Daily Lesson for Tuesday 24th of March 2026

Books have been written about the purpose-driven life and the purpose-driven church. While “purpose-driven” may not be quite right, a clear “purpose focus” is vital for accomplishing any meaningful endeavor. Paul’s life and ministry, as well as that of his coworkers and the other apostles, exemplify this focus (see Philippians 3:13-14). The results speak for themselves—the gospel spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire and beyond (Colossians 1:23). The same focus is needed today.

Image © Rolf Jansson from GoodSalt.com

As we mentioned in an earlier lesson, Epaphras was probably instrumental in the spread of the gospel to Colossae and to the nearby cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis (see Lesson 1). His greetings and prayers for these churches were no doubt greatly encouraging to believers there. Epaphras’s prayers had a clear focus—that the Colossians would “stand perfect and complete in all the will of God” (Colossians 4:12). Let’s consider more carefully the rich components of this prayer.

Stand. The word means to stand firm and unmoved, which is possible only by being “grounded and steadfast” in the faith and confident of the truth of the gospel (Colossians 1:23, NKJV). The same word is used several times by Paul in reference to the battle against “the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11) and withstanding the forces of darkness through divine power by putting on “the whole armour of God” (Ephesians 6:10-18; compare 2 Timothy 2:19).

Perfect. The word refers to the perfection of character that finds its ultimate expression in sacrificial love (Matthew 5:44,48) by those who will never claim to have “arrived” (Philippians 3:12-15, NIV).

Complete. This powerful word means to satisfy fully or bring something to full measure. It is used of Abraham’s being “fully convinced” that God would do what He promised, though humanly impossible (Romans 4:21, NKJV), and Paul’s being strengthened by the Lord so that “the message might be preached fully” through him (2 Timothy 4:17, NKJV).

All the will of God. The word “all” is comprehensive. Paul himself prayed that the Colossians would be filled with a knowledge of God’s will, “live worthily of the Lord and please him in all respects” (Colossians 1:9-10, NET) through “His glorious power” (Colossians 1:11, NKJV).

<–Monday Wednesday–>

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/26a-13-standing-perfect-and-complete/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=26a-13-standing-perfect-and-complete

Join It Is Written Sabbath School host Eric Flickinger and this quarter’s author, Dr. Clinton Wahlen, as they provide additional insights into this week’s Sabbath School lesson,

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/13-standing-in-all-the-will-of-god-it-is-written-discussion-with-the-author/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=13-standing-in-all-the-will-of-god-it-is-written-discussion-with-the-author

View an in-depth discussion of Standing in All the Will of God in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris.
Click on the image below to view the video:

With thanks to Hope Channel – Television that will change your life.

The great lesson we learn from dear Paul this quarter is that we are to 
Stand Up! Stand Up For Jesus! – Hymn 618. This is a beautiful theme hymn to give us a great reminder of what we need in our world that is falling apart these days.

Colossians 4:12 encouraged the Colossians, and now us, to “stand perfect and complete in all the will of God”:
Hymn 610 – Stand Like The Brave. This encouragement also helps to 
Go, Preach My Gospel – Hymn 378

Please continue to search the scriptures this week to be blessed and to bless others.

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.”

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/13-standing-in-all-th-will-of-god-singing-with-inspiration/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=13-standing-in-all-th-will-of-god-singing-with-inspiration

Daily Lesson for Monday 23rd of March 2026

In a world connected by the internet, social media, and countless devices, it is difficult to imagine the challenge that Paul faced in helping churches feel they were a part of something bigger than their own local congregations.

Image © Lifeway Collection at Goodsalt.com

With these greetings, Paul creates and fosters connectivity among fellow believers. We learn here that Mark was Barnabas’s cousin. Paul thus paves the way for Mark’s probable visit to Colossae. Aristarchus is described literally as a “fellow prisoner-of-war”; that is, he was imprisoned with Paul. They were both soldiers with “the armour of God” (Ephesians 6:10-11), fighting to set Satan’s captives free for service in the kingdom of God (see 2 Timothy 2:1-4). Jesus/Justus (Jewish and Roman names that sound very similar in Greek, like Saul/Paul) is also commended to them as a trustworthy fellow laborer in the gospel.

Paul makes a point of mentioning that Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus are Jewish believers (“of the circumcision”). He then goes on to mention three Gentiles: Epaphras, Luke, and Demas (Colossians 4:12-14). It is significant that, despite some tensions in the church between Jews and Gentiles, these coworkers are able to labor effectively together, unitedly and harmoniously. By saying “only,” though, Paul seems to imply a certain disappointment that more Jewish Christians have not stood by him in his sufferings. Nevertheless, it is significant that by this time, John Mark, who had some years before deserted Paul and Barnabas during their first missionary journey (Acts 13:13), proves not only loyal but a “comfort” to Paul (Acts 15:36-40).

Threats to unity are nothing new. In recent years, the Adventist Church has undergone profound changes as it has spread globally, and forces have hammered away at its unity. This stress on unity can be felt at every level of the church.

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/26a-13-church-connectivity/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=26a-13-church-connectivity