Lesson 11.The Father, the Son, and the Spirit | 11.6 Summary | THEMES IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN | LIVING FAITH
11.6 Summary
The Unity of the Trinity: Love, Truth, and Redemption
Lesson 11 deals with the deep relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as well as their roles in creation, redemption, and the guidance of humanity. It illustrates how the Trinity works in perfect unity to fulfill God’s plan for the world.
1. The Father in Heaven
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The Father is the origin of all and the source of love and life.
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Through creation, He called humanity into existence to live in a loving relationship with Him.
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Despite the rupture caused by sin, the Father took the initiative for salvation by sending His Son.
2. Jesus and the Father
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Jesus is the revealer of the Father; through Him, we understand the nature and love of God.
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Jesus lived in complete unity with the Father, demonstrating God’s will through His words and actions.
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He came to heal the broken relationship between God and humanity and to grant us eternal life.
3. Knowing the Son Means Knowing the Father
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Whoever knows Jesus knows the Father, for Jesus is His perfect representative.
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His words and works reveal God’s love, truth, and righteousness.
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Through the Son, the Father becomes accessible, and we can have an intimate relationship with Him.
4. The Holy Spirit
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The Holy Spirit works as a renewer and guide into all truth.
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He brings about spiritual rebirth, convicts of sin, and teaches us to understand and apply God’s Word.
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The Spirit strengthens and comforts believers, empowering them to lead lives that honor God.
5. Jesus’ Prayer
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In the high priestly prayer (John 17), Jesus prays for unity, love, and truth among His disciples.
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He emphasizes that true unity can only be based on God’s truth and Word.
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Jesus’ life and prayer demonstrate the dedication with which He desires to lead us into a deep relationship with God.
Key Thoughts of the Lesson
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Unity in the Trinity: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work in perfect harmony to realize God’s love and redemption plan.
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God’s Love: The Father seeks us, the Son shows us the way, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to live in truth.
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Our Relationship with God: Through faith in Jesus, we can become part of God’s family and live in unity with Him.
Practical Application
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Trusting God: Recognize that the Father loves you and has a plan for your life.
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Following Jesus: Live in the truth and love that Jesus has revealed.
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Living with the Spirit: Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and renew you to lead a life that honors God.
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Seeking Unity: Promote the unity based on love and truth within the church and in your relationships.
The lesson invites us to view the Trinity not just as a theological concept but as a living reality that permeates and shapes our lives. It reminds us that through the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we are called into fellowship with God and other people.
It shows us how the unity and workings of the Trinity can shape and form our lives.
1. Trusting God – The Father in Heaven
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Connection: Knowing that the Father is the source of love and life gives us security and direction. His initiative for salvation shows that He loves us immeasurably and never gives up on us.
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Practical: We can live with confidence that God loves us, cares for us, and has a plan for our lives—even in difficult times.
2. Following Jesus – Jesus and the Father
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Connection: Jesus reveals the Father to us. His words and works show us how to live in love and obedience.
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Practical: By following Jesus’ example, we can reflect God’s truth and love in our relationships and decisions. His ministry reminds us that we are also meant to be a blessing to others.
3. A Living Relationship – Knowing the Son Means Knowing the Father
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Connection: Through Jesus, we have access to the Father. This intimate relationship is the foundation of our faith and our lives.
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Practical: In prayer, through God’s Word, and in fellowship with other believers, we can deepen this relationship and experience how God guides and strengthens us.
4. Led by the Spirit – The Holy Spirit
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Connection: The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, Guide, and Teacher. He renews our hearts, leads us into truth, and gives us the strength to do God’s will.
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Practical: We can listen to the Spirit’s guidance, especially in decisions, challenges, and our service. His work enables us to become more like Jesus.
5. Unity and Truth – Jesus’ Prayer
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Connection: Jesus prayed for unity and love based on the truth of God’s Word. This unity is a testimony to the world.
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Practical: By seeking love, forgiveness, and truth in our relationships, we can contribute to unity in the church and in our families. Jesus’ prayer encourages us to trust God in all things.
Keys for Our Lives:
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Love and Unity: The unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit shows us the importance of building relationships on love and truth.
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Truth and Obedience: God’s Word is the foundation of our lives. It leads us, sanctifies us, and helps us understand God’s will.
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Mission and Community: We are part of God’s great plan to share His love and truth. Through our lives, we can be a testimony to God’s work.
Final Thought:
The Trinity is not an abstract doctrine but a living reality that permeates our lives. It shows us that we are loved by God, redeemed through Jesus, and guided by the Holy Spirit. This truth invites us to live in unity with God and others, deepen our relationship with Him, and carry His light into the world.
Live today in the assurance that the Father loves you, the Son saves you, and the Holy Spirit guides you – you are part of God’s great plan.
13.11.2024 – 1 Corinthians Chapter 3 | BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
December 13, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Corinthians Chapter 3
1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your’s;
22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your’s;
23 And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
In the third chapter of the first letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses the spiritual immaturity of the Corinthians and their conflicts, which have arisen from divisions and jealousy. He highlights the importance of unity in faith and the role of God’s servants while emphasizing the foundation of the Christian faith—Jesus Christ. This chapter challenges us to reflect on our own spiritual growth and our understanding of collaboration in faith.
Commentary
Paul begins with a sharp critique of the Corinthians’ immaturity (verses 1–4). He describes them as “fleshly” and “children in Christ,” unable to grasp the depth of faith. This immaturity manifests in disputes and divisions within the congregation. Paul admonishes them to shed such childish behaviors and to grow spiritually.
In verses 5–9, Paul shifts the focus to the role of faith workers. Neither he nor Apollos are of central importance; they are merely servants through whom God works. Paul emphasizes that it is God alone who gives growth in faith. This perspective calls us to practice humility and recognize God as the source of all fruitfulness.
In the section on the responsibility of teachers (verses 10–15), Paul reminds the Corinthians that Jesus Christ is the only cornerstone upon which the life of faith can be built. The quality of each work will ultimately be tested, and only that which is based on eternal values will endure. This warning is directed especially at leaders and teachers in the faith, who are responsible for laying solid and lasting foundations.
In verses 16–17, Paul explains that believers are the temple of God, in which the Holy Spirit dwells. He emphasizes the holiness of this temple and warns against defiling it. This statement underscores the sanctity and value of each believer and calls us to reverence and responsibility.
Finally, Paul contrasts the wisdom of the world (verses 18–23). The wisdom of men is foolishness to God, and all things belong to believers because they are anchored in Christ. Paul urges the Corinthians not to rely on people or seek glory from them but to find their identity and inheritance in Christ.
Summary
Paul criticizes the Corinthians for their spiritual immaturity and divisions caused by jealousy and human thinking. He emphasizes that God’s servants are tools in God’s hands and that the growth of faith comes solely from God. Jesus Christ is the only foundation of faith, and the quality of the work built upon it will be tested. Believers are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells within them. Paul concludes with the exhortation not to rely on human wisdom or glory but to rest in the wisdom and glory of Christ.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 79—“It is Finished”
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
The chapter “It Is Finished!” describes the climax of Christ’s work of redemption, completed with His final breath on the cross. This victory over sin and death deeply impacted not only humanity but also heaven and the unfallen worlds. Jesus’ cry, “It is finished!” proclaimed the triumph over Satan and his rebellion. This chapter highlights how Christ perfectly revealed God’s love, justice, and mercy and how the cross established the foundation for the eternal security of the universe.
Commentary
The chapter emphasizes the universal significance of Jesus’ victory on the cross. His declaration, “It is finished!” signals that the work of redemption is complete and that God’s love and justice have triumphed.
Satan, once a highly exalted angel, was finally exposed at the cross. Through his betrayal and the execution of Christ, his true character was revealed to heaven and the unfallen worlds. God allowed Satan to fully develop his principles to make the nature of sin visible. This revelation was necessary to affirm the inviolability of God’s law and the inseparability of grace and justice.
Jesus’ sacrifice demonstrated that grace does not nullify justice but fulfills it completely. His life was the ultimate example of obedience, and through His death, Christ proved that God’s law is righteous and can be upheld. Satan claimed that justice and mercy were incompatible. However, the cross showed that both principles are harmoniously united in God.
The chapter also illustrates how Christ remained steadfast despite Satan’s relentless attacks from His birth to His crucifixion. His faithfulness and obedience to God surpassed all attempts by the enemy to overcome Him. In doing so, He refuted Satan’s claims and secured humanity’s redemption.
Summary
Chapter 79: “It Is Finished!” reveals the depth and completeness of Christ’s victory on the cross. His sacrifice fully displayed God’s love, justice, and mercy, refuting all of Satan’s accusations. The cross demonstrated that sin and rebellion inevitably lead to destruction, while God’s law and principles provide the foundation for eternal security. Through His obedience and triumph over death, Christ brought salvation to humanity and the assurance that sin and Satan will be defeated once and for all. This chapter reminds us that redemption in Christ is the central event in the history of creation and conveys an eternal message of hope and love.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/13-11-2024-1-corinthians-chapter-3-believe-his-prophets/
Lesson 11.The Father, the Son, and the Spirit | 11.5 The Prayer of Jesus | THEMES IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN | LIVING FAITH
11.5 Jesus’ Prayer
Jesus’ Prayer: Unity in Love and Truth
Read John 17:1–26. What words or phrases in this chapter express Jesus’ desire for a close love relationship between Him, the Father, and His disciples?
The high priestly prayer of Jesus in John 17 is a profound and moving chapter that reveals the intimate relationship between Jesus, the Father, and His disciples. It provides insights into Jesus’ heartfelt desire: the unity, love, and truth that should characterize God’s kingdom.
1. Jesus’ Desire for a Love Relationship Between God and His Disciples
In this prayer, Jesus repeatedly expresses His desire for His disciples to experience the same close relationship with the Father that He Himself has. This is evident in words and phrases like “that they may be one, as we are one” (John 17:11) and “that the love with which You loved Me may be in them” (v. 26). This unity is not superficial but is rooted in God’s love.
2. The Connection Between Love and Truth
Jesus emphasizes that true unity can only exist on the foundation of truth. He says, “Sanctify them by the truth! Your word is truth” (John 17:17). The revelation of the Father and the proclamation of truth are central elements of Jesus’ ministry. He took great pains to convey a clear picture of God because He knew that misunderstandings about God could hinder a genuine relationship with Him.
3. Eternal Life Through Knowing the Father
Jesus defines eternal life as knowing “the only true God” (John 17:3). This knowledge is not merely intellectual agreement but a deep personal relationship. It is the foundation upon which love, unity, and devotion can grow.
4. Jesus’ Example of Devotion
The prayer also shows that Jesus was willing to give everything to fulfill the Father’s will. His life was marked by obedience, sacrifice, and love for those He sought to save—even those who rejected Him. This devotion serves as a model for us and a call to live out our faith with the same seriousness and love.
Significance for Our Lives Today:
1. Unity in Love and Truth
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Connection:
Jesus’ prayer reminds us that genuine unity in the community can only arise through the combination of love and truth. It encourages us to uphold the truth of God’s Word and build our relationships on love and forgiveness. -
Practical:
In everyday life, we can live in unity with others through forgiveness, compassion, and holding firmly to God’s truth. This is especially relevant in the church, where we work together as members of the body of Christ.
2. Knowing God as the Goal of Life
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Connection:
Jesus defines eternal life as a personal relationship with God (John 17:3). This knowledge begins here and now and fills our lives with meaning and hope. -
Practical:
We can deepen our relationship with God by spending time in prayer and Bible study and consciously seeking His guidance in our lives.
3. Discipleship in Devotion
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Connection:
Jesus’ devotion to the Father’s will is a model for our discipleship. His prayer shows that our lives should be oriented toward obedience and love for God, even when it involves difficulties or sacrifices. -
Practical:
We can intentionally ask ourselves how we can follow God’s will in our daily lives—whether through the decisions we make or our behavior toward others.
4. Sharing in God’s Mission
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Connection:
Jesus prayed not only for His disciples but also for those who would believe in Him through their testimony (John 17:20). This shows that we are part of God’s greater plan to spread His love and truth in the world. -
Practical:
We can share our faith stories with others, be a light in both small and significant moments, and recognize that God works through us.
5. Strength in Difficult Times
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Connection:
Jesus’ prayer shows that even amidst rejection, betrayal, and suffering, He sought the Father’s will. This encourages us to trust in God and hold on to His truth during challenging times. -
Practical:
We can draw strength through prayer and trust in God’s plan when facing challenges, and take inspiration from Jesus’ example.
Meaning for Our Lives Today:
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Relationships:
Strive for unity and love in our relationships—in the family, the church, and society. -
Truth:
Adhere to God’s Word and live in accordance with His truth. -
Mission:
Be aware that we are part of God’s plan to carry His love and truth into the world. -
Devotion:
Follow Jesus’ example and align our lives with God’s will.
Final Thought:
John 17 demonstrates how much Jesus valued truth and the relationship between God and humans. His words are an invitation to live in God’s love, uphold His truth, and continue His mission with devotion. Jesus’ prayer applies to us as well—a reminder that we are one with the Father in Him and part of His eternal plan.
The connection to our daily lives and faith is extensive and deeply inspiring. Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17 not only provides insights into His heart but also shows us how our lives should be shaped in unity with God and others. Here are practical connections:
1. Unity in Love and Truth
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Connection:
Jesus’ desire for unity between God, Himself, and His disciples reminds us of the importance of love and truth in our lives. Genuine community is based on God’s love that unites us and the truth of His Word that guides us. -
Practical:
In everyday life, we can live in unity with others through forgiveness, compassion, and holding firmly to God’s truth. This is especially relevant in the church, where we work together as members of the body of Christ.
2. Knowing God as the Goal of Life
-
Connection:
Jesus defines eternal life as a personal relationship with God (John 17:3). This knowledge begins here and now and fills our lives with meaning and hope. -
Practical:
We can deepen our relationship with God by spending time in prayer and Bible study and consciously seeking His guidance in our lives.
3. Discipleship in Devotion
-
Connection:
Jesus’ devotion to the Father’s will is a model for our discipleship. His prayer shows that our lives should be oriented toward obedience and love for God, even when it involves difficulties or sacrifices. -
Practical:
We can intentionally ask ourselves how we can follow God’s will in our daily lives—whether through the decisions we make or our behavior toward others.
4. Participating in God’s Mission
-
Connection:
Jesus prayed not only for His disciples but also for those who would believe in Him through their testimony (John 17:20). This shows that we are part of God’s great plan to spread His love and truth in the world. -
Practical:
We can share our faith stories with others, be a light in both small and significant moments, and be mindful that God works through us.
5. Strength in Difficult Times
-
Connection:
Jesus’ prayer shows that even amidst rejection, betrayal, and suffering, He sought the Father’s will. This encourages us to trust in God and hold on to His truth during challenging times. -
Practical:
We can draw strength through prayer and trust in God’s plan when facing challenges, and emulate Jesus’ example.
Significance for Our Lives Today:
-
Relationships:
Strive for unity and love in our relationships—in the family, the church, and society. -
Truth:
Adhere to God’s Word and live in accordance with His truth. -
Mission:
Be aware that we are part of God’s plan to carry His love and truth into the world. -
Devotion:
Follow Jesus’ example and align our lives with God’s will.
Final Thought:
Jesus’ prayer in John 17 is an invitation to shape our lives in love, truth, and unity with God. It reminds us that through Jesus, we are part of an eternal plan that calls us to live in fellowship with God and others, uphold His truth, and share His love. This prayer is a source of inspiration and a call to discipleship in every aspect of our lives.
True unity arises when love and truth work together in our lives – let us grow in both today, as Jesus taught us.
12.11.2024 – 1 Corinthians Chapter 2 | BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
December 12, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Corinthians Chapter 2
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
The second section of the first letter to the Corinthians provides a deep insight into the message and method of the Apostle Paul. Here, Paul highlights the center of his ministry: the proclamation of the crucified Christ, not through the wisdom of the world, but through the power of the Spirit of God. He contrasts human wisdom with divine wisdom and emphasizes that true knowledge of God is revealed through the Spirit. This passage challenges us to question our own reliance on worldly wisdom and to entrust ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Commentary
In this chapter, Paul demonstrates remarkable humility and a clear focus on the essential: Jesus Christ and His crucifixion. He rejects rhetorical brilliance and human wisdom to ensure that the faith of the Corinthians is based solely on God’s power (verses 1–5). This attitude presents a challenge, especially in a world that often glorifies human achievements and intellect.
In the second part of the chapter (verses 6–16), Paul deepens his theology of divine wisdom. He states that this wisdom remains hidden to those who rely solely on their worldly reason. Instead, it is a gift revealed through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit enables believers to understand the deep mysteries of God, while the “natural man” (verse 14) dismisses these things as foolishness. The statement that believers “have the mind of Christ” (verse 16) emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel: it leads to spiritual renewal and a new perspective.
This section shows us that genuine spiritual insight is not an intellectual achievement but a revelation from God. Paul’s words serve as a reminder to open ourselves to the work of the Spirit and to remain humble.
Summary
Paul makes it clear that he proclaimed the message of Jesus Christ, the Crucified One, not with human wisdom or persuasive power, but through the power of God’s Spirit. The faith of believers should not be based on worldly wisdom but on God’s power. He describes God’s wisdom as hidden and only revealed through the Spirit. This wisdom remains incomprehensible to those who rely solely on worldly standards. However, the Holy Spirit enables believers to have a deeper understanding of the mysteries of God, allowing them to recognize and judge spiritual matters. Paul concludes with the encouraging statement that believers “have the mind of Christ” and thereby can partake in God’s wisdom.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 79—“It is Finished”
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
The chapter “It Is Finished!” describes the climax of Christ’s work of redemption, completed with His final breath on the cross. This victory over sin and death deeply impacted not only humanity but also heaven and the unfallen worlds. Jesus’ cry, “It is finished!” proclaimed the triumph over Satan and his rebellion. This chapter highlights how Christ perfectly revealed God’s love, justice, and mercy and how the cross established the foundation for the eternal security of the universe.
Commentary
The chapter emphasizes the universal significance of Jesus’ victory on the cross. His declaration, “It is finished!” signals that the work of redemption is complete and that God’s love and justice have triumphed.
Satan, once a highly exalted angel, was finally exposed at the cross. Through his betrayal and the execution of Christ, his true character was revealed to heaven and the unfallen worlds. God allowed Satan to fully develop his principles to make the nature of sin visible. This revelation was necessary to affirm the inviolability of God’s law and the inseparability of grace and justice.
Jesus’ sacrifice demonstrated that grace does not nullify justice but fulfills it completely. His life was the ultimate example of obedience, and through His death, Christ proved that God’s law is righteous and can be upheld. Satan claimed that justice and mercy were incompatible. However, the cross showed that both principles are harmoniously united in God.
The chapter also illustrates how Christ remained steadfast despite Satan’s relentless attacks from His birth to His crucifixion. His faithfulness and obedience to God surpassed all attempts by the enemy to overcome Him. In doing so, He refuted Satan’s claims and secured humanity’s redemption.
Summary
Chapter 79: “It Is Finished!” reveals the depth and completeness of Christ’s victory on the cross. His sacrifice fully displayed God’s love, justice, and mercy, refuting all of Satan’s accusations. The cross demonstrated that sin and rebellion inevitably lead to destruction, while God’s law and principles provide the foundation for eternal security. Through His obedience and triumph over death, Christ brought salvation to humanity and the assurance that sin and Satan will be defeated once and for all. This chapter reminds us that redemption in Christ is the central event in the history of creation and conveys an eternal message of hope and love.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/12-11-2024-1-corinthians-chapter-2-believe-his-prophets/
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