1st Quarter Lesson 7 February7-13
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A Heavenly Citizenship
Commentary in Navy Inspiration in Maroon
Sabbath Afternoon
Read for This Week's Study: Phil. 3:17-4:23, 1 Cor. 15:42-44, John 14:27, Ps. 119:165, Job 1:21, 1 Tim. 6:7
Memory Text: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Philippians 4:6
This week's lesson concludes our study of Philippians, and it is packed with valuable lessons and maxims for daily living. It seems that many of the high moral values that guided the apostle Paul's life are found in the closing verses of the epistle. Similar to the teachings of Jesus, which focus on the inner person, what Paul shares with us are secrets to living a joyful Christian life.
Even when things don't go the way we would like, which happens more often than we would like, we don't need to be worried or anxious or discouraged. Instead, there are principles that will help us find inner strength to face the challenges that life brings, and thus we can experience a settled and lasting peace that only God can give. The present and the future are in His hands, and He will supply everything we need.
Amen! By faith in our Savior and His Word we shall gain the victory over sin and death!
Most important, we need not place our hopes in earthly systems of government, which regularly disappoint us. As Christians, we are citizens of God's heavenly kingdom. And with that citizenship comes privileges, wonderful privileges. And responsibilities, too.
Amen! We have received light as none others. We know why God allows bad things to happen to "good" people. He has provided that all enter heaven. Sadly few choose to follow Him. But, we can make a difference in the lives of many as we not only share truth, but live it as an example of the power of grace to transform sinners into saints. We ought to know better than trusting in the government to protect us. Many years ago Isaiah wrote "And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment." Verses 59:14,15.
Let us not be surprised when everything appears to be wrong. Problems after problems appear, but we must remember that the greatest honor and the most weighty trust God has given us is to partake in the sufferings of Jesus. Paul spoke of this (Philippians 1:29).
John the Baptist had been first in heralding Christ's kingdom, and he was first also in suffering...........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. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. "Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake." Philippians 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor. { DA 224.5}
* Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, February 14.