3.5 A Worthy Goal
A Valuable Goal – Pleasing God with Faith

Read Mark 9:17–29. How does God respond to the man in this story? How much faith is enough faith?

The story in Mark 9:17–29 powerfully illustrates how patient and merciful Jesus is with our weak faith. The father of the possessed boy is desperate and openly confesses his doubt to Jesus: “I believe; help my unbelief!” (v. 24). This honest statement shows that the man has faith but also struggles with uncertainty. However, Jesus does not reject him. Instead of rebuking him for his imperfect faith, Jesus accepts this weak faith and acts with full compassion.

1. God’s Acceptance of Honest Faith

   Jesus does not require perfect or strong faith. He desires honest faith—even if it is accompanied by doubt. The father in the story presents his request with the humble plea to Jesus to overcome his weakness. Jesus demonstrates here that even the smallest spark of faith is sufficient when it is sincere.

2. Faith as Relationship, Not Performance

   Faith does not mean that we understand everything or that we must be free of doubts. Rather, it is an expression of trust in God’s power—even when we are uncertain. Jesus does not call us to first have “enough” faith, but He invites us to come to Him with everything we have. This faith is not perfect, but it is genuine.

3. God’s Power Works Despite Our Doubt

   The healing of the boy shows that God’s power does not depend on the strength of our faith. It is not the degree of our faith but the object of our faith—Jesus Christ—that makes the difference. Therefore, we can come to God with all our weaknesses and doubts, for He works through His grace.

4. A Valuable Goal: Living Pleasingly to God

   As Paul encourages, we should aim to live pleasingly to God (2 Corinthians 5:9). This means growing in trust in God, bringing our uncertainties to Him, and allowing Him to shape us. This includes acting in love, exercising patience, and remaining steadfast in prayer (Romans 12:10–13).

Connection to Daily Life:

• Be Honest Before God: We can openly express our doubts and fears to God because He meets us with grace.

• Practice Trust: Even small faith can achieve great things when it is rooted in Jesus.

• Take Steps in Faith: Instead of waiting for perfect faith, we should act with the trust we have.

• Ask God for Growth: Just as the father asked Jesus to overcome his unbelief, we can ask God to strengthen our faith.

Conclusion:
God does not expect perfect faith but an honest heart that seeks Him. Even the smallest faith that turns to Jesus is enough for God to work through. This knowledge encourages us to grow in trust and align our lives to live pleasingly to God—in love, patience, and dedication.

Why Should We Accept Others More if God Accepts Us Through Christ? What Do the Commandment of Loving Your Neighbor (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39) and the Golden Rule Tell Us in This Context?

If God accepts us unconditionally through Christ despite our imperfections and faults, this challenges us to also meet others with the same love, acceptance, and mercy. God’s grace toward us is the highest model for how we should treat our fellow human beings.

1. The Foundation of Loving Your Neighbor

   In Leviticus 19:18, it says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This commandment was emphasized by Jesus in Matthew 22:39 as the second greatest commandment after loving God: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This love calls us to treat others with the same respect, patience, and care that we desire for ourselves.

Since God loves us despite our faults, we are also to forgive others, treat them with respect, and do good to them—regardless of whether they “deserve” it from a human perspective. This love is not superficial or selective but encompasses all people, regardless of their background, opinions, or behavior.

2. The Golden Rule – Active Loving Your Neighbor

   Jesus emphasizes the so-called Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them!” This rule calls us not only to be passively kind but to actively do good. It translates loving your neighbor into concrete actions: just as we expect understanding, patience, forgiveness, and respect, we should extend these values to others.

3. Acceptance that Enables Change

   God accepts us not because we are perfect but to transform us through His love. Similarly, we can help others grow and heal through our acceptance and love. People who are accepted unconditionally often experience inner healing and transformation. Our love can be a reflection of God’s love, leading others to Him.

4. Overcoming Prejudices and Boundaries

   God’s acceptance knows no boundaries. Jesus met outcasts, sinners, and people on the margins of society with love and mercy. We are also challenged to shed prejudices, meet others openly, and consciously reach out to those who are different from us.

Connection to Daily Life:

• Practice Forgiveness: Just as God has forgiven us, we should forgive others—even when it is difficult.

• Show Empathy: Put yourself in others’ shoes and treat them as you would like to be treated.

• Live Boundless Love: Love people without reservations—regardless of their background, opinions, or past.

• Actively Do Good: Don’t wait passively but take the first step to create peace and strengthen relationships.

Conclusion:        
God’s acceptance through Christ is the greatest model for our behavior toward others. If God loves us despite our faults, how much more should we meet others with love, patience, and mercy. Loving your neighbor and following the Golden Rule call us to actively live out this divine love and make God’s character visible in the world through our attitude and actions.

The connection between faith and loving your neighbor with our daily lives and faith is essential to leading a life that is pleasing to God. The story from Mark 9:17–29 and the commands of loving your neighbor from Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39 show us how we can practically live out this faith.

1. Living Faith in Daily Life – Even with Weaknesses

   Like the father in Mark 9:24, we too can come to God with our imperfect faith. Our daily lives are marked by challenges, doubts, and uncertainties. But we can know that Jesus accepts even the smallest faith and works through it.

In daily life, this means:

• Courageous Prayer: Pray boldly, even when unsure if and how God will answer.

• Trusting Decisions: Make decisions trusting in God’s guidance.

• Honest Communication: Bring our doubts and fears honestly to God and ask Him to strengthen our faith.

2. A Life Pleasing to God

   As Paul encourages in 2 Corinthians 5:9, our goal should be to please God. This happens not through perfection but through faith that is expressed in love, patience, and dedication.

Practical Implementation:

• Exercise Patience: Be patient in dealing with difficult people.

• Persistent Prayer: Continue praying even when changes are slow to occur.

• Active Love: Love others actively by serving them in love and forgiving them.

3. Loving Your Neighbor as Living Faith

   The commandment of loving your neighbor challenges us to extend God’s acceptance of ourselves to others. If God loves us despite our faults, we should also meet others with this love.

In daily life, this means:

• Forgiveness: Forgive others, even when hurt.

• Show Empathy: Empathize by putting yourself in others’ shoes.

• Be Helpful: Actively work for the well-being of others.

• Break Down Prejudices: Overcome prejudices and treat people with respect regardless of their background or opinions.

4. The Golden Rule as a Standard for Our Actions

   The Golden Rule from Matthew 7:12 calls us to treat others as we would like to be treated. This attitude transforms our interactions.

Practically, this means:

• Express Appreciation: Show appreciation where often criticism prevails.

• Show Helpfulness: Help others without expecting anything in return.

• Seek Peace: Strive for peace where conflicts exist.

5. Faith and Loving Your Neighbor as a Valuable Goal

   Our faith is not a static state but a living relationship with God that changes our thinking and actions. Pleasing God means growing in faith and making this love visible through concrete actions.

This means for our daily lives:

• Act Consciously: Act not out of duty but out of love for God.

• Reflect God’s Love: Reflect God’s love in family, friendships, and the workplace.

• Live in Community: Live in communities where acceptance and love are the foundation.

Conclusion:
God does not call us to have perfect faith or flawless love. He invites us to come to Him with everything we have—even our doubts and weaknesses. In daily life, this means living our faith in small steps and meeting others with the same love and mercy we have experienced from God. Our goal should be to live pleasingly to God through faith and loving our neighbor—a life full of trust, dedication, and active love.

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-3-5-a-worthy-goal-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

January 16, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Ephesians Chapter 2

¹ And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

² Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

³ Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

⁵ Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

⁶ And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

⁷ That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.

¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

¹¹ Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

¹² That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

¹³ But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

¹⁴ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

¹⁵ Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

¹⁶ And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

¹⁷ And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

¹⁸ For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

¹⁹ Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

²⁰ And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

²¹ In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

²² In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction

The second chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians deepens the understanding of the new life as a gift of God’s grace and the restoration of unity between Jews and Gentiles through Jesus Christ. Paul vividly describes the former spiritual deadness of believers, who were separated from God by sins and transgressions, and how they were made alive through God’s mercy and love. This chapter highlights the transformative power of God’s grace and emphasizes that salvation is received not through human works but solely through faith in Christ. Additionally, it underscores the importance of unity within the Church, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Commentary

Paul begins the chapter with a sobering depiction of the believers’ former state: “You were dead in your transgressions and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). This metaphor of death emphasizes the complete separation from God and humanity’s inability to save itself. He further describes how believers once lived according to the desires of their flesh and the spirit of this world, making them “children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3).

The turning point comes in verse 4, where Paul highlights God’s abundant mercy and great love: “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us.” Here, the fundamental message of grace is emphasized—salvation is a gift from God that cannot be earned through human efforts. “For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8).

Paul continues to explain the new identity of believers in Christ. They are “made alive with Christ” and “seated with Him in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 2:5–6). This spiritual rebirth is an essential part of the Christian experience, emphasizing the close connection between God and believers.

Another central point is the unity of the Church, which includes both Jews and Gentiles. Before redemption, Gentiles were “without Christ, alienated from the citizenship of Israel” (Ephesians 2:12). Through Christ’s work, this separation was overcome: “For He is our peace, who has made the two one” (Ephesians 2:14). Christ abolished hostility through His flesh and created a new humanity that lives together in peace.

Paul describes the Church as the “Holy Temple” and emphasizes that believers are “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20–21). This imagery illustrates the stability and holiness of the Church and Christ’s central role as its head.

Summary

Ephesians Chapter 2 conveys a powerful message of salvation and unity through God’s grace. Paul describes the former spiritual deadness of believers and highlights how they were made alive through God’s mercy and the love of Christ. Salvation is not achieved through human works but solely through faith in Jesus Christ. This new life in Christ leads to the unity of the Church, which includes both Jews and Gentiles, with Christ as the cornerstone and head of the community. The chapter emphasizes the transformative power of God’s grace and the importance of unity and holiness within the Christian community, which serves as God’s holy temple.

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/16-01-2025-ephesians-chapter-2-believe-his-prophets/