Sabbath Afternoon - July 8, 2023

Reading for the Week

 Eph. 1:15-23; Eph. 3:14-21; 1 Thess. 5:16-18; Deut. 9:29; 1 Cor. 15:20-22; Ps. 110:1. 

Prayer Thought

Meat in Due Season.--My brethren in responsible positions, may the Lord not only anoint your eyes that they may see, but pour into your hearts the holy oil that from the two olive branches flows through the golden pipes into the golden bowl which feeds the lamps of the sanctuary. May He "give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling,. . . and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe." Ephesians 1:17-19.  {CW 91.3}  

As faithful householders, give meat in due season to the household of God. Present truth to the people. Work as if in full view of the whole universe of heaven. We have not time to lose--not a moment. Important issues must soon be met, and we need to be hidden in the cleft of the rock, that we may see Jesus, and be quickened by His Holy Spirit.-- Testimonies, Vol. 7, pp. 152-154. (1902.)  {CW 92.1}  


Memory Text

And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,  

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places],  {Eph. 1:19, 20}


This week's SS Lesson will consider the experiences that characterize the content of Paul's letter which may also be applicable lessons to every Christian. This also includes the hope it portrays for those who are in Christ and how they will be victorious in this life's struggles.


Study Outline
A Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession - Ephesians 1:15-16

Sunday - July 9, 2023

Praying and Thanksgiving

Ephesians 1:15-23; 3:14-21; 6:21, 22;  Phil. 1:3, 4; 1 Thess. 1:2; and 1 Thess. 5:16-18.  

What Did Paul Request the Believers to Do"

Monday - July 10, 2023

Experiencing Insight from the Holy Spirit - Seeing as God doers - Ephesians 1:17-19

Eph. 1:17-19; Deut. 9:29; 32:9, Zech. 2:12; Eph. 1:11

Tuesday - July 11, 2023

Participating in Resurrection Power - Ephesians 1:20

Ephesians 1:20-23; Ephesians 4:8-11; 1 Cor. 15:20-22; Phil. 3:8-11; Heb. 13:20, 21; 1 Pet. 1:3. 

Wednesday - July 12, 2023

Christ Above All Powers - Understanding the Supremacy of Jesus - Ephesians 1:21

Ephesians 1:21, Ephesians 2:2, and Ephesians 6:12;  Acts 19:11-20. 

Epilogue

Thursday - July 13, 2023

Jesus, All Things. and His Church - The Head of the Church

 Psalm 110:1; 8:4; Eph. 1:22, 23.   


Friday - July 14, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

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A Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession - Ephesians 1:15-16

Sunday - July 9, 2023

Praying and Thanksgiving

Ephesians 1:15-23; 3:14-21; 6:21, 22;  Phil. 1:3, 4; 1 Thess. 1:2; and 1 Thess. 5:16-18.  

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,  Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;  {Eph. 1:15-16}


Condition of Receiving: Instant in Prayer, and Watching with Thanksgiving

Perseverance in prayer has been made a condition of receiving. We must pray always if we would grow in faith and experience. We are to be “instant in prayer,” to “continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2. Peter exhorts believers to be “sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7. Paul directs, “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6. “But ye, beloved,” says Jude, “praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God.” Jude 20, 21.—(Steps to Christ, 95-97.) {Pr 103.2} 

If we render to Him only a partial, halfhearted obedience, His promises will not be fulfilled to us.—(Ministry of Healing, 227.) {Pr 103.3} 

Christ the Pattern: Christlikeness 

I would be pleased if I could attend the meeting in the sanitarium chapel, but as yet I dare not venture to speak to the people. I am trusting faith to be confirmed in my health that I may yet bear my testimony as I have done in the past. I am waiting, praying, watching thereunto. We are admonished, "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving. . . . Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man" [Colossians 4:2, 5, 6].  {18MR 213.2}  

Salvation through Jesus Christ is an individual experience. We are not to make the mistake [of thinking] that we are Christians unless we are daily practicing Christlikeness in character. If we have Christ abiding in the soul by faith, the experience is of a character that speech will be after the pattern of Christ. If we have brought along into the religious profession the sharp speeches, the quick temper in unsanctified speech, we misrepresent Christ and put Him to shame, and we need to be converted, for we dishonor the name of Christian.  {18MR 213.3}  



Consider the Following

Paul had heard that the Ephesians were growing in love and faith (1:15). The joy of hearing that news moved him to pray, giving thanks to God (1:16). He also interceded in their favor, an intercession that would continue later in the letter (3:14-21).

The apostle encouraged us to follow his example: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

What does that mean?

Our hearts are always open to the influence of the Holy Spirit

We seek reasons to give thanks to God

We put our problems in His hands

We seek God’s counsel in the difficulties of this life

We are always willing to be led by God


What Did Paul Request the Believers to Do"

Monday - July 10, 2023

Experiencing Insight from the Holy Spirit - Seeing as God Doers - Ephesians 1:17-19

Eph. 1:17-19; Deut. 9:29; 32:9, Zech. 2:12; Eph. 1:11

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:  

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,  

And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,  {Eph. 1:17-19}


The Understanding Being Enlightened 

For the believers at Ephesus the apostle prayed, "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and . . . what is the exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe." Ephesians 1:17-19. The ministry of the divine Spirit in enlightening the understanding and opening to the mind the deep things of God's holy word, was the blessing which Paul thus be sought for the Ephesian church.  {GC ix.1}  

After the wonderful manifestation of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, Peter exhorted the people to repentance and baptism in the name of Christ, for the remission of their sins; and he said: "Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." Acts 2:38, 39.  {GC ix.2}  


Consider the Following

God will give us wisdom if we ask for it. He will also reveal the things we cannot understand by ourselves (1:17). He will remove the veil from our spiritual eyes and will enlighten us with His knowledge (1:18a). We will see as God does.

What did Paul want us to understand (1:18-19)?

(1) The hope to which we are called

(2) That we are the glory of God’s inheritance (His treasure)

(3) The incomparable greatness of His power in our favor


Tuesday - July 11, 2023

Participating in Resurrection Power - Ephesians 1:20

Ephesians 1:20-23; Ephesians 4:8-11; 1 Cor. 15:20-22; Phil. 3:8-11; Heb. 13:20, 21; 1 Pet. 1:3. 

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places],  {Eph. 1:20}


The Death will Live in Christ 

Christ is not dead. He has proclaimed over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25). Satan has thrown his dark shadow across our pathway, but let not our faith falter. Rather, let it cleave through the shadows to the place where Christ sits as our Intercessor. Satan is trying to hide the light of heaven from us, but he cannot do this if we will cling to the mighty One. Call upon the Lord, and He will answer, "Here am I." Cooperate with God in striving against the enemy. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and be determined that you will be temperate in all things.  {1SAT 323.2}  


What Leads to Eternal Life?

Every advantage has been given us to make possible our salvation. For us Christ hung on Calvary's cross. For our sake He was laid in the tomb. When He rose from the dead He proclaimed over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, "I am the resurrection and the life." He is indeed our life, if we are faithful representatives of Him. We cannot afford to be representatives of Satan and do as sinners do, for we should have to endure the suffering that comes to them and share their final reward.  {2SAT 223.5} 

The path of disobedience leads to eternal death. The path of obedience leads to eternal life. "Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." When the redeemed from all the nations of the earth enter their heavenly home, they will have free access to the tree of life. No angel with flaming sword will stand guard, as it was necessary for an angel to do after Adam and Eve sinned.  {2SAT 223.6} 


Consider the Following

Paul used two examples to explain the great power of God that He uses in our favor: the resurrection of Jesus and His exaltation at the right hand of the Father (1:20).

he power of His resurrection:

(1) It assures our own resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)

(2) It enables us to come to Him to receive our blessings (Hebrews 7:25)

(3) It assures the presence of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7)

— The power of His exaltation:

(1) It gives us gifts (Ephesians 4:8-11)

(2) It assures that Jesus has power over everyone (Philippians 2:9-10)


Wednesday - July 12, 2023

Christ Above All Powers - Understanding the Supremacy of Jesus - Ephesians 1:21

Ephesians 1:21, Ephesians 2:2, and Ephesians 6:12;  Acts 19:11-20. 

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:  {Eph. 1:21)


The Glory of God is in Christ

"The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hands." "It pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell." "God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth; and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." "For by Him were all things created, 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."  {1NL 108.1}  


The Whole Armor of God

 Those cooperating with those who work in any place to uplift Jesus and to exalt the law of God, will find to all intents and purposes that they wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and 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.". . . . .  {SpM 28.2} 


Consider the Following

The sons of Sceva tried to expel demons by invoking Jesus’ name, although they didn’t believe in Him (Acts 19:11-16). Invoking the name of deities or infernal powers was common at that time. It was a practice documented in the books of witchcraft that the Ephesians destroyed (Acts 19:19).

That’s why Paul emphasized that Jesus’ name is above any demonic power. Only He can liberate us from Satan.


Epilogue

Thursday - July 13, 2023

Jesus, All Things. and His Church - The Head of the Church

 Psalm 110:1; 8:4; Eph. 1:22, 23.   

And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church,  Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.  {Eph. 1:22, 23}


The Good Shepherd - The Head of the Church

God's people are tempted and tried because they cannot see the spirit of self-sacrifice and consecration to God in all who manage important interests, and many act as though Jesus were buried in Joseph's new tomb and a great stone rolled before the door. I wish to proclaim with voice and pen, Jesus has risen; He has risen; He is a living Saviour, the head of the church. He is the Good Shepherd. "The sheep follow Him: for they know His voice. And a stranger will they not follow" [John 10:4].  {2SAT 78.3}  


Work Unitedly with Him as the Body to the Head - Christ 

 From the light that has been given me, the medical missionary work and the gospel ministry are never to be divorced. They are to be bound together as one work. Christ is the Head of the body--the Church, and we are to work unitedly with Him. Referring to our relation to Him, the apostle says, "We are laborers together with God."  {LLM 72.4}  



The Great Commission of God's Church

The medical missionary work done, in connection with the giving of the third angel's message, is to accomplish wonderful (640) results. It is to be a sanctifying, unifying work, corresponding to the work which the great Head of the church sent forth the disciples to do. Calling these disciples together, Christ gave them their commission: "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not; but go, rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel; and as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; freely ye have received, freely give.  {LLM 357.1} 


Consider the Following

God made Jesus sit at His right hand and put all His enemies as “a footstool for His feet” (Psalm 110:1).

All our enemies are subdued to Him: Rulers, authorities, the powers of this dark world, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).

Besides, Jesus is the head of the Church. He guides it to a safe place. “And the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).

However, we don’t see everything subdued to Jesus yet (Hebrews 2:8), hence Paul’s prayer that our eyes are enlightened so we can see the realities that we currently cannot see.



Friday - July 14, 2023

Further Study, and Meditation

In all you do, make Christ the center of attraction. Constantly look to Him who is your pattern, the Author and Finisher of your faith. Cultivate constant, fervent gratitude to God for the gift of His beloved Son. Represent Christ. Squander not your moral forces upon trifles, but earnestly improve the opportunities given you to reflect the light of the Sun of Righteousness. Cease to glorify man. Glory in Christ and the truth. You may crown Jesus with honor, for though so meek and lowly He was a daily conqueror over temptation. Every soul who is a partaker of the divine nature is an overcomer in His own behalf, and is victorious, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  {1888 138.1}  


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“All earthly powers are under the control of the Infinite One. To the mightiest ruler, to the most cruel oppressor, He says, ‘Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further.’ Job 38:11. God's power is constantly exercised to counteract the agencies of evil; He is ever at work among men, not for their destruction, but for their correction and preservation.” E. G. W. (Patriarchs and Prophets, cp. 68, p. 694)