8.2 Teach Us to Number Our Days

Read Psalm 90; 102:12 and 103:14–16. What is the human dilemma?

Psalm 90, along with verses from Psalms 102 and 103, offers a profound insight into the human dilemma, which lies in its transience and limitations. These passages reflect on the transience of human life in the face of eternity and present the quest for wisdom and significance in this context.

Initially, the image of human existence is presented as a fleeting breath compared to the eternity of God. A thousand years are like a brief watch in the night before Him, and even the longest human life passes quickly in comparison. This portrayal reminds us of how brief and fragile our life on this Earth is, and how important it is to wisely utilize our days.
The human dilemma is further elucidated by the description of how even the strongest among humans can be compared to the weakest plants. Our lifespan is limited and filled with toil and trouble. This reality leads to a deep yearning for meaning and fulfillment that transcends the transient.

However, within this dilemma lies hope. The Psalmist acknowledges God’s care for His people and calls for acquiring wisdom to number our days correctly. This wisdom entails not only intelligence but also reverence for God and an awareness of the limitations of our life. Through repentance and the grace of God, we can find hope and lead a righteous life.
Finally, in the verses from Psalm 103, the hope of redemption and forgiveness brought by Jesus Christ is emphasized. Despite our dilemma due to sin, we have found a way through Jesus. His sacrifice on the cross has given us hope for eternal life and freed us from the power of sin.

Overall, this passage shows us the urgency and significance of gaining wisdom and living a life in accordance with God’s will. Despite the transience and limitations of our lives, we can find hope and redemption through Jesus Christ.

No matter how quickly our life passes: What promise do we have in Jesus (see John 3:16)? What hope would we have without Him?

John 3:16 states: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This promise is the cornerstone of the Christian faith and offers boundless hope for every individual.

The promise in Jesus Christ is that through faith in Him, we will not perish but have eternal life. This promise means that we will not only have a life after death but that this life will be characterized by eternal joy, peace, and communion with God. It is a hope that transcends the transient and gives us comfort and confidence amidst the toils and troubles of life.

Without Jesus, we would not have such hope. Our existence would be characterized by the transience and limitations of our lives, with no prospect of life after death. Our sins would have separated us from God, and we would have been subject to eternal death.

However, thanks to Jesus, we have a hope that transcends all human limits and boundaries. His love and sacrifice on the cross have paved the way for our redemption and reconciliation with God. Through Him, we have access to eternal life and an unshakable hope in the glory of God.

In this promise, we find comfort, peace, and security, no matter how quickly our life passes or what challenges we face. It is the promise of God’s infinite love given to us through Jesus Christ, which holds us forever in His grace and mercy.

The promise in John 3:16 has a profound connection to our everyday life and faith. Here are some ways in which this connection can manifest:

1. Hope and comfort in difficult times: The promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ gives us hope and comfort when we are faced with challenges, suffering, or loss. It reminds us that our life has a deeper purpose and that God’s love and care for us are unwavering.

2. Guidance for decisions: The certainty of the promise in John 3:16 can guide us in our everyday decisions. By remembering God’s love and the hope of eternal life, we can make decisions that align with our faith and lead us on the path of love, grace, and forgiveness.

3. Change of perspective: The promise of eternal life reminds us that the things of this world are transient and that it is important to adopt an eternal perspective. This can help us focus less on material things and instead prioritize spiritual values such as love, kindness, and charity.

4. Motivation for gratitude and devotion: Recognizing the infinite love of God revealed in the promise of John 3:16 motivates us to gratitude and devotion. Our everyday life is permeated with deep gratitude for God’s grace and love, inspiring us to live our lives in service to Him and others.

5. Mission and testimony: The promise of eternal life motivates us to tell others about God’s love and salvation through Jesus Christ. By sharing this hope with others, we can bring light into darkness and encourage people to believe in Jesus and receive eternal life.

Overall, the promise in John 3:16 has an immediate and profound impact on our daily lives and faith. It reminds us of God’s infinite love and gives us hope, comfort, guidance, and motivation in our pursuit to follow Him and proclaim His kingdom on earth.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-wisdom-for-righteous-living-8-2-teach-us-to-number-our-days/

8.1 Your Word I Have Hidden in My Heart

Read Psalm 119:1–16, 161–168. How are we to keep God’s commandments and what blessings arise from it?

Psalm 119 is a remarkable chapter in the Bible that highlights the significance and blessings of obeying God’s commandments. In these verses, we are urged not only to superficially consider God’s Word but to deeply treasure it in our hearts and live by it. Firstly, our spiritual journey is described as a pilgrimage with God, where we are to walk in His light and follow His law. This entails not merely adhering to external actions but having an inner attitude of devotion and seeking God wholeheartedly. It’s a lifestyle that strives for integrity, untainted by love for sin, and sets a righteous course pleasing to God. Keeping God’s commandments doesn’t mean legalistically following them but rather having good discernment between right and wrong that encompasses the whole person. It’s about a deep connection with God and a way of life aimed at obeying His word and being faithful to Him. God’s commandments are not a burden but a revelation of His will for the world. They are a guide to wisdom, freedom, and peace. By loving and obeying them, we experience God’s faithfulness and find great peace. God’s Word is like a lamp that illuminates our steps and protects us from temptations. Overall, Psalm 119 shows us that keeping God’s commandments is not just an obligation but a source of joy, peace, and protection. It’s the path where we find true fulfillment and draw closer to God. Therefore, let us strive to treasure God’s Word in our hearts and walk in His light to reap the rich blessings that arise from it.

How did Christ demonstrate the power of God’s Word in His life (Matthew 4:1–11)? What does that tell us about the strength that emanates from a heart that obeys God’s law?

In Matthew 4:1–11, it is described how Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. During these temptations, Jesus demonstrated the power of God’s Word in His life in an impressive way. First, Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread to satisfy His hunger. However, Jesus replied, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Here, Jesus shows that God’s words have greater significance than physical needs and that He obeys His Father by trusting in His words. Next, Satan tempted Jesus to throw Himself down from the temple and be saved by angels. But Jesus quoted Scripture again, saying, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test” (Matthew 4:7). Here, Jesus shows that true obedience to God means trusting Him and not acting recklessly, even when the temptation is great. Finally, Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if He would worship him. But Jesus rejected him again, saying, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve’” (Matthew 4:10). Jesus shows that true worship and loyalty belong only to God, and that one should not serve any other lord. The power of God’s Word in Jesus’ life shows that a heart that obeys God’s law is connected to a deep relationship of trust with God. It also shows that God’s Word is not just a collection of letters but a living power that strengthens and guides us when we obey it. Jesus’ obedience to the Word of God was the key that helped Him withstand the temptations of the devil and fulfill His divine mission. This demonstrates to us the strength and blessings that come from a heart that obeys God’s law: strength, clarity, and the ability to withstand the temptations of life and walk in God’s will.

The connection between Jesus’ demonstration of the power of God’s Word and our daily life in faith is profound and relevant. Here are some ways in which this connection can manifest:

1. Trust in God’s Word: In our daily lives, we can rely on God’s Word to guide and strengthen us. By reading and meditating on the Bible, we gain insight and wisdom for the challenges we face.

2. Steadfastness in Temptations: Like Jesus, we can overcome the temptations of life by obeying God’s commandments. By adhering to what the Bible teaches, we are better equipped to resist the allure of evil.

3. Worship and Dedication: Jesus taught us to worship God alone and serve Him. In our daily lives, this means aligning our lives with God’s will and honoring Him in all that we do.

4. Community and Testimony: By following Jesus’ example and practicing His Word in our lives, we can also provide a living testimony to others. Our steadfastness in faith can encourage others and inspire them to seek God’s ways as well.

5. Spiritual Strengthening: Regular meditation on God’s Word and obedience to His commandments strengthen our spiritual lives. It helps us to strengthen our faith and maintain an authentic relationship with God in our daily lives.

Ultimately, the connection between Jesus’ obedience to the Word of God and our daily lives in faith shows that God’s Word is relevant not only for spiritual questions but for every aspect of our lives. It serves as a guide that leads us through the highs and lows of life and helps us to grow and mature as Christians.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-wisdom-for-righteous-living-8-1-your-word-i-have-hidden-in-my-heart/

Join Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and his wife Nancy, as they continue to explore Chapter 23 of “The Great Controversy” by Adventist pioneer, Ellen G. White entitled, What is the Sanctuary? 

Did you know that by studying the earthly sanctuary, we can understand what is taking place in the heavenly sanctuary right now? In this episode, learn about what is currently taking place in the heavenly sanctuary and discover Christ’s significant role as our High Priest. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Sanctuary message.

Want to know more?

For a detailed look at what the Seventh-day Adventist Church believes about the Sanctuary, visit https://www.adventist.org/christs-ministry-in-the-heavenly-sanctuary/. 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-great-controversy-chapter-23-part-2-what-is-the-sanctuary-pastor-ted-wilson/