Further Thought:

 Ellen G. White, “Modern Revivals,” in The Great Controversy, Pages 461-478.

“How can we harmonize our dwarfed spiritual condition with the presentation of our text [Ephesians 3:14-19] that describes the fullness of knowledge it is our privilege to possess?

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How can Heaven look upon us, who have had every spiritual and temporal advantage that we might grow in grace, when we have not improved our opportunities? The apostle did not write these words to tantalize us, to deceive us, or to raise our expectations only to have them disappointed in our experience. He wrote these words to show us what we may and must be, if we would be heirs of the kingdom of God. How can we be laborers together with God, if we have a dwarfed experience? We have a knowledge of the Christian’s privilege, and should seek for that deep, spiritual understanding in the things of God that the Lord has desired us to have.

Do we really believe the Bible? Do we really believe that we may attain to the knowledge of God that is presented before us in this text? Do we believe every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God? Do we believe the words that have been spoken by prophets and apostles, by Jesus Christ, who is the author of all light and blessing, and in whom dwelleth all richness and fullness? Do we really believe in God, and in his Son?” — Ellen G. White, The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, October 1, 1889.

Discussion Questions:

<–Thursday

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What is the mystery of the Gospel? Join us as we discuss Lesson 6, The Mystery of the Gospel.

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Paul concludes his prayer report with a doxology, a brief, poetic statement of praise to God. For what does he praise God? Ephesians 3:20-21.

Paul has been recording his prayers for believers (Ephesians 3:14-19). Now he prays directly and powerfully. Paul’s doxology raises two questions: 1. Does the passage inappropriately elevate the church, placing it on a par with Christ, in the phrase “to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:21, ESV)?

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While Paul is highly interested in the church in Ephesians, it is clear that Christ is the Savior of the church since it is Christ who dwells in the hearts of believers (Ephesians 3:17). In the doxology, Paul praises God for the salvation offered to the church through Christ Jesus.

2. Does the phrase “throughout all generations, forever and ever” (Ephesians 3:21, ESV) portray an unending, earthbound future for the church, with the return of Christ put on hold? Ephesians exhibits a robust expectation for the future. For example, Ephesians 4:30 looks toward “the day of redemption” (ESV). Also, believers will experience Christ’s limitless, sovereign power in “the age to come” (Ephesians 1:21, NRSV). Paul’s doxology should be read as a celebration of Christ’s unending power exercised on behalf of believers.

Looking back over Paul’s second prayer report (Ephesians 3:14-21; compare Ephesians 1:15-23), we see Paul finding strength in the cosmic scope of the Father’s care (Ephesians 3:14-15), the ready availability of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16), the partnership of Christ Himself (Ephesians 3:17), and the immeasurability of the limitless love of Christ (Ephesians 3:18-19). This is so true that he imagines believers being filled “with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:19, ESV) and celebrates these spiritual realities in praise, again marveling at the abundance of God’s power on offer to the saints (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Whenever we feel the press of problems, temptations, or doubts, we may turn to this buoyant account of Paul’s prayers. The imprisoned apostle raises our vision to the grand horizon of God’s purposes and grace, reminding us that, whatever our current circumstances, we are participants in God’s ultimate plan (Ephesians 1:9-10), and His power is at work in us.

<–Wednesday Friday–>

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Join It Is Written Sabbath School host Eric Flickinger and this quarter’s author, Dr John McVay, as they provide additional insights into this week’s Sabbath School lesson
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6hPkJT2aVk&w=560&h=315]

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You can view an in-depth discussion of Horizontal Atonement – The Cross and the Church in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. Click on the image to view: [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thgxejCknLc&w=560&h=315]

With thanks to

Hope Channel – Television that will change your life.

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