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Wally

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Third Quarter--2012--SDA SS LESSON 10--Church Life
« on: August 31, 2012, 05:02:34 PM »
Lesson 10 *September 1-7





      
Church Life




(1 Thess. 5:12-28)

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: 1 Thess. 5:12-28, Matt. 5:43-48, Gal. 5:22, Phil. 4:4, John 15:4-6.

Memory Text: “Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:20, 21, ESV).

Key Thought: Paul gives these Thessalonians, both leaders and lay members, very practical as well as spiritual advice about how to relate to one another.

Paul concludes his first letter to the Thessalonians with seventeen admonitions (1 Thess. 5:12-22) followed by a closing prayer (1 Thess. 5:23-27). This week’s lesson begins with three admonitions regarding the attitude of local church members toward their leaders (1 Thess. 5:12, 13). These admonitions are followed by six imperatives regarding how local church leaders should behave toward their people.

Eight brief admonitions follow in the next seven verses (1 Thess. 5:16-22). These can be organized into two groups; three counsels on maintaining a positive Christian attitude (1 Thess. 5:16-18), and five on how to relate to new light in the form of prophecies (1 Thess. 5:19-22).

In the concluding prayer Paul summarizes a main theme of this letter: that believers in Thessalonica and beyond would continue to grow in holiness until the Second Coming itself. In other words, they are to live every day in preparation for the Lord’s return. In one sense, what could be more of a “present truth” message than that?

*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 8.

Sunday September 2

Response to Ministry (1 Thess. 5:12, 13)

The two verses at the heart of today’s lesson follow the concluding admonition of last week’s lesson to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thess. 5:11, NIV). This work takes place in local churches, in the process of mentoring and discipleship. The lesson today focuses on how disciples should respond to the efforts of their leaders and mentors.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13. What is Paul’s basic point, and how should we apply it to ourselves? In what ways can you better work with, support, and love those who are “over you in the Lord?”

The structure of the Greek of verse 12 indicates that the three phrases in the second half all refer to the same group, the local leaders of the Thessalonian church. Paul calls on the members to “know” these leaders, meaning to notice, respect, or recognize them. The implication being that, perhaps, some in the church were disrespectful of authority.

The word admonish has the connotation of instruct, warn, or even “knock sense into.” Paul acknowledges here that church leaders will often need to exercise “tough love.” This kind of leadership is not always welcome; yet, Paul goes on in verse 13 to ask the members to highly esteem their leaders on account of the difficult issues with which they have to deal. Paul wants all the members of the church to be at peace with one another.

The language of these verses reflects ancient strategies for dealing with people. Thought leaders of Paul’s day knew that dealing with people is delicate work. They encouraged leaders to carefully diagnose the condition of their followers, to be sensitive as to whether or not the follower was open to correction, to choose the right timing, and to apply the appropriate remedy. Above all else, leaders were expected to examine themselves before trying to correct others. Paul added elements to this framework. For the Christian, God is the model of leadership, and the goal of church leadership is a membership who live lives worthy of God.

In some cultures, there is a tendency to distrust and challenge leadership; in others, to blindly submit to it. How has your own culture’s attitude toward authority impacted the church in your area?

Monday September 3

Providing Ministry (1 Thess. 5:14, 15)

In verses 12 and 13 Paul addresses ways in which members in the church should treat their leaders. In today’s passage (1 Thess. 5:14, 15), Paul turns his attention to the leaders of the church and how they should treat those under their care.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 15. What are the ways in which Paul admonishes church leaders in regard to how they treat members? Look at the principles there. How can we apply them to ourselves, whatever our role may be in the church? Meanwhile, how should we apply these principles at work, at home, at play, and wherever we find ourselves? See also Matt. 5:43-48.
Paul encouraged the leaders in Thessalonica to “warn those who are unruly” (1 Thess. 5:14, NKJV). The unruly were members who refused to support themselves, who were willfully difficult to deal with, and who had to be confronted.

In contrast, Paul instructs the leaders to “encourage the timid, help the weak,” and “be patient with everyone” (1 Thess. 5:14, NIV). The “timid” are people who have little self-confidence or sense of worth. They are anxious and worried about many things. Such people matter to God; so, leadership should encourage them.

The “weak” are those with moral and spiritual limitations. They are gullible, easily discouraged by hardship, and fearful of the unfamiliar. Their hearts might be in the right place, but they lack knowledge and are troubled by the past. They need help to survive.

Paul directs church leaders to be patient with everyone. While the first three counsels in verse 14 are fine-tuned to meet various conditions, patience is always appropriate for pastoral care.

Paul probably continues to have leaders in mind in verse 15. Whenever caregivers are attacked by those who don’t appreciate their admonitions, they may be tempted to retaliate. But when leaders retaliate, it demonstrates that their leadership was not motivated by the spirit of Christ. Crucial to sound church leadership is to keep the good of others in mind.

Verses 12-15 presume that there will be mentors and disciples in the church, and it is important that there be a lot of respect and patience in those relationships. But we should not forget 1 Thessalonians 5:11(“encourage one another and build one another up,” ESV). Pastoral care will often go both ways. There are times when the mentors need to be mentored.
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants:  we have done that which was our duty to do.  Luke 17:10

Wally

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Re: Third Quarter--2012--SDA SS LESSON 10--Church Life
« Reply #1 on: August 31, 2012, 05:03:43 PM »
Tuesday September 4

Positive Christian Attitudes (1 Thess. 5:16-18)

According to 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15, Christians need to learn how to accept and how to offer constructive criticism. That can happen only in the context of relationship. The bottom line is that every Christian needs to be accountable to others and needs to be willing to hold others accountable. A praying church will grow in admonition and encouragement.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. What three things does Paul consider the will of God for every believer? Why is each one so important? See also Galatians 5:22, Phil 4:4.

Glenn Coon, a beloved Adventist preacher, loved to say that there are many more commands in the Bible to rejoice than there are to keep the Sabbath. Yet, we rarely give rejoicing the emphasis it deserves. A joyful life is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22; see also Phil. 4:4). And spirit-filled joy is possible even in suffering (1 Thess. 1:6).

Paul certainly was a model of what it means to pray without ceasing. First Thessalonians is saturated in prayer, as we have seen. Here Paul invites readers of his letter to follow his example.

Thankfulness is another positive Christian attitude that Paul exhibited (1 Thess. 1:2, 2 Thess. 1:3). At the root of pagan depravity was a lack of gratitude to God (Rom. 1:21). According to Thomas Erskine, “In the New Testament, religion is grace and ethics is gratitude.”-Quoted in F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free (UK: The Paternoster Press, 1977), p. 19. It is interesting to note, then, that the Greek words for “rejoice” and “be thankful” have the same basic root. The key to godly rejoicing is a continuing spirit of thankfulness to God.

Open your eyes. The gifts of God are all around us; we just forget to thank Him for them, often because we’re so focused on the trials and struggles of living. If we would cultivate an attitude of thankfulness to God more and more, our walk with Him would be much closer and our lives filled with joy.

Make a list of ten things for which you are thankful. Be very specific. Then make each of these the center of a short prayer to God. Notice the changes that will come in your whole attitude and outlook. This practice can show you just how crucial thankfulness is in our experience with God.

Wednesday September 5

Relating to “New Light” (1 Thess. 5:19-22)

“Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22, NKJV). What is Paul saying to us here? How can these words be applied in our experience? What “form of evil” must you, in your own situation, work extra hard to avoid?

In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 Paul was admonishing the church. In verses 19-22 he brings up another form of admonition, the gift of prophecy. The two negatives with which he begins this section are both continuous in emphasis: “Stop quenching the Spirit” and “stop despising prophesyings” (1 Thess. 5:19, 20, author’s translation). He’s basically telling the Thessalonians to stop something that they were doing on a consistent basis.

Though we don’t know what specific issue Paul was addressing, he seems to be telling them to be open to more light, while at the same time he’s telling them to test it, just to make sure it is indeed light (2 Cor. 11:14).

There are various ways to undermine the gift of prophecy. One of these is to “quench the Spirit.” We do this when we ignore or resist the work of a true prophet. Look at all the opposition, even from within our own ranks, to the prophetic gift we have been given in the life and ministry of Ellen White.

A second way to undermine the gift of prophecy is to accept what is said but misinterpret or misapply it. We can approach a prophetic message with an open mind but apply what is said inappropriately to the immediate situation. This is something about which we, as Adventists, need to be very careful. We have been given a wonderful gift; we don’t want to undermine that gift by misusing it.

A third way to undermine the gift of prophecy is to give prophetic authority to persons or writings that have not received the gift from God. The church must be continually vigilant, testing everything in order to see whether the prophetic message builds up the church.

What has been the impact of Ellen White’s prophetic ministry in your own life? Bring your answer to class on Sabbath.
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants:  we have done that which was our duty to do.  Luke 17:10

Wally

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Re: Third Quarter--2012--SDA SS LESSON 10--Church Life
« Reply #2 on: August 31, 2012, 05:05:08 PM »
Thursday September 6

End-Time Holiness (1 Thess. 5:23-28)

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 24. What does it mean to be “sanctified wholly” and “preserved blameless” at the coming of the Lord? Shouldn’t we be that way, even now?

In today’s passage Paul returns to the language of prayer. His style is similar to that of 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13. His main theme is also similar: being found blameless in holiness at the Second Coming. Paul makes a transition here from what the Thessalonians are supposed to do (1 Thess. 5:12-22) to what God does in us (holiness) and for us (the Second Coming).

Believers have often disagreed as to exactly what this text says about the nature of human beings and the kind of character they can expect to have when Jesus comes. In our brief encounter with this passage, we will focus on what can be said clearly on the basis of this text.

Paul is saying that what God does in believers is to extend throughout the entire person. Every part of the believer’s life is to be affected by sanctification as the return of Jesus approaches. In speaking of “spirit, soul and body,” Paul was not attempting to be scientific and precise about various layers of the human person (in biblical thought mind and body are a unified whole, not parts that exist separately). Rather, he was expressing that every part of our mind and body is to be submitted to God. God is to be allowed full control of our thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Paul’s prayer extends from the present time to the Second Coming. Believers are to be preserved, or kept blameless, until the coming of the Lord. Paul is praying that the completeness of their dedication to God will be maintained all the way to the end. According to this letter, the Thessalonians were far from perfect, but what they did have was worth preserving until Jesus comes. As much as anything else, then, Paul was praying that they would continue to grow in grace through a relationship with Jesus (see also John 15:4-6).

In what ways can you, and should you, be preparing every day for the Lord’s return?

Friday September 7

Further Study: “[As a child] Jesus carried into His labor cheerfulness and tact. It requires much patience and spirituality to bring Bible religion into the home life and into the workshop, to bear the strain of worldly business, and yet keep the eye single to the glory of God. This is where Christ was a helper. He was never so full of worldly care as to have no time or thought for heavenly things. Often He expressed the gladness of His heart by singing psalms and heavenly songs. Often the dwellers in Nazareth heard His voice raised in praise and thanksgiving to God. He held communion with heaven in song; and as His companions complained of weariness from labor, they were cheered by the sweet melody from His lips. His praise seemed to banish the evil angels, and, like incense, fill the place with fragrance. The minds of His hearers were carried away from their earthly exile, to the heavenly home.”-Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 73.

“Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings-as much a duty as it is to pray.”-Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 251.

Discussion Questions:

    As a class, go over your answers to Wednesday’s final question. Look at it in two ways: what has been Ellen White’s impact on our church as a whole, and how has her ministry impacted our lives as individuals?

    Dwell more on this idea of how our culture’s attitude toward authority affects our attitude toward authority in the church. Does our culture incite us to disrespect authority or to pay too much deference to it? How can we strike the right balance?

    How can your local church do a better job of mentoring new believers in character growth? What kind of spiritual leadership training is needed?

Summary: In this week’s passage (1 Thess. 5:12-27) Paul addresses a variety of issues, but he is particularly focused on the spiritual quality of local church life. Believers at the local level are to mentor each other and be joyful and thankful. They are also to be open to new truth, particularly prophetic truth, yet careful and thoughtful in their evaluation of new ideas. Above all else, Paul calls for complete submission to God in every area of personal life with an eye toward the return of Jesus.
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants:  we have done that which was our duty to do.  Luke 17:10

Richard Myers

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Re: Third Quarter--2012--SDA SS LESSON 10--Church Life
« Reply #3 on: September 01, 2012, 10:57:24 PM »

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: 1 Thess. 5:12-28, Matt. 5:43-48, Gal. 5:22, Phil. 4:4, John 15:4-6.

5:12   And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 
  5:13   And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 
  5:14   Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 
  5:15   See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 
  5:16   Rejoice evermore. 
  5:17   Pray without ceasing. 
  5:18   In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 
  5:19   Quench not the Spirit. 
  5:20   Despise not prophesyings. 
  5:21   Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 
  5:22   Abstain from all appearance of evil. 
  5:23   And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
  5:24   Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 
  5:25   Brethren, pray for us. 
  5:26   Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. 
  5:27   I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. 
  5:28   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. 


Memory Text: “Despise not prophesyings.  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 5:20, 21.
 
Key Thought: Paul gives these Thessalonians, both leaders and lay members, very practical as well as spiritual advice about how to relate to one another.

Paul concludes his first letter to the Thessalonians with seventeen admonitions (1 Thess. 5:12-22) followed by a closing prayer (1 Thess. 5:23-27). This week’s lesson begins with three admonitions regarding the attitude of local church members toward their leaders (1 Thess. 5:12, 13). These admonitions are followed by six imperatives regarding how local church leaders should behave toward their people.

Eight brief admonitions follow in the next seven verses (1 Thess. 5:16-22). These can be organized into two groups; three counsels on maintaining a positive Christian attitude (1 Thess. 5:16-18), and five on how to relate to new light in the form of prophecies (1 Thess. 5:19-22).

In the concluding prayer Paul summarizes a main theme of this letter: that believers in Thessalonica and beyond would continue to grow in holiness until the Second Coming itself. In other words, they are to live every day in preparation for the Lord’s return. In one sense, what could be more of a “present truth” message than that?


Present truth? Yes!  Sadly, how many are preaching it? We pray that this week's lesson will reveal the power of God's grace to transform the life......at conversion. Yes, sanctification is the work of a lifetime, but at conversion there is a radical change in the nature. We become partakers of the divine nature at conversion (2 Peter 1:4). We are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and manifest all of the fruits of His Spirit, not one is missing.  "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."  Quite a message!!
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: Third Quarter--2012--SDA SS LESSON 10--Church Life
« Reply #4 on: September 01, 2012, 11:15:35 PM »
Sunday September 2

Response to Ministry (1 Thess. 5:12, 13)

  5:12   And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 
  5:13   And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves. 


The two verses at the heart of today’s lesson follow the concluding admonition of last week’s lesson to “comfort yourselves together, and edify one another.  ” 1 Thess. 5:11. This work takes place in local churches, in the process of mentoring and discipleship. The lesson today focuses on how disciples should respond to the efforts of their leaders and mentors.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13. What is Paul’s basic point, and how should we apply it to ourselves? In what ways can you better work with, support, and love those who are “over you in the Lord?”

The structure of the Greek of verse 12 indicates that the three phrases in the second half all refer to the same group, the local leaders of the Thessalonian church. Paul calls on the members to “know” these leaders, meaning to notice, respect, or recognize them. The implication being that, perhaps, some in the church were disrespectful of authority.

The word admonish has the connotation of instruct, warn, or even “knock sense into.” Paul acknowledges here that church leaders will often need to exercise “tough love.” This kind of leadership is not always welcome; yet, Paul goes on in verse 13 to ask the members to highly esteem their leaders on account of the difficult issues with which they have to deal. Paul wants all the members of the church to be at peace with one another.

The language of these verses reflects ancient strategies for dealing with people. Thought leaders of Paul’s day knew that dealing with people is delicate work. They encouraged leaders to carefully diagnose the condition of their followers, to be sensitive as to whether or not the follower was open to correction, to choose the right timing, and to apply the appropriate remedy. Above all else, leaders were expected to examine themselves before trying to correct others. Paul added elements to this framework. For the Christian, God is the model of leadership, and the goal of church leadership is a membership who live lives worthy of God.

In some cultures, there is a tendency to distrust and challenge leadership; in others, to blindly submit to it. How has your own culture’s attitude toward authority impacted the church in your area?


Some cultures do have certain attitudes towards authority. In the United States we do not anymore. The Constitution which once was respected, led to respect for authority. Now that it is not followed and with the corruption of society there is a divide. Many do not trust those in authority, while some still do. I think we see the same in many developed nations. How about the church? In North America, it has become very difficult with rebellion seen at the division, union, and conference level against the authority of the General Conference in Session. With that rebellion comes an example that will surely run all the way down to the local churches. It is very sad to see this in the church. Europe was following in the same path, but this week there was a reversal and a willingness to respect the authority of the World Church.  It is indeed a cultural issue within North America. We pray for respect for the Constitution and bylaws that the unions and conferences operate under will be seen again soon. But, the disrespect for the law is so great that it may not happen. The verses we are studying are being rejected by three NA unions.  It is very sad indeed. Hopefully many in those conferences will be moved while studying Sunday's lesson.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: Third Quarter--2012--SDA SS LESSON 10--Church Life
« Reply #5 on: September 03, 2012, 06:04:04 AM »
Monday September 3

Providing Ministry (1 Thess. 5:14, 15)


In verses 12 and 13 Paul addresses ways in which members in the church should treat their leaders. In today’s passage (1 Thess. 5:14, 15), Paul turns his attention to the leaders of the church and how they should treat those under their care.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 15.

  5:14   Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men]. 
  5:15   See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men]. 


What are the ways in which Paul admonishes church leaders in regard to how they treat members? Look at the principles there. How can we apply them to ourselves, whatever our role may be in the church? Meanwhile, how should we apply these principles at work, at home, at play, and wherever we find ourselves? See also Matt. 5:43-48.
Paul encouraged the leaders in Thessalonica to “warn those who are unruly” (1 Thess. 5:14, NKJV).

This is a very timely lesson. As the General Conference deals with the rebellion in the NAD, we see Pastors Wilson, Finley, and Cooper warning those that are in rebellion against the authority of the General Conference and their own bylaws, but also they have been very humble and patient. I keep expecting to see the earth open up and swallow many unions leaders, but God is in control and He is very patient wanting none to perish.


The unruly were members who refused to support themselves, who were willfully difficult to deal with, and who had to be confronted.

Yes, so it is today, confrontation is not nice, but it is necessary when some are difficult to deal with.


In contrast, Paul instructs the leaders to “encourage the timid, help the weak,” and “be patient with everyone” (1 Thess. 5:14, NIV). The “timid” are people who have little self-confidence or sense of worth. They are anxious and worried about many things. Such people matter to God; so, leadership should encourage them.

In dealing with leaders in rebellion, we generally don't find much timidity. What are seeing is bold defiance and attacks against church leaders in authority.


The “weak” are those with moral and spiritual limitations. They are gullible, easily discouraged by hardship, and fearful of the unfamiliar. Their hearts might be in the right place, but they lack knowledge and are troubled by the past. They need help to survive.

Amen!

Paul directs church leaders to be patient with everyone. While the first three counsels in verse 14 are fine-tuned to meet various conditions, patience is always appropriate for pastoral care.

Amen!  It is not a choice since it is one of the fruits of the Spirit. It comes with conversion. "Long-suffering" is evidence of conversion. It is such a blessing to see Pastor Wilson manifest this patience with those who are indeed difficult to deal with. There is on one hand the need to act with firmness and to not delay in dealing with rebellion, but as we see, it needs to be done with God's leading. This often requires much patience since
"one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." 2 Peter 3:8.

Paul probably continues to have leaders in mind in verse 15. Whenever caregivers are attacked by those who don’t appreciate their admonitions, they may be tempted to retaliate. But when leaders retaliate, it demonstrates that their leadership was not motivated by the spirit of Christ. Crucial to sound church leadership is to keep the good of others in mind.

Verses 12-15 presume that there will be mentors and disciples in the church, and it is important that there be a lot of respect and patience in those relationships. But we should not forget 1 Thessalonians 5:11(“encourage one another and build one another up,” ESV). Pastoral care will often go both ways. There are times when the mentors need to be mentored.


Yes, that is what we are seeing today. Let us pray that the breech in the church can be healed so that many souls will not be lost.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

  • Servant
  • Posts: 44592
  • Grace, more than a word, it is transforming power
    • The Remnant Online
Re: Third Quarter--2012--SDA SS LESSON 10--Church Life
« Reply #6 on: September 05, 2012, 10:00:10 AM »
Tuesday September 4

Positive Christian Attitudes (1 Thess. 5:16-18)



  5:16   Rejoice evermore. 
  5:17   Pray without ceasing. 
  5:18   In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 

According to 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15,

  5:12   And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 
  5:13   And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves. 
  5:14   Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men]. 
  5:15   See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men]. 


Christians need to learn how to accept and how to offer constructive criticism. That can happen only in the context of relationship. The bottom line is that every Christian needs to be accountable to others and needs to be willing to hold others accountable. A praying church will grow in admonition and encouragement.

These verses are important. The author has rightly pointed out that "Christians need to learn how to accept and how to offer constructive criticism."  There is a problem here. It is a rather large problem. Why is it that so few can accept reproof? That is the Biblical word to be used. Some believe it is only the pastor that is to reprove, but the Bible here reads otherwise. The reason why so few want to be reproved, want to know of their sins or mistakes, is because so few are dead do self. Many would rather stay wrong than to admit a mistake. This is very sad. It is a revelation of the church being in a Laodicean condition.  "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men." Is this not good counsel? We need to pray about what is being said here. The fruits of His Spirit will be in all when they are abiding in Christ and Christ them. This is why there are so many problems in the church and why relationships are so difficult. If we would remain in Christ, then we would manifest the fruits of His Spirit, every one would be in the life, not one would be missing.

And, the other half of the author's statement is important. We need to reprove the sins and mistakes of others "as God leads" and in His Spirit. There is indeed a learning process, but the foundation of doing this in the right way has more to do with where the reprover is in life. Are we abiding in Christ? If not, we dare not reprove another. It could be the cause of a soul being lost. "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?  Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye." Matthew 7:3-5.


Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

  5:16   Rejoice evermore. 
  5:17   Pray without ceasing. 
  5:18   In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 


What three things does Paul consider the will of God for every believer? Why is each one so important? See also Galatians 5:22, Phil 4:4.

  5:22   But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 
  5:23   Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 

  4:4   Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice. 


Glenn Coon, a beloved Adventist preacher, loved to say that there are many more commands in the Bible to rejoice than there are to keep the Sabbath. Yet, we rarely give rejoicing the emphasis it deserves. A joyful life is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22; see also Phil. 4:4). And spirit-filled joy is possible even in suffering (1 Thess. 1:6).

1:6   And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 

Paul certainly was a model of what it means to pray without ceasing. First Thessalonians is saturated in prayer, as we have seen. Here Paul invites readers of his letter to follow his example.

Thankfulness is another positive Christian attitude that Paul exhibited (1 Thess. 1:2, 2 Thess. 1:3). At the root of pagan depravity was a lack of gratitude to God (Rom. 1:21). According to Thomas Erskine, “In the New Testament, religion is grace and ethics is gratitude.”-Quoted in F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free (UK: The Paternoster Press, 1977), p. 19. It is interesting to note, then, that the Greek words for “rejoice” and “be thankful” have the same basic root. The key to godly rejoicing is a continuing spirit of thankfulness to God.

Yes, when we are thankful to God, we will rejoice. But, the key to having this experience goes deeper. Without a death to self and a full surrender to Christ, we shall not have either the thankfulness, nor the rejoicing. We need to be "born again" of His Spirit.


Open your eyes. The gifts of God are all around us; we just forget to thank Him for them, often because we’re so focused on the trials and struggles of living. If we would cultivate an attitude of thankfulness to God more and more, our walk with Him would be much closer and our lives filled with joy.

Make a list of ten things for which you are thankful. Be very specific. Then make each of these the center of a short prayer to God. Notice the changes that will come in your whole attitude and outlook. This practice can show you just how crucial thankfulness is in our experience with God.


I am sorry, but I must disagree. While it is good to remember our blessings, we must go deeper. We have a work to do, it is not working our way to heaven with making lists and burning papers with our sins on them. The sacrificial system was ended 2000 years ago. What we need to do is behold our God. We need to spend a thoughtful hour each day with Jesus. We need to learn of Him and His great love for us. We need to keep His Words foremost in our minds that we will remember what we have to be thankful for. Otherwise, as the author has pointed out, we shall have our minds riveted on our trials, which are great. We must abide in Christ, become a partaker of His divine nature, then we shall rejoice, then we shall remember what great things our God has done for us. We poor erring mortals have dull minds and bad memories.  Often we can look in the mirror, see ourselves for who we are, then turn and forget what we saw. But, if we will develop the habit of spending a thoughtful hour each day with Jesus, contemplating His Words, His life, then we shall become changed into His image from glory to glory by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: Third Quarter--2012--SDA SS LESSON 10--Church Life
« Reply #7 on: September 05, 2012, 10:28:17 AM »
Wednesday September 5

Relating to “New Light” (1 Thess. 5:19-22)


  5:19   Quench not the Spirit. 
  5:20   Despise not prophesyings. 
  5:21   Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 
  5:22   Abstain from all appearance of evil. 

“Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22, NKJV). What is Paul saying to us here? How can these words be applied in our experience? What “form of evil” must you, in your own situation, work extra hard to avoid?

In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 Paul was admonishing the church. In verses 19-22 he brings up another form of admonition, the gift of prophecy. The two negatives with which he begins this section are both continuous in emphasis: “Stop quenching the Spirit” and “stop despising prophesyings” (1 Thess. 5:19, 20, author’s translation). He’s basically telling the Thessalonians to stop something that they were doing on a consistent basis.

I do not see that Paul is rebuking sin, but teaching. There is a difference.


Though we don’t know what specific issue Paul was addressing, he seems to be telling them to be open to more light, while at the same time he’s telling them to test it, just to make sure it is indeed light (2 Cor. 11:14).

There are various ways to undermine the gift of prophecy. One of these is to “quench the Spirit.” We do this when we ignore or resist the work of a true prophet. Look at all the opposition, even from within our own ranks, to the prophetic gift we have been given in the life and ministry of Ellen White.

This is a powerful statement from one who has much responsibility as the Sabbath School Lesson teacher. "Look at all the opposition, even from within our own ranks, to the prophetic gift we have been given in the life and ministry of Ellen White."  This is true. My question to the author is, why is there nothing done to correct the erring ones? Why are they left unreproved?  If we follow the admonition in our Bible lesson today, ought not those in responsible positions in the church deal with such an abomination? Why should there be "opposition" to the Spirit of Prophecy? Why is it allowed to continue openly rejecting the light given to us as a people? I point to one example that goes unchecked. It is the public abomination of the publishing work done by A-today and Spectrum. There are ordained ministers involved in this public rejection of the light given through Ellen White. And, often the prophets throughout the ages are maligned also. The Bible is twisted to mislead many with much of what these two organizations publish. It is indeed "opposition from within our own ranks."


A second way to undermine the gift of prophecy is to accept what is said but misinterpret or misapply it. We can approach a prophetic message with an open mind but apply what is said inappropriately to the immediate situation. This is something about which we, as Adventists, need to be very careful. We have been given a wonderful gift; we don’t want to undermine that gift by misusing it.

A third way to undermine the gift of prophecy is to give prophetic authority to persons or writings that have not received the gift from God. The church must be continually vigilant, testing everything in order to see whether the prophetic message builds up the church.

What has been the impact of Ellen White’s prophetic ministry in your own life? Bring your answer to class on Sabbath.


This will be a blessing to many who have not appreciated the gift given to the world. Let us share here what this blessing has meant to us individually. For me, it has presented a view of Christ that it would have been difficult for me to receive from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Why? Because of the dullness of my mind. The book The Desire of Ages has been my study for 30 years. In it I have seen the beauty of the loveliness of Jesus. In beholding Jesus each morning, I continue to learn of of Him who gave all for me. In seeing a perfect standard of character, I see how far removed I am from that standard. But, I also see that He has forgiven me and has transformed my life. By His grace, I may each day partake of His divine nature and be delivered from the corruption in this world, and that is in my flesh.  He reminds me as I read His Words, that He wants to live in me, He wants to fill me with His Spirit, and then the fruits of His Spirit will be seen in my life. Such a promise!! It is hard to grasp, but by faith we are to believe that Jesus will do all that He has promised through His Word.

Let me close with one of the great blessings to come to me through the ministry of Ellen White through the book The Desire of Ages. May it bless you also.


"The story of Bethlehem is an exhaustless theme. In it is hidden "the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God." Romans 11:33. We marvel at the Saviour's sacrifice in exchanging the throne of heaven for the manger, and the companionship of adoring angels for the beasts of the stall. Human pride and self-sufficiency stand rebuked in His presence. Yet this was but the beginning of His wonderful condescension. It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to take man's nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What these results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows and
temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life. 

Satan in heaven had hated Christ for His position in the courts of God. He hated Him the more when he himself was dethroned. He hated Him who pledged Himself to redeem a race of sinners. Yet into the world where Satan claimed dominion God permitted His Son to come, a helpless babe, subject to the weakness of humanity. He permitted Him to meet life's peril in common with every human soul, to fight the battle as every child of humanity must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal loss.

The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his little child, and trembles at the thought of life's peril. He longs to shield his dear one from Satan's power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict. To meet a bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk, God gave His only-begotten Son, that the path of life might be made sure for our little ones. "Herein is love." Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth!"



Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: Third Quarter--2012--SDA SS LESSON 10--Church Life
« Reply #8 on: September 06, 2012, 02:02:56 PM »
Thursday September 6

End-Time Holiness (1 Thess. 5:23-28)


  5:23   And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
  5:24   Faithful [is] he that calleth you, who also will do [it]. 
  5:25   Brethren, pray for us. 
  5:26   Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. 
  5:27   I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. 
  5:28   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen. 


Read 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 24. What does it mean to be “sanctified wholly” and “preserved blameless” at the coming of the Lord? Shouldn’t we be that way, even now?

How can you read it otherwise. The verse says "preserved blameless", not presented blameless. And it does not say anything about being sanctified at the second coming, it says " God of peace sanctify you wholly." That is present tense.


In today’s passage Paul returns to the language of prayer. His style is similar to that of 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13. His main theme is also similar: being found blameless in holiness at the Second Coming. Paul makes a transition here from what the Thessalonians are supposed to do (1 Thess. 5:12-22) to what God does in us (holiness) and for us (the Second Coming).

I have not read ahead in the lesson. But, I am seeing a very troubling direction. The author is placing the text in a different setting. He is not taking it as it reads.


Believers have often disagreed as to exactly what this text says about the nature of human beings and the kind of character they can expect to have when Jesus comes. In our brief encounter with this passage, we will focus on what can be said clearly on the basis of this text.

And what kind of character must we have today?


Paul is saying that what God does in believers is to extend throughout the entire person. Every part of the believer’s life is to be affected by sanctification as the return of Jesus approaches. In speaking of “spirit, soul and body,” Paul was not attempting to be scientific and precise about various layers of the human person (in biblical thought mind and body are a unified whole, not parts that exist separately). Rather, he was expressing that every part of our mind and body is to be submitted to God. God is to be allowed full control of our thoughts, feelings, and actions.

And if God has full control of our thoughts, feelings, and actions, then why the hesitency to say one is sanctified "wholly"? There is a double talk here. Just take the verses as they read.


Paul’s prayer extends from the present time to the Second Coming. Believers are to be preserved, or kept blameless, until the coming of the Lord. Paul is praying that the completeness of their dedication to God will be maintained all the way to the end. According to this letter, the Thessalonians were far from perfect, but what they did have was worth preserving until Jesus comes. As much as anything else, then, Paul was praying that they would continue to grow in grace through a relationship with Jesus (see also John 15:4-6).

"to be preserved, or kept blameless". Then why change the theology?  "According to this letter, the Thessalonians were far from perfect, but what they did have was worth preserving until Jesus comes." Perfect in what sense? God looks upon the heart.  Those who were converted had pure hearts. They were "blameless".  The author says they were "far from perfect". Yet, they were blameless. We need to develop our theology so that all may understand what it means to be blameless and holy and pure and undefiled and holy.


In what ways can you, and should you, be preparing every day for the Lord’s return?


We ought to be loving Christians who walk in the light. We ought to be filled with His Spirit that others would see Jesus in us. We ought not be sinning against God and man. How is it with you today? Are you sanctified wholly? If not, don't make excuses and find the truth unlovely. No, go to Jesus and He will wash you whiter than snow. If you don't believe it, then you deny the power of God to cleanse you from all sin. It is a popular teaching to make excuses for sin. That is to say that since we live in fallen flesh we cannot keep the law of God. That is the "Evangelical gospel" which is no gospel at all. God's grace has power. It has power to transform the homosexual, to convert the drunk, to turn an adulterer into a celibate Christian. If you agree, then don't make excuses for your bad temper or your failure to eat right. God gives you each one of the fruits of His Spirit when you let Him into your heart.

Jesus proved He loves us. Why resist His love. He is knocking on the door of your heart wanting in. What must you give up in exchange for Jesus and His character? A sin polluted heart. What a blessing!!
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Mimi

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Re: Third Quarter--2012--SDA SS LESSON 10--Church Life
« Reply #9 on: September 06, 2012, 05:38:58 PM »
Amen!

The author's teachings, as strange as they are, were bound to come out. Now it is clear for all to see.
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Richard Myers

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Re: Third Quarter--2012--SDA SS LESSON 10--Church Life
« Reply #10 on: September 07, 2012, 08:33:20 AM »
Verse 5:27, "I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren."  Throughout our lessons the author has continued to berate the Thessalonians, telling us that why Paul was speaking in such a manner was because the Thessalonians, or some of them, has these problems he was speaking of.  This is not necessarily so. The author has taken liberty that he is not entitled to. He has no reason to say these things about the Thessalonians, it runs contrary to the Words of Paul. Paul is instructing the church, not reproving them. There is a great difference. And if they erred by lack of knowledge, that does not take anything away from their "purity" of character. God looks upon the heart. 

In verse 27, Paul tells us that the Thessalonians were "holy".  It would be good if Paul could speak of  your church as he did of the Thessalonian church. Can he?  Is your church like the one Paul is speaking to in this Book? If not, why not? Are you like the Thessalonians? Can people say that you  are holy and blameless? What a powerful witness you would be, if you and your church are identified as Paul was identifying the Thessalonians church.

Let's go back so we can remember what God has said through the inspired writings of Paul and not be misled by the arm of flesh:

  1:3   Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 
  1:4   Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. 
  1:5   For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 
  1:6   And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 
  1:7   So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 
  1:8   For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. 
  1:9   For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 
  2:10   Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:  (notice that Paul even tells them that he and his fellow laborers were holy ajd blameless also. Is that what you see in the leaders in your church, conference, and union?)
  2:11   As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father [doth] his children, 
  2:12   That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 
  2:13   For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 
  2:14   For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they [have] of the Jews: 

  3:7   Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:5:4   But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 
  5:5   Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day
: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.   
  5:11   Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.  [/color]
Can these things be said of your church? It is true that these men and women had much to learn, but Paul points out their character. It is moral character that they had. It is moral character God wants to give to us today, not when Jesus comes to take us home. If we have not a character that will fit us for heaven, we shall not be in heaven. Jesus does not bring to us moral character when He comes. It is today that we are to accept Christ into our hearts that we will be fit for heaven. It is the heart that Jesus wants. We are to be purified from the inside out. If the heart has been cleansed, then we are fit for heaven. Yes, Jesus will do more, yes, He will continue to grow us, but it is the conversion of heart and mind that He wants today. He wants to say of you and your church what Paul said of the Thessalonian church. That is the beginning of sanctification. If we are not there, then we have a work to do that we might be His faithful witness. And that is just the reason we hear the call for revival and reformation sounding in the church.

Today, we have a decision to make. Are we going to resist the truth? Are we going to obey the Bible or are we going to follow the arm of flesh and rebel against God and His church? God leaves this up to each one of us. The Holy Spirit is speaking to you and me in a very still and gentle voice, pointing us to Jesus. He has the power to transform our lives. Shall we continue as a people to resist His love? I hope not. Today is the day of salvation.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: Third Quarter--2012--SDA SS LESSON 10--Church Life
« Reply #11 on: September 07, 2012, 09:12:01 AM »
Friday September 7

Further Study: “[As a child] Jesus carried into His labor cheerfulness and tact. It requires much patience and spirituality to bring Bible religion into the home life and into the workshop, to bear the strain of worldly business, and yet keep the eye single to the glory of God. This is where Christ was a helper. He was never so full of worldly care as to have no time or thought for heavenly things. Often He expressed the gladness of His heart by singing psalms and heavenly songs. Often the dwellers in Nazareth heard His voice raised in praise and thanksgiving to God. He held communion with heaven in song; and as His companions complained of weariness from labor, they were cheered by the sweet melody from His lips. His praise seemed to banish the evil angels, and, like incense, fill the place with fragrance. The minds of His hearers were carried away from their earthly exile, to the heavenly home.”-Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 73.

The Christian life is a revelation of much patience. Why? Because we live in a world that is not Christian. We are faced daily both in the workplace and in the home with difficult situations. If we are not connected with Christ, if self is alive, then we cannot resist the smallest temptation. Without Jesus we cannot do any good thing.  The heart must be purified, or all that we do is defiled by our selfishness. Too often we see those who profess to be Christians acting in a manner that belies their profession. It is true that one who is truly converted can take their eyes off of Jesus and sin, but to make excuses for one's sin is a revelation that true repentance has not been received. We hear all to often from pulpits that one is "justified" or "saved" while they are sinning. This leads to many remaining in a Laodicean condition, a lost condition, because they continue to believe they are rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing.

Jesus tells us to by of Him gold tried in the fire, faith that works by His love, white raiment, His character, and eyesalve, the Holy Spirit, that we might see. If we were to seek these from Jesus, we would be converted and have patience in the home and workplace. We would not be so quick to be nasty to others. We would reveal the fruits of His Spirit, not one would be missing.


“Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings-as much a duty as it is to pray.”-Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 251.


Amen!  This is the result of beholding Jesus. Grace transforms the life. When we see what God has done for us while we were yet sinners, it causes us to be be thankful, no matter what is happening in our lives. If Jesus loves us, which He does, then how can we not be thankful!


Discussion Questions:

    As a class, go over your answers to Wednesday’s final question. Look at it in two ways: what has been Ellen White’s impact on our church as a whole, and how has her ministry impacted our lives as individuals?

What will you say in Sabbath School class? Have you read all of the books published by Ellen White herself? Not the compilations, but the ones she wrote herself? Are you excited that God sent a modern day prophet into the world? I am. And, if you are, then you did read all that God had to say through her? And if you allow Christ to take possession of your heart, then you are walking in that light. You want to walk in the counsels God has sent.  You want to see our schools following the blueprint given. You are offended when you hear that our schools are doing otherwise. You are ashamed that the light has been neglected and rejected? Or, are you as an actor in a play and ignore the rejection of this great light? Has your church been leavened by the hypocrisy of professing to believe in the Spirit of Prophecy, and rejecting the truths contained therein? We could spend time discussing the light given and the light rejected. But, it is enough to say that the gospel truth is made clear in the writing of Ellen White. She understood that it means to be a Christian and she spelled it out for us. Steps to Christ, Christ Object Lessons, The Desire of Ages. And, what we hear being preached from the pulpit of many churches, what we see coming off of our presses is often contrary to the simplicity of the gospel.

Yes, be honest this Sabbath in your class. "what has been Ellen White’s impact on our church as a whole?"  You have permission to tell the truth in your class. It is one thing to bring up the subject on your own, but here the author has asked you to tell the class what you see in your church. The Holy Spirit will lead you IF you are asking Him to. Give your heart to Jesus and then speak the Words of truth in your class. Join with Pastor Wilson in calling for revival and reformation in our own lives, and in our churches.


Dwell more on this idea of how our culture’s attitude toward authority affects our attitude toward authority in the church. Does our culture incite us to disrespect authority or to pay too much deference to it?

Again, I point you to Southern California as an example in our churches of what the author is asking. The society of Southern California is like San Francisco and Oakland. What we see is Sodom and Gomorrah. Has this immoral culture come into our churches in Southern California? What is the attitude of many of the churches in the area? One only needs to understand what the South Eastern California Conference has done over the last 13 years. They have rejected the authority of the World Church. They have led in the rebellion against God and His word and the World Church. Loma Linda had a meeting the day before the Pacific Union Constituency meeting last month. There we saw the attitude of culture that was opposed to the authority of the church. They violated their own bylaws and do what they believe is right in their own eyes. Yes, it is a good example of just what the author is asking. The lawless culture of Southern California has come into the churches in that area. How about your own church? Has the culture of the world infected your church? Has the music, the dress, the diet of the world you live in influenced you and your church? It has mine. Ask yourself if the world's attitude toward modesty has influenced you and your family?  This is a cultural matter where you live. Are you influenced by immodest dress in your area of the world? Do you excuse your character defects based on culture?


How can we strike the right balance?

A balance? A balance between the church and the Bible? Why should we have to choose between the church and the Bible?  The author asks the wrong question. If your church is not following the Bible, then follow the Bible. If your church is following the Bible, then follow the church. It is not a difficult matter, as painful as it is when the churches are not walking in the light. There is no "balance". We walk in the light and leave the rest with God. When culture takes possession of a church, then we may know that Jesus and the Bible are not the foundation of that church.


How can your local church do a better job of mentoring new believers in character growth? What kind of spiritual leadership training is needed?

What is needed is not a training program, we need Jesus. It is just that simple. Read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John every day. Read your Desire of Ages every day. Behold Jesus and all else will work out. We need to be converted as a people. That begins with you and me. The difficulties in the church stem from the blind leading the blind. It begins at baptism. Often many are buried alive. I seldom quote the Spirit of Prophecy in the lesson, but today I am going to. The Bible is sufficient, but I want our classes this Sabbath to share this statement from the Spirit of Prophecy since it is part of our lessons this week.

"The new birth is a rare experience in this age of the world. This is the reason why there are so many perplexities in the churches. Many, so many, who assume the name of Christ are unsanctified and unholy. They have been baptized, but they were buried alive. Self did not die, and therefore they did not rise to newness of life in Christ." Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol 6 pg 1075.  This was written in 1897, but it is more applicable today than then.

What the church needs are examples of Christ in humanity. When the church members see the character of Christ in the pastor, the elders, the deacons, the deaconesses, the mother, the father, then we have what the author would call "leadership training".  It is that simple. We need Jesus, then we will teach others what it means to be a Seventh-day Adventist Christian.

Summary: In this week’s passage (1 Thess. 5:12-27) Paul addresses a variety of issues, but he is particularly focused on the spiritual quality of local church life. Believers at the local level are to mentor each other and be joyful and thankful. They are also to be open to new truth, particularly prophetic truth, yet careful and thoughtful in their evaluation of new ideas. Above all else, Paul calls for complete submission to God in every area of personal life with an eye toward the return of Jesus.


This is the important lesson this week: "Paul calls for complete submission to God in every area of personal life."  Amen! There is no need to go elsewhere until this is done in the life of the church member and the church.  These words means just what they say. To spiritualize them away is to lead away from God. God is calling us to holiness, to purity, to be blameless. Can that be said of us? Is this the condition of your church? Then do not make excuses. Do not say the Thessalonian church was not perfect, excusing sin. The Thessalonians were a great blessing to Paul because their hearts were knit with his. They turned from their idols to serve the living God! How is it with you and your church? Have you turned away from your idols? Or are you walking in your own wisdom and strength and destroying your children?  Unloveliness has its price. We may repent of our unChristian behaviour, but that does not mean that our children whom we have influenced will be able to do so. It is past time to cease acting and become real converted Christians. The power is not in man, but in God to do so. Jesus is drawing all men unto Himself. We would all be converted if we did not resist this drawing. But, self resists. Learn of Him who gave all for you. By beholding Jesus you shall become changed into His likeness, His character from glory to glory (2Cor 3:18)

Have a blessed Sabbath and pray that you might be a light in your church this Sabbath. Be a witness for Jesus.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: Third Quarter--2012--SDA SS LESSON 10--Church Life
« Reply #12 on: September 08, 2012, 06:22:51 AM »
Dwell more on this idea of how our culture’s attitude toward authority affects our attitude toward authority in the church. Does our culture incite us to disrespect authority or to pay too much deference to it?

I know we have spoken to this already, but since there are new developments in the church, I thought it important that you be prepared for Sabbath School this morning if you live in the Western part of the world. We have gotten word that the Pacific Union has not responded to the plea made by Pastor Wilson and the World Church to refrain from ordaining women pastors. The culture of their world has led them to continue in their rebellion against Scripture and the World Church. I am a member of the Pacific Union, they represent me, but not my intentions. The world is in the church. The culture of the world today does not respect authority, but at the same time will use authority to persecute those who love God and keep His commandments. I can assure you that the two go hand in hand. When Jesus is not leading, then Satan is. He is after you and me. Pray for the faithful pastors that are in the unions that are in rebellion, they will be persecuted. Some will lose their jobs. Some are still treating this as if it is not rebellion. There is nothing worse than this rebellion that has come upon the Seventh-day Adventist Church since its inception. For more information go to remnant-online.org

Our September Newsletter addresses the subject.
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Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.