SDA Sabbath School Lesson 2-1st Quarter 2026-Reasons for Thanksgiving and Prayer

[Richard Myers]

1st Quarter        Lesson 2                                                                                                                           Jan 3-9

                                                                                                                               

 
Reasons for Thanksgiving and Prayer

Commentary in Navy                  Inspiration in Maroon

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week's Study: Phil. 1:1-18, 1 Cor. 13:1-8, Jer. 17:9, Col. 1:1-12, 1 Pet. 1:4, Ps. 119:105, Isa. 30:21

Memory Text: "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" Philippians 1:6

Amen! We need to always understand that by obeying the truth we are being sanctified to a higher level of piety, more perfectly reflecting the character of our Lord and Savior. Even with those who are sealed when probation closes, Jesus will continue this process of growth as the saints go through a time of trouble such as never was. It is through tribulation that the fruits of the Spirit are made more abundant.

Paul quite intentionally begins his epistles with words of greeting--and thanksgiving. "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Col. 1:2-3, NKJV).

We, like Paul, have much to be thankful for. We have experienced God's grace in profound ways, ways that even angels cannot comprehend. The same is true of God's gift of peace, which embraces harmony with God and the hope flowing from God's love.

On a human level, we can give and show appreciation to others and hope that people appreciate the things we do for them. Parents pray that their children will love God and appreciate someday, if not now, the real sacrifices they've made to give them the best upbringing they could. But, as human beings, we make many mistakes, and we learn from them (or at least we should).

This week we'll consider Paul's opening words of thanksgiving and prayer in Philippians and Colossians, which may enrich and strengthen our own prayer life.

Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, January 10.

[Richard Myers]

Sunday        January 4
Fellowship in the Gospel

Read Philippians 1:3-8.

 1:3   I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 
 1:4   Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 
 1:5   For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 
 1:6   Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ: 
 1:7   Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. 
 1:8   For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. 

What is Paul thankful for? What reassurances does he give the Philippians, and why is that important?

He is thankful for this church that is found walking in the gospel message. He encourages them that God is not finished with them. The good works they produce will be but the beginning of the work God will  do in them.

Paul established the church in Philippi; thus, we can see the warmth of Christian fellowship pervading his letter. Though separated by hundreds of miles, Paul, chained and imprisoned, carries the church and its members on his heart; he longs for them "with the affection of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:8, NKJV); he gives thanks to God for them. Paul's prayer of thanksgiving even gives a glimpse of Jesus' intercession for us in heaven.

On the high priest's breastplate were 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. The people were to be "on his heart" as he interceded for them (Exod. 28:29, ESV). In an even greater way as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, Jesus carries the names of His people with Him before the Father.

Interestingly, the wording of Philippians 1:3 is ambiguous, underscoring the close relationship between Paul and the Philippians. It's usually translated that Paul remembers them in prayer, but it could also refer to their remembrance of him. In any case, it underscores the close mutuality they share, which the word "fellowship" (Greek: koinonia) also underscores. As Paul had fellowship in Christ's sufferings (Phil. 3:10), the Philippians "shared" (Greek: sunkoinōneō) in Paul's sufferings and shared financially to support Paul's ministry (Phil. 4:14-15). This mutuality, which was "from the first day until now" (Phil. 1:5), leads him to thank God for them and to pray for them "with joy" (Phil. 1:4).

Interestingly, Paul describes his prison setting quite positively--as providing opportunity for "the defense and confirmation of the gospel" (Phil. 1:7, NKJV). His use of these two legal terms suggests his trial is imminent, but also that Paul is actively engaging soldiers and visitors with the gospel. Defending it (Greek apologia) against attacks and confirming its eternal verities are both essential. Paul seems to care less about his own future than about vindication of the gospel itself. Whether he lives or dies, Paul is confident that God will finish the "good work" He has begun in all who trust in Him (Phil. 1:6).

How do you understand the promise that God will finish the "good work in you" (Phil. 1:6)? What does that mean? Will this work ever end before the Second Coming?

Perfection of Christian character has no end reaching to the second coming of Jesus when  He gives us glorified bodies (holy flesh). Converted Christians are perfect from the time they surrender their whole heart. This perfection of character pertains to the heart and mind which have been cleansed when the Holy Spirit takes possession of the heart. He brings with Him all of the fruits of the Spirit, not one is missing as long as He remains in the heart. The character is perfect at each stage of growth.  There will be no new fruits, but the  fruits will become more abundant as the Christian grows in understanding and strength of character. God has promised that He will finish the work He has begun as we abide in His Son.

[Richard Myers]

Monday        January 5
Paul's Prayer Requests

Some years ago, there was a pastor who talked about prayers that revolve around me, me, me, and my needs or desires. He aptly characterized them as "selfish little prayers," because God has bigger things in mind.

Read Paul's prayer in Philippians 1:9-11.

 1:9   And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgment; 
 1:10   That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 
 1:11   Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. 

What is its focus, and what big requests does he make? What does it tell you about prayer?

Paul is praying that his church's members will grow in grace, that they be sanctified to a higher level. He asks God to fill  them with the fruits of the Spirit which will bring glory to God.

This prayer is only forty-three words in Greek, but encapsulates all of Paul's concerns, which he will expand on in the rest of the epistle: love, knowledge, discernment, being sincere, not causing offense, and the righteousness we have through Jesus Christ. Underlying this prayer, as well as Paul's previous expressions of thanksgiving, is an emphasis on the church as a whole. Paul's prayer is completely others-focused, on behalf of the whole church and for its well-being. Let's look more closely at some of the individual elements of the prayer: Love to abound more and more. Paul doesn't just pray for more love but for love guided in a specific direction: "in knowledge and all discernment" (Phil. 1:9, NKJV). The reference to knowledge is not to merely intellectual knowledge but implies a knowledge of spiritual things that can be gained only by fellowship with God and study of His Word (see Eph. 1:17, Eph. 4:13, 1 Tim. 2:4).

Amen! A knowledge of God is everything. It is through knowing God we learn that we can trust Him with all we have and all we are.

Discernment. This is explained by Paul as being able to "approve what is excellent" (distinguishing it from what is morally harmful) "and so be pure and blameless" (Phil. 1:10, ESV).

Being sincere. The word in Greek means "judged by the sunlight" and refers to an untainted purity of action: "Everything that Christians do should be as transparent as the sunlight."--Ellen G. White, Reflecting Christ, p. 71.

Not causing offense. This means not being a stumbling block, not saying or doing anything that would make it more difficult for a person to believe.

Which means to not sin. Sin in the church is why so very many leave the church. 40,000,000 new church members in the last 60 years, yet we have only 20,000,000 members today. The loss sadly includes many children of church members. How can this be turned around?

Righteousness through Christ. Paul dwells at length on this in the epistles of Romans and Galatians and will expand on it also in Philippians 3. We have no righteousness of our own but only what we receive through Christ.

Whatever else we do, how can our love "abound still more and more" (Phil. 1:9, NKJV)? Why is that so important for the Christian life? (See also 1 Cor. 13:1-8.)

How is it that we first loved our Lord and Savior? What ever that was must continue that our love grows more and  more. There is a verse that tells us how we can love Him more and thus become more and more like Him. 2 Cor. 3:18 says that by beholding His glory which is His character we will be changed into His  image which is His character. Do we want to be more and more like Jesus? Then why not follow the counsel given in this verse? God does not command we do this, but He does encourage us to spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Jesus, especially the  closing scenes where we behold Jesus hanging on the cross. The blood running down His back from the  stripes that belonged to us is a gift from Jesus to us, for by His stripes we are healed (Isa.53:5).

[Richard Myers]

Tuesday        January 6
Spiritual Discernment Applied

The Philippians were understandably distressed when they heard of Paul's imprisonment. Now his work was severely limited. He could not travel. He could not preach. He could not visit the synagogues and teach people about Jesus as the Messiah. He could no longer raise up churches. The Philippians sent Epaphroditus to ascertain the apostle's condition, to encourage him, and to ensure that his physical needs were being met.

Read Philippians 1:12-18.

1:12   But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things [which happened] unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 
 1:13   So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other [places]; 
 1:14   And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 
 1:15   Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 
 1:16   The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 
 1:17   But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 
 1:18   What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 

How did Paul view his imprisonment? What lessons can we learn from his attitude, despite the circumstances he found himself in?

He imprisonment does just what the Bible says: "All things work for our good."  What are the conditions for this to be true We learn from His experience that the Bible is true.

The message Paul sent back with him must have surprised the Philippians. Paul saw his circumstances through different eyes. His spiritual discernment led him to see his imprisonment as a good thing. It didn't hinder his work at all, but "actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel" (Phil. 1:12, NKJV). Where others saw only chains and bars, Paul saw his Roman guards as potential souls in God's kingdom. He saw also that his imprisonment greatly encouraged others to be more active and more determined to spread the gospel, to speak boldly for Christ without fear of the consequences.

It may be hard to imagine, but some actually thought to benefit from Paul's imprisonment. Apparently, they thought his obscurity would lead to more attention for themselves and their own preaching of the gospel. What a powerful but sad example of human selfishness, even in the church. As Jeremiah said long before Paul: " 'The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?' " (Jer. 17:9, NKJV).

Yes, the carnal heart is such, but God will give us a new heart and a new Spirit that is not wicked. But, if we take our eyes off of Jesus, the new heart is removed and the carnal heart takes over being wicked.

Fortunately, in contrast, some faithful workers also became more zealous to spread the gospel. They loved Paul so much that the suffering they saw him endure for his faith led them to trust Christ more and emboldened them to be even more active for the Lord. It energized them to go where before they were afraid to go; it led them to speak in situations during which before they kept silent; it led to even more people accepting Christ and spreading the gospel of salvation.

What lesson have you learned from experiences that, though unquestionably bad, also brought about some benefits? Even in cases in which a benefit might not be apparent, how can we learn to trust God regardless?

The only way to trust God is to  know Him intimately. How does that happen? By spending time with Him that we might know Him. All things work for our good and God's glory. Rom. 5:3-5 tells us this.

[Richard Myers]

Wednesday       January 7
Gospel Fruit

Paul's relationship with the Colossians was different from those in Philippi. He included them among those who "have not seen my face in the flesh" (Col. 2:1). Nevertheless, Paul assures them, as he did the Philippians, that he thanks God for them and is "always" praying for them.

Read Colossians 1:3-8.

 1:3   We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 
 1:4   Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love [which ye have] to all the saints, 
 1:5   For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; 
 1:6   Which is come unto you, as [it is] in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as [it doth] also in you, since the day ye heard [of it], and knew the grace of God in truth: 
 1:7   As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; 
 1:8   Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. 

What three things does Paul thank God for?

Paul brings together the three virtues that he mentions in other places: faith, hope, and love (see 1 Cor. 13:13, 1 Thess. 1:3, 1 Thess. 5:. Notice that Paul doesn't credit the Colossians for these things. He thanks the Father for them, because as James says they are among the "good and perfect" gifts that we receive from Him (James 1:17, NIV). When we see the love God has for us, it leads us to faith in Christ (Eph. 2:4-8), and we receive the hope of heaven. Peter describes it as "an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Pet. 1:4, NKJV).

Paul also emphasizes that the gospel is trustworthy because it is based on "the word of truth." This is an expression Paul uses elsewhere in reference to the inspired word of God (see 2 Cor. 6:7, 2 Tim. 2:15). Unlike "the word of men," it works "effectually" in those who believe (1 Thess. 2:13) and accomplishes God's will (Isa. 55:11). So, when the gospel is proclaimed, the power of God is manifested through the work of the Holy Spirit on the hearts of the hearers, and people respond. The gospel itself produces the fruit because it is "the word of life" (Phil. 2:16).

We truly converted we are filled with the Holy Spirit (Eze. 36:26). When the Holy Spirit takes possession of the heart He brings with Him all of the fruits of the Spirit, not one will be missing.

Perhaps what is most amazing is the spread of the gospel in such a short period of time. Within about thirty years of Christ's death and resurrection, Paul could already say it had spread "in all the world" (Col. 1:6). A little later in the same chapter, he says the gospel "was preached to every creature under heaven" (Col. 1:23, NKJV). The extensive Roman road system made possible rapid communication and travel, which is how Paul's epistles could be circulated so widely and quickly. But it is the power of God working through the word that gives birth to spiritual life in a person (James 1:18, 1 Pet. 1:23), making them a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17).

In Colossians 1:5, Paul writes about "the hope which is laid up for you in heaven." What is your understanding of that hope, and why does it apply to you personally, even though you are truly unworthy?

The hope is to attain to the requirements that we might be in heaven. What are the requirements for heaven? To love the Lord our God with the whole heart. We indeed are unworthy of His love. But, one is justified in eternal  life when  they meet the standard. What makes hope possible? First God paid for our sins. We can do nothing regarding our past sins. It is the suffering of Christ that allows us to have an opportunity for salvation. This is grace that we do not deserve.In the IJ we will judged to reveal who is truly justified in eternal life. The standard in the judgment is the law. The law will reveal who loved the Lord with the whole heart. They are worthy who pass the judgment according to what God requires from us. Some do not understand that we have to be saints on this Earth before we will be saints in heaven. Yes, it is our effort and God's power that enables us to  be worthy of heaven.

[Richard Myers]

Thursday        January 8
Prayer Power

Read Colossians 1:9-12.

 1:9   For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 
 1:10   That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 
 1:11   Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 
 1:12   Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 

What specific requests do you find in Paul's prayer?

He wants us to be great Christians filled with the Holy Spirit.

Paul prays "that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will." Paul describes knowing God's will as "wisdom and spiritual understanding" (Col. 1:9, NKJV). Wisdom comes, first of all, by trusting God fully, being willing to do His will (John 7:17), and not leaning on our own understanding (Prov. 3:5). But the question often arises, "What is God's will for me in this situation?" There are four main sources from which we may learn God's will as we seek it prayerfully:
The most important source of wisdom is the Bible itself. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps. 119:105, NKJV).
God has given us special wisdom for the last days through the Spirit of Prophecy (Rev. 12:17, Rev. 19:10) as manifested though the writings of Ellen White. The Bible encourages us to "believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper" (2 Chron. 20:20, NKJV).
God's will and leading may also be known through providential circumstances, by asking Him to open or close doors (see Col. 4:3).
The Holy Spirit guides us once we have learned to recognize His voice: "Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,/ 'This is the way, walk ye therin,'/ Whenever you turn to the right hand/ Or whenever you turn to the left" (Isa. 30:21, NKJV).

Paul prays that the Colossians may "walk worthy of the Lord" (Col. 1:10, NKJV). Of course, no one is inherently "worthy," but God counts us worthy by His grace and calls us to live in accordance with that high calling (Eph. 4:1, 1 Thess. 2:12, NKJV). Paul uses the verb "walk" or "walked" three more times in this letter alone (Col. 2:6, Col. 3:7, Col. 4:5). It means to live and act in accordance with God's law (Exod. 18:20), which is possible only through the work of the Holy Spirit (Ezek. 36:27).

Amen, when filled with the Spirit God has given us a new heart and then we keep His commandments and to His judgements.

Paul also prays that their (and our) lives may be "fully pleasing" to the Lord and then lists several ways to do that: "Being fruitful in every good work" (Col. 1:9-10, NKJV); then "increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col. 1:10, NKJV); and, finally, in "giving thanks" (Col. 1:12, NKJV).

If someone were to ask you, "How do you know that God is leading you in one direction or another?" how would you answer--and why?

God leads us in the right ways, according to the Bible. And, we can hear that still small voice telling which way to go. Or you can put out a fleece if you are fully surrendered to God.

[Richard Myers]

Friday        January 9

Further Thought: "Many are unable to make definite plans for the future. Their life is unsettled. They cannot discern the outcome of affairs, and this often fills them with anxiety and unrest. Let us remember that the life of God's children in this world is a pilgrim life. We have not wisdom to plan our own lives. It is not for us to shape our future. 'By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.' Hebrews 11:8.

Amen!  It is easy to do after trusting in Christ with all we have and all we are.

"Christ in His life on earth made no plans for Himself. He accepted God's plans for Him, and day by day the Father unfolded His plans. So should we depend upon God, that our lives may be the simple outworking of His will. As we commit our ways to Him, He will direct our steps.

"Too many, in planning for a brilliant future, make an utter failure. Let God plan for you. As a little child, trust to the guidance of Him who will 'keep the feet of His saints.' 1 Samuel 2:9. God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him."--Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, pp. 478, 479.

Amen!! ALL things work together for those who love the Lord our God with all of the heart!

Discussion Questions:

    Think about the past week and list things you are thankful for. Might you have more to be thankful for than you realize?

Can't remember them all. He is leading many who are seeking truth to us. What a joy that is.  And am very thankful that all of the tribulations I am going through work for my and God's glory!
 
   Dwell on the last line of the Ellen G. White quote above. That's a very powerful statement of faith. How can you learn to trust God in such a deep way?

The answer is always the same. We need to spend time with Him that we would trust Him with all we have and all we are!

    In light of Colossians 1:6, 23, discuss the following statement: "For forty years did unbelief, murmuring, and rebellion shut out ancient Israel from the land of Canaan. The same sins have delayed the entrance of modern Israel into the heavenly Canaan. In neither case were the promises of God at fault. It is the unbelief, the worldliness, unconsecration, and strife among the Lord's professed people that have kept us in this world of sin and sorrow so many years. Had the church of Christ done her appointed work as the Lord ordained, the whole world would before this have been warned and the Lord Jesus would have come to our earth in power and great glory."--Ellen G. White, Last Day Events, p. 38. In what ways might we today be guilty of the same things?

Jesus cannot come until He finishes His work in the Sanctuary. When can He leave? When He has a church that ceases to dirty the Most Holy Place. What is it that dirties the Sanctuary?

Have a blessed Sabbath dear friends.