Daily Lesson for Sunday 4th of January 2026

Paul established the church in Philippi; thus, we can see the warmth of Christian fellowship pervading his letter. Though separated by hundreds of miles, Paul, chained and imprisoned, carries the church and its members on his heart; he longs for them “with the affection of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:8, NKJV); he gives thanks to God for them. Paul’s prayer of thanksgiving even gives a glimpse of Jesus’ intercession for us in heaven.

Image © Lifeway Collection at Goodsalt.com

On the high priest’s breastplate were 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. The people were to be “on his heart” as he interceded for them (Exodus 28:29, ESV). In an even greater way, as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, Jesus carries the names of His people with Him before the Father.

Interestingly, the wording of Philippians 1:3 is ambiguous, underscoring the close relationship between Paul and the Philippians. It’s usually translated that Paul remembers them in prayer, but it could also refer to their remembrance of him. In any case, it underscores the close mutuality they share, which the word “fellowship” (Greek: koinonia) also underscores. As Paul had fellowship in Christ’s sufferings (Philippians 3:10), the Philippians “shared” (Greek: sunkoinōneō) in Paul’s sufferings and shared financially to support Paul’s ministry (Philippians 4:14-15). This mutuality, which was “from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:5), leads him to thank God for them and to pray for them “with joy” (Philippians 1:4).

Interestingly, Paul describes his prison setting quite positively—as providing opportunity for “the defense and confirmation of the gospel” (Philippians 1:7, NKJV). His use of these two legal terms suggests his trial is imminent, but also that Paul is actively engaging soldiers and visitors with the gospel. Defending it (Greek apologia) against attacks and confirming its eternal verities are both essential. Paul seems to care less about his own future than about vindication of the gospel itself. Whether he lives or dies, Paul is confident that God will finish the “good work” He has begun in all who trust in Him (Philippians 1:6).

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/26a-02-fellowship-in-the-gospel/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=26a-02-fellowship-in-the-gospel

Daily Lesson for Sabbath 3rd of January 2026

Image © Pacific Press

Read for This Week’s Study: Philippians 1:1-18, 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, Jeremiah 17:9, Colossians 1:1-12, 1 Peter 1:4, Psalms 119:105, Isaiah 30:21.

Memory Text:

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6, NKJV).

Paul quite intentionally begins his epistles with words of ­greeting—and thanksgiving. “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Colossians 1:2-3, NKJV).

We, like Paul, have much to be thankful for. We have experienced God’s grace in profound ways—ways that even angels cannot comprehend. The same is true of God’s gift of peace, which embraces harmony with God and the hope flowing from God’s love.

On a human level, we can give and show appreciation to others and hope that people appreciate the things we do for them. Parents pray that their children will love God and appreciate someday, if not now, the real sacrifices they’ve made to give them the best upbringing they could. But, as human beings, we make many mistakes, and we learn from them (or at least we should).

This week we’ll consider Paul’s opening words of thanksgiving and prayer in Philippians and Colossians, which may enrich and strengthen our own prayer life.

*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, January 10.

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/26a-02-reasons-for-thanksgiving-and-prayer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=26a-02-reasons-for-thanksgiving-and-prayer