Sabbath Afternoon - July 15, 2023

Reading for the Week

Eph. 2:1-10; Eph. 5:14; Rom. 5:17; Eph. 5:6; 2 Tim. 1:7. 

Prayer Thought

Here the Son comes into our world to practice self-denial, and although His own nation did not receive Him He was the infinite Son of God. He was working for the uplifting of the human race. How much does God value man? I point you to Calvary. [The] most ignominious death my Lord suffered that He might rescue you, yet He does not force any of you to serve Him. He does not force the will or conscience of any soul. God has given Jesus to our world and He wants us to search the Scriptures. He can put His Holy Spirit upon us and He says, "I am at thy right hand to uphold thee"--to walk with our hand in the hand of Jesus Christ, to love Him and to glorify Him. His love is without a parallel. No comparison can be made to that love. He was one with the Father and was suffered to die for us.  {2SAT 105.4}  


Memory Text

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  {Ephesians 2:4, 5}


This week's SS Lesson will dig deeper into the magnificent and amazing love of God in saving humanity with its equivalent sacrifice He offers to save man. This includes the two groups of opposing influences that play their role in the great controversy.


Study Outline
Living Under Satan's Banner

Sunday - July 16, 2023

Once Dead and Deceived by Satan - Dead in our Sins - Ephesians 2:1-2

 Ephesians 2:1-10; 3:10; 6:12; Col. 2:13, Rom. 5:17; 6:23.

Monday - July 17, 2023

Once Deluded by Our Own Desires - Following the Desires of the Flesh - Ephesians 2:3

Eph. 2:3; 4:22-24; James 1:14, 15; 1 Pet. 1:14

Living Under God's Banner

Tuesday - July 18, 2023

Now Resurrected, Ascended, and Exalted with Christ - Exalted with Christ (Ephesians 2:4-6

Eph.1:19-23; 2:1-3, 4-10

Wednesday - July 19, 2023

Now Blessed Forever by Grace - Enjoying Eternal Riches - Ephesians 2:7

Ephesians 1:3, 4, 7, Eph. 3:8

What God Offers Us

Thursday - July 20, 2023

Now Saved by God - Saved by Grace (Ephesians 2:9-10

Ephesians 2:1-10.


Friday - July 21, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

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Living Under Satan's Banner

Sunday - July 16, 2023

Once Dead and Deceived by Satan - Dead in our Sins - Ephesians 2:1-2

 Ephesians 2:1-10; 3:10; 6:12; Col. 2:13, Rom. 5:17; 6:23.

And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins:  

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  {Ephesians 2:1-2}


Dead to Sins but Should Live Unto Righteousness 

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously: who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."  {AA 522.3}  

Dead in Sins But Quickened Together with Christ 

The apostle Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, says, "God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:4-8.  {COL 98.2}  

Dead are Judged According to Their Works Written in the Books 

In the great day of final award, the dead are to be "judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." Revelation 20:12. Then by virtue of the atoning blood of Christ, the sins of all the truly penitent will be blotted from the books of heaven. Thus the sanctuary will be freed, or cleansed, from the record of sin. In the type, this great work of atonement, or blotting out of sins, was represented by the services of the Day of Atonement—the cleansing of the earthly sanctuary, which was accomplished by the removal, by virtue of the blood of the sin offering, of the sins by which it had been polluted. {CCh 348.2} 

Consider the Following

Paul presents our lives in a clear sequence: We were dead in sin → God gave us life with Christ → We are saved by grace.

What does it mean that we were dead in sin?

(1) Sin was our way of life

(2) We followed the customs of the world

(3) We were dominated by the prince of this world

(4) We were children of disobedience

This means that we lived under the dominion of two external forces before we met Christ: The environment that surrounded us, The prince of the power of the air (Satan).


Monday - July 17, 2023

Once Deluded by Our Own Desires - Following the Desires of the Flesh - Ephesians 2:3

Eph. 2:3; 4:22-24; James 1:14, 15; 1 Pet. 1:14

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. {Ephesians 2:3} 

The Sinful Desires Contrary to the Divine Arrangement

Polygamy had been early introduced, contrary to the divine arrangement at the beginning. The Lord gave to Adam one wife, showing His order in that respect. But after the Fall, men chose to follow their own sinful desires; and as the result, crime and wretchedness rapidly increased. Neither the marriage relation nor the rights of property were respected. Whoever coveted the wives or the possessions of his neighbor, took them by force, and men exulted in their deeds of violence. They delighted in destroying the life of animals; and the use of flesh for food rendered them still more cruel and bloodthirsty, until they came to regard human life with astonishing indifference.  {PP 91.3}  

Separation from the Father - Self-Gratification 

If the youth live to gratify the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, they are seeking for the things of the world, pleasing their great adversary, and separating themselves from the Father. And when these things that are sought after pass away, their hopes are blasted and their expectations perish. Separated from God they will then bitterly repent their folly in serving their own pleasure, gratifying their own desires, and for a few frivolous enjoyments selling a life of bliss that they might have enjoyed forever.  {1T 498.3}  

Counsel Against Unsanctified Influence

You have had an unsanctified influence over the youth in -----. Your love of show leads to an expenditure of means which is wrong. You do not realize the claims that the Lord has upon you. You have not become acquainted with the sweet results of self-denial. Its fruits are sacred. To serve yourselves and to please yourselves has been the order of your lives. To spend your means to gratify pride has been your practice. Oh, how much better it would have been for you to have restrained your desires and made some sacrifice for the truth of God, and by thus denying the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life have had something to put into the treasury of God! Instead of purchasing frivolous things, put your little into the bank of heaven, that when the Master comes you may receive both principal and interest.  {3T 83.1} 

Consider the Following

Paul had mentioned two external forces that dominated us. Then he clarified the reason they did: we actually wanted to submit to them.

We wanted to do what we pleased, to follow the thoughts of our hearts (James 1:14-15). Our nature was that of "children of wrath," like all those who do not yet know God.

In other words, we continuously committed sin because we were sin (our nature was sinful); we constantly thought about sin and lived for sin.

But even though we still tend to sin we are no longer dominated by it thanks to God’s grace. We are no longer children of wrath.


Living Under God's Banner

Tuesday - July 18, 2023

Now Resurrected, Ascended, and Exalted with Christ - Ephesians 2:4-6

Eph.1:19-23; 2:1-3, 4-10

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  

And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus:  {Ephesians 2:4-6}

An Exalted Privilege for Finite Beings - The Mediation Of Christ

Communion with, and love for, God, the practice of holiness, the destruction of sin, are all pleasant. The reading of God's word will not fascinate the imagination, and inflame the passions, like a fictitious story-book, but softens, soothes, elevates, and sanctifies, the heart. When in trouble, when assailed by fierce temptations, they have the privilege of prayer. What an exalted privilege! Finite beings, of dust and ashes, admitted through the mediation of Christ, into the audience-chamber of the Most High. In such exercises the soul is brought into a sacred nearness with God, and is renewed in knowledge, and true holiness, and fortified against the assaults of the enemy. {ApM 24.1} 

The Most Exalted Redeemed 

The most exalted of the redeemed host that stand before the throne of God and the Lamb, clad in white, 

1. know the conflict of overcoming, for they have come up through great tribulation.
2. Those who have yielded to circumstances rather than engage in this conflict, will not know how to stand in that day when anguish will be upon every soul, when, though Noah, Job, and Daniel were in the land, they could save neither son nor daughter, for everyone must deliver his soul by his own righteousness. {CET 189.4}   


God Exalts the Humble

He is most fit to carry responsibilities and command who most resembles God in character,--in goodness, mercy, and staunch loyalty to the cause and work of God.  Every one needs now to work for brother, for friend, for neighbor, and for stranger, drawing the mind away from the discouragements that will crowd in.  The truth is to be magnified.  We must not be surprised at strange movements.  No one must seek exaltation.  The more humbly we move and work, the more will we be exalted with God.  The return of Jesus Christ to our world will not be long delayed.  This is to be the keynote of every message.--Letter 39, 1898, p. 13 (March 27, 1898 to Brethren Woods and Miller). {ChL 12.3} 


Consider the Following

Paul began this new section by saying, "But God...". What did God do for us?

(1) He gave us life with Christ (He removed our sins)

(2) He raised us with Christ (He gave us a new life)

(3) He seated us in the heavenly places with Christ (He gave us power over the evil one)

We have turned from a demon-dominated existence to a life of spiritual abundance and power in Christ.

What did we do to deserve all this? Nothing. God did it out of “mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us.” All the merits and glory belong to Him.


Wednesday - July 19, 2023

Now Blessed Forever by Grace - Enjoying Eternal Riches - Ephesians 2:7

Ephesians 1:3, 4, 7, Eph. 3:8

That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.  {Ephesians 2:7}

We're Dead to Sin but Quickened with Christ: Saved by Grace

The apostle Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, says, "God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:4-8.  {COL 98.2}  

Stones of a Crown - Ensign Upon God's Land

 Of His people God says, "They shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon His land. For how great is His goodness, and how great is His beauty!" Zechariah 9:16, 17. The exaltation of the redeemed will be an eternal testimony to God's mercy. "In the ages to come," He will "show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." "To the intent that . . . unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places might be made known . . . the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Ephesians 2:7; 3:10, 11, R. V.  {DA 26.1} 

Through Christ's redeeming work the government of God stands justified. The Omnipotent One is made known as the God of love. Satan's charges are refuted, and his character unveiled. Rebellion can never again arise. Sin can never again enter the universe. Through eternal ages all are secure from apostasy. By love's self-sacrifice, the inhabitants of earth and heaven are bound to their Creator in bonds of indissoluble union.  {DA 26.2}  


Consider the Following

God's plan unfolded in the past with the vicarious death of Christ, His resurrection, and His exaltation. It unfolds in the present in our lives, with the same power that worked in Christ. It will continue to unfold “in the coming ages,” because God's grace never ends.

This grace was made evident in the past, we experience it today, and it will be our theme (as well as the theme of the angels and the worlds that never fell) for all eternity.


What God Offers Us

Thursday - July 20, 2023

Now Saved by God - (Ephesians 2:9-10

Ephesians 2:1-10.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:  

Not of works, lest any man should boast.  

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.  {Ephesians 2:8-10}


A Person's True Worth - Rom. 5:8, 9

 Christ and Him crucified should become the theme of our thoughts and stir the deepest emotions of our souls. The true followers of Christ will appreciate the great salvation which He has wrought for them; and wherever He leads the way, they will follow. They will consider it a privilege to bear whatever burdens Christ may lay upon them. It is through the cross alone that we can estimate the worth of the human soul. Such is the value of men for whom Christ died that the Father is satisfied with the infinite price which He pays for the salvation of man in yielding up His own Son to die for their redemption. What wisdom, mercy, and love in its fullness are here manifested! The worth of man is known only by going to Calvary. In the mystery of the cross of Christ we can place an estimate upon man.  {LHU 242.2}  

The Propitiation for Sin: Christ Had Provided All Divine Requirements

By obedience the people were to give evidence of their faith. So all who hope to be saved by the merits of the blood of Christ should realize that they themselves have something to do in securing their salvation. While it is Christ only that can redeem us from the penalty of transgression, we are to turn from sin to obedience. Man is to be saved by faith, not by works; yet his faith must be shown by his works. God has given His Son to die as a propitiation for sin, He has manifested the light of truth, the way of life, He has given facilities, ordinances, and privileges; and now man must co-operate with these saving agencies; he must appreciate and use the helps that God has provided--believe and obey all the divine requirements.  {PP 279.1}

The Righteousness of Christ Will Shine in Brightness Upon Us

 Christ's death and resurrection completed His covenant. Before this time, it was revealed through types and shadows, which pointed to the great offering to be made by the world's Redeemer, offered in promise for the sins of the world. Anciently believers were saved by the same Saviour as now, but it was a God veiled. They saw God's mercy in figures. The promise given to Adam and Eve in Eden was the gospel to a fallen race. The promise was made that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head, and it should bruise His heel. Christ's sacrifice is the glorious fulfillment of the whole Jewish economy. The Sun of Righteousness has risen. Christ our righteousness is shining in brightness upon us.  {7BC 932.3}  

Consider the Following

At the end of this section, Paul wanted his readers to understand what salvation is and what is God’s and our part in it:

(1) We are saved by grace

(2) Faith is the means

(3) But faith is not ours; it is a gift from God

(4) Our work cannot save us

(5) Therefore, no one can boast about their salvation

(6) After saving us, God recreates us for good works

(7) God had already prepared beforehand every good work we do

It is clear: Salvation comes from God; we just have to accept it.


Friday - June 23, 2023

Further Study, and Meditation

Conversion is a work that most do not appreciate. It is not a small matter to transform an earthly, sin-loving mind and bring it to understand the unspeakable love of Christ, the charms of His grace, and the excellency of God, so that the soul shall be imbued with divine love and captivated with the heavenly mysteries. When he understands these things, his former life appears disgusting and hateful. He hates sin, and, breaking his heart before God, he embraces Christ as the life and joy of the soul. He renounces his former pleasures. He has a new mind, new affections, new interest, new will; his sorrows, and desires, and love are all new. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, which have heretofore been preferred before Christ, are now turned from, and Christ is the charm of his life, the crown of his rejoicing. Heaven, which once possessed no charms, is now viewed in its riches and glory; and he contemplates it as his future home, where he shall see, love, and praise the One who hath redeemed him by His precious blood.  {2T 294.2}  


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“In the matchless gift of His Son, God has encircled the whole world with an atmosphere of grace as real as the air which circulates around the globe. All who choose to breathe this life-giving atmosphere will live and grow up to the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus.” E. G. W. (Steps to Christ, ch. 8, p. 68)

“O Precious, loving, long-suffering, long-forbearing Jesus, how my soul adores Thee! That a poor, unworthy, sin-polluted soul can stand before the Holy God, complete in the righteousness of our Substitute and Surety! Wonder, O Heavens, and be astonished, O earth, that fallen man is the object of His infinite love and delight.” E. G. W. (The Upward Look, December 29)