Sabbath Afternoon - July 22-28, 2023

Reading for the Week

Eph. 2:11-22; Rom. 3:31; Rom. 7:12; Isa. 52:7; Isa. 57:19; John 14:27; 1 Cor. 3:9-17. 

Prayer Thought

“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:19-25). {OFC 273.4} 


Memory Text

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us]. {Ephesian 2:13, 14}


This week's SS Lesson will gaze at how we are transformed from being far from God and strangers of this world were drawn closer to the Creator through the Blood of the Lamb. This includes the immeasurable initiative of Jesus as our mediator to mend the divine and human through a horizontal at-one-ment.


Study Outline
Sunday - July 23, 2023

Brought Near in Christ - The Division (Eph.2:11-12)

Ephesians 2:1-3, 11, 12, 17, 18; Isaiah 57:19.  

Monday - July 24, 2023

Reconciliation:  God's  Gift From the Cross (Eph. 2:13-14)

Eph. 2:13, 14-16, 11-22;   1:7, 8; 4:32; Eph. 5:2, 25;  Col. 1:19-22.

Tuesday - July 25, 2023

Breaking Down the Dividing Wall - The Broken Wall (Eph. 2:15-16)

 Eph. 2:14, 15; 4:25; 5:3-14, 21-33; , 4:28; 3:31, 7:12.  

Wednesday - July 26, 2023

Jesus, Preacher of Peace - The Message of Peace (Eph. 2:17-18)

 Ephesians 2:11-22; 4:3; 6:14, 15; Rom. 10:14, 15; Eph. 2:17-19, Isa. 52:7, Isa. 57:19; John 14:27; 16:33; 20:19, 21, 26.

Thursday - July 27, 2023

The Church, a Holy Temple - The Temple of the Lord (Eph. 2:19-22)

Ephesians 2:1-10,11-22;  1 Cor. 3:9-17; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; 1 Pet. 2:4-8.   


Friday - July 28, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

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Sunday - July 23, 2023

Brought Near in Christ - The Division (Eph.2:11-12)

Ephesians 2:1-3, 11, 12, 17, 18).  Isaiah 57:19.  

“Therefore, remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called 'the uncircumcision' by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:11-12)

Become Fellow Citizens with the Saints

The hearts of Paul and his associate workers were drawn out in behalf of those who were "without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world." Through the untiring ministrations of the apostles to the Gentiles, the "strangers and foreigners," who "sometimes were far off," learned that they had been "made nigh by the blood of Christ," and that through faith in His atoning sacrifice they might become "fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God." Ephesians 2:12, 13, 19.  {AA 175.1}  

Advancing in faith, Paul labored unceasingly for the upbuilding of God's kingdom among those who had been neglected by the teachers in Israel. Constantly he exalted Christ Jesus as "the King of kings, and Lord of lords" (1 Timothy 6:15), and exhorted the believers to be "rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith." Colossians 2:7.  {AA 175.2}  

Remain within the Possibilities of Forgiveness

The greatest sins are brought in through those who profess to be sanctified and claim that they cannot sin. Yet many of this class are sinning daily and are corrupt in heart and life. Such are self-sufficient and self-righteous, making their own standard of righteousness and utterly failing to meet the Bible standard. Notwithstanding their high claims, they are strangers to the covenant of promise. It is in great mercy that God bears with their perversity and that they are not cut down as cumberers of the ground, but still remain within the possibilities of forgiveness. The forbearance of God is continually presumed upon and His mercy abused. David in his day thought that men had exceeded the boundaries of the long-suffering of God, and that He must interfere to vindicate His honor and restrain unrighteousness.  {5T 139.1}  

Equal Blessings to the Jews and to the Gentiles

The Gentiles knew nothing of circumcision, but they were to be brought under the covenant of grace given to Abraham. The Lord talked with Paul, and told him that the blessings given to the Jewish nation were given equally to the Gentiles. And Paul writes to them: "Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world; but now, in Christ Jesus, ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."  {ST, March 25, 1897 par. 7}  

Consider the Following

The Jews despised the Gentiles because they were uncircumcised. And the Gentiles despised the Jews because of their circumcision! — But the difference between the two peoples was deeper than an external sign. Before knowing Jesus, the Gentiles were unaware of the true path of salvation: They did not belong to the chosen people of God, They had no part in the covenant made with Israel, They had no hope, They had no God. 

How can we help those who are currently in the same condition? 


Monday - July 24, 2023

Reconciliation:  God's  Gift From the Cross

Eph. 2:13, 14-16, 11-22;   1:7, 8; 4:32; Eph. 5:2, 25;  Col. 1:19-22.

“But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:13-14)


The Completeness of His Humanity and the Perfection of His Divinity

You have been called upon to travel a thorny path, but Jesus is at your side to journey the rough road with you. He knows, He understands every woe, every sorrow of those who suffer. His heart beats in sympathy with the hearts of suffering humanity, and those who suffer most have most of His pity and sympathy. He is your best Friend. He is your Mediator. The completeness of His humanity, the perfection of His divinity, form for us a strong ground upon which we may be brought into reconciliation with God. It was when we were yet sinners that Christ died for us. We have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins. His nail-pierced hands are outreached toward heaven and earth. With one hand He lays hold of sinners upon earth, and with the other He grasps the throne of the Infinite, and thus He makes reconciliation for us. Christ is today standing as our Advocate before the Father. He is the one Mediator between God and man. Bearing the marks of His crucifixion, He pleads the causes of our souls.  {10MR 177.1}  

Recreating the Image of God in Humanity

The Lord Jesus came to earth that he might recreate the image of God in man. He says to the repenting sinner, "A new heart will I give you." "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." He who abides in Christ, and has Christ abiding in his heart by faith, cannot retain the same unlovely traits of character as were made manifest in his life before he had a connection with Christ. Christ came to save men from their sins, not in their sins. "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation" "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." "We then as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain." "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness."  {ST, August 21, 1893 par. 2}  

Christ Makes an End of the Curse of Sin

In order to be candidates for heaven we must meet the requirement of the law: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself" (Luke 10:27). We can do this only as we grasp by faith the righteousness of Christ. By beholding Jesus we receive a living, expanding principle in the heart, and the Holy Spirit carries on the work, and the believer advances from grace to grace, from strength to strength, from character to character. He conforms to the image of Christ, until in spiritual growth he attains unto the measure of the full stature in Christ Jesus. Thus Christ makes an end of the curse of sin, and sets the believing soul free from its action and effect.  {1SM 395.1}  

Christ alone is able to do this, for "in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted" (Hebrews 2:17, 18). Reconciliation means that every barrier between the soul and God is removed, and that the sinner realizes what the pardoning love of God means. By reason of the sacrifice made by Christ for fallen men, God can justly pardon the transgressor who accepts the merits of Christ. Christ was the channel through which the mercy, love, and righteousness might flow from the heart of God to the heart of the sinner. "He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).  {1SM 395.2} 

Consider the Following

By accepting Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles found a point of unity and brotherhood. — Those who were far off (Gentiles) are now near. They are redeemed, just like the Jews. — Jews and Gentiles leave their hostilities at the foot of the cross. The cross eliminates enmity, bringing forth peace. — Jesus reconciles them, creating one people. They are now brothers and sisters; a united family. 

Reconciliation is experienced when church members set aside their differences and recognize the other members of the church as beloved brothers and sisters. Jesus is the only one who can bring about the miracle of reconciliation. 


Tuesday - July 25, 2023

Breaking Down the Dividing Wall

 Eph. 2:14, 15; 4:25; 5:3-14, 21-33; , 4:28; 3:31, 7:12.  

“by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility” (Ephesians 2:15-16)

The Entire Mission  of the Son of God - Breaking the Wall of Partition

The message of the Greeks, indicating as it did the breaking down of the partition wall between Jew and Gentile, brought before Jesus his entire mission, from the time when it was first decided in Heaven that he should come to earth as man's Redeemer, to the death that he knew awaited him in the immediate future. A mysterious cloud seemed to enshroud the Son of God. It was a gloom that was felt by those who were in close contact with him. He sat wrapped in thought. At last the silence was broken by his mournful voice: "Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour; but for this cause came I unto this hour." A foreboding of his coming conflict with the powers of darkness, by reason of the position he had voluntarily taken in regard to bearing the guilt of fallen man and taking upon himself the Father's wrath because of sin, caused the spirit of Jesus to faint, and the pallor of death to overspread his countenance.  {3SP 76.2}  

Partition Wall between the Israelites and the World

Paul's indignation was stirred. His voice was raised in stern rebuke: "If ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing." The party maintaining that Christianity was valueless without circumcision arrayed themselves against the apostle, and he had to meet them in every church which he founded or visited: in Jerusalem, Antioch, Galatia, Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome. God urged him out to the great work of preaching Christ, and Him crucified; circumcision or uncircumcision was nothing. The Judaizing party looked upon Paul as an apostate, bent upon breaking down the partition wall which God had established between the Israelites and the world. They visited every church which he had organized, creating divisions. Holding that the end would justify the means, they circulated false charges against the apostle, and endeavored to bring him into disrepute. As Paul, in visiting the churches, followed after these zealous and unscrupulous opposers, he met many who viewed him with distrust, and some who even despised his labors.  {6BC 1111.2}  

These divisions in regard to the ceremonial law, and the relative merits of the different ministers teaching the doctrine of Christ, caused the apostle much anxiety and hard labor [1 Corinthians 1:10-13 quoted] (LP 121, 122).  {6BC 1111.3}  

Satan's Device to Break Down the Wall of Privacy of the Family

 This is all wrong. Satan is at the bottom of it; and unless you are alarmed and stop just where you are, he will lead you to ruin. You cannot observe too great caution and encourage too much reserve in this matter. If you have tender, loving words and kindly attentions to bestow, let them be given to him whom you have promised before God and angels to love, respect, and honor while you both shall live. Oh, how many lives are made bitter by the breaking down of the walls which enclose the privacies of every family and which are calculated to preserve its purity and sanctity! A third person is taken into the confidence of the wife, and her private family matters are laid open before the special friend. This is the device of Satan to estrange the hearts of the husband and wife. Oh, that this would cease! what a world of trouble would be saved! Lock within your own hearts the knowledge of each other's faults. Tell your troubles alone to God. He can give you right counsel and sure consolation, which will be pure, having no bitterness in it.  {2T 462.2}  

Consider the Following

To achieve the unity of Jews and Gentiles, Jesus broke down "the dividing wall of hostility" and "set aside in His flesh the law with its commands and regulations" (2:15). Did He abolish the Ten Commandments? 

If that were the case, why did Paul encourage the church to continue keeping them? Furthermore, who would argue against not killing or stealing? 

Paul mentioned these commandments: The 5th (6:2-3), The 7th (5:3), The 8th (4:28), The 9th (4:25), The 10th (5:5) 

The law that generated conflicts between Jews and Gentiles was the ceremonial law that the Jews had made a means of salvation, and to which they had added their own precepts (Acts 15:5; Colossians 2:20-22; Galatians 2:11-14) 

Wednesday - July 26, 2023

Jesus, Preacher of Peace 

 Ephesians 2:11-22; 4:3; 6:14, 15; Rom. 10:14, 15; Eph. 2:17-19, Isa. 52:7, Isa. 57:19; John 14:27; 16:33; 20:19, 21, 26.

“And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:17-18)

Jesus Didn't Permit the Enemy to Plunge Him into the Mire of Unbelief, Despondency and Despair 

Instead of murmuring against God in times of trial, let us remember that Jesus, the Majesty of heaven, suffered being tempted. Jesus did not permit the enemy to plunge him into the mire of unbelief, despondency, and despair. But how often we permit it, and because we have but little moral power, not doing the works of Christ, we do not resist the first insinuations of the evil one! The promise is given: "Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." How precious to the tempted soul is this positive promise! If anyone is tempted, let him keep his eyes upon Jesus, and draw nigh to God, talking of his goodness and mercy. When the tempted soul realizes that Jesus is drawing nigh unto him, the annoyances that he thought unbearable will vanish. "For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."  {ST, August 28, 1893 par. 4}  

Through Jesus, We both Have Access by One Spirit Unto the Father

Jesus presented the Father as one to whom we could give our confidence and present our wants. When we are in terror of God, and overwhelmed with the thought of His glory and majesty, the Father points us to Christ as His representative. What you see revealed in Jesus, of tenderness, compassion, and love, is the reflection of the attributes of the Father. The cross of Calvary reveals to man the love of God. Christ represents the Sovereign of the universe as a God of love. By the mouth of the prophet He said, "I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee" (Jeremiah 31:3).  {HP 18.3}  

We have access to God through the merits of the name of Christ, and God invites us to bring to Him our trials and temptations; for He understands them all. He would not have us pour out our woes to human ears. Through the blood of Christ we may come to the throne of grace and find grace to help in time of need. We may come with assurance, saying, "My acceptance is in the Beloved." "For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him" (Ephesians 2:18; 3:12).  {HP 18.4} 

Consider the Following

Paul sees in the Ephesians the fulfillment of Isaiah 52:7 and 57:19. Christ had proclaimed (through the apostles) the gospel of peace to both Gentiles (who were far off) and Jews (who were near). 

Jesus gave us His peace (John 14:27). He Himself is our peace (Ephesians 2:14). And wherever the gospel is preached, peace is proclaimed (Acts 10:36). 

What brings us that peace? It is the knowledge that we are forgiven, redeemed, and reconciled with God (Romans 5:1). 


Thursday - July 27, 2023

The Church, a Holy Temple

Ephesians 2:1-10,11-22;  1 Cor. 3:9-17; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; 1 Pet. 2:4-8.  

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:19-22)

No Human Ways will Find Place in the Kingdom of Heaven

Christ died on Calvary that man might have power to overcome his natural tendencies to sin. But one says, "Can I not have my own way, and act myself?--No, you cannot have your way, and enter the kingdom of heaven. No "my way" will be there. No human ways will find place in the kingdom of heaven. Our ways must be lost in God's ways.  {RH, February 23, 1892 par. 9}  

Abraham was a man who kept the way of the Lord, and he is called the father of the faithful, the friend of God. God said of Abraham, "I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." Do fathers and mothers follow the example of Abraham, or do they indulge their children in evil ways, and suffer wickedness in their households? Do they pass over sin in their children, and forget that they are younger members of the Lord's family?  {RH, February 23, 1892 par. 10}  

All Has Been Done for Man's Salvation 

What a promise is here made upon condition of obedience. Is it necessary to sever your connection with friends and relatives in deciding to obey the elevated truths of God's word? Take courage; God has made provision for you, his arms are opened to receive you. He promises to be a Father unto you. Oh, what a relationship is this! higher and holier than any earthly tie. If you make the sacrifice, even forsaking father, mother, sisters, or brothers, for Christ's sake, you will not be friendless. God will adopt you into his family; you will become members of the royal household, sons and daughters of the Heavenly King who rules in the Heaven of heavens. Can you desire a more exalted position than is here promised? It is not enough? What could God do for the children of men more than he has already done? If such love, such exalted promises, are not appreciated, could God devise anything higher, anything richer and more lofty? All has been done for the salvation of man that God could do, and yet the hearts of the children of men have become hardened. Because of the multiplicity of the blessings with which God has surrounded them, they are received as common things and the gracious Benefactor is forgotten.  {RH, March 11, 1880 par. 26}  

The Faithful Discharge of Our Appointed Duties

By obedience to the truth he may become a vessel of honor, fit for the Master's use. We could not but have pleasant anticipations for every member of the family,--that parents and children would be united in the truth. We cannot measure the influence that his family might wield on the Lord's side, if they were all as one in the faith of the Bible. If they have the religion of Christ in the heart, we know that each one will be as a lighted lamp, diffusing light on all in their pathway, and our hope will not be disappointed in them. May the Lord strengthen the God-fearing mother to follow in the path of humble obedience, doing the will of God, molding and fashioning the characters of her children for the future immortal life; and my prayer is, that she may have her husband with her to enjoy the blessings of God, and to engage in the service of her master. I have a fervent desire to see this husband and father yield submission to the precepts of the gospel, and become faithful in the discharge of his appointed duties, that the entire household may honor God.  {RH, July 3, 1888 par. 2}  

Consider the Following

At the cross, Jesus demolished all separation among believers. Now they can work together as a compact "building." A spiritual building that constitutes a holy temple.

Jesus Christ is the cornerstone upon which the temple stands; the Bible (the teaching of the apostles and prophets) is its foundation; the Holy Spirit coordinates each part and causes the building to grow. 

With this analogy, Paul concludes his exposition about the two peoples. Where there were once walls, there is now harmony. We all work together, growing "in the Spirit. 


Friday - June 23, 2023

Further Study, and Meditation

We want the knowledge of our Saviour. It is not best for every one of us to begin to teach our children to be polite in the home and polite to God? Is not this the work that as "laborers together with God" it is our bounden duty to do?  {SpM 241.1}  

From the light that God has given me for years, I know that the households of His people are in great need of purification. The end is nearer than when we first believed. As fathers and mothers, we are to purify ourselves, even as Christ is pure; that is, we are to be perfect in our sphere, even as God is perfect in His sphere. Instead of backsliding, we should now be conformed to the will of heaven, the heavenliness of heaven. Let us put away the spirit of murmuring and complaining, remembering that by cherishing such a spirit we are disrespectful to God. We are living in his dwelling-place; we are members of His family--His by creation and by redemption. Every one is to cherish feelings of respect and tenderness for those with whom he associates. In our relations with one another we should be careful never to mar and scar the life and the spirit of others. When in life and character we show the miracle-working power of God, the world will take knowledge of us, that we have been with Jesus and learned of Him.  {SpM 241.2} 


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“We have not six patterns to follow, nor five; we have only one, and that is Christ Jesus. If the Italian brethren, the French brethren, and the German brethren try to be like Him, they will plant their feet upon the same foundation of truth; the same spirit that dwells in one will dwell in the other—Christ in them, the hope of glory. I warn you, brethren and sisters, not to build up a wall of partition between different nationalities. On the contrary, seek to break it down wherever it exists. We should endeavor to bring all into the harmony that there is in Jesus, laboring for the one object, the salvation of our fellow men” E. G. W. (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, Ch. 18, p. 181)


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