3.6 Summary
Being Pleasing to God – Living in His Love and Grace

Lesson 3 demonstrates what it means to lead a life that pleases God and how we can live in close relationship with Him through faith, love, and dedication. God’s joy over us and His grace are at the center of this lesson.

3.1 More Valuable Than You Can Imagine
The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32) and Zephaniah 3:17 illustrate God’s unconditional love and mercy. God rejoices exuberantly when people return to Him—regardless of their faults. This joy challenges us to act with love and compassion, without envy or self-righteousness.

3.2 Rejoicing with Enthusiasm
God not only feels love but also active joy over His people (Zephaniah 3:17). Like the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, God runs to us when we repent. His joy motivates us to forgive others with enthusiasm and celebrate reconciliation.

3.3 Pleasing God?
God takes pleasure in people who live with sincerity, love, and righteousness (Isaiah 43:4; Psalm 149:4; Proverbs 15:8–9). He does not seek empty rituals but a genuine, humble heart.

3.4 Living Stones
Through Jesus Christ, we are living stones in God’s building (1 Peter 2:4–6). Our faith is not passive but active. God shapes us and empowers us to offer spiritual sacrifices that please Him (Hebrews 11:6).

3.5 A Valuable Goal
The story in Mark 9:17–29 vividly shows that God does not expect perfect faith. Even honest, albeit weak, trust is sufficient. Jesus accepted the father’s small faith and effected healing.

Overall Conclusion:
God does not demand perfect faith but an honest heart that seeks Him. His joy in us is based on His infinite love and grace. As living stones, we are called to carry God’s love and righteousness into the world. Our valuable goal is to please God through our faith, actions, and love.

Lesson 3 not only shows us what it means to live pleasingly to God but also challenges us to actively integrate these principles into our daily lives. God’s love, grace, and joy in us should inspire us to consciously align our daily lives with His will.

1. Accept and Share Unconditional Love (3.1)

   God loves us unconditionally, as demonstrated in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. This love challenges us to meet others with love, patience, and mercy.

In Daily Life:

• Forgive people, even when it’s difficult.

• Approach others, even if they have made mistakes.

• Show compassion instead of judging.

2. Live Joy and Enthusiasm in Faith (3.2)

   God actively rejoices over us. This joy should reflect our faith—lively, enthusiastic, and contagious.

In Daily Life:

• Live your faith with joy, e.g., through praise and gratitude.

• Celebrate reconciliation when relationships are restored.

• Encourage others and acknowledge their successes.

3. Lead a Life of Sincerity and Righteousness (3.3)

   God seeks sincerity, not mere outward piety. Our hearts and actions should align with His will.

In Daily Life:

• Be honest and authentic in relationships.

• Stand up for justice and support the vulnerable.

• Make decisions that are driven by love and compassion.

4. Recognize Our Calling as Living Stones (3.4)

   We are living stones in God’s building—each of us has a significant role in God’s plan.

In Daily Life:

• Actively use your gifts and talents to help others.

• Take responsibility in the church or community.

• Consciously understand yourself as part of God’s grand plan.

5. Act with Honest Faith (3.5)

   God does not expect perfect faith but an honest heart. Even small faith can achieve great things.

In Daily Life:

• Speak honestly with God about doubts in prayer.

• Show trust even when the path is unclear.

• Take courageous small steps in faith, even in uncertainty.

Overall Connection to Daily Life:

• Live in Trust: Trust God despite uncertainties and doubts.

• Practice Neighborly Love: Accept and love others as God loves us.

• Act Justly: Treat others fairly and respectfully.

• Share Joy: Make God’s joy visible in everyday life.

• Actively Participate: Take responsibility and help build God’s kingdom through concrete actions.

Conclusion:            
Living pleasingly to God means accepting His love and actively reflecting it in our lives. It requires faith, sincerity, and compassion in our interactions with others. Our faith should motivate us to act courageously and lovingly, use our gifts, and take small steps to grow closer to God. A life in God’s love and grace is the most valuable goal we can pursue. An honest heart and even the smallest faith are enough to let God’s love and grace work in your life.

Even the smallest spark of faith can achieve great things when it is rooted in God’s love.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-3-to-be-pleasing-to-god-3-6-summary-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

January 17, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Ephesians Chapter 3

¹ For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

² If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

³ How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

⁴ Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

⁵ Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

⁶ That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

⁷ Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

⁸ Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

⁹ And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

¹⁰ To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

¹¹ According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

¹² In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

¹³ Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

¹⁴ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

¹⁵ Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

¹⁶ That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

¹⁷ That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

¹⁸ May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

¹⁹ And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

²⁰ Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

²¹ Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Ephesians Chapter 3 is a central section in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus. Here, Paul speaks about his calling to proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles and reveals the previously hidden mystery of God: the Gentiles are now co-heirs of the promise in Christ. This chapter also contains an impressive prayer in which Paul asks for inner strength and a deep understanding of God’s love within the congregation.

Commentary:

Paul describes himself as a “prisoner of Christ Jesus” (v. 1), highlighting both his physical imprisonment and his complete dedication to his mission. The “mystery” revealed to him (vv. 3-6) concerns the equality of Jews and Gentiles in the Kingdom of God—a revolutionary message at the time. Paul humbly acknowledges his calling as the least of all saints (v. 8) to proclaim the “unsearchable riches of Christ.” The intercessory prayer in verses 14-21 reveals Paul’s pastoral heart: he prays for spiritual strength, faith, and love for the church. He especially emphasizes the immeasurable dimension of Christ’s love (vv. 18-19), which surpasses all human understanding. The concluding doxology (vv. 20-21) honors God’s supreme power, which far exceeds human comprehension.

Summary:

Ephesians 3 focuses on Paul’s divine calling to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles and the great mystery that all believers are equal in Christ. He emphasizes God’s wise and gracious guidance in this plan. In his prayer, Paul asks that believers be strengthened inwardly, that Christ may dwell in their hearts, and that they may fully grasp the limitless love of God. Paul concludes by praising God for His immeasurable power and glory.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 87—“To My Father, and Your Father”
This chapter is based on Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-12.
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction:

In Chapter 87 we learn about the final act of Jesus’ earthly life and His ascension into heaven. Jesus, having triumphed over death and sin, prepares to ascend to His Father in heaven. This moment marks the completion of His mission on Earth and the lasting promise of His presence in the hearts of believers. The place of His ascension—the Mount of Olives—is not merely a geographical location but a place rich with memories of Jesus’ life, prayers, and His struggle for humanity’s salvation. The ascension signifies the transition from Jesus as the suffering Redeemer to the triumphant King ascending to heaven.

Commentary:

Chapter 87 presents Jesus’ ascension as an act of victory and fulfillment. After completing His earthly mission and revealing Himself as the living Savior, He enters the heavenly realms. This moment is bittersweet for the disciples—filled with sorrow at parting from their Master but also with hope, as they now have confirmation of His victory over death. The Mount of Olives, once a place of Jesus’ prayers and struggles, now becomes the stage for His farewell. Yet, this farewell is not final; rather, it marks the beginning of a new era of hope. Jesus promises to remain with His followers and assures them that He will return one day in glory.

The angels affirm to the disciples that Jesus has not departed forever but will return in the same way they saw Him ascend. The image of heavenly hosts welcoming their King symbolizes Jesus’ future triumph at His second coming. Before this moment, Jesus raises His hands in blessing—a powerful affirmation of His presence and ongoing connection with the disciples. This blessing uplifts the disciples spiritually, filling them with joy and confidence in Christ’s continued presence and His role as their intercessor.

Summary:

Chapter 87 portrays Jesus’ ascension as a profound moment of exaltation and victory. The Mount of Olives, once a place of prayer and struggle, becomes the setting for His glorious ascent into heaven. After offering His disciples comfort and the promise of His return, Jesus is taken up by a cloud, disappearing from their sight. The angels proclaim that Jesus will return in the same way. This event conveys a dual message to believers: the comfort and assurance of Christ’s ongoing presence and the hope of His glorious return. The disciples return to Jerusalem with newfound joy and confidence, their hearts filled with praise and gratitude for the living Christ, who continues to live and intercede for them.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/17-01-2025-ephesians-chapter-3-believe-his-prophets/