Sabbath Afternoon - Aug. 5, 2023

Reading for the Week

Eph. 4:1-16; Phil. 2:3; Ps. 68:18; Acts 2; 1 Cor. 12:4-11, 27-30; Isa. 5:4. 

Prayer Thought

“Know ye not that . . . ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price.” And what a price it was—the sacrifice of Christ to save a perishing world. . . . All who are united with Christ will come out of the world and be separate. They will not enter into the world from any choice of their own. They will not by their associations place themselves in the way of temptation. They will not be educated in worldly lines. They will choose to come into the school of Christ and learn of the great Teacher. He invites every soul, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Manuscript 21, 1898. {CTr 22.6} 


Memory Text

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: {Eph. 4:11, 12}


This week's SS Lesson will explore into the principles of unity that is charge for each believer to strive for and how it could be achieved not with our own individual effort but with the sanction of the Holy Spirit. This includes the gifts that was provided for the believers and their purposes in the harmonious fulfillment of the Gospel mandates.


Study Outline
Seeking Unity

Sunday - August 6, 2023

The Unity of the Spirit - Eph. 4:1-3

Ephesians 4:1-16; 1:18; 2:4-6, 13; Phil. 2:3;  Col. 2:18, 23

How to Achieve Unity

Monday - August 7, 2023

Together as One in the One - The Seven "ones" - Eph. 4:4-6

Eph. 4:4-6, 12, 16; 1:23; 5:23, 29, 30; 4:13; Col. 1:23; Col. 2:7; Gal. 1:23; 1 Tim. 4:1, 6.

Tuesday - August 8, 2023

The Exalted Christ, Giver of Gifts - The Giver of Gifts - Eph. 4:7-10

Eph. 4:7-10;  Psalm 68:18, 1, 2, 35; Eph. 1:21-23; 4:11, 12.  


Wednesday - August 9, 2023

Gifts of the Exalted Jesus - The Purpose of the Gifts - Eph. 4:11-13

Eph. 4:11-13; 1 Pet. 2:9, Acts 2:46, Acts 12:12;  Isaiah 5:4:  Eph. 4:14. 


The Result of Unity

Thursday - August 10, 2023

Growing Up Into Christ - Eph. 4:14-16

Ephesians 4:1-16


Friday - August 11, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

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Seeking Unity

Sunday - August 6, 2023

The Unity of the Spirit - Eph. 4:1-3

Ephesians 4:1-16; 1:18; 2:4-6, 13; Phil. 2:3;  Col. 2:18, 23

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,  

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;  

Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  {Eph. 4:1-3}


One in Us Principle - Truth Armed with the Omnipotence of the Holy Spirit

In these first disciples was presented marked diversity. They were to be the world's teachers, and they represented widely varied types of character. In order successfully to carry forward the work to which they had been called, these men, differing in natural characteristics and in habits of life, needed to come into unity of feeling, thought, and action. This unity it was Christ's object to secure. To this end He sought to bring them into unity with Himself. The burden of His labor for them is expressed in His prayer to His Father, "That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us;" "that the world may know that Thou has sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me." John 17:21, 23. His constant prayer for them was that they might be sanctified through the truth; and He prayed with assurance, knowing that an Almighty decree had been given before the world was made. He knew that the gospel of the kingdom would be preached to all nations for a witness; He knew that truth armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the battle with evil, and that the bloodstained banner would one day wave triumphantly over His followers.  {AA 20.2}  

Unity of Action - Spirit of God Brings about Oneness - United with One Another

When Christ's prayer is fully believed, when its instruction is brought into the daily life of God's people, unity of action will be seen in our ranks. Brother will be bound to brother by the golden bonds of the love of Christ. The Spirit of God alone can bring about this oneness. He who sanctified Himself can sanctify His disciples. United with Him, they will be united with one another in the most holy faith. When we strive for this unity as God desires us to strive for it, it will come to us. {CCh 45.2} 

 

Unity Must Precede the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit

Notice that it was after the disciples had come into perfect unity, when they were no longer striving for the highest place, that the Spirit was poured out. They were of one accord. All differences had been put away. And the testimony borne of them after the Spirit had been given is the same. Mark the word: "The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul." Acts 4:32. The Spirit of Him who died that sinners might live animated the entire congregation of believers. {CCh 98.4} 

Consider the Following

To achieve "the unity of the Spirit" (4:3), Paul urges the Ephesians to "live a life worthy of the calling you have received." (4:1). What is this calling?

(1) With humility. A virtue that allows us to appreciate and serve others (Philippians 2:3)

(2) With gentleness. Treating one another with courtesy, consideration, and kindness (Galatians 6:1)

(3) With patience. Being able to endure provocation or trials (4:2)

(4) With peace. A bond (union) that is achieved when each member of the church develops the three preceding virtues (4:3)


How to Achieve Unity

Monday - August 7, 2023

Together as One in the One - The Seven "ones" - Eph. 4:4-6

Eph. 4:4-6, 12, 16; 1:23; 5:23, 29, 30; 4:13; Col. 1:23; Col. 2:7; Gal. 1:23; 1 Tim. 4:1, 6. 

[There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;  

One Lord, one faith, one baptism,  

One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all. {Eph. 4:4-6}


One HOPE, BODY and SPIRIT: Calling, Lord, Faith, Baptism, God and Father of All

There is one body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ."  {SpM 219.2}  

We are to learn from past experience how to avoid our failures. We pray to our heavenly Father, "Lead us not into temptation," and then, too often, we fail to guard our feet against leading us into temptation. We are to keep away from the temptation by which we are easily overcome. Our success is brought out by ourselves through the grace of Christ. We are to roll out of the way the stone of stumbling that has caused us and others so much sadness.  {SpM 219.3} 


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The Gospel of Christ Reaches All Classes, Nations, Tongues and People

There is much more made of this than there should be. We have one Lord, one faith, one baptism. The gospel of Christ is to reach all classes, all nations, all tongues and people. The influence of the gospel is to unite in one great brotherhood.  {15MR 361.1}  

We have only one model to imitate, and that is Christ. Then we shall all be in perfect harmony; nationalities will blend in Jesus Christ, having the same mind, the same judgment, speaking the same things, and with one mouth glorifying God. This is the work the world's Redeemer is to do for us. If we accept the truth as it is in Jesus, national prejudices and jealousies will be broken down, and the spirit of truth will blend hearts in one. We will love as brethren; we will esteem others better than ourselves; we will be kind and courteous, meek and lowly, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruit.  {15MR 361.2}  

Built Upon One Foundation - Builded Together through the Spirit of Truth

Christ is represented as dwelling in His people; and believers, as "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone; in whom all the building, fitly framed together, groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit." "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord," says Paul, "beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."  {CW 45.3}  

Consider the Following

Unity based on what is already ONE:

(1) The Holy Spirit (4:4): One body; One Spirit; One hope.

(2) The Son (4:5): One Lord; One faith; One baptism.

(3) The Father (4:6): One God. We must strive to achieve unity (4:3), based on these seven "ones" that emanate from the one God (4:6). For example, we are united when we have one faith, and not various doctrines; we worship one Lord and not several.

God is "in all." That does not that everything is God (pantheism), but rather that God dwells in everyone through His Spirit (John 14:17; 1 Corinthians 3:16).


Tuesday - August 8, 2023

The Exalted Christ, Giver of Gifts - The Giver of Gifts - Eph. 4:7-10

Eph. 4:7-10;  Psalm 68:18, 1, 2, 35; Eph. 1:21-23; 4:11, 12.  

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.  

Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.  

(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?  

He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) {Ephesian 4:7-10}


According to the Measure and Capacity Entrusted by the Holy Spirit

We are to keep advancing heavenward, developing a solid religious character. The measure of the Holy Spirit we receive, will be proportioned to the measure of our desire and the faith exercised for it, and the use we shall make of the light and knowledge that shall be given to us. We shall be entrusted with the Holy Spirit according to our capacity to receive and our ability to impart it to others. Christ says, "Every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth." He who truly seeks for the precious grace of Christ, will be sure not to be disappointed. This promise has been given to us by Him who will not deceive us. It is not stated as a maxim or a theory, but as a fact, as a law of the divine government. We can be assured that we shall receive the Holy Spirit if we individually try the experiment of testing God's word. God is true; his order is perfect. "He that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Light and truth will shine forth according to the desire of the soul. O that all would hunger and thirst after righteousness, that they might be filled!  {RH, May 5, 1896 par. 1}  

Expectation of God: We treated His Rich Blessings with Reverent Awe

God expected you all to do your best, not to please, amuse, and glorify yourselves, but to honor Him in all your ways, returning unto Him according to the light and privileges that He had given you through the endowment of His grace. He expected you to testify before heavenly  intelligences, and to be living witnesses to the world, of the power of the grace of Christ. The Lord tested you, to see if you would treat His rich blessing as a cheap, light matter, or regard it as a rich treasure to be handled with reverent awe. If all had treated the gift of God in this manner--for the work was of God--then, according to the measure of each one's responsibility, the grace given would have been doubled, as were the talents of him who traded diligently with his lord's money. {1SM 139.3} 

The Special  Sense the Good of Heaven will be Committed to the Followers of Christ

Before He left His disciples, Christ "breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost." John 20:22. Again He said, "Behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you." Luke 24:49. But not until after the ascension was the gift received in its fullness. Not until through faith and prayer the disciples had surrendered themselves fully for His working was the outpouring of the Spirit received. Then in a special sense the goods of heaven were committed to the followers of Christ. "When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." Ephesians 4:8. "Unto every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ," the Spirit "dividing to every man severally as He will." Ephesians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 12:11. The gifts are already ours in Christ, but their actual possession depends upon our reception of the Spirit of God. {COL 327.2} 

Consider the Following

Using a loose interpretation of Psalm 68:18, Paul presents Jesus descending to earth to fight the battle against sin (4:9).

Once victory is achieved, like a triumphant general, He ascends to Heaven to be exalted (4:10).

After being exalted, Jesus gave gifts to men (4:7-8). These gifts began to be poured out at Pentecost (Acts 2:33).


Wednesday - August 9, 2023

Gifts of the Exalted Jesus - The Purpose of the Gifts - Eph. 4:11-13

Eph. 4:11-13; 1 Pet. 2:9, Acts 2:46, Acts 12:12;  Isaiah 5:4:  Eph. 4:14. 

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: {Eph. 4:11-13}


He Ordain an Individual Role to Fulfill God's Purpose to Walk in Them

God has a purpose for each one. "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 to 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; 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." These words show us what we may become by striving to fulfill God's purpose.  {ST, May 14, 1902 par. 4} 

The Fellowship of the Mystery - The Eternal Purpose of Christ Jesus

For we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children." "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."  {RH, August 30, 1892 par. 1}  


Consider the Following

Paul does not mention the gifts given by Jesus here, but rather four groups of people who receive those gifts (4:11): (1) apostles, (2) prophets, (3) evangelists, and (4) pastor-teachers. What do they all have in common?

They are the leaders of the church, the ministers who are to build up "the body of Christ" (4:12).

They are responsible for achieving and maintaining unity (4:13).

In the 21st-century church, the role of "apostles" is performed by pastors who administer at a higher level than the local church (Union, Conference, Division…); the "evangelists" are pastors dedicated exclusively to preaching; the "pastor-teachers" are those who shepherd local churches. And what about the prophets?

God has not left us without this gift, which currently manifests itself in the work of Ellen G. White.


The Result of Unity

Thursday - August 10, 2023

Growing Up Into Christ - Eph. 4:14-16

Ephesians 4:1-16

That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:  

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.  {Eph. 4:14-16}


Growing Up as Body Fitly Joined Together and Compacted

The Lord Jesus is the one spiritual Head, and we are the members of his body. The church is represented as growing up "into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ; from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." 

Brother looks coldly upon brother, minister distrusts minister. The church seems to have lost the blending attribute of love, and its members unite no better than ropes of sand. And yet the great crisis of the day of God is at hand.  {RH, March 19, 1895 par. 15}  

Labourers Together with God - All Dependent Upon the Head (Christ)

Be careful how you build, for it is for time and for eternity. Counsel together, have your seasons of prayer together; make no move independently or in opposition to one another. Christ is our living head, and we are members of His body, and all dependent upon the head. It is not our Lord's plan that any member of His body shall suffer for want of proper exercise; for if one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; if one is enlightened and honoured of God, all rejoice. Every member derives its life and working power from the same source, “even Christ, from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” “And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary.” 

“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.” 

Each worker is to use his God-given ability to the utmost for the upbuilding of Christ's kingdom on the earth. 

We each have an individuality in manner and bearing, and this is as it should be; but this need not prevent our working together in perfect harmony.  {TSA 22.1} 


All Stand with their God-Given Armor - Cooperating Harmoniously for a Common Result

It is essential that workers be raised up to open the living oracles of God to all nations, tongues, and peoples. People of all ranks and capacities, with various gifts, are to stand in their God-given armor, to cooperate harmoniously for a common result. They are to unite in the work of bringing the truth to all nations and peoples, each worker fulfilling his or her own special appointment. {CTr 350.6} 

There is a wide field of action, and in their plans and devising, all need to consider the result. Everything is to move according to the divine plan. The whole body must be fitly joined together, that each member may promote the designs of Him who gave His life for the life of the world.—Manuscript 3, 1899. {CTr 350.7} 


Consider the Following

What dangers can disrupt unity (4:14)?

(1) Lack of growth ("infants")

(2) Acceptance of false teachings ("tossed back and forth by the waves")

(3) Spiritual wolves ("craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming")

— To avoid these dangers, we must hold fast to the truth in love and strive to grow in Christ (4:15).

— Although the individuals mentioned by Paul are responsible for maintaining unity, each and every member of the church has a part to play in achieving that unity (4:16)


Friday - August 11, 2023

Further Study, and Meditation

There is a wide field of action, and in their plans and devising, all need to consider the result. Everything is to move according to the divine plan. The whole body must be fitly joined together, that each member may promote the designs of Him who gave his life for the life of the world.  {GCDB, March 2, 1899 par. 6}  

As the work advances, dangers arise that need to be guarded against. As new enterprises are entered upon, there is a tendency to make some one line all-absorbing; that which should have the first place becomes a secondary consideration. The church needs fresh power and vitality; but there is great danger of taking on new lines of work that will waste their energies instead of bringing life into the church.  {GCDB, March 2, 1899 par. 7} 


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“A union of believers with Christ will as a natural result lead to a union with one another, which bond of union is the most enduring upon earth. We are one in Christ, as Christ is one with the Father.” E. G. W. (Testimonies for the Church, volume 5, Ch. 4, p. 45)

“Unity in diversity is God's plan. Among the followers of Christ there is to be the blending of diverse elements, one adapted to the other, and each to do its special work for God. Every individual has his place in the filling up of one great plan bearing the stamp of Christ's image.” E. G. W. (Our High Calling, June 12)


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