Bible Study - Sabbath School Podcast

Further Thought: "All the paternal love which has come down from generation to generation through the channel of human hearts, all the springs of tenderness which have opened in the souls of men, are but as a tiny rill to the boundless ocean when compared with the infinite, exhaustless love of God. Tongue cannot utter it; pen cannot portray it. You may meditate upon it every day of your life; you may search the Scriptures diligently in order to understand it; you may summon every power and capability that God has given you, in the endeavor to comprehend the love and compassion of the heavenly Father; and yet there is an infinity beyond. You may study that love for ages; yet you can never fully comprehend the length and the breadth, the depth and the height, of the love of God in giving His Son to die for the world. Eternity itself can never fully reveal it. Yet as we study the Bible and meditate upon the life of Christ and the plan of redemption, these great themes will open to our understanding more and more."--Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 740.

"When we are receiving a training, as did Moses in the school of Christ, what shall we learn?--to become puffed up?--to have an exalted opinion of ourselves?--No, indeed. The more we learn in this school, the more we shall advance in meekness and lowliness of mind. We are not to feel that we have learned everything worth knowing. We should put to the best use the talents God has given us, that when we are changed from mortality to immortality, we shall not leave behind that which we have attained, but may take it with us to the other side. Throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity, Christ and His work of redemption will be the theme of our study."--Ellen G. White, Manuscript 36, 1885.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are ways that you have experienced for yourself the reality of God's love? In class, talk about the different ways you have come to know and experience His love.
2. What exactly does it mean that Jesus came "in the likeness of men" (Phil. 2:7)? Compare Romans 8:3. Discuss these passages in light of each other.
3. What challenges to unity does the church in your area face? Whatever the issues, why would a willingness to b

The Mystery of Godliness

A popular verse in the Bible is 1 Corinthians 8:2: "If anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know" (NKJV). There is no subject about which we know everything. We can always learn something more about anything. How much more true is that of eternal realities connected with the Godhead and the Incarnation? Paul frequently refers to Christ's amazing condescension in becoming a human being. It's a subject that even eternity will be inadequate to exhaust.

Read Romans 8:3, Hebrews 2:14-18, and Hebrews 4:15. What characterized Jesus' condescension and His taking of human nature?

How was it possible for the eternal Son of God, through the operation of the Holy Spirit (see Luke 1:35), to become a divine-human being in Mary's womb? It boggles the mind how the infinite and eternal could suddenly become a finite human being subject to death. That is the heart of what Paul calls "the mystery of godliness" (1 Tim. 3:16).

In the beautiful hymn of Philippians 2, Paul here elaborates on this condescension more fully in some respects than anywhere else in Scripture.

• "Being in the form of God" (Phil. 2:6). The word morphē (form) refers to His divine nature, that Jesus was equal to the Father (compare John 1:1).
• "Emptied Himself" (Phil. 2:7, NASB). The mysterious nature of Jesus emptying Himself of His divine prerogatives--so that He could become truly human and tempted as we are--is astonishing.
• "He humbled himself" (Phil. 2:8). In taking human nature, Jesus moved from universal supremacy to utter servanthood, the opposite of Lucifer's aim.
• "Death, even the death of the cross" (Phil. 2:8). There was no more ignominious way to die than the way Jesus chose, having planned it with the Father in the "counsel of peace" (Zech. 6:13), illustrating it beforehand through Moses lifting up the serpent (Num. 21:9, John 3:14), and thus becoming "sin for us ... that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" (2 Cor. 5:21).

How can, and should, focusing on what Jesus did for us at the cross--seeing the cross as our example of surrender and humility--make us more humble, as well as more submissive to God?

The Mind of Christ

Muhammad Ali once said, "I am the greatest." In August 1963, six months before winning the world heavyweight boxing championship, he even released a record album titled "I Am the Greatest." Ali, no doubt, was a great athlete, but he was not an example to follow if one wants the mind of Christ.

In contrast, Jesus was perfectly sinless. Though He was tempted "in all points ... as we are" (Heb. 4:15), He never sinned, not even by a thought. Nevertheless, Hebrews 5:8 indicates, "though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered" (NKJV). Jesus' submission to the Father's will was always perfect. There was never a moment He refused to submit, though no doubt many times it was not easy.

Read Philippians 2:5-8, what some consider the most powerful and beautiful texts in Scripture. What is Paul saying to us here? What are the implications of these words? Most important, how do we apply to our own lives the principle expressed here?

Jesus, who is equal with God, who is God, not only took upon Himself human flesh but became a "bondservant" (doulou, a servant, a slave) and then offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins! In another place, Paul says that He became "a curse for us" (Gal. 3:13). God, our Creator, died on the cross in order to be our Redeemer as well, and that required Him to become a curse for us.

How do we begin to wrap our minds around what this is saying? Even more so, how do we do what the texts tell us to do, and that is to have the same kind of willingness to humble oneself and to sacrifice oneself for the good of others?

In another place, Jesus said: "But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Matt. 23:11-12, NKJV). This, in many ways, reflects what Paul was telling us, in Philippians 2:5-8, to do as well.

In more powerfully graphic terms, Paul was saying here what he said earlier about not doing anything "through selfish ambition or conceit" (Phil. 2:3, NKJV).

How should we respond to what Christ has done for us, as depicted in Philippians 2:5-8? What response could possibly be "adequate" or worthy of what Christ has done for us, perhaps other than to fall on our knees and worship? Why is it so wrong to think that our works can add to what Christ has already done for us?

Mind Implant or Mind Surgery?

An increasing number of companies around the world are working on technology that combines the processing power of computers with the human brain. In other words, by hooking up minds to computers, scientists hope to impact our thoughts through the computers. Although implant use with the human brain may promise positive results, which include helping to manage epilepsy, depression, and Parkinson's disease, more sinister uses are not difficult to imagine. Mind control cannot be far away.

In some ways, it's already here. Our mind is like a computer, only far superior. The constant information flow to which we are daily exposed "programs" our mind, conditions our thoughts, and guides our actions. When we immerse ourselves in media, the worldly way people think stamps its impression on our minds, and we begin thinking the same way. It's as if other people's minds were implanted or melded into ours.

We are, like Jesus, to be "spiritually minded" (Rom. 8:6). "No one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God," which Paul contrasts with "the spirit of the world" (1 Cor. 2:11-12, NKJV). Who is our teacher? And what are we learning?

Read Philippians 2:5. What do you think it means to have the "mind" of Christ?

Ultimately, we can change our mind, but we can't change our heart; only God can. The Holy Spirit needs to perform heart surgery on us, wielding the "sword of the Spirit" (Eph. 6:17), the "living and powerful" Word of God, "piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12, NKJV). Only through the Holy Spirit can we really know ourselves because, by nature, our own heart deceives us (Jer. 17:9). The Hebrew word for "deceitful" ('aqov) refers to bumpy ground that trips us up; by extension, it means thoughts that are tortuous, twisted, and crooked. We must be transformed by the "renewing" of our mind in order that we may "prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Rom. 12:2, NKJV).

Why is it so important that we follow what Paul tells us here: "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things" (Phil. 4:8, NKJV)?

The Source of Unity

Think more about Paul's emphasis on unity in Philippians 2:2, saying essentially the same thing in four different ways. Note also his focus on the mind, thoughts, and feelings. While the religious leaders tended to emphasize outward behavior, Jesus focused on our thoughts and feelings. For instance, the rich young ruler claimed to have always kept the law. Yet, by telling him to sell all he had, give to the poor, and follow Him, Jesus tested his attachment to worldly things. He also said it's what comes from the heart (or mind) that defiles a person: "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies" (Matt. 15:19, NKJV), and "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matt. 12:34, NKJV).

Read Philippians 2:3-4. What practical steps does Paul urge to have unity in the church?

Paul's words provide a picture of humility: lowliness of mind, esteeming others better than ourselves, looking out for the interests of others and not merely our own. Easier said than done, right? But these are principles important to keep in mind in all our interactions. Often in conversation there is the tendency to concentrate on our reply to whatever is being said, rather than focused on listening in order to understand what the other person is saying and trying to see the issue from their point of view. Often strife arises from simple misunderstandings that could be avoided simply by active listening. We may not agree, but listening and seeking to understand the other person's viewpoint is the first step for fostering healthy communication and trust.

Paul speaks of the unity "[produced by] the Spirit" (Eph. 4:3, AMPC), which creates "the peace that joins us together" (Eph. 4:3, EXB). If there is strife in the church, the Holy Spirit can calm the waters and bring us into unity, creating harmony. In the same chapter, Paul speaks of "the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God" (Eph. 4:13, NKJV). The two are related. Having the same faith, the same understanding of Scripture that springs from knowing Christ and His teachings, is vital for unity to prevail among us.

What kind of death to self would lead us to where we, indeed, esteem others better than ourselves? How can we learn to do that? How different would our relationships be if we all lived like that?

Disunity in Philippi

Read Philippians 2:1-3. What factors seem to have led to disunity within the church? What does Paul suggest as a remedy?

It must have been a tremendous disappointment for Paul to see the church that he established and loved so much racked with rivalry and consumed with contention. He uses very strong language to describe the problems. "Selfish ambition" translates a word (Greek, eritheia), used earlier in Philippians 1:17 (ESV) to refer to Paul's self-interested rivals in Rome bent on promoting themselves rather than advancing the cause of Christ.

"Selfish ambition" is among the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:20, NKJV) and, as James indicates, "where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there" (James 3:16, NKJV). The Greek word for "conceit" is used only here in the New Testament, but appears in extrabiblical literature in the sense of arrogance, hollow pride, and having an inflated sense of oneself. Paul uses a closely related word in admonishing the Galatians: "Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another" (Gal. 5:26, NKJV).

Note the remedies Paul lists for these problems:

1. Consolation in Christ. Paul will proceed to use Christ's own example as a powerful motivation.
2. Comfort of love. Jesus reveals divine love and commands us to "love one another as I have loved you" (John 15:12).
3. Fellowship of the Spirit. The presence of the Holy Spirit creates a close Christian relationship like the one that pervaded the early church (Acts 2:42; compare 2 Cor. 13:14).
4. Affection (or compassion). We see this divine quality frequently manifested in the life of Christ (see Matt. 9:36, Matt. 20:34, Mark 1:41) and described in the parables of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:33) and the prodigal son (Luke 15:20).
5. Mercy. This quality, exemplified by Jesus, is to be seen also in the lives of His followers (Luke 6:36).
6. Being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. What a picture! It is difficult to imagine how Paul could emphasize the importance of unity more strongly. As Paul will point out, the mind we are to have "was also in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:5).

Read for This Week's Study: Philippians 2:1-11, Jer. 17:9, Phil. 4:8, 1 Cor. 8:2, Rom. 8:3, Heb. 2:14-18

Memory Text: "Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" (Philippians 2:2, NKJV).

Unity is strength. But knowing what is true is not the same as doing it. We all fail sometimes, despite our best efforts at unity. But that's not the same as deliberately undermining unity. No wonder, then, that as Paul continues writing to the Philippians, he wants them to be "of one accord, of one mind."

Paul bases the necessity of unity on the teaching and example of Jesus. It's a theme that we find throughout the New Testament and especially in the epistles. The origin of disunity in the universe stemmed from the pride and thirst for position and power of a single angel in heaven, a sentiment that spread quickly, even within a perfect environment (see Isa. 14:12-14). It then gained a foothold in Eden through a similar discontent with the rules God had put in place and the desire for rising to a higher sphere than that which God had designed (Gen. 3:1-6).

This week we'll look at the biblical basis for unity in the church, focusing especially on the amazing condescension of Jesus, the lessons we can gain from beholding Him, and how we can grow to be more like Him.

* Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, January 24.

Further Thought: "From the rack, the stake, the dungeon, from dens and caves of the earth, there falls upon his ear the martyr's shout of triumph. He [the Savior] hears the witness of steadfast souls, who, though destitute, afflicted, tormented, yet bear fearless, solemn testimony for the faith, declaring, 'I know whom I have believed.' These, yielding up their lives for the faith, declare to the world that He in whom they have trusted is able to save to the uttermost."--Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 512.

"Never was there so great a diversity of faith in Christendom as at the present day. If the gifts [of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Eph. 4:11-13)] were necessary to preserve the unity of the primitive church, how much more so to restore unity now! And that it is the purpose of God to restore the unity of the church in the last days, is abundantly evident from the prophecies. We are assured that the watchmen shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion. Also, that in the time of the end the wise shall understand. When this is fulfilled there will be unity of faith with all whom God accounts wise; for those that do in reality understand aright, must necessarily understand alike... From considerations like these, it is evident that the perfect state of the church here predicted is still in the future; consequently these gifts have not yet accomplished their purpose."--R. F. Cottrell, "Introduction," in Ellen G. White, Early Writings, p. 140.

Discussion Questions:

1. In light of the above quotation from R.F. Cottrell, what is necessary for the Holy Spirit to bring unity into God's church today? How important for church unity is the putting into practice of counsels given through the gift of prophecy?
2. How would you explain the Bible teaching on death to a friend who believes that Paul and other Christians who have died are now "with Christ" in heaven?
3. How do we understand the terrible reality of suffering in this world? Why is the great controversy motif so helpful in giving us some understanding of it all? Why though must we, in the end, ultimately look at Jesus on the cross as the fullest possible expression of the Father's love and learn to trust Him even in the worst of times?

United and Fearless

Read Philippians 1:27-30. How does our unity and "striving together for the faith of the gospel" relate to fearlessness?

Satan's strategy is to divide and conquer. Disunity is deadly. Jesus said, "If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand" (Mark 3:25, NKJV). It's a simple principle that Satan is delighted for us to forget. Our unity helps enable us to fulfill our prophetic role as the remnant of Bible prophecy (Rev. 12:17), proclaiming the "everlasting gospel" to "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" (Rev. 14:6). Because unity is crucial to fulfill our mission to spread this God-given message, and Jesus' prayer in John 17 highlights "the truth" of God's Word as one of the most important keys for unity (John 17:17, 19), our message cannot be separated from our mission or our unity. All three stand or fall together. If one of these three keys is missing, we can't succeed. However, if we have all three in place, there is nothing to fear. We need not be "in any way terrified" by opposition (Phil. 1:28, NKJV). Satan is a defeated foe. Even if we should be put to death for our faith, nothing can harm us if we "become followers of what is good" (1 Pet. 3:13, NKJV). The devil is powerless to stop the onward march of God's truth.

Read the following Bible passages and briefly summarize their common theme: Matthew 10:38, Acts 14:22, Romans 8:17, 2 Timothy 3:12.

Life itself in this fallen world is hard, even for the "best" of us. Job was a righteous man; the Bible says that he "was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil" (Job 1:1, NKJV). And yet, overnight, calamity struck him and his family. Who hasn't learned, either by personal experience or by seeing what happened to others, that life here is lived, it seems, on a precipice, and you never know when you will go over the edge? Suffering, to some degree, is the lot of us all. In the end, though, better to suffer for Christ's sake than for anything else.

What hope, what comfort, should we, as Christians, have amid our suffering?

Stand Fast in Unity

Jesus' last prayer for His disciples was dominated by one key theme: unity. Jesus looked beyond the cross to reunion with His Father and reunion with us: "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me" (John 17:24, NKJV). Jesus prayed that the Father would keep His children so "that they may be one as We are" (John 17:11, NKJV). He also underscored the dire consequences of disunity--it becomes a reason for many not to believe. Twice in this brief prayer, Jesus emphasizes our oneness with Him and the Father is so "that the world may believe" and so "that the world may know that You have sent Me" (John 17:21, 23, NKJV).

Read Philippians 1:27 and compare John 17:17-19. What do both Jesus and Paul say is indispensable for unity in the church?

The Greek word in Philippians 1:27 translated "let your conduct be worthy" is politeuomai, which means "live as a citizen"--not of any earthly kingdom but as a citizen of the heavenly kingdom. The Sermon on the Mount paints a beautiful picture of what it means to be children of the heavenly Father and members of His kingdom: poor in spirit, meek, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, turning the other cheek, loving one's enemies, blessing those who curse us, doing good to those who hate us. In short, "to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God" (Micah 6:8).

It's difficult to be upset or angry with someone like that, or is it? Sometimes we resent people who seem to be too good. We may even be tempted to cut them down to size or find a weak point to prove they're not as good as they seem, all so that we feel better about ourselves. Instead, why not see how much more loving we can be, how generous, how merciful, how humble?

Ellen G. White spoke of those who "love the world and its gain better than they love God or the truth."--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 277.

So often disunity in the church ultimately stems from pride. "As pride and worldly ambition have been cherished, the spirit of Christ has departed, and emulation, dissension, and strife have come in to distract and weaken the church."--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, pp. 240, 241.

How crucial that we each learn the humility and meekness that Jesus modeled for us! What a different church we would have, wouldn't we?