Author Topic: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 2--3rd Quarter 2017--Paul’s Authority and Gospel  (Read 9283 times)

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Wally

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Lesson 2 July 1-7






Paul’s Authority and Gospel








Commentary in Navy                  Inspiration in Maroon










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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Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Pet. 3:15, 16; Galatians 1; Phil. 1:1; Gal. 5:12.

Memory Text: “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

What a truth!!  Am I more fearful of offending man or God?


Students at a university built a center on their campus where everyone — regardless of race, gender, social status, or religious beliefs — would be welcome. Imagine if years later these students returned to the campus only to discover that other students had redesigned the center. Instead of the large room with plenty of space for socializing — designed to bring a sense of unity to everyone there — the room had been subdivided into many smaller rooms with entrance restrictions based on race, gender, and so forth. The students responsible for the redesign might have argued that their authority to make these changes came from centuries-old established practice.

This is something like the situation that Paul faced when he wrote his letter to the churches in Galatia. His plan that Gentiles could join on the basis of faith alone was being challenged by false teachers who insisted that Gentiles must also be circumcised before they could become members.

This position, Paul saw, was an attack on the essence of the gospel itself; thus, he had to respond. The response is the letter to the Galatians.

It is true that Paul was fighting against legalism. But, today, we see this being twisted to teach that one can sin and retain salvation because man is saved by "faith alone."  Thus, we need to protect against both heresies. If we only address one and leave the other, then we serve Satan's purpose. He cares not which heresy we follow. Today, most pastors professing to serve God, teach that sin does not reveal a separation between God and man. That one may sin a known sin and retain salvation. So, while addressing legalism, which Paul learned as a Jew, and which was his constant concern, we today must teach all that Paul taught and that which James clearly understood and presented in a clear manner.

2:14   What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 
 2:15   If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 
 2:16   And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit? 
 2:17   Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 
 2:18   Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. 
 2:19   Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 
 2:20   But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 
 2:21   Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 
 2:22   Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 
 2:23   And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 
 2:24   Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 
 2:25   Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent [them] out another way? 
 2:26   For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. 


Thus we see that we must be careful in how we respond to what we think one is saying rather what they really teach. Paul and James do not contradict each other, even though it clearly appears that way. Saving faith is never separated from good works. If there are no good works, then the faith is not faith enough. When man believes with the whole heart, then is seen in the life every one of the fruits of the Spirit, no matter what he knows or does not know. When the heart is fully surrendered to Christ, then the Holy Spirit takes possession of it and brings with Him power to resist the temptation to sin. A new creature is evident because the repentant sinner is a partaker of God's divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

While we are addressing Gentile circumcision, let us consider that while it was not required of the Gentiles, the law was not done away with, other things were required. Thus, the issue was not just "justification by faith", but the standard the church was to use to for church membership. What did the Holy Spirit lead the first General Conference Session to decide in regards to requirements for the Gentiles?


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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Sunday July 2

Paul, the Letter Writer


Read 2 Peter 3:15, 16.

3:15   And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 
 3:16   As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 


This is very good counsel. It applies to the teaching of Paul in the Book of Galatians. The "evangelicals" have taken Luther and Paul and "wrested" (twisted) the truth to teach that one may sin and be saved.


What do these verses tell us about how the early church viewed Paul’s writing? What does this teach us about how inspiration works?

When Paul wrote to the Galatians, he was not trying to produce a literary masterpiece. Instead, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Paul was addressing specific situations that involved him and the believers in Galatia.

Letters like Galatians played an essential role in Paul’s apostolic ministry. As the missionary to the Gentile world, Paul founded a number of churches scattered around the Mediterranean. Although he visited these churches whenever he could, he couldn’t stay in one place too long. To compensate for his absence, Paul wrote letters to the churches in order to give them guidance. Over time, copies of Paul’s letters were shared with other churches (Col. 4:16). Although some of Paul’s letters have been lost, at least thirteen books in the New Testament bear his name. As the above words from Peter show, too, at some point Paul’s writings were viewed as Scripture. This shows just how much authority his ministry eventually gained early on in the history of the church.

At one time some Christians believed that the format of Paul’s letters was unique — a special format created by the Spirit in order to contain God’s inspired Word. This view changed when two young scholars from Oxford, Bernard Grenfell and Arthur Hunt, discovered in Egypt about five hundred thousand fragments of ancient papyri (documents written on papyrus, a popular writing material used several hundred years before and after Christ). In addition to finding some of the oldest copies of the New Testament, they found invoices, tax returns, receipts, and personal letters.

Much to everyone’s surprise, the basic format of Paul’s letters turned out to be common to all letter writers in his day. The format included (1) an opening salutation that mentioned the sender and the recipient, and then included a greeting; (2) a word of thanksgiving; (3) the main body of the letter; and, finally, (4) a closing remark.

In short, Paul was following the basic format of his time, speaking to his contemporaries through a medium and style that they would be familiar with.

If the Bible were to be written today, what kind of medium, format, and style do you think the Lord would use to reach us now?

The Bible is not written in the format of Paul's letters. Even in the New Testament we do not see all of the Books being in letter format. Some would say God would use "rap" to reach the world, but that is not so. If we want to see how God speaks to us in our time, read the book The Desire of Ages. 


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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Monday July 3

Paul’s Calling


Though Paul’s epistles generally follow the basic format of ancient letters, Galatians contains a number of unique features not found in Paul’s other epistles. When recognized, these differences can help us better understand the situation Paul was addressing.

Compare Paul’s opening salutation in Galatians 1:1, 2 with what he writes in Ephesians 1:1, Philippians 1:1, and 2 Thessalonians 1:1. In what ways is Paul’s salutation in Galatians similar to and different from the others?

Paul’s opening salutation in Galatians is not only a bit longer than in his others, but he goes out of his way to describe the basis of his apostolic authority. Literally, the word apostle means “someone who is sent” or “a messenger.” In the New Testament, in the strictest sense, it refers to the original twelve followers of Jesus and others whom Christ sent to tell people about Him (Gal. 1:19, 1 Cor. 15:7). Paul declares that he belongs to this select group.

The fact that Paul so strongly denies that his apostleship rests on any human being suggests that there was an attempt by some in Galatia to undermine his apostolic authority. Why? As we have seen, some in the church were not happy with Paul’s message that salvation was based on faith in Christ alone and not on works of the law. They felt that Paul’s gospel was undermining obedience. These troublemakers were subtle. They knew that the foundation of Paul’s gospel message was directly tied to the source of his apostolic authority (John 3:34), and they determined to launch a powerful attack against that authority.

The "Judaisers" believed Paul was not keeping the "law" as given to the Jews. Why were they concerned? First, they did not understand the gospel,  and secondly they did not distinguish between the ceremonial and the moral law. The same exists today when we read Paul's writings. There was an issue in 1888 in the church where there were arguments as to what Paul was speaking of at times. Was it the ten commandment law of the ceremonial law? If we want to rightly understand the writings of Paul, we must first understand the gospel. If we are not converted, then we will not have spiritual discernment to understand the "meat" in Paul's writings, and many will wrest the truth to their harm.

Yet, they did not directly deny Paul’s apostleship; they merely argued that it was not really too significant. They likely claimed that Paul was not one of Jesus’ original followers; his authority, therefore, was not from God but from humans — perhaps from the church leaders from Antioch who commissioned Paul and Barnabas as missionaries (Acts 13:1-3). Or, perhaps, it came only from Ananias, who baptized Paul in the first place (Acts 9:10-18). Paul, in their opinion, was simply a messenger from Antioch or Damascus — nothing more! Consequently, they argued that his message was merely his own opinion, not the Word of God.

Paul recognized the danger these allegations posed, and so he immediately defends his God-given apostleship.

In what ways, even subtly, is the authority of Scripture being challenged today within the confines of our church?

There is rebellion in the church today. Clear lines of Scripture are wrested from their simple meaning to lead many astray. Culture is set above the Bible. The world is in the church and its customs are put in place of Bible truth. Women are now ruling over men.  In the Trans-european Division it was said that society demanded "parity" between men and women. We now see in the United States women being placed on the front lines of battle all in the name of making women like men. Nothing subtle about this. It is all being done in the light of day by conference leaders.

How can we recognize these challenges? More important, how have they (perhaps) influenced your own thinking in regard to the authority of the Bible?

Either the Bible is inspired and interprets itself or it does not. Either we follow it or we do not. If we do not think it is the Word of God then we ought not be members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. And, this will soon be the case. There is a separation taking place. Those who do not accept the plain Word of Scripture will leave God's church. There is a shaking taking place. Two groups are forming, those who love God supremely and follow His commandments, and those who do not, but follow the dictates of man.

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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Tuesday July 4

Paul’s Gospel

In addition to defending his apostleship, what else does Paul emphasize in his opening greeting to the Galatians? Compare Gal. 1:3-5 with Eph. 1:2, Phil. 1:2, and Col. 1:2.

One of the unique features of Paul’s letters is the way he links the words grace and peace in the greetings. The combination of these two words is a modification of the most characteristic greetings in the Greek and Jewish world. Where a Greek author would write “Greetings” (chairein), Paul writes “Grace,” a similar-sounding word in Greek (charis). To this Paul adds the typical Jewish greeting of “Peace.”

The combination of these two words is not a mere pleasantry. On the contrary, the words basically describe his gospel message. (In fact, Paul uses these two words more than any other author in the New Testament.) The grace and peace are not from Paul but from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

What aspects of the gospel does Paul include in Galatians 1:1-6?

1:1   Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) 
 1:2   And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: 
 1:3   Grace [be] to you and peace from God the Father, and [from] our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 1:4   Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: 
 1:5   To whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen. 
 1:6   I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 


Although Paul has little space in his opening greeting to develop the nature of the gospel, he masterfully describes the essence of the gospel in only a few short verses. What is the central truth upon which the gospel resides? According to Paul, it is not our conformity to the law — the point that Paul’s opponents were trumpeting. On the contrary, the gospel rests fully on what Christ accomplished for us through His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. Christ’s death and resurrection did something that we never could do for ourselves. They broke the power of sin and death, freeing His followers from the power of evil, which holds so many in fear and bondage.

Yes, and no. Yes, grace received into the heart does indeed set us from from the bondage of sin. But, what does this mean? It means we do not sin. That means we are conformed to the image of Christ. What is the image, character, of Christ? It is living in harmony with the law. So, while Paul is not saying "law", he certainly is saying that the grace of God transforms the character and brings peace that passes understanding. If we are not changed, then what Christ did on the cross is of no avail, and the peace promised if we will accept God's grace does not come. He is talking to a church that has accepted "another gospel" just as the Seventh-day Adventist Church has allowed multiple gospels to be preached from her pulpits and published on her presses.

We must not ignore this when studying the Book of Galatians. While Paul was addressing Phariseeism, which still is in the church, we today have to contend with a much more pervasive heresy that one is saved when he sins a known sin. The "Evangelicals" will use the writings of Paul to excuse sin. They will not acknowledge grace when received into the heart transforms the character.


As Paul reflects on the wonderful news of the grace and peace that God created for us in Christ, he falls into a spontaneous doxology, which appears in verse 5.

In about as many words as Paul used in Galatians 1:1-5, write down your understanding of what the gospel is all about. Bring your words to class on Sabbath.

Then compare what is said in Sabbath School to the real gospel message. How many got it right and gave grace the power to transform a sinner into a saint? How many did not include the power of grace to change the life? How many left out the symbol of baptism that reveals when one comes up from being "buried" under water, he is a new creature in Christ Jesus? How many explained what grace is?

     John and Judas are representatives of those who profess to be Christ’s followers. Both these disciples had the same opportunities to study and follow the divine Pattern. Both were closely associated with Jesus and were privileged to listen to His teaching. Each possessed serious defects of character; and each had access to the divine grace that transforms character. But while one in humility was learning of Jesus, the other revealed that he was not a doer of the word, but a hearer only. One, daily dying to self and overcoming sin, was sanctified through the truth; the other, resisting the transforming power of grace and indulging selfish desires, was brought into bondage to Satan.

     Such transformation of character as is seen in the life of John is ever the result of communion with Christ. There may be marked defects in the character of an individual, yet when he becomes a true disciple of Christ, the power of divine grace transforms and sanctifies him. Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, he is changed from glory to glory, until he is like Him whom he adores.

     John was a teacher of holiness, and in his letters to the church he laid down unerring rules for the conduct of Christians. “Every man that hath this hope in him,” he wrote, “purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1 John 3:3; 2:6. He taught that the Christian must be pure in heart and life. Never should he be satisfied with an empty profession. As God is holy in His sphere, so fallen man, through faith in Christ, is to be holy in his sphere.  Acts of the Apostles, pg 559.


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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Wednesday July 5

No Other Gospel


What normally follows the opening greeting in Paul’s letters? How is Galatians different? Compare Gal. 1:6 with Rom. 1:8, 1 Cor. 1:4, Phil. 1:3, and 1 Thess. 1:2.

Although Paul addresses all kinds of local challenges and problems in his letters to the churches, he still made it a practice to follow his opening greeting with a word of prayer or thanksgiving to God for the faith of his readers. He even does this in his letters to the Corinthians, who were struggling with all kinds of questionable behavior (compare 1 Cor. 1:4 and 5:1). The situation in Galatia is so upsetting, however, that Paul omits the thanksgiving entirely and gets right to the point.

What strong words does Paul use that demonstrate the degree of his concern about what was happening in Galatia? Read Gal. 1:6-9, 5:12.

 1:6   I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 
 1:7   Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 
 1:8   But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 
 1:9   As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 
 5:12   I would they were even cut off which trouble you. 


Paul does not hold back any words in his accusation against the Galatians. Simply put, he charges them with betraying their calling as Christians. In fact, the word turning (NJKV), which appears in verse 6, often was used to describe soldiers who gave up their loyalty to their country by deserting the army. Spiritually speaking, Paul is saying that the Galatians were turncoats who were turning their backs on God.

The Word "removed" (King James) is a better explanation. Jesus said "Abide in me and I in you."  Galatians explains what many deny, that if Jesus through the Holy Spirit be not in a man, he has no life, no salvation. "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." John 15:4,5. Those who were preaching "another" gospel had removed themselves from Christ. They no longer were abiding in Him who had given all for them. Romans 8 further explains that if one does not have the Spirit abiding in him, then he has no life. "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."


How were the Galatians deserting God? By turning to a different gospel. Paul is not saying that there is more than one gospel but that there were some in the church who — by teaching that faith in Christ was not enough (Acts 15:1-5) — were acting as if there were another one. Paul is so upset by this distortion of the gospel that he desires that anyone who preaches a different gospel might fall under the curse of God! (Gal. 1:8 ). Paul is so emphatic about this point that he basically says the same thing twice (Gal. 1:9)

Yes, it is so amazing that the leadership of the church today is not zealous like Paul, they say nothing and allow "another" gospel to be preached in God's church. It is so common that few are teaching the gospel once proclaimed by Jesus and the apostles. The gospel of grace has been perverted. In 1888 God attempted to correct the false gospels, but the leadership of the church rejected the truth. So it is today. She has never accepted the gospel and remains in a Laodicean (blind and lost) condition. As we continue in our study of Galatians we shall see the deception more clearly, if be that the Spirit of God is sought after.


There is, today, a tendency even in our church (in some places) to emphasize experience over doctrine. What matters most (we are told) is our experience, our relationship with God. However important experience is, what does Paul’s writing here teach us about the importance of correct doctrine?

It is true, the experience is more important than doctrine. The problem is that one who is deceived about the gospel (doctrine) has been blinded to his own experience. He believes his experience is correct when in fact it is not. Such a deception! It is the Spirit working through the Word of God that opens the mind to our continual need of Jesus in order to have life eternal. Unless we are born again of the Spirit we remain dead in trespasses and sins. That which is born of the flesh is flesh. We must be born again of the Spirit. This is the lesson to be learned in Galatians. If we do not walk in the Spirit, it is because the Spirit is not in us and therefore, we do not have salvation.

Paul spends time in explaining that the "letter" kills, and the "Spirit" gives life. What does he mean? Paul attempted to correct both the Galatians and the Corinthians who thought they could work they way to heaven. From 2 Corinthians:

 3:1   Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some [others], epistles of commendation to you, or [letters] of commendation from you? 
 3:2   Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: 
 3:3   [Forasmuch as ye are] manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart. 
 3:4   And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 
 3:5   Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God; 
 3:6   Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 


What is Paul saying?  Do not fall into the deception most "evangelicals" have. He is not doing away with the law. Then what point is he making?


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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Thursday July 6

The Origin of Paul’s Gospel

The troublemakers in Galatia were claiming that Paul’s gospel was really driven by his desire to obtain the approval of others. What might Paul have done differently in his letter if he were merely seeking human approval? Consider Gal. 1:6-9, 11-24.

  1:6   I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 
 1:7   Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 
 1:8   But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 
 1:9   As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 
 1:10   For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 
 1:11   But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 
 1:12   For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 
 1:13   For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 
 1:14   And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 
 1:15   But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called [me] by his grace, 
 1:16   To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 
 1:17   Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 
 1:18   Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 
 1:19   But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. 
 1:20   Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. 
 1:21   Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; 
 1:22   And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 
 1:23   But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. 
 1:24   And they glorified God in me. 


Why did Paul not require Gentile converts to be circumcised?

While those who were demanding circumcision were often legalists. not knowing man is saved by grace, not by works, they were unhappy because Paul was setting aside the law of Moses in regards to the ceremonial law. Paul understood that the slaughtered Lamb was a type or symbol of Christ, that the ceremonial law ceased at the death of Christ. But, many Jews were blind to the correct understanding of the need for their Messiah to suffer and die for their sins.


Paul’s opponents claimed it was because Paul wanted conversions at any cost. Maybe they thought that because Paul knew Gentiles would have reservations about circumcision, he didn’t require it. He was a people-pleaser! In response to such allegations, Paul points his opponents to the strong words he had just written in verses 8 and 9.

If all he wanted were approval, he would surely have answered otherwise.

Why does Paul say it is impossible to be a follower of Christ while trying to please people?

Paul is saying that he will not please people by offending God, as many do. It is interesting that when trying to please the apostles, who asked him to go through the ceremonial rites, he did offend God and by doing so, it cost the church one of its greatest pillars. It was on account of their cowardice that they asked him to go contrary to what he had been teaching. They feared the persecution of the Jews when Paul came into Jerusalem and thought that if he went through the purification rites, he would not cause them to persecute the church.

Have you ever yielded to the fear of offending man, and offended God? Why did you do this? What must we do in order to have power to offend man instead of God?


After Paul’s statement in verses 11 and 12 that he received his gospel and authority directly from God, how do his words in verses 13-24 make his point?

Verses 13-24 provide an autobiographical account of Paul’s situation before his conversion (vss. 13, 14), at his conversion (vss. 15, 16), and afterward (vss. 16-24). Paul claims that the circumstances that surrounded each of these events make it absolutely impossible for anyone to claim that he received his gospel from anyone but God. Paul is not going to sit by and allow anyone to disparage his message by questioning his calling. He knows what happened to him, he knows what he was called to teach, and he is going to do it, no matter the cost.

How certain are you of your calling in Christ? How can you know for sure what God has called you to do? At the same time, even if you are sure of your calling, why must you learn to listen to the counsel of others?

What is a "calling in Christ"? It appears the author is talking about what we are "called" to do. What are you called to do? Paul was called into full time ministry. Today, many believe the church calls men into full time ministry as pastor. But, the true call comes from God first. Does God call other than pastors into ministry?

Do we go to others to know our calling of God? Then why would we listen to the counsel of others? There is safety in a multitude of converted godly counselors. We are erring humans and need to be open to what others counsel if they are manifesting the fruits of the Spirit and are pointing us to Jesus and His Word.


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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Friday July 7

Further Thought: “In almost every church there were some members who were Jews by birth. To these converts the Jewish teachers found ready access, and through them gained a foot-hold in the churches. It was impossible, by scriptural arguments, to overthrow the doctrines taught by Paul; hence they resorted to the most unscrupulous measures to counteract his influence and weaken his authority. They declared that he had not been a disciple of Jesus, and had received no commission from [H]im; yet he had presumed to teach doctrines directly opposed to those held by Peter, James, and the other apostles. . . .

“Paul’s soul was stirred as he saw the evils that threatened speedily to destroy these churches. He immediately wrote to the Galatians, exposing their false theories, and with great severity rebuking those who had departed from the faith.” — Ellen G. White, Sketches From the Life of Paul, pp. 188, 189.


Then why do not those who have accepted great responsibility do the same today? Why are those who have taught "false theories" not exposed? We have multiple false gospels being printed on our presses and preached from our pulpits.

Discussion Questions:

    In class, read your explanations of what you understand the gospel to be. What can we learn from one another’s writings?

If we read what Paul and other Bible writers wrote, then we ought to clearly see that many "other gospels" are being taught in the church.


    In Paul’s greeting to the Galatians, he declared that Jesus’ death occurred for a specific reason. What was that reason, and what meaning does that have for us today?

    In Galatians 1:14 Paul says he was extremely zealous for the traditions of his fathers. By “traditions,” he probably means the oral traditions of the Pharisees. What place (if any) is there for traditions in our faith? What warning might Paul’s experience offer for us today in regard to the whole question of tradition?


There is no room for "traditions" of man when it comes to the gospel message.


    Why was Paul so seemingly “intolerant” of those who believed differently from what he said and did? Read again some of the things he wrote about those who had a different view of the gospel. How might someone holding such a strong, uncompromising stance be viewed in our church today?

By many, a heretic. But, there are those who are seeking truth and a revival in the church. They will stand with the ones teaching the gospel delivered to the saints and rebuking the false teachers. To describe Paul as "intolerant" is an interesting statement. Yes, neither will God tolerate forever, those who are accursed by teaching a false gospel in the church. He will speak through some who will "with great severity" rebuke those who have departed from the faith.

Will you attempt to patiently correct the false gospels being taught in your church? If not, why not?


Summary: The false teachers in Galatia were trying to undermine Paul’s ministry by claiming that his apostleship and gospel message were not God-given. Paul confronts both of these accusations in the opening verses of his letter to the Galatians. He boldly declares that there is only one way of salvation, and describes how the events surrounding his conversion demonstrate that his calling and gospel only could be from God.

Satan was attempting to pervert the gospel of grace that the church of God would be robbed of its power and witness. It remains true today, there is only one way of salvation. There is great opportunity to better understand conversion when we study Romans seven and eight where Paul speaks of his conversion experience. When understood in the light of his other statements such as are written in Acts when he met Jesus, we will come to see how God was patient with Saul and that his conversion was the end of a long protracted process of wooing by the Holy Spirit. It began in earnest when Stephen rebuked the Jewish leaders and then prayed for Saul's forgiveness. It ended just after Saul prayed "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" and in answer was shown Jesus.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Glen

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...When the heart is fully surrendered to Christ, then the Holy Spirit takes possession of it and brings with Him power to resist the temptation to sin. A new creature is evident because the repentant sinner is a partaker of God's divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

Amen, Brother Richard! The "fully surrendered" part you mention certainly is a daily matter, isn't it? We only maintain "new creature" status, by the "abiding" Spirit of Christ's divine presence, through our moment by moment choices: by word, thought, or action.

Hebrews 3:
15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.
17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Hebrews 4:
1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.


...Jesus...will live through (YOU), giving (YOU) the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, imparting to (YOUR) soul a vital transfusion of Himself. Sabbath-School Worker 02-01-96.03  ...as the blood

Glen

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While we are addressing Gentile circumcision, let us consider that while it was not required of the Gentiles, the law was not done away with...

Honestly, this comes as a surprise to me, Richard; are we, today, required by God to circumcise our baby boys? I had thought that Type met anti-type in Christ, and that To continue these rites would be an insult to Jehovah.  (The Review and Herald, June 14, 1898). 5BC 1139.6
...Jesus...will live through (YOU), giving (YOU) the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, imparting to (YOUR) soul a vital transfusion of Himself. Sabbath-School Worker 02-01-96.03  ...as the blood

Glen

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...We only maintain "new creature" status, by the "abiding" Spirit of Christ's divine presence, through our moment by moment choices: by word, thought, or action.[/color]

Genuine faith will be manifested in good works; for good works are the fruits of faith. As God works in the heart, and man surrenders his will to God, and cooperates with God, he works out in the life what God works in by the Holy Spirit, and there is harmony between the purpose of the heart and the practice of the life. Every sin must be renounced as the hateful thing that crucified the Lord of life and glory, and the believer must have a progressive experience by continually doing the works of Christ. It is by continual surrender of the will, by continual obedience, that the blessing of justification is retained. 1SM 397.1
...Jesus...will live through (YOU), giving (YOU) the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, imparting to (YOUR) soul a vital transfusion of Himself. Sabbath-School Worker 02-01-96.03  ...as the blood

Richard Myers

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While we are addressing Gentile circumcision, let us consider that while it was not required of the Gentiles, the law was not done away with...

Honestly, this comes as a surprise to me, Richard; are we, today, required by God to circumcise our baby boys? I had thought that Type met anti-type in Christ, and that To continue these rites would be an insult to Jehovah.  (The Review and Herald, June 14, 1898). 5BC 1139.6

Good morning, Glen. I was not speaking of the ceremonial law, but the moral law. There were things required of the Gentiles. This is why I said we must be careful how we speak of what others teach. In context here is my statement:



It is true that Paul was fighting against legalism. But, today, we see this being twisted to teach that one can sin and retain salvation because man is saved by "faith alone."  Thus, we need to protect against both heresies. If we only address one and leave the other, then we serve Satan's purpose. He cares not which heresy we follow. Today, most pastors professing to serve God, teach that sin does not reveal a separation between God and man. That one may sin a known sin and retain salvation. So, while addressing legalism, which Paul learned as a Jew, and which was his constant concern, we today must teach all that Paul taught and that which James clearly understood and presented in a clear manner.

2:14   What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 
 2:15   If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 
 2:16   And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit? 
 2:17   Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 
 2:18   Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. 
 2:19   Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 
 2:20   But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 
 2:21   Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 
 2:22   Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 
 2:23   And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 
 2:24   Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 
 2:25   Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent [them] out another way? 
 2:26   For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. 


Thus we see that we must be careful in how we respond to what we think one is saying rather what they really teach. Paul and James do not contradict each other, even though it clearly appears that way. Saving faith is never separated from good works. If there are no good works, then the faith is not faith enough. When man believes with the whole heart, then is seen in the life every one of the fruits of the Spirit, no matter what he knows or does not know. When the heart is fully surrendered to Christ, then the Holy Spirit takes possession of it and brings with Him power to resist the temptation to sin. A new creature is evident because the repentant sinner is a partaker of God's divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

While we are addressing Gentile circumcision, let us consider that while it was not required of the Gentiles, the law was not done away with, other things were required. Thus, the issue was not just "justification by faith", but the standard the church was to use to for church membership. What did the Holy Spirit lead the first General Conference Session to decide in regards to requirements for the Gentiles?

The things required were moral law. The ten commandments were not removed from being required. Circumcision was ceremonial. We do not earn salvation, it is a free gift that requires a full surrender. Why was Paul emphasizing justification by faith and James saying "by works a man is justified, and not by faith only"?  When joining the church we agree to keep the moral law, not the ceremonial. There were two issues involved with circumcision as we see when the church stated Gentiles did not have to be circumcised, but they were required to do very specific things. What were those things? Why did that enter into the decision made at that first General Conference Session? And, why is it not brought forward in the lessons?

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

colporteur

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It appears as though the first page of the lesson may be flowing into the MYGEN church philosophy.
It's easier to slow a fast horse down than to get a dead one going.

Wally

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This lesson quarterly is a carbon copy of one from 2011; same author; same subject; same titles, same text.  Seems as if they could do better than that.

http://www.ssnet.org/lessons/11d/
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

colporteur

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This lesson quarterly is a carbon copy of one from 2011; same author; same subject; same titles, same text.  Seems as if they could do better than that.

http://www.ssnet.org/lessons/11d/


Is it that tough to get people to wrote a lesson ?  It's not that hard.
It's easier to slow a fast horse down than to get a dead one going.

Wally

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Is it that tough to get people to wrote a lesson ?  It's not that hard.

Why don't you submit one?  ;D
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

colporteur

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Is it that tough to get people to wrote a lesson ?  It's not that hard.

Why don't you submit one?  ;D

I knew you would say that and I would be happy to. Do you really think they would use it from an unknown with no letters behind their name ? uh ah     Do you think I could come across as a moderate liberal ?   Title " Profile of Rebellion  !"
It's easier to slow a fast horse down than to get a dead one going.

Wally

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I like the title, but I bet you would be about as popular as Jeremiah.
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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:)

We wrote a lesson study one quarter. It was about 25 years ago. We could not take the quarterly lessons any more. Things were pretty awful.

I don't understand why they would use the same author and then on top of it, use the same material. If were were done 20 years ago....maybe. but six years ago?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

colporteur

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:)

We wrote a lesson study one quarter. It was about 25 years ago. We could not take the quarterly lessons any more. Things were pretty awful.

I don't understand why they would use the same author and then on top of it, use the same material. If were were done 20 years ago....maybe. but six years ago?

It sounds to me like they have a mission by replaying that lesson. I am certain there are plenty of people that would write a new lesson. To me the first page of this particular lesson sounds like it could be ground braking for the MYGEN Church. In my mind it creates an atmosphere that would open people up to getting rid of the pews and letting the spirit flow. It does this by implying that pews or whatever was brought in structuring the church and inhibiting  people because of race or sex. I wonder if someone reviewing these lessons thought that now is the time to strike. I can thing of no other reason to do this and desiring this particularly content over any other. I don't know unless they could save a buck by reprinting the same quarterly.
It's easier to slow a fast horse down than to get a dead one going.