Sabbath Afternoon - September 16, 2023
Reading for the Week
Eph. 6:10-20; 1 Pet. 4:1; 1 Pet. 5:8; Isa. 59:17; Isa. 52:8-10; 1 Thess. 5:16-18.
Prayer Thought
Christ is our hope. Those who trust in Him are cleansed. The grace of Christ and the government of God walk together in perfect harmony. When Jesus became man's substitute, mercy and truth came together, and righteousness and peace kissed each other. The cross of Calvary bears witness to the high claims of God's law. Christ did not die to encourage man in rebellion against God, but to provide a way whereby he might keep the whole law. His garment of spotless righteousness clothes the repenting, believing sinner. He is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. Mrs. E. G. White. {ST, July 31, 1901 par. 10}
Memory Text
"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" {Eph. 6:16, 17}
This week's SS Lesson will describe how God's army will be prepared in the battle and attain victory through putting the armor in the battlefield. This includes the scene behind the physical struggle of God's people where in lives are threatened but then triumphant at last!
Study Outline
The Soldiers of God’s Army
Sunday - September 17, 2023
The Church: A Unified Army
Ephesians 6:10-20; 1:22, 23; 4:1-16; 2:19-22; 5:21-33.
The Soldier's Equipment
Monday - September 18, 2023
Belt and Breastplate
Eph. 2:8; 4:24; 5:9; 6:11, 13, 14-17; 1 Pet. 4:1; 1 Pet. 5:8; Rom. 8:37-39; Luke 12:35, 37; Luke 17:8; 1 Thess. 5:8; Isa. 59:17.
Tuesday - September 19, 2023
Shoes: The Church Wages Peace
Eph. 1:2, 9, 10, 14, 15, 17; 4:3, 25-5:2; 6:11, 13, 14, 15, 23. Isaiah 52:7, 8-10.
The Unifying Ingredient
Wednesday - September 20, 2023
Shield, Helmet, and Sword
Eph. 1:15-23, 2:1-10; 6:10-20; Gen. 15:1, Ps. 3:3.
Thursday - September 21, 2023
Practicing Battlefield Prayer
Eph. 6:18, 19, 20; Luke 18:1-8, Phil. 4:6, Col. 4:2, 1 Thess. 5:16-18.
Friday - September 22, 2023
Further Study and Meditation
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The Soldiers of God’s army
Sunday - September 17, 2023
The Church: A Unified Army
Ephesians 6:10-20; 1:22, 23; 4:1-16; 2:19-22; 5:21-33.
“The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:12)
Unity is Strength, Disunity is Weakness and Defeat
We are nearing the end of the earth's history, and God calls upon all to lift the standard bearing the inscription, "Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." He calls upon His people to work in perfect harmony. He calls upon those engaged in our medical work to unite with the ministry; He calls upon the ministry to co-operate with the medical missionary workers; and He calls upon the church to take up their appointed duty, holding up the standard of true reform in their own territory, leaving the trained and experienced workers to press on into new fields. No word is to be spoken to discourage any, for this grieves the heart of Christ and greatly pleases the adversary. All need to be baptized with the Holy Spirit; all should refrain from censuring and disparaging remarks and draw near to Christ, that they may appreciate the heavy responsibilities which the co-workers with Him are carrying. "Press together; press together," are the words of our divine Instructor. Unity is strength; disunion is weakness and defeat. {CH 517.3}
Unity in the Family and Church, Reveals Christ's Manner and Grace more than Sermons and Arguments
That family, properly conducted, is a favorable argument to the truth, and the head of such a family will carry out the very same kind of work in the church as is revealed in the family. Wherever severity, harshness, and want of affection and love are exhibited in the sacred circle of the home, there will most assuredly be a failure in the plans and management in the church. Unity in the home, unity in the church, reveals Christ's manner and grace more than sermons and arguments.... Is the truth, the advanced truth we have received, producing in our own hearts the fruits of patience, faith, hope, charity, and thus leaving its saving influence upon human minds, revealing that we are branches of the true Vine because we bear rich clusters of fruit?--Letter 6b, 1890. {Ev 342.3}
The Concerted Work of Workers Controlled by Divine Power
The work of God's people may and will be varied, but one Spirit is the mover in it all. All the work done for the Master is to be connected with the great whole. The workers are to labor together in concert, each one controlled by divine power, putting forth undivided effort to draw those around them to Christ. All must move like parts of a well-adjusted machinery, each part dependent on the other part, yet standing distinct in action. And each one is to take the place assigned him and do the work appointed him. God calls upon the members of His church to receive the Holy Spirit, to come together in unity and brotherly sympathy, to bind their interests together in love. {ML 276.3}
Consider the Following
By describing the armor of God, Paul does not intend to depict a solitary warrior. On the contrary, he uses second-person plural verbs (Ephesians 6:10-13): "be strong"; "put on"; "you may be able"; "take." He envisions an entire army of warriors standing in battle against evil.
The bride of Christ—the Church—is composed of different members fulfilling their specific roles within the body, different bricks forming the building/temple, and soldiers equipped to fight side by side until the glorious day when the Church can unite with her Bridegroom in eternal union.
United by the Holy Spirit, we form "an exceedingly great army" (Ezekiel 37:10). Victory will not be achieved through heroic feats by isolated soldiers acting on their own, independent of the rest of the soldiers.
Victory comes when we act in cooperation with one another, occupying our positions and carrying out the mission God has prepared for each of us.
The Soldier's Equipment
Monday - September 18, 2023
Belt and Breastplate - Truth and Righteousness {Eph. 6:14}
Eph. 2:8; 4:24; 5:9; 6:11, 13, 14-17; 1 Pet. 4:1; 1 Pet. 5:8; Rom. 8:37-39; Luke 12:35, 37; Luke 17:8; 1 Thess. 5:8; Isa. 59:17.
(For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) {2Cor. 10:4}
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6:14)
The Ministers of God Empowered By His Truth and Righteousness
"In all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich." 2 Corinthians 6:3, 4-10. {AA 369.1}
Full Reliance to God's Power to Save Humanity
Relying on the power of God to save, and refusing to recognize the doctrines of the apostate teachers, the apostle endeavored to lead the converts to see that they had been grossly deceived, but that by returning to their former faith in the gospel they might yet defeat the purpose of Satan. He took his position firmly on the side of truth and righteousness; and his supreme faith and confidence in the message he bore, helped many whose faith had failed, to return to their allegiance to the Saviour. {AA 384.3}
Bible: The Armory to Equip God's People for Battle
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." God has provided abundant means for successful warfare against the evil that is in the world. The Bible is the armory where we may equip for the struggle. Our loins must be girt about with truth. Our breastplate must be righteousness. The shield of faith must be in our hand, the helmet of salvation on our brow; and with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, we are to cut our way through the obstructions and entanglements of sin. {AA 502.2}
Consider the Following
Before entering battle, we must be properly dressed. The loose garments worn in ancient times were comfortable but could hinder physical effort.
Christ and His Word are truth (John 14:6). If we are grounded in truth, no doubt will hinder our progress.
Once girded, we need to put on the "bulletproof vest." The breastplate, made of interlocking metal plates, protected the soldier from a mortal wound to the heart, lungs, or abdomen. God provides us with His righteousness to protect us from wounds that could cause spiritual death.
The protective righteousness we receive from God becomes an integral part of our conduct, and we treat others justly and kindly.
Tuesday - September 19, 2023
Shoes: The Church Wages Peace - The Gospel of Peace {Eph. 6:15}
Eph. 1:2, 9, 10, 14, 15, 17; 4:3, 25-5:2; 6:11, 13, 14, 15, 23. Isaiah 52:7, 8-10.
“and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15)
The Mysteries of the Plan of Salvation
The events of Christ's life, His death and resurrection, the prophecies pointing to these events, the mysteries of the plan of salvation, the power of Jesus for the remission of sins--to all these things they had been witnesses, and they were to make them known to the world. They were to proclaim the gospel of peace and salvation through repentance and the power of the Saviour. {AA 27.1}
Putting On the Whole Armor of God Enable Us to Stand
"Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:10-17. {CET 230.1}
An Individual Choice to Be Made
Watch and pray, and obtain a personal experience in the things of God. Your parents may teach you, they may try to guide your feet into safe paths; but it is impossible for them to change your heart. You must give your heart to Jesus and walk in the precious light of truth that He has given you. Faithfully take up your duties in the home life, and, through the grace of God, you may grow up unto the full stature of what Christ would have a child grow to be in Him. The fact that your parents keep the Sabbath, and obey the truth, will not insure your salvation. For though Noah and Job and Daniel were in the land, "As I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness." {AH 298.1}
Consider the Following
We live in a war in which we all start on the wrong side. By nature, we are enemies of God. But He enters the conflict to rescue us, to snatch us from the clutches of the evil one and give us peace (John 16:33).
Therefore, our feet must always be ready to share the gospel we have received, bringing peace to people's hearts. We should not "kill" or "defeat" our opponents. We should encourage them to switch sides and embrace the "gospel of peace."
According to the letter to the Ephesians, peace arises from Jesus, and it is our responsibility to maintain and share it:
(1) Ephesians 2:14: Jesus, our peace, has broken down the walls that separate us.
(2) Ephesians 2:15: Jesus has purchased this peace with His own blood.
(3) Ephesians 2:17: Jesus has proclaimed the good news of peace.
(4) Ephesians 4:3: We must keep unity in the bond of peace.
(5) Ephesians 6:15: We must have the readiness to proclaim the gospel of peace.
Wednesday - September 20, 2023
Shield, Helmet, and Sword
Eph. 1:15-23, 2:1-10; 6:10-20; Gen. 15:1, Ps. 3:3.
“Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:16-17)
Standing with Armor of God On
The shield of faith must be in our hand, the helmet of salvation on our brow; and with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, we are to cut our way through the obstructions and entanglements of sin. {AA 502.2}
"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. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." {SW 76.1}
Fighting Against Principalities, Powers and Rulers of the Darkness
"Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:10-17. {CET 230.1}
Consider the Following
The shield:
(1) Made of wood covered with leather and adorned with metal, the shield could completely protect a crouching soldier and prevent arrows or sword strikes from harming him.
(2) God is our shield (Psalm 3:3; 18:2). By faith, we face the conflict with complete trust in His protection. It is faith that will extinguish the darts of trials that the wicked one seeks to use against us.
The helmet:
(1) The Roman metal helmet had various pieces that protected the soldier's neck and cheeks, ensuring complete head protection.
(2) Our thoughts must be focused on the salvation that God has secured for us and the hope that this salvation will soon materialize in an eternal life without sin (1 Thessalonians 5:8).
The sword of the Spirit:
(1) With a length of half a meter and a straight, double-edged blade, the Roman sword allowed the soldier to both defend against enemy blows and counterattack.
(2) Paul speaks of the word of God as "sharper than any two-edged sword; it pierces to the division of soul and spirit" (Hebrews 4:12). This is the only weapon capable of turning the enemy into an ally.
The Unifying Ingredient
Thursday - September 21, 2023
Practicing Battlefield Prayer {Eph. 5:18-20}
Eph. 6:18, 19, 20; Luke 18:1-8, Phil. 4:6, Col. 4:2, 1 Thess. 5:16-18.
“praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:18-20)
Necessity of Fervent and Effectual Prayer
Jesus was often found in prayer. He resorted to the lonely groves or to the mountains to make His requests known to His Father. When the business and cares of the day were ended, and the weary were seeking rest, Jesus devoted the time to prayer. We would not discourage prayer, for there is far too little praying and watching thereunto. And there is still less praying with the Spirit and the understanding also. Fervent and effectual prayer is always in place, and will never weary. Such prayer interests and refreshes all who have a love for devotion. {CCh 293.1}
Praying With All Prayer and Supplication in the Spirit
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Ephesians 6:10-18. {EW 26.3}
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." {YI, October 26, 1899 par. 3}
Consider the Following
In the face of the impending battle, Jehoshaphat called the people to bow in prayer before God (2 Chronicles 20:18).
Even more so in the spiritual struggle in which we are immersed, prayer plays a primary role. It allows us to connect with our General, presenting our perplexities and receiving His instructions. Paul makes three indications regarding prayer:
How prayer should be:
(1) "At all times." We should never cease to pray, even when we do not see an immediate answer (Luke 18:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
(2) "In the Spirit." The Holy Spirit transforms our prayers with "groanings which cannot be uttered" (Romans 8:26)
Whom our prayer helps:
(1) We should supplicate "for all the saints." We are not alone in the fight; we must support one another through intercessory prayer.
Specific requests:
(1) "And for me." Those called to proclaim the gospel especially need the prayers of believers to boldly present the message ("with confidence")
Friday - September 22, 2023
Further Study and Meditation
Christ said of Himself, "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." Matthew 10:34. The Prince of Peace, He was yet the cause of division. He who came to proclaim glad tidings and to create hope and joy in the hearts of the children of men, opened a controversy that burns deep and arouses intense passion in the human heart. And He warns His followers, "In the world ye shall have tribulation." "They shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake." "Ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death." John 16:33; Luke 21:12, 16. {AA 84.2}
This prophecy has been fulfilled in a marked manner. Every indignity, reproach, and cruelty that Satan could instigate human hearts to devise, has been visited upon the followers of Jesus.
Questions to Ponder
What kind of battle is Paul talking about in Ephesians? Is it an individual battle or a corporate one?
If it is a corporate battle, how can the church be victorious in fighting the enemy?
How could an individual's victory over struggles in life impact the church as a whole?
What are the protections that God places in man that they are not aware of? Is it the goodness, holiness, and truth? How?
Why does Paul use the detailed military metaphor in his letter to the Ephesians?
What's the significance of the "sword of the Spirit" in the raging struggles in our lives?
Based on the statement above, {AA 84.2}, what lesson do we glean from this, and how true peace is achieved?
From the Pen of Inspiration
“We must put on every piece of the armor, and then stand firm. The Lord has honored us by choosing us as His soldiers. Let us fight bravely for Him, maintaining the right in every transaction... Put on as your breastplate that divinely protected righteousness which it is the privilege of all to wear. This will protect your spiritual life […]
All who have put on the robe of Christ's righteousness will stand before Him as chosen and faithful and true. Satan has no power to pluck them out of the hand of the Saviour. Not one soul who in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy's power.” E. G. W. (God’s Amazing Grace, January 23)