1.What Could It Mean to “Receive Selflessly”? How Will the Relationship of Giving and Receiving Look in Heaven and on the New Earth?

What Could It Mean to “Receive Selflessly”?
“Receiving selflessly” means accepting gifts, love, or support without ulterior motives or expectations of something in return. It involves accepting what is given with a humble and grateful heart, purely out of love or kindness.

In our world today, receiving is often associated with pride, shame, or the feeling of needing to give something back. However, receiving selflessly means appreciating and accepting the gift of giving without feeling obligated. It requires humility and trust—especially in faith—to accept God’s grace, forgiveness, and love, even when we cannot earn them.

In Daily Life, This Means:

• Accepting help from others without feeling inferior.

• Accepting God’s grace without trying to “repay” it through good deeds.

• Being grateful and humble when others offer their love and time.

How Will the Relationship of Giving and Receiving Look in Heaven and on the New Earth?
In heaven and on the new earth, the relationship of giving and receiving will be perfectly harmonious. There, love, joy, and community will exist in complete harmony. Everyone will give out of pure, selfless love, and receiving will be free from pride, guilt, or expectation.

Perfect Love and Harmony:

• Everyone will give with joy and dedication, without fear of being exploited.

• Everyone will receive with joy and gratitude, without pride or shame.

God’s Presence as the Source:

• God’s love will be the origin of all giving, so every gift will be an expression of His perfect love.

• Every person will be perfectly fulfilled through God’s presence, so giving and receiving will happen not out of lack but out of abundance.

No Boundaries Between Giving and Receiving:

• There will be no calculation of who gives or receives more—everything happens in the flow of divine love.

• Giving will bring joy, and receiving will fill the heart without guilt.

Conclusion:
Receiving selflessly means accepting gifts with gratitude and humility, without expecting anything in return. In heaven and on the new earth, giving and receiving will exist in perfect harmony, supported by God’s perfect love. Everyone will give joyfully and receive joyfully—free from pride, guilt, or expectations.

2.From a Distant Part of the Cosmos, Heavenly Messengers Referred to the Prophet Daniel Three Times as Chamudot, “Beloved,” “Desirable,” “Precious.” In Daniel 9:23, Gabriel Says Ki Chamudot Attah, “For You Are Greatly Beloved” (EB). In Daniel 10:11, a Heavenly Being (Perhaps Gabriel Again) Calls Him Isch Chamudot, “Beloved Man,” an Expression Later Repeated Towards Daniel (Dan 10:19). Reflect on What This Says About God and How Close He Is to Us. What Hope Can You Draw from This Amazing Thought for Yourself?

The thrice-mentioned designation of Daniel as “chamudot” – “beloved,” “desirable,” “precious” – by heavenly messengers in Daniel 9:23, Daniel 10:11, and Daniel 10:19 is a deeply moving expression of God’s personal and intimate affection for Daniel. This special address reveals much about God’s nature and His relationship with us humans.

1. God’s Personal Love and Nearness

   That Daniel is addressed as the “beloved man” shows that God views each individual not just as part of humanity but as a unique, valuable person. God’s love is personal, concrete, and individual. Daniel was not just a prophet to God but a beloved child to whom He was close.

What This Says About God:

• God sees each of His children as valuable and precious.

• He meets us not distantly but with deep affection.

• God’s love is not based on performance but on His grace.

2. God’s Nearness in Difficult Times

   Daniel lived in a difficult time of exile, full of challenges and trials. In this situation, God speaks to him through His messengers with encouragement, comfort, and recognition.

What This Shows Us:

• God is especially near when we go through tough times.

• He sees our struggles, our faithfulness, and our worries.

• He encourages us to remain faithful because we are loved.

3. Hope and Encouragement for Our Own Lives

   If God loves Daniel so personally, then we too can claim this love for ourselves. God’s love applies to every person who seeks Him and trusts Him.

What Hope This Gives:

• You are valuable in God’s eyes, regardless of your weaknesses.

• God knows you by name and calls you beloved and precious.

• In times of uncertainty, we can know that God does not leave us alone.

• God’s love is steadfast—regardless of external circumstances.

4. Our Identity as Loved by God

   This assurance changes our view of ourselves. Our identity is not shaped by external successes or others’ opinions but by the fact that we are unconditionally loved by God.

Practical Hope:

• Even in doubts and weakness, we can know: “I am loved by God.”

• God’s love gives us courage to face challenges.

• This love encourages us to meet others with love and appreciation.

Conclusion:
God’s thrice-mentioned designation of Daniel as the “beloved man” shows how personal, near, and loving God is towards His children. This truth gives us hope: We too are valuable, loved, and precious in God’s eyes. This love carries us through difficult times, gives us new strength, and fills our lives with meaning.

3.How Are the Examples of the Heroes of Faith from Hebrews 11 Connected with the Content of This Week’s Study Reflection? What Do These Examples Reveal About How One Can “Please God Through Faith”? What Can You Learn from Such Examples of Faith and Their Fidelity and Apply to Your Daily Life?

The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 are impressive examples of what it means to live pleasingly to God through faith. Their stories reflect central themes of the lesson: trust, fidelity, dedication, and striving to live according to God’s will despite difficulties. Their experiences show that a life of faith is not marked by perfection but by trust and obedience to God.

1. Connection to the Themes of the Lesson:

• God’s Joy in Faith (Hebrews 11:6):

  “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.”

  This principle runs throughout the entire lesson. Whether it’s about the Prodigal Son, God’s joy over repentance, or living as living stones, faith is always the foundation for pleasing God.

• Honest, Imperfect Faith:

  The father in Mark 9:24 asks, “I believe; help my unbelief!” This shows that even weak faith can be pleasing to God when it is honest. Similarly, the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 did not always have perfect life stories, but their faith was genuine.

• Active and Lived Faith:

  The heroes of faith acted because of their faith—Noah built the ark, Abraham left his land, Moses led Israel out of Egypt. Faith is demonstrated in actions, just as the lesson emphasizes that we, as living stones, should actively build God’s kingdom.

2. What the Heroes of Faith Teach About Pleasing God Through Faith:

• Faith Means Trusting Even Without Visible Proof:

  Abraham followed God’s call without knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). Similarly, we are to trust God even when the path is unclear.

• Faith Means Perseverance in Trials:

  Many heroes of faith experienced severe trials but remained faithful to God. Job lost everything but remained steadfast. Moses held onto God’s promises despite setbacks.

• Faith Means Obedience Even When It’s Difficult:

  Noah built the ark despite ridicule. Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac. Their obedience shows that true faith requires trust and dedication.

• Faith Means Focusing on the Unseen:

  They lived with hope in God’s promises, even when they did not see them fully realized (Hebrews 11:13). This reminds us to orient our lives towards the eternal and not get stuck in earthly worries.

3. What We Can Learn for Our Daily Lives:

• Trusting God’s Guidance:

  Like Abraham, we can take bold steps, even if we don’t fully understand the way. Trust means letting God take the first step.

• Patience in Difficult Times:

  Like Moses or Joseph, we can remain patient when God’s plan takes longer. God often works behind the scenes.

• Faith is Shown in Actions:

  Like Noah actively built the ark, we should demonstrate our faith through concrete actions: through love, justice, and service to others.

• Stay Steadfast in Trials:

  The heroes of faith remained faithful even when they faced misunderstanding, rejection, or suffering. Their example encourages us to remain faithful to God, even when it’s difficult.

• Focus on God’s Promises:

  They lived not for the here and now but for God’s kingdom. This challenges us to orient our lives towards the eternal and not get stuck in earthly worries.

Conclusion:
The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 show that a pleasing life to God is marked by trust, obedience, and perseverance. They were not perfect, but they held onto God’s promises. Their example encourages us to take courageous steps in faith in our daily lives, even when the path is unclear. God does not require perfect faith but a heart that trusts Him and is ready to follow Him.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-3-to-be-pleasing-to-god-3-7-questions-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

January 18, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Ephesians Chapter 4

¹ I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

² With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

³ Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

⁴ There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

⁵ One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

⁶ One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

⁷ But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

⁸ Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

⁹ (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

¹⁰ He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

¹¹ And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

¹² For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

¹³ Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

¹⁴ That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

¹⁵ But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

¹⁶ From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

¹⁷ This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

¹⁸ Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

¹⁹ Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

²⁰ But ye have not so learned Christ;

²¹ If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

²² That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

²³ And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

²⁴ And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

²⁵ Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

²⁶ Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

²⁷ Neither give place to the devil.

²⁸ Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

²⁹ Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

³⁰ And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

³¹ Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

³² And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction:

Ephesians Chapter 4 marks the transition from theological teaching to practical living in the Apostle Paul’s letter. He calls believers to unity within the church and emphasizes the diversity of spiritual gifts that serve to build up the body of Christ. Additionally, he urges Christians to embrace a new way of life characterized by truth, love, and holiness.

Commentary:

Paul begins with a strong exhortation to live a life worthy of God’s calling (v. 1). He highlights the importance of humility, gentleness, patience, and love as the foundation for unity in the Spirit (vv. 2-3). The emphasis on “one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (vv. 4-6) clearly illustrates the fundamental unity of Christians. At the same time, Paul underscores the diversity of gifts that Christ has given to believers to strengthen the body of Christ (vv. 7-13).

His warning against false teachings (v. 14) shows the necessity of spiritual maturity to remain steadfast in faith. Paul encourages the church to grow in love and to recognize Christ as the head (vv. 15-16). The contrast between the “old self” and the “new self” (vv. 22-24) highlights the radical transformation that Christians are called to undergo. Practical instructions for daily life (vv. 25-32) demonstrate that this new life should be shaped by truth, reconciliation, and love for one another.

Summary:

Ephesians 4 calls believers to unity in Christ, founded on love, humility, and peace. Despite this unity, there is a diversity of gifts meant to build up the church. Paul urges Christians to put off the “old self” and live in righteousness and holiness. Practical guidance—such as honesty, forgiveness, and compassionate actions—should guide daily life, enabling the church to grow in Christ and reflect God’s love.

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/18-01-2025-ephesians-chapter-4-believe-his-prophets/