Bible Study - Sabbath School Podcast

As last week’s lesson illustrated, the Gospel of John begins with Jesus Christ, the Word, in His eternal existence before Creation. But in that same prologue, John the Baptist appears as a witness to Jesus. Some Jews in Jesus’ time expected two messiahs, one priestly and the other royal. John clearly teaches that John the Baptist did not claim to be one of these messiahs but, rather, was a witness to the one true Messiah. Read John 1:19–23. How did John the Baptist explain his ministry and mission? The religious leaders sent priests and Levites to ask John who he was. With Messianic expectations high in Judea, it was important for John the Baptist to clarify his relationship to those expectations. He was not the Light, but he was sent from God to bear witness to the Light and to prepare for the coming of the Messiah (John 1:6–8). That’s why he answered them as plainly as he could, saying: “I am not the Christ” (John 1:20). Also, John baptized with water, but Christ would baptize with the Spirit (John 1:26, 33). John was not worthy to loosen Jesus’ sandal strap (John 1:27). Christ was preferred before John because He was before John (John 1:30). Jesus was the Son of God, and John merely pointed to Him (John 1:34). Read Isaiah 40:1–5 and John 1:23. How does John use these verses? In the days of rutted and rock-filled roads, servants were sometimes sent ahead of the king to level the surfaces of roadways and to take out sharp turns so as to smooth the way of the king. So, in fulfillment of prophecy, John came in order to prepare the hearts of the people for Jesus. In what way should we, as Seventh-day Adventists, do the same kind of ministry as did John the Baptist? What are the parallels?

Read Ellen G. White, “ ‘God With Us,’ ” pp. 19–26, in The Desire of Ages. “The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father. He was the surpassing glory of heaven. He was the commander of the heavenly intelligences, and the adoring homage of the angels was received by Him as His right. This was no robbery of God [Prov. 8:22–27 quoted]. “There are light and glory in the truth that Christ was One with the Father before the foundation of the world was laid. This is the light shining in a dark place, making it resplendent with divine, original glory. This truth, infinitely mysterious in itself, explains other mysterious and otherwise unexplainable truths, while it is enshrined in light unapproachable and incomprehensible.”—Ellen G. White Comments, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 1126. “Jesus has said, ‘I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.’ John 12:32. Christ must be revealed to the sinner as the Saviour dying for the sins of the world; and as we behold the Lamb of God upon the cross of Calvary, the mystery of redemption begins to unfold to our minds and the goodness of God leads us to repentance. In dying for sinners, Christ manifested a love that is incomprehensible; and as the sinner beholds this love, it softens the heart, impresses the mind, and inspires contrition in the soul. . . . Whenever they [people] make an effort to reform, from a sincere desire to do right, it is the power of Christ that is drawing them. An influence of which they are unconscious works upon the soul, and the conscience is quickened, and the outward life is amended. And as Christ draws them to look upon His cross, to behold Him whom their sins have pierced, the commandment comes home to the conscience.”—Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, pp. 26, 27. Discussion Questions: Why would John start out talking about Jesus in His role as Creator? What does this tell us about the importance of Creation in all theology? Why, then, is it important that we have a correct understanding of Creation, as revealed in Scripture? Dwell more on the question asked at the end of Sunday’s study. What happens to the cross if, instead of the eternal God dying on it, a created being did? What do we lose if Jesus were anything but the eternal God?

Head of the Body (the Church)Read Ephesians 1:22 and Colossians 2:10. What does "head" mean in these passages? What does Paul mean when he calls Jesus the "head of the church" (Eph. 5:23)?It is natural to speak of the head in a metaphorical sense in reference to a leadership position, as reflected in countless languages across the globe. We find similar use throughout the Old and New Testaments. Notice how "head" is used in the following verses:Exodus 18:25--Moses chose "able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens."Numbers 31:26--"the heads of the fathers' houses" (ESV).Deuteronomy 28:13--God will make Israel "the head, and not the tail" if they will obey Him.Isaiah 7:8--"For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin."Hosea 1:11--"The children of Judah and the children of Israel shall ... appoint for themselves one head" (NKJV).Micah 3:9--"You heads of the house of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel" (NKJV).1 Corinthians 11:3--"The head of every man is Christ."Thus, Christ as the head of the church provides leadership, guidance, and nourishment for the church's unity and growth (see Col. 2:19).Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Here also Paul describes the church as a "body." What other aspects of the church are conveyed by this metaphor?Just as the body cannot live without the head, when a part of the body is lost or injured, life can be much more difficult. We often don't recognize how important something is until we lose it.If you had to give up a limb or an eye, what would you choose? What does this tell you about how vital each person is as a member of the church?

Firstborn Over All CreationIn the New Testament, the terms "firstborn" and "first begotten" almost always refer to Jesus (see Luke 2:7, Rom. 8:29, Heb. 1:6, Rev. 1:5), including both occurrences in Colossians. But even when it refers to others, it does not necessarily mean the one born chronologically first. The biblical concept of the "firstborn" emphasizes the special relationship a son bears to his father, regardless of birth order. Also, there are instances of younger sons being more prominent: Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, to name a few.David, though the youngest of eight sons, is anointed king (1 Sam. 16:10-13), and through the psalmist God said, "I will make him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth" (Ps. 89:27, NKJV). He also tells Moses, "Israel is my firstborn son" (Exod. 4:22, ESV). In this sense, then, the term connotes first in terms of preeminence.Read Colossians 1:15-17. What reasons does Paul give for Jesus being called "the firstborn over all creation" (NKJV)?Clearly, Paul does not mean to suggest that Jesus was the first being created. In fact, he categorically excludes that possibility. Twice, in two different ways, he says Jesus created all things. They were created by Him and for Him (Col. 1:16). In both cases, Jesus is indicated as the personal agent through whom God carried out the process of creation (see also Eph. 3:9, John 1:1-3, Rev. 4:11).Paul's statement is as comprehensive as possible. All means all--spatially (heaven and earth), ontologically (visible and invisible), and functionally (thrones, dominions, principalities, powers). The latter terms normally refer to angelic beings (see Eph. 3:10, Eph. 6:12). As if to make sure he cannot be misunderstood, Paul also indicates that Jesus existed "before all things" (Col. 1:17). The Greek expression can mean precedence in rank as well as in time, but in every other instance in Paul's writings, it refers to time (see, for example, 1 Cor. 2:7, Gal. 1:17, Eph. 1:4).Another reason Paul gives for Jesus' preeminence is that "all things are held together in him" (Col. 1:17, NET). The Greek word (synistēmi) literally means "bring together" or "unite." Jesus is the unifying factor of the universe, not only because of His role as Creator but also because He is the Redeemer.God, the Creator, died for us. What could our works add to that? Why is the idea that our works could add to what Christ has done already for us blasphemous?

Image of the Invisible GodWhen we look in the mirror or at a photograph, we see an image of ourselves, but it is a flat, two-dimensional portrayal. In some respects, a sculpture gives a clearer idea yet still falls far short of the living, breathing, animated reality. The biblical concept of image, while sometimes referring to these lesser representations, suggests something broader still.Read Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 5:3; 1 Corinthians 15:49; 2 Corinthians 3:18; and Hebrews 10:1. Summarize the various meanings of "image" in these passages. How might they differ from the description of Jesus as the image of God?Human beings were created to be as much like God as possible--physically, spiritually, relationally, and functionally. Still, they reflect God's image in certain aspects only, and sin has damaged even that. But Jesus enables us to "see" the invisible God. "He who has seen Me," Jesus said, "has seen the Father" (John 14:9, NKJV). He is "the exact imprint" of God's nature (Heb. 1:3, ESV). He is God's thought made audible and God's character made visible.Read Matthew 11:27 and John 1:1-2, 14, 18. Why is Jesus uniquely able to reveal the Father?Note other ways in which Jesus described His relation to God the Father:"My Father has been working until now, and I have been working" (John 5:17, NKJV)."I and My Father are one" (John 10:30, NKJV)."No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6, NKJV).Jesus also repeatedly described Himself in an absolute sense in terms of God's name: "I AM" (see Exod. 3:14); "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35); "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12); "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11, 14); "I am the resurrection, and the life" (John 11:25); "I am in the Father, and the Father in me" (John 14:11); and "Before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:58).If Jesus were anyone other than God Himself, what would it mean except that the Father sent some created being to die for us? Why is that so radically, and crucially, different from God Himself, in the Person of Christ dying for us?

Sabbath AfternoonRead for This Week's Study: Gen. 1:26-27; Col. 1:13-19; John 1:1-3; Eph. 1:22; 1 Cor. 12:12-27; 1 Cor. 4:9; Rom. 6:3-4Memory Text: "He [Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist" (Colossians 1:15-17, NKJV).With this week's lesson, we resume our consideration of Colossians (see Lessons 1 and 2). In Lesson 2, Thursday, we saw that in Colossians 1:9-12, Paul prays for believers in Colossae, asking that they may live in a way pleasing to God. In verses 12 and 13, he contrasts two realms: that of light and of darkness, "the kingdom of light" (Col. 1:12, NIV) and "the dominion of darkness" (Col. 1:13, NIV). God the Father has qualified us to share in the eternal inheritance of the realm of light, delivered us from the power of darkness, and "transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" (Col. 1:13-14, ESV).In other words, it is in Jesus, the person of Jesus, who is also God our Creator, that we have redemption. He worked out our redemption for us, and by faith in Him we have been moved from the realm of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son.This week we will look at one of the most comprehensive and sublime statements about Jesus in the New Testament. What does it mean that Jesus is "the image of the invisible God," yet also "the firstborn over all creation" (Col. 1:15, NIV)?* Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, February 21.

Further Thought: "Those only who are constantly receiving fresh supplies of grace, will have power proportionate to their daily need and their ability to use that power. Instead of looking forward to some future time when, through a special endowment of spiritual power, they will receive a miraculous fitting up for soul winning, they are yielding themselves daily to God, that He may make them vessels meet for His use. Daily they are improving the opportunities for service that lie within their reach. Daily they are witnessing for the Master wherever they may be, whether in some humble sphere of labor in the home, or in a public field of usefulness."To the consecrated worker there is wonderful consolation in the knowledge that even Christ during His life on earth sought His Father daily for fresh supplies of needed grace; and from this communion with God He went forth to strengthen and bless others..."Every worker who follows the example of Christ will be prepared to receive and use the power that God has promised to His church for the ripening of earth's harvest."--Ellen G. White, God's Amazing Grace, p. 117."God knows our wants, and has provided for them. The Lord has a treasure house of supplies for His children, and can give them what they need under all circumstances. Then why do we not trust Him? He has made precious promises to His children on condition of faithful obedience to His precepts. There is not a burden but He can remove, no darkness but He can dispel, no weakness but He can change to power, no fears but He can calm, no worthy aspiration but He can guide and justify."We are not to look at ourselves. The more we dwell upon our own imperfections, the less strength we shall have to overcome them."--Ellen G. White, That I May Know Him, p. 224.Discussion Questions:Think of some of your brightest instances of answered prayer. How have they helped you experience God's peace that surpasses understanding? What about those prayers that are not answered? How can you still experience the promised peace?In the context of Philippians 4:8, what do you spend your time thinking about? How well does what you think about strengthen your faith and walk with the Lord?Discuss the final quotation above. What are the implications of the statement "The more we dwell upon our own imperfections, the less strength we shall have to overcome them"? What is the key, then, to overcoming?

Keys for ContentmentRead  Philippians 4:10-13, 19. What keys does Paul reveal for a contented, happy life?When extreme circumstances strike (hunger, illness, injury, loss), one begins to reflect on the things that really count and to dwell on the blessings that are usually taken for granted. When we are "brought low" (Phil. 4:12, ESV), "in need" (NIV), or left with "almost nothing" (NLT) is when faith rises to the occasion.Conversely, when we "live in prosperity" (NASB), it should always be with the recognition that it could vanish in an instant (see Prov. 23:5). As both Job and Paul remind us, we brought nothing into the world when we were born, and we will take nothing with us to the grave (Job 1:21, 1 Tim. 6:7).Note the following Bible promises:Psalm 23:1--"The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need" (GNB).Matthew 6:32--"Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things" (NKJV).1 Peter 5:7--"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you" (NLT).Philippians 4:19--"My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (NKJV).And, most wonderful of all: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13, NKJV). Perhaps none of us can fully grasp what "all things" entails. Certainly, as with any request for God's help and strength, we must ask according to His will. But many times, we don't even ask for things we know fit His will. That's why James 4:2 says, "You do not have, because you do not ask" (ESV).Here are some things we can ask for confidently because we know they are in harmony with God's will:Salvation for a loved one or friend (1 Tim. 2:3-4)Courage to share our faith (Rev. 22:17)Forgiveness when we confess and forsake wrong (1 John 1:9)Strength to obey God's commandments (Heb. 13:20-21)Love for those who hate and mistreat us (Matt. 5:44)Wisdom for challenging situations (James 1:5)Understanding the truth in God's Word (John 8:32)How do you deal with the things that you have prayed for that have not yet come, or perhaps might never come?

Rejoice in the Lord--AlwaysRead Philippians 4:4-7. How are we to experience "the peace of God"?After touching on, again, the need for unity (Phil. 4:1-3), Paul moves on to another theme: rejoicing in the Lord (Phil. 4:4-7).How many times have you been stressed over things that ultimately melted effortlessly away as quickly as they appeared? For good reason, Jesus repeatedly emphasized that we should not worry (see Matt. 6:25-34, Matt. 10:19), and Peter reminds us that we can cast all our worries or anxieties (ESV) on the Lord, "because He cares for you" (1 Pet. 5:7, ESV). In fact, the increasing problems worldwide should inspire us with hope that the coming of the Lord is near (compare Matt. 24:33, Luke 21:28, James 5:8).The antidote to anxiety in everything, including every situation, is sending up a prayer of faith (Phil. 4:6-7). Clearly, we are to believe and act on our prayer as having been answered even before we see its realization, because we are to pray "with thanksgiving." Also added is the word "supplication" (Greek: deēsis), signaling times of extremity and urgency (see, for example, Luke 1:13, Phil. 1:19, 1 Tim. 5:5, James 5:16). Our prayers are still "requests," but we can know our petitions have been received as long as we ask "according to His will" (1 John 5:14, NKJV). Then we can rest and have peace, knowing that all our requests are in God's hands.How do the following passages enlarge our understanding of God's peace? Ps. 29:11, Isa. 9:6, Luke 2:14, John 14:27, 1 Cor. 14:33.God's peace is something the world can never give, because God's peace comes from the assurance that we have the gift of eternal life through Jesus our Savior (Rom. 5:1, Rom. 6:23). This peace impacts every aspect of life and "surpasses all understanding" (Phil. 4:7, NKJV). It cannot be grasped by the mind alone, as the Greek word nous (minds) used here indicates.How would you describe to someone what it means to experience "the peace of God"?

Think on These Things ...The peace that surpasses understanding will also "guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7, NKJV). Our inner life needs protection. Interestingly, Philippians 4:7 uses a military metaphor in connection with God's peace. The Greek verb (phroureō) is used to describe a garrison of soldiers guarding a city against invasion (2 Cor. 11:32; compare Acts 9:24).Another very important aspect of inner peace involves living in harmony with God's will. "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them" (Ps. 119:165).Read Philippians 4:8-9. What specific actions are urged?Paul introduces Philippians 4:8-9 with "furthermore" (GNV) and a list of six virtues, followed by a succinct summary of them and encouragement to imitate Paul's example. This closing cross-cultural exhortation fits well within the Greco-Roman setting of Philippi, with its dual emphasis on virtue and example. Interestingly, though, the focus is on biblical virtues, which is quite obvious from Paul's omission of the four cardinal Greek virtues (prudence, justice, temperance, and courage).True--not accidentally, the list begins with the cardinal biblical virtue of truth, which Jesus ("Truly, I say ...") and the whole New Testament frequently emphasize (see, for example, Acts 26:25, Rom. 1:18, 1 Cor. 13:6, 2 Cor. 4:2, Eph. 4:15, 1 Tim. 3:15, James 1:18, 1 Pet. 1:22, 1 John 2:21).Noble--the Greek word refers to a personal virtue (compare its other uses in 1 Tim. 3:8, 11; Titus 2:2, where it is translated as "reverent" in the NKJV).Right--this virtue is defined by God's righteous character (compare its use in Phil. 1:7).Pure--thought and action flowing from God's justifying righteousness received by faith (see 1 John 3:3).Lovely--aesthetic beauty, seen widely in God's creation.Admirable--"kind and winsome and and gracious" (AMPC).Paul gives two further qualifications, lest a pagan meaning be imputed to any of these virtues: "if anything is excellent or praiseworthy" (Phil. 4:8, NIV), we are to think on these heavenly virtues. Then, to remove all doubt and potential misunderstanding, Paul calls us to practice what we have learned, received, heard, and seen from his own example (Phil. 4:9).

"Stand Fast in the Lord"Read Philippians 3:20-21. How does Paul vividly describe what Christian "citizenship" looks like?Unlike the enemies of the cross, who "set their mind on earthly things" and have no greater god than their bellies (Phil. 3:19), Christian citizenship is in heaven, and our ruler is Jesus Christ Himself. To underscore the point, Paul highlights the need for "these humble bodies of ours" (Phil. 3:21, NET), subject to disease, deterioration, and death, to be transformed to be like Christ's glorious resurrection body.How do the following passages describe the glorified state?Job 19:25-27Luke 24:391 Cor. 15:42-441 Cor. 15:50-54Col. 3:4In the end, through Jesus, death, "the last enemy," will be destroyed (1 Cor. 15:26). And that is our greatest hope, the ultimate promise that we have been given in Jesus--not only the end of death but a whole new body, even a "glorious body" (Phil. 3:21, ESV).In a book about how to find "salvation" without God, which argued, rather foolishly, that overcoming the fear of death is "salvation," author Luc Ferry does admit that Christianity "enables us not only to transcend the fear of death, but also to beat death itself. And by doing so in terms of individual identity, rather than anonymity or abstraction, it seems to be the only version that offers a truly definitive victory of personal immortality over our condition as mortals."--Ferry, A Brief History of Thought (New York: HarperCollins, 2011, Kindle edition), p. 90. Quite an admission, coming from an atheist.Thus, for Paul, our heavenly citizenship includes the promise of the resurrection and eternal life in a whole new existence that we can barely imagine now.Why is the promise of eternal life so crucial to all that we believe? What could this world possibly offer that's worth forfeiting what Christ offers us?

Role ModelsAll of us have, at one time or another, found people we admire and want to emulate. For children, it's especially important that they have good role models. Ideally, this would be their father and mother. As they grow, they will find other role models, perhaps connected with their chosen career or even in biographies they have read. They can also learn how various Bible characters dealt with challenges and compare them to their own life experiences.Unfortunately, in today's media, bad role models abound. We are bombarded with clickbait--stories detailing the salacious problems and messed-up lives of celebrities. Paul's readers in Philippi, though of course not dealing with the internet, nevertheless faced similar challenges.The fact is, the world Paul lived in was very corrupt, immoral, and evil, as is ours today. There has always been--and always will be, at least until the end--more than enough evil to go around. The question for us is: How do we respond to it?Read Philippians 3:17-19. How are good and bad role models described in this passage? What keys are given to distinguish between them?We must not miss Paul's love toward those with whom he disagrees--he weeps over them! Notice also that he doesn't call them his enemies but "enemies of the cross of Christ" (Phil. 3:18). Paul recognized that much larger issues were at stake, namely, how the cross breaks down barriers and places us all on the same level, as sinners in need of a Savior (see Eph. 2:11-14).Also, not to be overlooked is how Paul urges the Philippians to focus on the good examples, not the bad; to observe carefully those whose manner of life is much like his own. Interestingly, Paul uses similar language in warning the Romans to "note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them" (Rom. 16:17, NKJV). The deceivers in Rome are described as those who "do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ but their own belly" (Rom. 16:18, NKJV).Though, of course, Jesus is the only perfect pattern, there are others who, at least in certain areas, could be good role models. At the same time, what kind of role model do you present to others?

Sabbath AfternoonRead for This Week's Study: Phil. 3:17-4:23, 1 Cor. 15:42-44, John 14:27, Ps. 119:165, Job 1:21, 1 Tim. 6:7Memory Text: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6, NKJV).This week's lesson concludes our study of Philippians, and it is packed with valuable lessons and maxims for daily living. It seems that many of the high moral values that guided the apostle Paul's life are found in the closing verses of the epistle. Similar to the teachings of Jesus, which focus on the inner person, what Paul shares with us are secrets to living a joyful Christian life.Even when things don't go the way we would like, which happens more often than we would like, we don't need to be worried or anxious or discouraged. Instead, there are principles that will help us find inner strength to face the challenges that life brings, and thus we can experience a settled and lasting peace that only God can give. The present and the future are in His hands, and He will supply everything we need.Most important, we need not place our hopes in earthly systems of government, which regularly disappoint us. As Christians, we are citizens of God's heavenly kingdom. And with that citizenship comes privileges, wonderful privileges. And responsibilities, too.* Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, February 14.

Further Thought: "He who would build up a strong, symmetrical character, he who would be a well-balanced Christian, must give all and do all for Christ; for the Redeemer will not accept divided service. Daily he must learn the meaning of self-surrender. He must study the word of God, learning its meaning and obeying its precepts. Thus he may reach the standard of Christian excellence. Day by day God works with him, perfecting the character that is to stand in the time of final test. And day by day the believer is working out before men and angels a sublime experiment, showing what the gospel can do for fallen human beings."--Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 483."Those who wait for the Bridegroom's coming are to say to the people, 'Behold your God.' The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them."The light of the Sun of Righteousness is to shine forth in good works--in words of truth and deeds of holiness."--Ellen G. White, Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 415, 416.Discussion Questions:Dwell more on this question of rejoicing in the Lord. Notice that it is not saying to rejoice in your trials (though that's biblical too) but in the Lord. Why is it so important to always keep before us the Lord, His goodness, His power, His love, and His salvation? How would doing that greatly benefit you amid the inevitable trials of life?Notice how the above quotations describe the role of grace in producing the "good works" we do as Christians. Why is this function of grace so important as we look forward to the soon coming of Christ? That is, though we are not saved by good works, are we really saved if we don't have them?Dwell more on this idea of not having confidence in the flesh. What does that mean? Why should we not have confidence in it? Is not our flesh a gift from God?

Just One Thing--Knowing ChristRead Philippians 3:10-16. What are some of the main points Paul makes in this passage?Surely there is nothing more important than knowing Christ, which guarantees in the end that He will know us and acknowledge us before the Father (see Matt. 7:21-23; Matt. 10:32-33). How do we know Him? Through His Written Word--reading it and living it. We cannot know Him face to face as the disciples did. But interestingly, despite that knowledge, they still failed to comprehend His words, underscoring our need of the Holy Spirit to guide us (see John 16:13). The more we know Him, the closer we come to Him, because we experience "the power of His resurrection" (Phil. 3:10), which raises us to "newness of life" (Rom. 6:4, NKJV).Another way we come closer to Jesus is through "the fellowship of His sufferings" (Phil. 3:10, NKJV). Every trial faced, every painful experience borne, helps us to know and appreciate more what Jesus went through for us, and also to understand Him and His will more clearly.A third way we come closer is by pressing onward "toward the goal" (Phil. 3:14, NKJV). What is that goal? It translates a word used only here in the New Testament (skopos). It refers to the finish line of a race and the prize awarded the victor. Paul calls it "the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:14, NKJV). Just as Christ, through His death and resurrection, ascended upward to heaven, God invites us to receive the same heavenly reward--eternal life.Obviously, we have not attained that yet. We will not be perfected in the fullest sense until our "lowly body" is transformed "that it may be conformed to His glorious body" (Phil. 3:21, NKJV). But by knowing Him and inviting His presence into our lives every day, we press on toward the goal of being like Jesus in every way possible now. This is the "one thing" Paul focused on, too. Just like running a race (see 1 Cor. 9:24-27), we pay no attention to where we've been or who trails us. Our single focus is on the things that lie ahead--that heavenly prize that awaits us. The image here is vivid: a runner's full focus on the goal, straining every muscle and leaning forward to reach the finish line.Why, in your walk with the Lord, is it so important to not keep looking back, at least back at your sins and failures, but instead to look ahead to what you have been promised right now in Christ?

The Faith of ChristPaul's main point must not be missed. There was a wonderful exchange that he experienced on the Damascus road, trading his old, law-based life for the presence of Christ Himself--"that I may gain Christ and be found in Him" (Phil. 3:8-9, NKJV).To be found "in Him," that is, in Christ, is an interesting expression. Read Ephesians 1:4, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Colossians 2:9, and Galatians 2:20. Based on these passages, what do you think Paul means by this idea?Paul's reference to being in Christ has been widely discussed. Not surprisingly, perhaps the best explanation of it comes from Paul himself: "That in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth--in Him" (Eph. 1:10, NKJV). That has been God's purpose from the start. And Paul makes clear how that happens: "You are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption" (1 Cor. 1:30, NKJV).Being "in Christ" comprehends everything that the plan of salvation encompasses, from the dawning of our spiritual intelligence (wisdom), to justification by faith (righteousness), to preparation for heaven (sanctification), and finally to glorification at the Second Advent (redemption). Salvation is Christ's work from start to finish--for us and in us. Thus, by gaining Christ, we have everything we need.Read Philippians 3:9. What two things does Paul contrast, and why is this contrast important to always remember?As Paul came to realize, having one's "own righteousness" is not real righteousness because the law cannot give life (see Gal. 3:21-22); only Christ can, through faith. And not just any faith. After all, the devils believe and tremble (James 2:19). The only saving faith is "the faith of Christ." Only His faith has obeyed fully and can obey. (The Greek word for faith, pistis, also means faithfulness.) So, if we are in Christ and He lives in us (Gal. 2:20), then we live by His faith through our faith in Him.

The Things That MatterAs yesterday's study pointed out, the things that previously made Paul proud were actually hindrances to faith because they blinded him to his need of Christ. Paul uses the language of commerce, gain and loss, to describe his spiritual ledger prior to faith. Although we don't like to think about it much, every human being has a "spiritual ledger." Previously, Paul's ledger was measured by the Jewish values of the time rather than by the biblical values as taught by Jesus.After his conversion, his spiritual ledger looked very different because its scale of values dramatically changed, from the "currency" of Judaism to the "currency of heaven.""He who came down from heaven can speak of heaven, and rightly present the things which form the currency of heaven, on which he has stamped his image and superscription. He knows the danger in which those are placed whom he came to uplift from degradation, and to exalt to a place beside himself upon his throne. He points out their peril in lavishing affection upon useless and dangerous objects. He seeks to draw the mind away from the earthly to the heavenly, that we may not waste time, talent, and opportunity, upon things that are altogether vanity."--Ellen G. White, in The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, July 1, 1890.In the world of first-century Judaism, Paul had been a rapidly rising star until, by becoming blind at the sight of the glorified Jesus on the Damascus road (Acts 9), his spiritual eyesight was corrected, and he saw clearly.John 9 tells the story of another man who was blind and then saw Jesus clearly. Jesus said He came into the world so "that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind" (John 9:39, NKJV). How might this principle be applied to your own life?

Paul's "Past Life" It is a common experience for Christian converts to think of their lives in terms of before they accepted Jesus and after, just as Paul does in Philippians 3. Nevertheless, rightly or wrongly, we sometimes speak of those who are not Christians as being "good people," and, at least according to the world's standards, many indeed are. In contrast, compared to God's standards, no one is, not even Christians.In Philippians 3:4-6, Paul points to many things in his life of which he had once been proud. What are they? How would you describe the "good" in your own life (past and present)?Paul makes an implicit contrast between believing Jews who are spreading false doctrine and uncircumcised believers who rely fully on Christ for their salvation and put no confidence in mere human works such as circumcision (see Heb. 6:1, Heb. 9:14; compare Rom. 2:25-29). Even though Paul's past life and pedigree would have been quite impressive to his fellow Jews, none of these things contributed to his salvation. In fact, they actually hindered it because they blinded him for a while to his need of Christ.Paul was not just circumcised--he was an "eighth day-er," meaning he, an Israelite by birth and belonging to the people of the covenant, was circumcised on the eighth day. Furthermore, he was from the tribe of Benjamin, whose territory included some of the most important cities of Israel. Paul not only knew Hebrew but, as a student of Gamaliel the Elder (Acts 22:3, Acts 26:4-5) and a Pharisee, he would have been steeped in knowledge of the law and how it was, at least according to tradition, to be applied.Paul was so zealous for the law that he persecuted the church because of its perceived threat to the Jewish way of life, which he thought the law prescribed. Interestingly, though "blameless" in terms of that human-originated "righteousness," Paul realized the law was actually far deeper and more demanding than he could imagine, and that without Christ he stood before it condemned.Compare Romans 7:7-12 with Matthew 5:21-22, 27, 28. What crucial point do both Jesus and Paul make about the law, and why is "faith in Christ" (Phil. 3:9, NKJV), rather than the law, the only source of righteousness? Look at it this way: How well do you keep the law, at least in the way Jesus said we should?

Rejoicing in the LordRead Philippians 3:1-3. What positive and negative notes does Paul sound here, and how are they related? How does he describe believers?Paul begins on a very positive note and almost sounds as though he is wrapping up his letter. But he's not done. He returns to one of the main themes of this epistle: rejoicing in the Lord. And he will give a number of reasons for that here. Most important, we are to have confidence in Christ, not in ourselves: "We ... rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh" (Phil. 3:3). Who among us has, in one way or another, learned the hard way about not putting confidence in the flesh?The strong warning "Beware" (three times) is not found anywhere else in Scripture. Apparently, the Philippians knew very well what threat Paul was referencing. Rather than three separate problems, the warning appears to refer to a group of false teachers described in three different ways.Wicked or irreligious people in Israel were sometimes referred to as "dogs" (Phil. 3:2; compare Ps. 22:16; Isa. 56:10; Matt. 7:6; 2 Pet. 2:21-22). False teachers could also aptly be described as "evil workers." Referring to them as "the mutilation" (Phil. 3:2, NKJV) or "those who mutilate the flesh" (ESV) shows that, as in Galatia and other locales, they were seeking to impose circumcision on Gentile believers, contrary to the ruling of the Apostolic Council (see Acts 15).Interestingly, it seems that one solution to spiritual challenges, including the spread of false teachings, is to "rejoice in the Lord" (Phil. 3:1; compare Phil. 4:4).Anything we rejoice about brings us joy (as in English, the two Greek words for these ideas are related). God wants us to be joyful, and His Word is a kind of instruction manual for true happiness and lasting joy. These include receiving God's mercy (Ps. 31:7); placing our trust in Him (Ps. 5:11); receiving the blessings of salvation (Ps. 9:14); adopting God's law as our way of life (Ps. 119:14), including the Sabbath (Isa. 58:13-14); believing His Word (Ps. 119:162); and raising godly children (Prov. 23:24-25).Life can be very difficult for us all, no matter how well things might be going at the moment. But even if they are not going well now, what things can you and should you rejoice about? What is stopping you from doing it?

Sabbath AfternoonRead for This Week's Study: Phil. 3:1-16; Rom. 2:25-29; John 9:1-39; Eph. 1:4, 10; 1 Cor. 9:24-27Memory Text: "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead" (Philippians 3:10-11, NKJV).There's something about us that remains suspicious about salvation by faith alone, apart from the works of the law. That is, for some reason, we all tend to lean on our works, as if they could add to our salvation. In a rather striking way, Paul deals with this point in a vigorous polemic against those who insist that circumcision is necessary for salvation.To guard against the possibility that some might consider their works, such as circumcision, as contributing to their salvation, Paul makes it clear that righteousness is from Christ as a gift that comes by faith, not by the law. Though circumcision might not be an issue today, the principle it deals with certainly is.The Protestant Reformation itself started over this very issue: the role of faith and works in the experience of a follower of Christ. In the end, Christ is everything to us, "the author and finisher of our faith" (Heb. 12:2). If our priorities are in the right place, we will live with the assurance of God's love and enjoy the promise, even now, of salvation, all while placing "no confidence in the flesh" (Phil. 3:3).* Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, February 7.