling earnestly for the victory. Unbelief marshals its forces, led by Satan, to cut us off from the Source of our strength. Faith marshals its forces, led by Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. Hour by hour, in the sight of the heavenly universe, the conflict goes forward. This is a hand-to-hand fight, and the great question is, Which shall obtain the mastery? This question each must decide for himself. In this warfare all must take a part, fighting on one side or the other. From the conflict there is no release. . . . We are urged to prepare for this conflict. "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." The warning is repeated, "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."  {SD 328.4}  

Christ's Church will Apparently Be in Great Victory

"The time has come when the liberty of the church of Christ is endangered. Let it be a time also when true missionary work shall be done, in public ministry and in house-to-house labor. The oppression of Christ's church would apparently be a great victory for the side of transgressors of the Sabbath, and would cause rejoicing among evil-doers. But nothing should discourage us. God has victory for his people. Let sanctified ability be brought into the work of proclaiming the truth for this time. If the forces of the enemy gain the victory now, it will be because the churches have neglected their God-given work.  {RH, February 16, 1905 par. 7}  


Consider the Following

The conflict surrounding us is not a war against us as simple soldiers on one side or the other but a war between God and Satan.

While Satan focuses on attacking the church, each member is supported and strengthened by the three persons of the Trinity:

(1) Jesus: He provides us with the power of His might (6:10)

(2) The Father: He provides us with His armor (6:11)

(3) The Holy Spirit: He provides us with the weapon to attack (6:17) and the battle plan (6:18)

Who do you think will be the victor in our battles against the prince of evil?


The Battle {Ephesians 6:10. 13}

Tuesday-September 12, 2023

The Great Controversy in Paul’s Letters - The Cosmic Conflict

Romans 13:11-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. Phil.2:9-11; 1 Cor. 15:54-58, 2 Thess. 2:8, Rom. 16:20; Eph. 1:18-20; 1:20-23; 3:16, 20; 2:1-10; 3:10; 4:7-11; 4:20-24. Psalm 68:18

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.  But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].  {Rom. 13:13, 14}


Put On the Whole Armor of God

 "It is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof." Romans 13:11-14. {CH 579.3} 


Conflict Between the Right and Wrong


The great controversy between the Prince of Life and the Prince of Darkness has been going forward, strengthening with each successive generation. Severe indeed has been the conflict waged between right and wrong, between truth and error, between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. Truth has fought against error and error against truth. The conflict has existed for thousands of years. . . . {CTr 93.2} 

Suffering is Precursor to Fulfill Christ's Mission

Christ’s mission could be fulfilled only through suffering. Before Him was a life of sorrow, hardship, and conflict, and an ignominious death. But now Christ might deliver Himself from the dreadful future by acknowledging the supremacy of Satan. But to do this was to yield the victory in the great controversy. Christ declared to the tempter, “Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Christ’s divinity flashed through suffering humanity. Satan had no power to resist the command to depart. Humiliated and enraged, he was forced to withdraw from the presence of the world’s Redeemer.—Manuscript 155, 1902 (Sermons and Talks, vol. 2, pp. 218, 219). {CTr 194.4} 

Clad in Complete Armor of Light and Righteousness

The church is to be fed with manna from heaven, and to be kept under the sole guardianship of His grace. Clad in complete armor of light and righteousness, she enters upon her final conflict. The dross, the worthless material, will be consumed, and the influence of the truth testifies to the world of its sanctifying, ennobling character. . . . {CET 208.1} 

 

Consider the Following

— Using clear military language, Paul urges us to put on "the armor of light" (Romans 13:11), "with the breastplate of righteousness and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation" (1 Thessalonians 5:8). But he doesn't speak of a physical confrontation (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).

How do we participate in this cosmic conflict "in heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12)?

(1) Out of love, God gives us life and enlists us in His army (Ephesians 2:4-6)

(2) He uses us as ambassadors to the enemy powers (Ephesians 3:10)

(3) He strengthens us with power (Ephesians 3:16)

(4) He provides gifts to equip us (Ephesians 4:7, 12)

(5) He clothes us in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24)

(6) He gives us His armor to withstand the battle (Ephesians 6:13)


Wednesday-September 13, 2023

Standing on the Ancient Battlefield - Standing Firm

Ephesians 6:10-20; Eph. 6:11, 13, 14; Phil. 1:27.

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. {2 Timothy 2:3}  


Standing Firm in Days of Peril

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 1 Peter 4:7. {TMK 352.1}  

The true Christian will cling to the promises of God more firmly now than ever before. His heart is where he has laid up his treasure-- in heaven. When right principles are despised and forsaken, then  the true and loyal will show their warmest zeal and deepest love;  then they will stand most firmly for truth, unpopular though it be. . . . The Lord is coming. . . . Let us be consistent; let our works  correspond with our profession of faith.  {TMK 352.4, 5}  

Hold Firmly to the Fundamental Principles 

I beseech those who are laboring for God not to accept the spurious for the genuine. Let not human reason be placed where divine, sanctifying truth should be. Christ is waiting to kindle faith and love in the hearts of His people. Let not erroneous theories receive countenance from the people who ought to be standing firm on the platform of eternal truth. God calls upon us to hold firmly to the fundamental principles that are based upon unquestionable authority. {CCh 326.7} 


Standing Firm Amidst the Polluted Degenerative Age

God will have a people zealous of good works, standing firm amid the pollutions of this degenerate age. There will be a people who hold so fast to the divine strength that they will be proof against every temptation. Evil communications in flaming handbills may seek to speak to their senses and corrupt their minds; yet they will be so united to God and angels that they will be as those who see not and hear not. They have a work to do which no one can do for them, which is to fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life. . . .  {AG 36.4}  


Consider the Following

Battles in ancient times unfolded in three phases: 

(1) Advancing toward the enemy; 

(2) Standing firm and defending the position in hand-to-hand combat; 

(3) Advancing and forcing the enemy to retreat.

The decisive point that marked victory was the second phase. If they could stand firm in their position, they could force their enemy to retreat. Therefore, Paul invites us to "stand firm against the schemes of the devil," to "resist in the evil day," and, having pushed back the enemy, to continue standing firm (Ephesians 6:10, 13).

Unity also plays a significant role in achieving victory. We are called to present a united front against the enemy's power (Philippians 1:27).


The Enemy {Ephesians 6:17}

Thursday-September 14, 2023

Wrestling Against Evil Powers - Principalities and Powers

Ephesians 1:21; Ephesians 3:10; Ephesians 6:10-20; Isa. 59:15-17; Rom. 16:20; 1 Cor. 15:23, 24; 2 Thess. 2:8.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].  {Eph. 6:12}


Terrible Struggle Against the Forces of Evil - A Call for the Messengers of Truth

Terrible is the struggle that takes place between the forces of good and of evil in important centers where the messengers of truth are called upon to labor. "We wrestle not against flesh and blood," declares Paul, "but against  principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world." Ephesians 6:12. Till the close of time there will be a conflict between the church of God and those who are under the control of evil angels.  {AA 219.1}  

Paul Exalted Christ as the One that Holds in Orderly and Tireless Activity of All Things in the Universe

The apostle exalted Christ before his brethren as the One by whom God had created all things and by whom He had wrought out their redemption. He declared that the hand that sustains the worlds in space, and holds in their orderly arrangements and tireless activity all things throughout the universe of God, is the hand that was nailed to the cross for them. "By Him were all things created," Paul wrote, "that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist." "And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblamable and unreprovable in His sight."  {AA 471.3}  

The Son is the Express Image of the Godhead

The Father wrought by His Son in the creation of all heavenly beings. “By him were all things created . . . whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.” . . . The Son, the anointed of God, the “express image of his person,”“the brightness of his glory,”“upholding all things by the word of his power,” holds supremacy over them all. . . . {CTr 7.5} 


Consider the Following

Often, we make the mistake of misidentifying the enemy. We think the enemy is the boss threatening to fire us if we don't work on Sabbath, or the sibling who spoke hurtful words.

The true enemy is hidden behind, imperceptible to us. The "powers that dominate this world of darkness" are "evil spiritual forces" (6:12). Our enemy is Satan and his angels. Let's not underestimate them; they are stronger than us.

Therefore, God urges us to put on His armor, fight with His strength, and achieve victory. With this equipment, we cannot fail. Victory is assured (Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 15:24).



Friday-September 15, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

Unto thee will I cry, O Lord my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit. Psalm 28:1. {CTr 151.1} 

David was a representative human being. His history is of interest to every soul who is striving for eternal victories. In his life two powers struggled for the mastery. Unbelief marshaled its forces, and tried to eclipse the light shining upon him from the throne of God. Day by day the battle went on in his heart, Satan disputing every step of advance made by the forces of righteousness. David understood what it meant to fight against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world. At times it seemed that the enemy must gain the victory. But in the end, faith conquered, and David rejoiced in the saving power of Jehovah. {CTr 151.2} 

The struggle that David went through, every other follower of Christ must go through. Satan has come down with great power, knowing that his time is short. The controversy is being waged in full view of the heavenly universe, and angels stand ready to lift up for God’s hard-pressed soldiers a standard against the enemy, and to put into their lips songs of victory and rejoicing.—Manuscript 38, 1905 (The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Ellen G. White Comments, vol. 3, pp. 1142, 1143). {CTr 151.3} 


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“All who would be soldiers of the cross of Christ, must gird on the armor and prepare for conflict. They should not be intimidated by threats or terrified by dangers. They must be cautious in peril, yet firm and brave in facing the foe and doing battle for God […] His final reward will be to share with Christ the throne of immortal glory.” E. G. W. (Conflict and Courage, May 2)

Christ is waiting to kindle faith and love in the hearts of His people. Let not erroneous theories receive countenance from the people who ought to be standing firm on the platform of eternal truth. God calls upon us to hold firmly to the fundamental principles that are based upon unquestionable authority. {CCh 326.7} 

Theme: "God Calls to stand firm on the Platform of Eternal Truth, and to the Fundamental Principles based upon Unquestionable Authority" CCh 326.7