“However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. That is why the Scriptures say,

    ‘When he ascended to the heights,
    he led a crowd of captives
    and gave gifts to his people.’”

“Notice that it says ‘he ascended.’ This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself” (Ephesians 4:7-10, NLT). What is happening here, and what is Paul’s point in these verses?

Paul here quoted Psalm 68:18, which reads: “When you ascended to the heights, you led a crowd of captives. You received gifts from the people, even from those who rebelled against you” (NLT). Psalm 68:18 portrays the Lord, Yahweh, as a conquering general who, having conquered His enemies, ascends the hill on which His capital city is built, with the captives of battle in His train (see Psalm 68:1-2).

Image © Lifeway Collection at Goodsalt.com

He then receives tribute (“received gifts”) from His conquered foes (noting that Paul adjusts this imagery to the exalted Christ “giving gifts,” based on the wider context of the Psalm, see Psalm 68:35).

If we follow the order of Psalm 68:18, the ascent — Christ’s ascension to heaven (Ephesians 1:21-23) — occurs first, followed by the descent in which the risen, exalted Jesus gives gifts and fills all things. This is Paul’s way of depicting the Pentecostal outpouring of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:1-47). This view is confirmed by Ephesians 4:11-12, which identify the gifts provided by the exalted Jesus as gifts of the Spirit.

“Christ ascended on high, leading captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. When, after Christ’s ascension, the Spirit came down as promised, like a rushing, mighty wind, filling the whole place where the disciples were assembled, what was the effect? Thousands were converted in a day.” — Ellen G. White, Ye Shall Receive Power, p. 158.

<–Monday Wednesday–>

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The book of Ephesians shows us “How to Follow Jesus in Trying Times”:
Hymn 623 – I Will Follow Thee, My Saviour so that our actions will always speak louder than our words.

Paul encourages us to ask 
Come, Holy Spirit – Hymn 269 to help us
Be Like Jesus – Hymn 311, all because 
The Church Has One Foundation – Hymn 348. Paul goes on to tell us 
Hark! The Voice of Jesus Calling – Hymn 359 and 
Hymn 285 – Jesus Calls Us. May we respond with 
O Let Me Walk With Thee – Hymn 554.

As we are to be one with our Lord, Jesus Christ, in all we do and say, we reflect on the fact that He is 
Lord of Creation – Hymn 320 (Monday).

The encouragement continues throughout this week so that we 
Lift Him Up, The Risen Saviour – Hymn 371 (Tuesday).

So, dear people, be encouraged to go forward and
“Lift up the trumpet and loud let it ring, Jesus IS coming again” – Hymn 213.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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Key Thought: One way we foster unity is by being active parts of the body and contributing to its health and growth.
August 12, 2023

1. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 4:1-10.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. How does Paul encourage believers to nurture the unity of the church?
3. Personal Application: Do you think the one body and one faith is the remnant church, or do you think the one body and faith consists of a multitude of bodies and faiths that unite together? Share your thoughts
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “How do humility, gentleness, and patience help unify your church? How do we learn to cultivate these virtues?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 4:11-13.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What gifts does Jesus give us and for what purpose are they given?
3. Personal Application: What winds of doctrine are blowing in the church today? How can we protect ourselves and others from the damage these winds can cause? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why does your church believe in a modern-day prophet? Isn’t that adding to the Scriptures? What more do we need? What is the purpose of a modern-day prophet when we have the Bible?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 4:14.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What danger threatens the Christ-like maturity of the church?
3. Personal Application: In what cases might seeking unity at all costs become counter-productive? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “In what ways does a church function like a body? How can you tell if a church is healthy or ill?” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 4:15,16.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What does it mean to speak the truth in love and grow up in Him in all things?
3. Personal Application: How can we get every member to use their gifts and talents to increase the body and make it healthier? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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