Sabbath Afternoon - July 29, 2023

Reading for the Week

Ephesians 3; Job 11:5-9; Ezek. 43:13-16; Amos 7:7, 8; Rev. 11:1, 2. 

Prayer Thought

Thus the Lord had given Paul his commission to enter the broad missionary field of the Gentile world. To prepare him for this extensive and difficult work, God had brought him into close connection with Himself and had opened before his enraptured vision views of the beauty and glory of heaven. To him had been given the ministry of making known "the mystery" which had been "kept secret since the world began" (Romans 16:25),--"the mystery of His will" (Ephesians 1:9), "which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel: whereof," declares Paul, "I was made a minister. . . . Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Ephesians 3:5-11.  {AA 159.2}  


Memory Text

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,  

Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.  {Eph. 3:20, 21}


This week's SS Lesson will explore the passion of Paul to extend the mysteries of salvation offered by Jesus Christ which encompasses the whole world. This includes the inspiration that makes his ministry to the Gentiles a success amidst hardship even to the extent of his imprisonment.


Study Outline
The Receiver of the Revelation - Eph. 3:1, 13

Sunday - July 30, 2023

The Imprisonment of Paul 

Eph. 3; Eph. 3:1, 2-13, 14; 4:1; 6:20; Acts 28:16

The Revelation

Monday - July 31, 2023

The Mystery of Christ: Eph. 3:2-6

 Eph. 3:1-6, 7, 8;  Eph. 1:9, 10; Eph. 2:11-22.

Tuesday - Aug. 1, 2023

Reflection of God's Wisdom - God Revealed Through His Church (Eph. 3:7-12

Ephesians 3:7-13; Gal. 1:1; 1 Cor. 15:9;   1 Tim. 1:15;   

Consequences of the Revelation

Wednesday - Aug. 2, 2023

Christ, Dwelling in Your Heart - A Family that knows God: Eph. 3:14-19

 Ephesians 1:16-19,  Ephesians 3:14-19; Job 11:5-9; Ephesians 2:19-22;  Amos 7:7, 8; Rev. 11:1, 2:  Rom. 8:35-39).  

Thursday - Aug. 3, 2023

Glory to God in Christ Jesus (Eph. 3:20-21)

Eph. 3:14-19, 20, 21; 1:9, 10, 15-23.

Friday - Aug. 4, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

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The Receiver of the Revelation - Eph. 3:1, 13
Sunday - July 30, 2023

The Imprisonment of Paul 

Eph. 3; Eph. 3:1, 2-13, 14; 4:1; 6:20; Acts 28:16

For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,...  Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.  {Eph. 3:1, 13}


Being a Tactful and Loving Servant

Paul might have urged upon Philemon his duty as a Christian; but he chose rather the language of entreaty: "As Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ, I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds; which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me."  {AA 457.2}

The apostle asked Philemon, in view of the conversion of Onesimus, to receive the repentant slave as his own child, showing him such affection that he would choose to dwell with his former master, "not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved." He expressed his desire to retain Onesimus as one who could minister to him in his bonds as Philemon himself would have done, though he did not desire his services unless Philemon should of his own accord set the slave free.  {AA 457.3}  

 

Paul's Resiliency Brings Joy and Glory 

Though he was a prisoner, Paul was not discouraged. Instead, a note of triumph rings through the letters that he wrote from Rome to the churches. "Rejoice in the Lord alway," he wrote to the Philippians, "and again I say, Rejoice. . . . Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."  {AA 484.2}  

"My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. . . . The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all."  {AA 484.3}  

Prisoner of Christ not of Rome - Paul Rejoices in Prison

Again the Lord appeared to Paul and revealed to him that he must go up to Jerusalem, that he would there be bound and suffer for His name. Although he was a prisoner for a great length of time, yet the Lord carried forward His special work through him. His bonds were to be the means of spreading the knowledge of Christ and thus glorifying God. As he was sent from city to city for his trial, his testimony concerning Jesus and the interesting incidents of his own conversion were related before kings and governors, that they should be left without excuse concerning Jesus. Thousands believed on Him and rejoiced in His name. I saw that God's special purpose was fulfilled in the journey of Paul upon the sea; He designed that the ship's crew might thus witness the power of God through Paul and that the heathen also might hear the name of Jesus, and that many might be converted through the teaching of Paul and by witnessing the miracles he wrought. Kings and governors were charmed by his reasoning, and as with zeal and the power of the Holy Spirit he preached Jesus and related the interesting events of his experience, conviction fastened upon them that Jesus was the Son of God. While some wondered with amazement as they listened to Paul, one cried out, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Yet the most of those who heard thought that at some future time they would consider what they had heard. Satan took advantage of the delay, and, as they neglected the opportunity when their hearts were softened, it was forever lost. Their hearts became hardened.  {EW 207.1}  

Consider the Following

When Paul wrote to the Ephesians (62 AD), he was in chains (Ephesians 6:20). He expected to be judged before Nero. Therefore, he was considered a criminal suspect. This situation was causing discouragement among the Ephesians (3:13).

But Paul's conscience was clear. From other letters he wrote at the same time as Ephesians, we know that he was confident in being released soon (Philippians 2:24; Philemon 22). Furthermore, he never considered himself a prisoner of Rome. He was a "prisoner of Christ" (3:1). Imprisoned for believing and preaching Christ. And even in his confinement, he continued to gather groups of people to proclaim the gospel to them (Ephesians 6:18-20)


The Revelation

Monday - July 31, 2023

The Mystery of Christ: Eph. 3:2-6

 Eph. 3:1-6, 7, 8;  Eph. 1:9, 10; Eph. 2:11-22.

If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:  How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. {Eph. 3:2-6}


The Gospel Breaks the Barrier - We are Partakers of the Truth

The Saviour longed to unfold to His disciples the truth regarding the breaking down of the "middle wall of partition" between Israel and the other nations--the truth that "the Gentiles should be fellow heirs" with the Jews and "partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel." Ephesians 2:14; 3:6. This truth was revealed in part at the time when He rewarded the faith of the centurion at Capernaum, and also when He preached the gospel to the inhabitants of Sychar. Still more plainly was it revealed on the occasion of His visit to Phoenicia, when He healed the daughter of the Canaanite woman. These experiences helped the disciples to understand that among those whom many regarded as unworthy of salvation, there were souls hungering for the light of truth.  {AA 19.3} 

The Mystery Revealed - In Christ Jesus and by Him Alone

To him had been given the ministry of making known "the mystery" which had been "kept secret since the world began" (Romans 16:25),--"the mystery of His will" (Ephesians 1:9), "which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel: whereof," declares Paul, "I was made a minister. . . . Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Ephesians 3:5-11.  {AA 159.2}  

All Things through Him, the Mysteries Unveiled and Unfolded

God wants us to be His sons and His daughters. He wants us, during the hours of probation here, to be fitted up with all these graces that He has presented “according as his divine power hath given unto us all things.” Nothing is withheld that pertains unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue. Then the rich promise is that we shall be partakers of the divine nature. This means everything to us, to be a partaker of the divine nature. {CTr 206.3} 

Consider the Following

This mystery God revealed to Paul had not been fully revealed before but has now been disclosed through the apostles and prophets who have received the gift of the Holy Spirit (3:5).

And what is this mystery? "This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus." (3:6).

Until the death of Jesus, God primarily revealed Himself to the people of Israel. Now the revelation encompasses everyone, without distinction of ethnicities.


Tuesday - Aug. 1, 2023

Reflection of God's Wisdom - God Revealed Through His Church (Eph. 3:7-12

Ephesians 3:7-13; Gal. 1:1; 1 Cor. 15:9;   1 Tim. 1:15;   

"Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him." {Eph. 3:7-12}


Church: The Heaven's Agency of Revealing Christ to the World

Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven's chosen agency for revealing Christ to the world. We are to acknowledge His grace as made known through the holy men of old; but that which will be most effectual is the testimony of our own experience. We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked by our own individuality. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christlike life, have an irresistible power, that works for the salvation of souls.-- {The Desire of Ages, p. 347}

God's Witnesses Scattered All Over the Earth

God cannot display the knowledge of His will and the wonders of His grace among the unbelieving world, unless He has witnesses scattered all over the earth. It is His plan that those who are partakers of this great salvation through Jesus Christ, should be His missionaries, bodies of light throughout the world, to be as signs to the people, living epistles, known and read of all men, their faith and works testifying to the near approach of the coming Saviour, and showing that they have not received the grace of God in vain. The people must be warned to prepare for the coming judgment.--Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 631, 632. 

Only the Holy Spirit Can Make Changes in our Lives and Glorify God

The religion of Christ is sincerity itself. Zeal for God's glory is the motive implanted by the Holy Spirit; and only the effectual working of the Spirit can implant this motive. Only the power of God can banish self-seeking and hypocrisy. This change is the sign of His working. When the faith we accept destroys selfishness and pretense, when it leads us to seek God's glory and not our own, we may know that it is of the right order. "Father, glorify Thy name" (John 12:28), was the keynote of Christ's life, and if we follow Him, this will be the keynote of our life. He commands us to "walk, even as He walked;" and "hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments." 1 John 2:6, 3.  {DA 409.3} 


Consider the Following

Although Paul had received special revelations, he did not consider himself special. He had a sense of unworthiness (3:8); he saw himself as a sinner (1 Timothy 1:15).

The closer we are to Jesus, the more unworthy we see ourselves, more aware of our sinful nature. But at the same time, we are being transformed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18).

The change that occurs in our lives is a testimony that allows us to make known the wisdom of God even to the heavenly powers (3:10). In what sense does this happen?

(1) The faithful angels understand the wisdom of God in His dealings with the powers of evil.

(2) The malevolent angels understand that their false accusations about the character of God have been exposed, and that they are defeated and condemned.

Consequences of the Revelation

Wednesday - Aug. 2, 2023

Christ, Dwelling in Your Heart - A Family that knows God: Eph. 3:14-19

 Ephesians 1:16-19,  Ephesians 3:14-19; Job 11:5-9; Ephesians 2:19-22;  Amos 7:7, 8; Rev. 11:1, 2:  Rom. 8:35-39).  

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;  And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. {Eph. 3:14-19}


The Power Works in Us to Secure the Favor of God

“Think not,” he said, “that God is in this temple more than in any other part of creation. Wherever he has fixed your dwelling he encompasses you, and hears you. . . . 

God looks upon the heart—and our heart is far off from God.” “Christ,” he said, “who offered himself on the cross once for all, is the sacrifice and victim that satisfies for all eternity, for the sins of all believers.”  {GC88 175.1} 

Every Action an Influence and Each One is Responsible 

Every word you speak, every action you perform, has an influence for good or evil upon those who associate with you; and, oh! how necessary it is that you have Christ dwelling in your heart by faith, that your words may be words of life, and your works, the works of love.--RH, June 12, 1888.  {2MCP 433.3}  

God holds everyone responsible for the influence that surrounds his soul, on his own account, and on the account of others. He calls upon young men and young women to be strictly temperate and conscientious in the use of their faculties of mind and body. Their capabilities can be developed only by the diligent use and wise appropriation of their powers to the glory of God and the benefit of their fellowmen.--Lt 145, 1897.  {2MCP 433.4}  


Quickened By God's Holy Spirit - Self-Denial and Love Manifested

Your life thus far has been unprofitable. You have some very good ideas, but the Spirit of God does not dwell in your heart. You are not quickened by His power, and you have not genuine faith, hope, and love. The Spirit of Christ dwelling in you will enable you to take of the things of God and reveal them to others. You can be of no benefit to the cause of God till the work of a faithful minister of Christ is more exalted in your mind. You want a purpose in your life to do good, as did Jesus. The self-denial and love which you manifest in this work will tell upon the lives and characters of others.  {3T 466.2}  

Consider the Following

Paul kneels to pray to the Father. He begins with a beautiful statement (in Greek): every family (patria) takes its name from the Father (patēr). In other words, all families (no matter how imperfect they may be) belong to the Father (3:15).

He then asks the impossible, that we may know (in four dimensions) what "surpasses

knowledge": the love of Christ (3:18-19).


Thursday - Aug. 3, 2023

Glory to God in Christ Jesus (Eph. 3:20-21)

Eph. 3:14-19, 20, 21; 1:9, 10, 15-23.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. {Eph. 3:20-21}


Evidence of Well-Ordered Life and Conversation

We need not assume an appearance of melancholy, and sigh and groan and mourn to give evidence that we are Christians, especially devoted and sanctified. And it is no test of vital godliness to be talkative, parading our piety and our knowledge of the truth before others. But the real manifestation of Christ dwelling in your heart will be recognized by a well-ordered life and conversation. Your life will shine with the graces of the Spirit; meekness, kindness, tender compassion, the love of Jesus, and genuine lowliness of heart, will characterize your daily walk.  {ST, December 15, 1887 par. 11}  

Manifested in Good Works and Glorify the Father

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." Religion is not to be held as a precious treasure, jealously hoarded, and enjoyed only by the possessor. True religion cannot be thus held; for such a spirit is contrary to the very principle of the gospel. "Freely ye have received, freely give," are the words of our Master; and again he bids us, "Love one another as I have loved you." If Christ is dwelling in the heart, it is impossible to conceal the light of his presence; it is impossible for that light to grow dim. It will grow brighter and brighter, as day by day the mists of selfishness and sin that envelop the soul are dispelled by its bright beams.  {RH, January 24, 1882 par. 4}  

Strive to Make Our Light Shine with the Source of Light

But Jesus did not bid the disciples, "Strive to make your light shine;" He said, "Let it shine." If Christ is dwelling in the heart, it is impossible to conceal the light of His presence. If those who profess to be followers of Christ are not the light of the world, it is because the vital power has left them; if they have no light to give, it is because they have no connection with the Source of light.  {MB 41.1}  

Christ Dwells in the Heart by Faith

Since Jesus has made such an infinite sacrifice for us, how cruel it is that we should remain indifferent. Individually we have cost the life of the Son of God, and he desires us to walk out by living faith, believing in him with all the heart. He would have you bring the truth of God into the inner sanctuary, to soften and subdue the soul; for when Christ is dwelling in your heart by faith, you will love those for whom he died. Suppose that the trump of God should sound tonight, 

To be wanting in that day is to be wanting forever; for when Christ shall come in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, we must be all ready to be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and to be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. Your only safety is in coming to Christ, and ceasing from sin this very moment. The sweet voice of mercy is sounding in your ears today, but 

 How precious will be the appearing of Christ to those who have done good upon the earth. Jesus, our Redeemer, is coming back to the world, and all those who believe in him, who love him, and keep his commandments, will be able to say, "Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us." {ST, August 29, 1892 par. 5} 


Consider the Following

As Paul meditates on the love of Christ, he bursts into a doxology of praise and glory, praying that Christ may be glorified in His Church.

— This doxology teaches us that:

(1) God is able to do far more than what we ask

(2) God can do for us what we don't even understand

(3) His power works in us

(4) As a Church, we must always give glory to Jesus

— Which of these teachings are especially significant to you?


Friday - Aug. 4, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

The creation of the worlds, the mystery of the gospel, are for one purpose, to make manifest to all created intelligences, through nature and through Christ, the glories of the divine character. By the marvelous display of His love in giving "his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life," the glory of God is revealed to lost humanity and to the intelligences of other worlds.  {AG 129.3}  

Jesus encircles the race with His human arm, while with His divine arm He lays hold upon infinity. He is the "daysman" between a holy God and our sinful humanity--one who can "lay his hand on us both" (Job 9:33).  {AG 129.4}  

The terms of this oneness between God and man in the great covenant of redemption were arranged with Christ from all eternity. The covenant of grace was revealed to the patriarchs. The covenant made with Abraham . . . was a covenant confirmed by God in Christ, the very same gospel which is preached to us. . . . Paul speaks of the gospel, the preaching of Jesus Christ, as "the revelation of the mystery, which hath been kept in silence through times eternal, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known unto all the nations unto obedience of faith" (Romans 16:25, 26, R.V.).  {AG 129.5}  


Questions to Ponder

Meat In Due Season - 5. Mighty Stone and the Great Image of Daniel 2 (google.com) 

Meat In Due Season - 6. The Establishment of the Kingdom of Glory (google.com) 

Present Truth Lessons 2020 - Lesson 7 Purification of the Church (google.com) 

Present Truth Lessons 2020 - Lesson 11: Kingdom of Glory (google.com) 


From the Pen of Inspiration

“It is Christ dwelling in the soul that gives us spiritual power, and makes us channels of light. The more light we have, the more we can impart to others around us. The more closely we live to Jesus, the clearer views shall we have of His loveliness. As we behold Him in His purity, we discern more clearly our own faults of character. We yearn after Him, and for that fullness that is in Him, and that shines out in the perfection of His heavenly character; and by beholding we become changed into His image.” E. G. W. (Lift Him Up, September 9)