Sabbath Afternoon - July 1, 2023

Reading for the Week

Eph. 1:3-14; Eph. 2:6; Eph. 3:10; Col. 1:13, 14; Deut. 9:29. 

Prayer Thought

From the beginning God has wrought through His people to bring blessing to the world. To the ancient Egyptian nation God made Joseph a fountain of life. Through the integrity of Joseph the life of that whole people was preserved. Through Daniel God saved the life of all the wise men of Babylon. And these deliverances are as object lessons; they illustrate the spiritual blessings offered to the world through connection with the God whom Joseph and Daniel worshiped. Everyone in whose heart Christ abides, everyone who will show forth His love to the world, is a worker together with God for the blessing of humanity. As he receives from the Saviour grace to impart to others, from his whole being flows forth the tide of spiritual life. {AA 13.2}  


Memory Text

Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:  {Ephesians 1:3}


This week's SS Lesson will describe how Paul recalls God's blessings that have brought him as an evangelist to the Gentiles, extending the promise of salvation. This includes valuable instructions on how we worship God and be thankful for all the blessings bestowed.


Study Outline
The Gifts God Gives Us in Christ

Sunday - July 2, 2023

Chosen and Accepted in Christ - As Beloved - Eph. 1:3-6

Ephesians 1:3-14, 20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12;  5:27; 3:15; 4:10; 6:9.

Monday - July 3, 2023

Costly Redemption" Lavish Forgiveness - Redemption Through His Blood - Eph. 1:7-8

Eph. 2:1-3; 1:7, 8; Colossians 1:13, 14; Titus 2:13, 14; and Hebrews 9:15.  

Tuesday - July 4, 2023

God's Grand, Christ-centered Plan -  Gather Together in One All Things in Christ - Eph. 1:9-10

 Eph. 1:15-2:10; 4:1-16; 4:17-6:9; Rev. 12:12.

Our Response to His Gifts

Wednesday - July 5, 2023

Living in Praise of His Glory - The Praise of His Glory - Eph. 1:11-12

Eph. 1:11, 12, 3-14, 18; Deut. 9:29, 32:9, Zech. 2:12.  

A Foretaste of Future Gifts

Thursday - July 6, 2023

The Holy Spirit: Seal and Down Payment - The Guarantee of Our Inheritance - Eph. 1:13-14

Ephesians 1:13, 14;   Ezek. 28:12;  Jer. 32:10-14, 44;  1 Kings 21:8.  


Friday - July 7, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

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The Gifts God Gives Us in Christ

Sunday - July 2, 2023

Chosen and Accepted in Christ - As Beloved - Eph. 1:3-6

Ephesians 1:3-14, 20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12;  5:27; 3:15; 4:10; 6:9.


Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,  

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Eph. 1:5, 6} 

Emmanuel Stands Between God and the Believers

The Father gave all honor to His Son, seating Him at His right hand, far above all principalities and powers. He expressed His great joy and delight in receiving the crucified One and crowning Him with glory and honor. And all the favors He has shown to His Son in His acceptance of the great atonement are shown to His people. Those who have united their interests in love with Christ are accepted in the Beloved. They suffered with Christ in His deepest humiliation, and His glorification is of great interest to them, because they are accepted in Him. God loves them as He loves His Son. Christ, Emmanuel, stands between God and the believer, revealing the glory of God to His chosen ones, and covering their defects and transgressions with the garments of His own spotless righteousness. . . . {CTr 294.5} 


Christ’s Work For Our Redemption Is Described

Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda. . . .And in the midst of the elders stood a Lamb as it had been slain. Revelation 5:5, 6.

The Saviour was presented to John under the symbols of the “Lion of the tribe of Juda,” and “a Lamb as it had been slain.” Here the whole work of redemption was expressed. These symbols represent the union of omnipotent power and self-sacrificing love. As the Lion of Judah, Christ will defend His chosen ones and bring them off victorious, because they accepted Him as “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Christ the slain Lamb—who was despised, rejected, the victim of Satan’s wrath, of human abuse and cruelty—how tender was His sympathy with His people who were in the world! And according to the infinite depths of His humiliation and sacrifice as the Lamb of God will be His power in glory as the Lion of Judah, for the deliverance of His people. {CTr 315.2} 


Consider the Following

God has given us spiritual blessings “in the heavenly places in Christ” (1:3). This is a reference to the place where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (1:20), and the spiritual realm where angels move (both good and evil ones).

For God we are already seated next to Him and Jesus in the heavenly places (2:6), we are a testimony for the angels (3:10), and we must arm ourselves against the attack of the fallen angels that live in that spiritual realm (6:12).

What are the blessings and gifts that God gives us?

(1) We are holy and without blame (1:4)

(2) We are adopted as His children (1:5)

(3) We are made accepted in the Beloved (1:6)


Monday - July 3, 2023

Costly Redemption" Lavish Forgiveness - Redemption Through His Blood - Eph. 1:7-8

Eph. 2:1-3; 1:7, 8; Colossians 1:13, 14; Titus 2:13, 14; and Hebrews 9:15.  

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;  

Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;  {Eph. 1:7-8}


At-One-Ment - the Great Principles of Redemption 

Abel grasped the great principles of redemption. He saw himself a sinner, and he saw sin and its penalty, death, standing between his soul and communion with God. He brought the slain victim, the sacrificed life, thus acknowledging the claims of the law that had been transgressed. Through the shed blood he looked to the future sacrifice, Christ dying on the cross of Calvary; and trusting in the atonement that was there to be made, he had the witness that he was righteous, and his offering accepted.  {CC 24.4}  

Justification Through the Merit of Christ 

There is nothing in faith that makes it our saviour. Faith cannot remove our guilt. Christ is the power of God unto salvation to all them that believe. The justification comes through the merits of Jesus Christ. He has paid the price for the sinner's redemption. Yet it is only through faith in His blood that Jesus can justify the believer.  {FLB 107.3}  

The sinner cannot depend upon his own good works as a means of justification. He must come to the point where he will renounce all his sin, and embrace one degree of light after another as it shines upon his pathway. He simply grasps by faith the free and ample provision made in the blood of Christ. He believes the promises of God, which through Christ are made unto him sanctification and righteousness and redemption. And if he follows Jesus, he will walk humbly in the light, rejoicing in the light and diffusing that light to others.  {FLB 107.4}  

We are Unified in Christ - Divine and Human

In Christ were united the divine and the human--the Creator and the creature. The nature of God, whose law had been transgressed, and the nature of Adam, the transgressor, meet in Jesus--the Son of God, and the Son of man. And having with His own blood paid the price of redemption, having passed through man's experience, having in man's behalf met and conquered temptation, having, though Himself sinless, borne the shame and guilt and burden of sin, He becomes man's Advocate and Intercessor. What an assurance here to the tempted and struggling soul, what an assurance to the witnessing universe, that Christ will be "a merciful and faithful high priest"! (The SDA Bible Commentary, Ellen G. White comments, vol. 7, pp. 925, 926). {LHU 345.6} 


Consider the Following

We have been redeemed and liberated from the slavery of sin (1:7) [redemption allowed a slave to be free from their master (in this case, the master was sin)].

We also receive forgiveness for our sins with a huge price: the blood of Jesus (1 Peter 1:18-19).

We are no longer worthless objects used by a tyrant master, but free and priceless beings: sons and daughters of God.


Tuesday - July 4, 2023

God's Grand, Christ-centered Plan -  Gather Together in One All Things in Christ - Eph. 1:9-10

 Eph. 1:15-2:10; 4:1-16; 4:17-6:9; Rev. 12:12.

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:  

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him. {Eph. 1:9-10}


According to the Goodness of His Will We're Saved

 "Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ; according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love; having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace; wherein He hath abounded towards us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself; that in the dispensation of the fulness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will."  {Messenger, April 12, 1893 par. 1} 


Sealed People are One with Christ

 There is a serious, solemn work to be done at this time. In all places the standard is to be lifted. God has "made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of the fulness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth" [verses 9-13]. The word of truth, Bible truth, present truth, is to be presented calmly, soberly, in the demonstration of the Spirit, for the angels of God are making impressions upon minds. "The gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believe, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise."  {21MR 51.3} 

What is the seal of the living God, which is placed in the foreheads of His people? It is a mark which angels, but not human eyes, can read; for the destroying angel must see this mark of redemption. The intelligent mind has seen the sign of the cross of Calvary in the Lord's adopted sons and daughters. The sin of the transgression of the law of God is taken away. They have on the wedding garment, and are obedient and faithful to all God's commands.  {21MR 52.1}  


Consider the Following

God, “making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” (Ephesians 1:9-10).

Paul explains this plan in detail in the rest of his letter:

(1) Unity in Christ is based on His death, resurrection, ascension, and exaltation (1:15-2:10)

(2) The plan began by unifying humanity [Jews and Gentiles] in one church (2:11-3:13)

(3) The church must remain united, avoiding behaviors that might split it (4:1-6:9)

(4) The church will fight for peace as an army united in the name of Christ (6:10-20)


Our Response to His Gifts

Wednesday - July 5, 2023

Living in Praise of His Glory - The Praise of His Glory - Eph. 1:11-12

Eph. 1:11, 12, 3-14, 18; Deut. 9:29, 32:9, Zech. 2:12.  

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:  

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. {Eph. 1:11-12}


Consistent Beholding of His Glory

 We behold God in Jesus. Looking unto Jesus we see that it is the glory of our God to give. "I do nothing of myself," said Christ; "the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father." "I seek not mine own glory," but the glory of Him that sent Me (John 8:28; 6:57; John 8:50; 7:18). In these words is set forth the great principle which is the law of life for the universe. All things Christ received from God, but He took to give. So in the heavenly courts, in His ministry for all created beings: through the beloved Son, the Father's life flows out to all; through the Son it returns, in praise and joyous service, a tide of love, to the great Source of all. And thus through Christ the circuit of beneficence is complete, representing the character of the great Giver, the law of life.--The Desire of Ages, pp. 19-21.  {RC 15.5} 


The Partakers of His Nature 

The followers of Jesus will not be popular, but will be like their Master, meek and lowly of heart. You are seeking to climb to the highest seat, but will find yourselves at last in the lowest. If you seek to deal justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with God, you will be partakers with Christ of His sufferings and sharers with Him of His glory in His kingdom. The Lord has blessed you, but how little have you appreciated His loving-kindness! How little praise He has received from your lips! You may do a good work for the Master, but not with your ideas as supreme. You must learn in the school of Christ, else you can never be qualified to enter the higher grade, receive the seal of the living God, enter in through the gates into the city of God, and be crowned with glory, honor, and immortality.  {5T 501.2}  


Consider the Following

We must be aware that God has put His trust in us. We should respond to that by living a life “to the praise of his glory.”

Besides, “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance” (1:11). We receive an inheritance from God, but we also become an inheritance to God (Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 9:29; 32:9).



A Foretaste of Future Gifts

Thursday - July 6, 2023

The Holy Spirit: Seal and Down Payment - The Guarantee of Our Inheritance - Eph. 1:13-14

Ezek. 28:12;  Jer. 32:10-14, 44;  1 Kings 21:8.  

In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,  

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. {Eph. 1:13-14} 

Daily Advancements in the Formation of Symmetrical Character

Church membership will not guarantee us heaven. We must abide in Christ, and his love must abide in us. We must every day make advancements in the formation of symmetrical character. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” [Matthew 5:48.] As God is perfect in his sphere, so are we required to be perfect in ours. There is great work before us individually, to reach this high standard. Our attainments will be just in accordance with the effort we make, our character just what we choose to make it; for through the divine aid promised us, we can overcome. Jesus “knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” [Psalm 103:14.] In pitying tenderness he will give us the help and strength we need.  {GW92 446.3} 

The Foretaste of Life Eternal in Christ Now 

But Satan is contending for the souls of men.... He would not have them catch a glimpse of the future honor, the eternal glories, laid up for those who shall be inhabitants of heaven, or have a taste of the experience that gives a foretaste of the happiness of heaven....  {Mar 357.4}  

Those who accept Christ as their Saviour have the promise of the life that now is, and that which is to come.... The lowliest disciple of Christ may become an inhabitant of heaven, an heir of God to an inheritance incorruptible, and that fadeth not away. O that every one might make choice of the heavenly gift, become an heir of God to that inheritance whose title is secure from any destroyer, world without end! O, choose not the world, but choose the better inheritance! Press, urge your way toward the mark for the prize of your high calling in Christ Jesus.  {Mar 357.5}  


The Glimpse of the Future Honor

But Satan is contending for the souls of men, and casts his hellish shadow athwart their path, in order that they shall not behold the light. He would not have them catch a glimpse of the future honor, the eternal glories, laid up for those who shall be inhabitants of heaven, or have a taste of the experience that gives a foretaste of the happiness of heaven. But with the heavenly attractions set before the mind to inspire hope, to awaken desire, to spur to effort, how can we turn from the prospect, and choose sin and its wages, which is death?  {RH, November 21, 1893 par. 8}  


Consider the Following

God wants us to be sure that we’ll receive an inheritance with Jesus. Therefore, He has given us the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). Paul explained it by using two metaphors:

(1) The seal. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we receive the Holy Spirit and are marked as God’s property.

For a deeper study on this subject please visit the link below:

(2) The guarantee. Having the Holy Spirit is the guarantee of being part of God’s people and receiving the promised inheritance.

The guarantee is usually the first payment made to assure that the rest of the payments will be paid. Now we are enjoying part of the inheritance, but the best is yet to come.


Friday - July 7, 2023

Further Study, and Meditation

Humility and Faithfulness in Laborers

Ministers should live close to Jesus, that they may rightly represent him to others. He has set them an example in his own ministry. They should labor for souls with the same unselfish love that characterized his labors. They have something more to do than merely to preach in the desk. This is only the beginning of their work. They are overseers of the flock; and it is their duty to “feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” [Acts 20:28.] They are required to watch for souls “as they that must give account;” [Hebrews 13:17.] and they need clear discernment, that no wrong influence may pervert their work.  {GW92 447.2} 


Questions to Ponder

Note: The seal of the living God will be placed upon those only who bear a likeness to Christ in character. {FLB 287.2}

As wax takes the impression of the seal, so the soul is to take the impression of the Spirit of God and retain the image of Christ. {FLB 287.3}

It is obedience to the principles of the commandments of God, that molds the character after the divine similitude. {FLB 287.4}

What is the seal of the living God, which is placed on the foreheads of His people? It is a mark that angels, but not human eyes, can read; for the destroying angel must see this mark of redemption (Letter 126, 1898). 4BC 1161.4


From the Pen of Inspiration

“The mercies of God surround you every moment, and it would be profitable for you to consider how and whence your blessings come every day. Let the precious blessings of God awaken gratitude in you. You cannot number the blessings of God, the constant loving-kindness expressed to you, for they are as numerous as the refreshing drops of rain. Clouds of mercy are hanging over you, and ready to drop upon you. If you will appreciate the valuable gift of salvation, you will be sensible of daily refreshment, of the protection and love of Jesus; you will be guided in the way of peace.” E. G. W. (Sons and Daughters of God, November 29)


https://3angelscry.org/pdf-ss-q3-l2-gods-grand-christ-centered-plan/

SSL-Q3-L2-Gods-Grand-Christ-Centered-Plan-July-1-7-2023 (fliphtml5.com)