Kingstanding SDA Church | Sabbath School |Confidence Only in Christ | LESSON 6 скачать в хорошем качестве

Kingstanding SDA Church | Sabbath School |Confidence Only in Christ | LESSON 6

Title: Confidence Only in Christ Scripture: (Philippians 3:10, 11, NKJV). “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead” Summary: There’s something about us that remains suspicious about salvation by faith alone, apart from the works of the law. That is, for some reason, we all tend to lean on our works, as if they could add to our salvation. In a rather striking way, Paul deals with this point in a vigorous polemic against those who insist that circumcision is necessary for salvation. To guard against the possibility that some might consider their works, such as circumcision, as contributing to their salvation, Paul makes it clear that righteousness is from Christ as a gift that comes by faith, not by the law. Though circumcision might not be an issue today, the principle it deals with certainly is. The Protestant Reformation itself started over this very issue: the role of faith and works in the experience of a follower of Christ. In the end, Christ is everything to us, “the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2). If our priorities are in the right place, we will live with the assurance of God’s love and enjoy the promise, even now, of salvation, all while placing “no confidence in the flesh” (Phil. 3:3). Further Thought: “He who would build up a strong, symmetrical character, he who would be a well-balanced Christian, must give all and do all for Christ; for the Redeemer will not accept divided service. Daily he must learn the meaning of self-surrender. He must study the word of God, learning its meaning and obeying its precepts. Thus he may reach the standard of Christian excellence. Day by day God works with him, perfecting the character that is to stand in the time of final test. And day by day the believer is working out before men and angels a sublime experiment, showing what the gospel can do for fallen human beings.”—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 483. “Those who wait for the Bridegroom’s coming are to say to the people, ‘Behold your God.’ The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them. “The light of the Sun of Righteousness is to shine forth in good works—in words of truth and deeds of holiness.”—Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 415, 416. Discussion Questions: 1. Dwell more on this question of rejoicing in the Lord. Notice that it is not saying to rejoice in your trials (though that’s biblical too) but in the Lord. Why is it so important to always keep before us the Lord, His goodness, His power, His love, and His salvation? How would doing that greatly benefit you amid the inevitable trials of life? 2. Notice how the above quotations describe the role of grace in producing the “good works” we do as Christians. Why is this function of grace so important as we look forward to the soon coming of Christ? That is, though we are not saved by good works, are we really saved if we don’t have them? 3. Dwell more on this idea of not having confidence in the flesh. What does that mean? Why should we not have confidence in it? Is not our flesh a gift from God? We hope you have a blessed day with us Don't forget to Like, Share, Hype and Subscribe!