3.4 Living Stones
Pleasing God in Christ

Read Romans 8:1 and 5:8. What do these verses teach us about our position before God?

The verses Romans 8:1 and Romans 5:8 reveal a powerful truth about our position before God: We are free from condemnation and unconditionally loved through Jesus Christ.

1. Unconditional Love and Grace of God

   Romans 5:8 shows that God’s love is not based on our performance or behavior. Christ died for us while we were still sinners—before we could do anything to earn this love. This unconditional grace demonstrates that God does not judge us based on our faults but meets us in His love. His grace is a gift that we cannot earn but can only receive through faith.

2. Freedom from Condemnation

   Romans 8:1 complements this message with the assurance: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This means that through Jesus, we are freed from all guilt and accusation. Our position before God is no longer characterized by fear of punishment but by acceptance, love, and forgiveness. This freedom grants us inner peace and the assurance that we are fully accepted.

3. Living Stones – Our New Identity

   In connection with the image of “living stones” (cf. 1 Peter 2:5), it becomes clear that as believers, we are part of a spiritual house that God Himself is building. Our position before God is not passive—we are active building blocks in His kingdom. Through His grace, we are empowered to grow in love, righteousness, and faith, and to live out our purpose.

Connection to Daily Life:
This truth has direct implications for our lives:

• Self-Acceptance: We can accept ourselves because God has accepted us.

• Forgiveness: We can forgive ourselves and others because we have received forgiveness.

• Courage to Act: As “living stones,” we are called to actively live out God’s love in the world—through charity, compassion, and justice.

• Hope: Even in difficult times, we can know that nothing can separate us from God’s love.

Conclusion:
Our position before God is marked by unconditional love, forgiveness, and freedom. We are living stones in God’s construction—called to live, love, and act out of this grace. This knowledge gives us strength, hope, and the courage to align our lives with God’s will.

Read 1 Peter 2:4–6 and compare the text with Hebrews 11:6. What do these say about how we can be pleasing to God?

The verses from 1 Peter 2:4–6 and Hebrews 11:6 together reveal how we can be pleasing to God: through living faith and a close connection with Jesus Christ. Both texts emphasize that our acceptance before God is not based on human effort but entirely on God’s grace and our response in faith.

1. Faith as the Foundation for God’s Pleasure

   Hebrews 11:6 makes it clear: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” God does not seek outward actions but a trusting heart that seeks and acknowledges Him. Faith means accepting God’s existence and goodness and trusting that He turns to us in love. This is the foundation upon which we can please God.

2. Jesus Christ as the Foundation of Our Faith

   1 Peter 2:4–6 describes Jesus as the “living stone” chosen by God, who was rejected by humans. Christ is the foundation upon which we, as “living stones,” build a spiritual house. Only through Him can we offer “spiritual sacrifices” that are pleasing to God. Our works and our lives gain meaning through Jesus Christ and become pleasing in God’s eyes.

3. Spiritual Sacrifices from a Faithful Heart

   These spiritual sacrifices are not outward rituals but a life marked by faith, love, and devotion. This includes prayer, praise, charity, obedience, and living according to God’s will. These sacrifices come from a heart connected to Christ through faith.

4. God’s Work in Us and Through Us

   As emphasized in Hebrews 13:21, God Himself enables us to do what pleases Him. The redemptive work of Christ not only acts externally but transforms our hearts and lives. God shapes us through the Holy Spirit, making us people who can do His will.

Connection to Daily Life:

• Living Faith: Our daily lives should be marked by trust in God—in challenges and successes.

• Christ as the Foundation: Base our decisions and actions on Christ, not on human standards.

• Active Charity: Offering spiritual sacrifices means acting with love, compassion, and justice.

• Allow Transformation: Let God work in us to become more like His image.

Conclusion:
We do not please God through our own efforts but through a living faith that connects us with Jesus Christ. He is the foundation on which our lives stand, and through Him, we can offer spiritual sacrifices that honor God. God Himself empowers us to do His will and shapes us in His image.

Why is the idea that Christ mediates for you in heaven very encouraging?

The idea that Christ mediates for us in heaven is profoundly encouraging because it provides comfort, security, and hope. It shows us that we are not alone and that Jesus actively intercedes on our behalf. This truth has several powerful implications:

1. Permanent Advocacy Before God

   Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of God and is constantly interceding for us (Romans 8:34). He knows our weaknesses, struggles, and failures, yet He defends us before God. His advocacy means that our guilt is forgiven and we do not have to stand before God on our own. This grants us peace and the assurance that we are accepted.

2. Perfect Forgiveness

   Because Jesus bore the punishment for our sins through His death and resurrection, His intercession is a continual sign of our complete forgiveness (1 John 2:1–2). Even when we fail, we can know that He forgives us and continually restores us.

3. Deep Connection with Our Savior

   Jesus fully understands us because He was human and experienced suffering, temptations, and pain (Hebrews 4:15). His intercession is not distant but full of compassion. He knows what we are going through and accompanies us in love.

4. Hope and Confidence in Daily Life

   Especially in difficult times or with feelings of guilt, we can know that Jesus does not condemn us but intercedes for us. This encourages us not to give up but to continue with renewed strength because we never fight alone.

5. Guarantee of Our Salvation

   Jesus is the guarantee of our eternal life. His intercession assures us that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38–39). This gives us hope beyond death and the certainty that we are secure in God’s hands.

Conclusion:
The idea that Christ mediates for us in heaven is a source of unwavering hope. It reminds us that we are not alone, that our mistakes do not have the final word, and that Jesus is always interceding for us. This truth provides us with comfort, inner peace, and the confidence that God’s love and forgiveness are renewed for us every day.

The idea that we are “living stones” who live pleasingly to God in Christ has profound significance for our daily lives and faith. It shows us that our life in Jesus Christ is not only marked by acceptance and forgiveness but also by an active, responsible role in God’s kingdom.

1. Active Participation in God’s Kingdom

   As “living stones” (1 Peter 2:4–6), we are called to actively participate in building God’s spiritual house. This means that our daily lives should be marked not by passivity but by conscious dedication. We are invited to use our gifts and abilities—in family, in the church, at work, and in society—to make God’s love visible.

2. Living from God’s Grace

   Romans 5:8 reminds us that God loves us despite our imperfections. This unconditional love frees us from the fear of having to earn God’s favor. In our daily lives, we can live from this grace—in gratitude, humility, and with a heart full of trust.

3. Freedom from Condemnation Grants Inner Strength

   Romans 8:1 assures us that we are free from condemnation in Christ. This grants us inner strength and peace. In challenging situations, we can act with confidence because we know that God does not condemn us but accompanies us. This freedom motivates us to view mistakes as learning steps and to move forward courageously.

4. Living Faith Practically

   Hebrews 11:6 makes it clear that without faith, no one can please God. Our faith should not only be shown in thoughts and words but also in concrete actions: serving others, sharing our resources, praying, and practicing active charity. Our daily lives thus become an expression of our trust in God.

5. Offering Spiritual Sacrifices in Daily Life

   As “living stones,” we offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. These sacrifices are not just religious acts but reflect a life marked by compassion, justice, and mercy. Whether through small acts of kindness or larger decisions for good—their every sacrifice out of love for God is pleasing to Him.

6. Comfort and Hope in Difficult Times

   The idea that Christ mediates for us provides comfort especially in tough times. We know that Jesus understands us, stands by us, and intercedes for us. This strengthens our faith and gives us hope that we do not face challenges alone.

Conclusion:
Our daily lives and our faith are closely connected when we understand that we are living stones in Christ. This identity challenges us to actively live out our faith, act in grace and forgiveness, and bravely take responsibility in God’s kingdom. At the same time, we can rely on Christ, who mediates for us in heaven and fills us daily with His love and strength. This awareness gives us hope, inner peace, and the motivation to make God’s love visible in the world.

You are a living stone in God’s house, carried by His love and called to make His grace visible in the world.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-3-to-be-pleasing-to-god-3-4-living-stones-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

The Message of the Book of Ephesians

The message of the Letter to the Ephesians can be summarized in several key themes:

1. Unity in Christ

The Letter to the Ephesians strongly emphasizes that all believers—Jews and Gentiles—are united through Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice, Christ has abolished the division among people and created a new community: the Church. This unity is not based on human achievements but on God’s grace.
“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one and has broken down the middle wall of separation, the enmity, in His flesh.” (Ephesians 2:14)

2. God’s Grace and the New Life

Paul highlights that salvation comes solely through God’s grace and not through human works. Believers are chosen and called by God to live a new life, marked by love, holiness, and the pursuit of righteousness.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)

3. The Church as the Body of Christ

A central image in Ephesians is the Church as the body of Christ, with Christ as its head. Every believer has a place and a role within this body. The Church is called to grow in love and unity, reflecting God’s wisdom and glory.
“And He put all things under His feet and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” (Ephesians 1:22–23)

4. The Mystery of the Gospel

Paul speaks of a “mystery” that has now been revealed: that Gentiles are co-heirs with the Jews and share in the promises of God. This reveals God’s comprehensive salvation plan for all humanity.
“This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Ephesians 3:6)

5. Practical Instructions for Christian Living

The letter calls believers to live lives of love, humility, forgiveness, and holiness. This applies to personal conduct as well as relationships within the Church, the family, and society.
“Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:1–2)

6. The Spiritual Battle

Another important theme is the spiritual battle against evil. Paul urges believers to put on the “armor of God” to withstand the temptations and attacks of the devil.
“Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)

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Summary:

The Letter to the Ephesians conveys the message that God, through Christ, unites all believers into one Church, saves them by grace, and calls them to live a holy life. The Church is to live in love, unity, and spiritual strength to make God’s glory visible in the world.

 

January 15, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Ephesians Chapter 1

¹ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

² Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

⁴ According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

⁵ Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

⁶ To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

⁷ In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

⁸ Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

⁹ Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

¹⁰ That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

¹¹ In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

¹² That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

¹³ In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

¹⁴ Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

¹⁵ Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

¹⁶ Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

¹⁷ That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

¹⁸ The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

¹⁹ And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

²⁰ Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

²¹ Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

²² And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

²³ Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

The first chapter of the Letter to the Ephesians opens with a majestic portrayal of God’s great plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul, called as an apostle by the will of God, addresses his letter to the believers in Ephesus and praises God for the spiritual blessings He grants through Christ. This chapter unfolds the profound truth about God’s election, redemption, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Paul emphasizes the central role of Jesus Christ in God’s divine plan of salvation and encourages believers to grow in the knowledge of God and His glory.

Commentary

Paul begins with a powerful praise of God (verses 3–14), highlighting the grace that has been bestowed upon us in Christ. He underscores that God chose believers before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in love. This awareness should inspire humility and gratitude among believers. The redemption through Christ’s blood and the forgiveness of sins are especially emphasized, reflecting God’s immeasurable grace.

A significant aspect of this section is the “mystery” of God’s divine plan revealed in Christ: all things in heaven and on earth are to be united in Him. This demonstrates God’s all-encompassing and sovereign rule that transcends space and time.

Paul also speaks of the sealing with the Holy Spirit, who serves as a deposit and guarantee of the eternal inheritance (verses 13–14). This is a powerful assurance of God’s faithfulness and a source of comfort for believers.

In the second part of the chapter (verses 15–23), Paul offers a prayer for the church: he asks God to grant believers the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that they may understand the hope of their calling, the riches of God’s glorious inheritance, and the greatness of His power. Particularly emphasized is Christ’s resurrection and His exaltation above all powers and authorities. Christ is the head of the Church, described as His body—filled and sustained by His glory and strength.

Summary

Ephesians Chapter 1 is a powerful praise of God for His eternal plan of salvation, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Paul highlights God’s divine election, redemption through Christ’s blood, and the sealing with the Holy Spirit as a sign of the divine inheritance. He shows that Christ, as the head of the Church, reigns supreme over all things in heaven and on earth. The chapter invites believers to grow in their knowledge of God and to recognize the immeasurable greatness of His power. This understanding should strengthen their hope, gratitude, and trust in God’s sovereign guidance.

 

 

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/15-01-2025-ephesians-chapter-1-believe-his-prophets/