Lesson 1 Review: Paul and the Ephesians

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “Making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth” (Ephesians 1:9, 10, ESV).

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians was motivated by a profound purpose, as is common with other writings. Abraham Lincoln, for instance, wrote his famous Gettysburg address in 1863 after the terrible devastation in the American Civil War battle, his belief was that the Civil War was the ultimate test as to whether the nation created in 1776 would endure or would perish from the earth. Paul’s profound purpose that motivates his letter to Ephesians is partly because of imprisonment and partly because of ongoing persecution and temptations of the Ephesians to lose heart. Paul writes to awaken the believers in Ephesus of their full identity and privileges as followers of Christ by stating that they have become Christ’s body (Eph. 1:19-23, Eph. 4:1-16), the building materials in the temple (Eph. 2:19-22), the bride of Christ (Eph. 5:21-33) and a well-equipped army (Eph. 6:10-20).

What kind of city is Ephesus?

One of the largest cities of the Roman Empire. A City at the crossroads of important land routes. The people there worshipped many deities. Her worship was the focus of civic ceremonies, athletic games, and annual celebrations.

What was Paul’s intention in Ephesus?

Paul’s intention in Ephesus was to firmly found Christianity there.

What strange event led to widespread reverence for “the Lord Jesus” in Ephesus?

The strange story shared by Luke of the itinerant, Jewish exorcists in the city, mingling the names of both Jesus and Paul in their incantations proved to be a misguided venture.

How did this event impact the Ephesians?

‘The event had a profound impact on some of those who had already become believers, who publicly burned their expensive handbooks of magic arts worth “fifty thousand silver coins” (Acts 19:19, NRSV).’ Believers learn that the worship of Jesus must not be diluted with the worship of anything or anyone else.

What was the nature of Paul’s witness in Ephesus?

Paul’s witness was so effective that it impacted an important economic engine for the city, Tourism focused on the Temple of Artemis.

What is the tentative chronology of Paul’s relationship to Ephesus?

AD 52: Paul’s initial, brief visit to Ephesus (Acts 18:18-21).

AD 53-56: Paul’s three-year ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-20:1). He composes 1 Corinthians near the end of his stay there (1 Cor. 16:5-9).

AD 57: While at Miletus, Paul meets with the elders from Ephesus (Acts 20:17-38).

AD 62: Paul composes his letter to the Ephesians, probably from confinement in Rome.

The Household, the recipients of Paul’s letters included?

Father, Mother, children and slaves (Eph. 5:21-6:9). At the time, a household included others, as well ¾clients (free persons who depended on the householder for support) and even customers as well as members of other households.

What is the outline of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians?

I.                     Opening Greeting (Eph. 1:1, 2)

II.                   Introductory Blessing (Eph. 1:3-14)

III.                 Praying for Believers to Receive Christ-Focused Wisdom (Eph. 1:15-23)

IV.                Once Spiritually Dead; Now Exalted With Christ (Eph. 2:1-10)

V.                  Christ’s Creation of Church Out of Jews and Gentiles (Eph. 2:11-22)

VI.                Paul as Preacher of Christ to the Gentiles (Eph. 3:1-13)

VII.               Praying for Believers to Experience the Love of Christ (Eph. 3:14-21)

VIII.             Hold On to the Spirit-Inspired Unity of the Church (Eph. 4:1-16)

IX.                 Live the New, Unity-Nurturing Life (Eph. 4:17-32)

X.                   Walk in Love, Light, and Wisdom (Eph. 5:1-20)

XI.                 Practice Christ-Shaped Life in the Christian Household (Eph. 5:21-6:9)

XII.               Stand Together: The Church as the Army of God (Eph. 6:10-20)

XIII.             Closing Greeting (Eph. 6:21-24)

How does Paul worry about the effect that his imprisonment will have on believers in Ephesus?

He worries that they may lose heart at his tribulations, so he asks them not to do so.

What is the nature of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians?

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians exhibits an exalted, literary style, with long sentences, repetitive expressions, and developed metaphors. Paul’s letter features a great deal of praise, prayer, and worship language and offers carefully crafted, highly rhetorical passages.

What is the calling of Believers?

Believers are called to act in concert with this divine plan, signaling to the evil powers that God’s ultimate purpose is underway (Eph. 3:10)

The unity God has in mind is centered on?

Christ.

What is Paul’s aim with Believers in Ephesus?

Paul seeks to reignite the spiritual commitment of believers in Ephesus reminding them that they are part of the church, which is at the heart of God’s plan to unify all things in Christ.

What does it mean when Paul uses the word, “church” (Greek, ekklēsia) in the letter?

He means the “universal” church or the church at large (rather than a local congregation).

What are the four metaphors Paul developed to talk about the church?

1.       The church as a body (Eph. 1:22,23; Eph. 2:16; Eph. 3:6; Eph. 4:1-16,25; Eph. 5:23, 29, 30).

2.       The church as a building/temple (Eph. 2:19-22).

3.       The church as a bride (Eph. 5:22-27).

4.       The church as an army (Eph. 6:10-20).

In Conclusion,

The book of Ephesians helps us understand how to follow Jesus in trying times, when it seems like it’s all falling apart, our thoughts should be centered on Christ. I pray that God helps us to stay focused on Him even in trying times in Jesus’ name.

3rd Quarter of 2023 Sabbath School Study Guide Introduction

The theme for the Sabbath School Study Guide for the Third Quarter of 2023 is "Ephesians". As Paul seeks to draw believers in Ephesus into fresh devotion to their Lord, he does not dumb down the demands of Christian discipleship. Paul develops four metaphors in pursuing the importance of being part of God’s church. Believers make up the body of Christ demonstrating their devotion to Christ and their unity to each other. They are a living temple, built through the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary, in which God is worshipped. They are the bride of Christ, who look toward a grand marriage ceremony when the bridegroom comes to claim them as His own. They are the army of Christ, which wages peace in His name, combating the forces of darkness in God’s strength as they look toward Christ’s return. Ephesians speaks to times like our own, in which the allure of the world and the passing of time threaten to dull Christian discipleship. Ephesians lifts up Christ and accents the significance of following Him as faithful members of His Church as we live out the hope of His return.

Here is an outline for the weekly topics for this quarter:

WEEK	LESSON’S TOPIC	PERIOD
1	Paul and the Ephesians	June 24 - June 30
2	God’s Grand, Christ-Centered Plan	July 01 - July 07
3	The Power of the Exalter Jesus	July 08 - July 14
4	How God Rescues Us	July 15 - July 21
5	Horizontal Atonement: The Cross and the Church	July 22 - July 28
6	The Mystery of the Gospel	July 29 - August 04
7	The Unified Body of Christ	August 05 - August 11
8	Christ-Shaped Lives and Spirit-Inspired Speech	August 12 - August 18
9	Living Wisely	August 19 - August 25
10	Husbands and Wives: Together at the Cross	August 26 - September 01
11	Practicing Supreme Loyalty to Christ	September 02 - September 08
12	The Call to Stand	September 09 - September 15
13	Waging Peace	September 16 - September 22
14	Ephesians in the Heart	September 23 - September 29

 

Lesson 13 Review: Ablaze With God’s Glory

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory” (Revelation 18:1, NKJV).

Final events will unfold. Exactly when, exactly how¾we have not been told but enough has been told. Revelation gives a lot of messages concerning these final events, we need to know about these messages. The role of the Seventh-day Adventist is to preach this message to the world, the message of the “everlasting gospel” of Revelation 14:6, which is centered on Christ’s death for us, and our assurance of our salvation in Him.

What admonition does Paul give us regarding the last days of human history?

‘The apostle Paul urged the believers at Thessaloniki to “watch” and “be sober” in the context of the second coming of Christ. He also declared that they were “children of light” (1 Thess. 5:5, NIV) and they were not in darkness, so that this day [the return of Christ]” (1Thess. 5:4, NIV) should overtake them “as a thief” (1 Thess. 5:4, NKJV)’

What does it mean to watch?

To watch is to be spiritually alert.

What does it mean to be sober minded?

To be sober minded is to be serious about the times that we are living in and focused on the things that really matter.

What gives us divine insight into what is coming upon this world?

‘The prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, combined with the modern gift of prophecy, give us divine insight into what is coming upon this world.’

What does Daniel 2 provide for us for trusting in God?

‘Daniel 2 provides powerful, rational evidence that we can trust God.’ What God says will happen, will indeed happen, as the sequences of the kingdoms that came and went, as exactly predicted.

What’s God’s final appeal to His people?

God’s final appeal to His people is to flee the errors of Babylon and walk in the light of eternal truth found in His Word.

What is the key to walking in the light of eternal truth and fleeing the errors of Babylon?

The Bible

What is the message of the second angel?

The message is to accept truth rather than error, Scripture rather than tradition, and the teachings of God’s Word rather than tradition, and the teachings of God’s Word rather than the errors of false doctrine.

What is the message of the third angel?

The third angel’s message, which follows the first two angels’, presents a warning against the mark of the beast.

What are the schemes that seek to unfold in the end-time conflicts?

Church and State will unite to achieve world unity at a time of economic upheaval, natural catastrophes, social turmoil, international political crisis, and global conflict. The United States will eventually take the lead in this global confederation.

What is the conclusion of the urgent appeal for Christ’s faithful followers?

to keep the commandments of God through the living faith of Jesus dwelling in our hearts (Rev. 14:12).

What three things does John tell us about this angel in Revelation 18:1?

The angel comes down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory.

What is the angel in Revelation 18:1 commissioned to do?

‘The angel who comes down from the glorious presence of God in the throne room of the sanctuary is commissioned to proclaim God’s last message of mercy and to warn the inhabitants of the earth of what is coming upon planet Earth.’

What do the great prophecies of the Bible’s last book reveal?

The great prophecies of the Bible’s last book reveal a divine movement of destiny arising out of disappointment to proclaim God’s final message to the world.

What is the focus of Revelation 18?

Revelation 18 focuses on the major events leading up to the climax of human history and the final, ultimate triumph of the gospel.

What is the great controversy between good and evil in the universe also about?

The great controversy is also about God’s honor and reputation. Though Satan has declared that God is unjust, that He demands worship and gives little in return. God, The One who created us plunged into the snake pit of this world to redeem us.

What do the end-time people reveal?

His glory¾His loving, self-sacrificing character to a self-centered, godless world, and the earth is illuminated by the character of God.

How will the earth be filled with the glory of God?

The earth will be filled with the glory of God when we are filled with the love of God and our characters are changed by redeeming love.

What is the last message to be proclaimed to a world engulfed in spiritual darkness?

“ ‘Fear God and give glory to Him’ ” (Rev. 14:7, NKJV).

What is justification by faith?

“It is the work of God in laying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that which it is not in his power to do for himself.”¾Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 456.

Who or what is the heart and soul, not only of all the Bible but also of the book of Revelation and of the three angels’ messages?

The Lamb “slain” (Rev. 5:6, 12; Rev. 13:8).

Who does the Lamb “slain” (Revelation 5:6, 12; Rev. 13:8) represent?

The Lamb “slain” represent Jesus Christ crucified.

Why must we place the Lamb that was slain at the very center of our doctrines, mission and everything we do?

We should place the Lamb slain at the center of everything we do so that the love revealed by the Lamb on the cross transform the way we treat each other and move us to also care for the world.

In Conclusion,

God will have end-time people who will set the world ablaze with His glory, we have the choice of being part of them. I pray that God helps us to be ready for Him and help others to be ready for Him when He comes in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 12 Review: The Seal of God and Mark of the Beast: Part 2

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” (Revelation 13:10, NKJV).

‘The “mark of the beast” prophecy is about the final link in an ungodly chain of religious persecution that goes back through the ages.’ These persecutions are designed to force everyone to conform to a certain set of beliefs and an approved system of worship. As the Waldenses who were steadfastly loyal to Christ and persecuted, we too should expect persecution as the “mark of the beast” explains. However, we are not to capitulate, but to be steadfast to God.

How long would this power dominate the religious landscape in the previous centuries?

1260 days. In the fourth century, the Roman Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity throughout the empire. When he moved his capital in A.D. 330 TO Byzantium to unite the eastern and western parts of his empire. The medieval church exercised great influence from A.D. 538 to A.D. 1798, including in the terrible persecution mentioned in the introduction of this week’s study. Napoleon’s General Berthier took the pope captive in A.D. 1798, in exact fulfillment of the prophecy in Revelation 13:5 about 42 months (1260 days i.e. 1260 years).

What does Paul predict about the last days?

The apostle Paul warns the Christian community of a “falling away” from the truth of God’s word.

Who is the man behind this apostasy?

Satan is the one who is behind this apostasy. He is the true “man of sin” who desires to exalt “himself above all that is called God” and sits in the “temple of God” (2 Thess. 2:4).

Who/What exactly does the prophecy rebuke?

The prophecy is a rebuke to the apostate religious organizations that have departed from God’s word, and not necessarily the people in them (Rev.18:4).

What is the message to those who are being deceived by the apostate religious organizations?

Though deceived, these people are much loved by Christ. Hence, the message is for these people to come out of Babylon (the apostate system).

What three significant points does John make in Revelation 17:12-14?

‘The political powers have “one mind” and give their power and authority” to the beast. Second, this conglomerate of error makes war against Jesus the Lamb. Third, in earth’s last war, Christ and His followers are triumphant. The beast does not win, Jesus does.’

What exactly do you think is Satan’s final strategy?

‘At a time of great crisis, when all the world is scared, hurting, and fearful, people will be desperate for someone to bring some stability and protection. This is how tyranny has arisen in the past, and there’s no reason to think it could not happen again.’ Satan’s final strategy should be the union of the church and state. The authority of the church and state can be the very instrument to unite the nations.

What does the placements of the mark of the beast signify?

The mark of the beast is placed on the forehead and on the hand. ‘The forehead is a symbol of the mind, where conscience, reason and judgment are located; the hand, in contrast, symbolizes actions and deeds.

What predictions do we see in Wednesday’s lesson?

‘The day is coming, and possibly sooner than we think, that laws will be passed restricting our religious liberty. Those who conscientiously follow the Word of God and keep the true Sabbath of the Lord will be labeled as opposing unity and the good of society.

How does the church of Rome claim Sunday?

‘The church of Rome claims that Sunday is the “mark” of its ecclesiastical authority.’

What does Revelation predict about the future?

‘Revelation predicts that in the future, at a time of international crisis, our world will face some kind of radical political, social, religious, and moral transformation, in which Sunday keeping will be enforced and then will become “the mark of the beast.”’

What is the great controversy going to be centered on?

The great controversy will be centered on worship. Worship of either the beast or the Creator and the Sabbath will play a central role.

What kind of test should we expect in the future?

Sooner or later, laws will be passed, and those who conscientiously follow the Word of God and keep the true Sabbath will be labeled as opposing society’s best interests.

What were seals used for in ancient times?

Seals were used in ancient times to attest to the authenticity of official documents.

What elements of the Biblical seal do you find in the Sabbath commandment?

The fourth commandment contains three elements of an authentic seal. First, there is the name of the sealer: “ ‘The LORD your God’ ” (Exod. 20:10, NKJV). Second, there is the title of the sealer: the Lord who “made” (Exod. 20:11), or the Creator. And third, there is the territory of the sealer: “ ‘the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them’ ” (Exodus 20:11, NKJV).

How can we understand the fact that the seal of God is placed only on our foreheads?

Jesus respects our freedom of choice. Hence the reason why the seal of God is placed on our foreheads, Jesus invites us to let Him shape our minds through His Holy Spirit so that we cannot be moved from the anchor of our faith in the Word of God (Eph. 4:30).

Who are the faithful?

The faithful are those who “keep the commandments of God, and [have] the faith of Jesus” (Rev. 14:12).

In Conclusion,

It is either the reception of the seal of God or the mark of the beast. You do not receive any of them in an instant. Daily compromises, sins cherished, hidden idols in the heart retained, un-Christlike attitudes fostered-all lead to the reception of the mark of the beast. The reception of the seal of God takes place over a period of time in which our minds are daily conformed to the image of Christ. I pray that as we meditate on the life of Christ, the Holy Spirit works in our lives to “seal” within us the principles of God’s kingdom in preparation for the final test over the Sabbath commandment in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 11 Review: The Seal of God and Mark of the Beast: Part 1

 

Introduction

Memory text: “Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, ‘Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads’ ” (Revelation 7:2, 3, NKJV).

Love is the great motivating force of the kingdom of God in contrast to the power that tries to usurp God’s authority by force, coercion and at times bribes and rewards¾all in order to compel worship. We are committed to God because we know God is committed to Him. Only the love for Jesus so deep that can keep us away from the mark of the beast.

What two characteristics do we discover in Revelation 14:12?

Patience and Obedience to God’s law

What is at the heart of the great controversy?

The heart of the great controversy between good and evil is going to be the Sabbath.

What can we draw from Revelation 14?

Worshipping the Creator (Rev. 14:7) stands in direct opposition to worshipping the beast (Rev. 14:9) and finds its expression in a people who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus (Rev. 14:12).

What is the result of living by faith?

Living by faith, we receive His grace, and our lives are changed. The committed believers will not only have faith “in” Jesus but also will have the faith “of” Jesus.

What kind of faith did Jesus have?

The faith of Jesus is a faith that trusts when it cannot see, believes when it cannot understand, hangs on when there is little to hang on to. The “faith of Jesus” is itself a gift we receive by faith. It enables us to worship Christ as supreme and steadfastly endure when Revelation’s mark of the beast is enforced.

What is the mark-of-the-beast prophecy about?

‘The mark-of-the-beast prophecy is about the final link in this ungodly chain. Like the persecutions in the past, it is designed to force everyone to conform to a certain set of beliefs and an approved system of worship.’

What will God’s end-time people face?

Persecution, everyone will be forced to have the mark of the beast, else he/she will not be able to buy or sell. Death decree can be passed to any who refuses to compromise by receiving the mark of the beast.

What will preserve God’s people during the troublous times?

‘God’s love for each one of us will strengthen us and preserve us during the troublous times ahead.’

Where does the beast come from, and who gives the beast his authority?

The dragon, Satan (Revelation 12:9 and Revelation 20:2) working through Pagan Rome will give the seat of its government to this emerging power, the Papal Rome.

What does the contrast between those who follow the lamb and those who follow the beast imply according to Revelation 13:!3 and Revelation 14:4?

It will be the one side or the other, for Jesus or against. To not firmly commit to following the Lamb is consciously or not, to commit to the other side.

Who is our only Mediator?

Jesus is our only Mediator. According to 1 Timothy 2:5 , there is one Mediator between God and man, the man Jesus Christ. ‘In contrast, the Roman Church teaches that the Priest is the mediator between God and sinful humanity.’ The Priest himself is sinful in need of a Mediator.

How can we understand "antichrist"?

The antichrist doesn’t always mean “against” but also can mean “in the place of.” Hence, antichrist also means “in place of Christ.” Talk about blasphemy!

In Conclusion,

There is no middle ground, you either have the seal of God or you receive the mark of the beast. I pray that God gives us not only the faith “in” Jesus but the faith “of” Jesus to overcome in these troublous times in Jesus’ name.