Lessons From the Epistles to Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians
<< >>
Sabbath, October 3, 2026Lesson 1
Beyond the Impossible MEMORY VERSE: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).
Suggested Reading:
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, pp. 263–267.
“To the soul weary of a life of sin, but knowing not where to find relief, present the compassionate Saviour. Take him by the hand, lift him up, speak to him words of courage and hope. Help him to grasp the hand of the Saviour.”—The Ministry of Healing, p. 168.
1. TENDER HOPEFULNESS Sun, Sep 27
a. How can we be inspired by Paul’s salutation from a Roman dungeon? Philippians 1:1–5.“Paul’s letter to the Philippians, like the one to the Colossians, was written while he was a prisoner at Rome.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 479.“Paul wrote to these brethren as ‘saints in Christ Jesus;’ but he was not writing to those who were perfect in character. He wrote to them as men and women who were striving against temptation and who were in danger of falling. He pointed them to ‘the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep.’ He assured them that ‘through the blood of the everlasting covenant’ He will ‘make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ.’“When one at fault becomes conscious of his error, be careful not to destroy his self-respect. Do not discourage him by indifference or distrust. Do not say, ‘Before giving him my confidence, I will wait to see whether he will hold out.’ Often this very distrust causes the tempted one to stumble. . . .“We become too easily discouraged over the souls who do not at once respond to our efforts. Never should we cease to labor for a soul while there is one gleam of hope.”—The Ministry of Healing, pp. 167, 168.
2. TRUSTING THE POWER OF GOD Mon, Sep 28
a. How can our attitude toward our faulty, erring associates reveal the depth of our faith in the power of God? Philippians 1:6–8.“We should strive to understand the weakness of others.“We know little of the heart trials of those who have been bound in chains of darkness and who lack resolution and moral power. Most pitiable is the condition of him who is suffering under remorse; he is as one stunned, staggering, sinking into the dust. He can see nothing clearly. The mind is beclouded, he knows not what steps to take. Many a poor soul is misunderstood, unappreciated, full of distress and agony—a lost, straying sheep. He cannot find God, yet he has an intense longing for pardon and peace.“Oh, let no word be spoken to cause deeper pain! . . .“Precious souls cost our self-sacrificing Redeemer too dear a price to be lightly given up to the tempter’s power. . . .“We need to put ourselves in the place of the tempted ones. Consider the power of heredity, the influence of evil associations and surroundings, the power of wrong habits. Can we wonder that under such influences many become degraded? Can we wonder that they should be slow to respond to efforts for their uplifting?“Often, when won to the gospel, those who appeared coarse and unpromising will be among its most loyal adherents and advocates. They are not altogether corrupt. Beneath the forbidding exterior there are good impulses that might be reached. Without a helping hand many would never recover themselves, but by patient, persistent effort they may be uplifted. Such need tender words, kind consideration, tangible help. They need that kind of counsel which will not extinguish the faint gleam of courage in the soul.”—The Ministry of Healing, pp. 168, 169.b. With what aims should we study God’s word? Philippians 1:9–11.“Every means of grace should be diligently improved that the love of God may abound in the soul more and more, ‘that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness.’ Your Christian life must take on vigorous and stalwart forms. You can attain to the high standard set before you in the Scriptures, and you must if you would be children of God. You cannot stand still; you must either advance or retrograde.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 264.
3. SEEING THE BIG PICTURE Tue, Sep 29
a. Describe how God often uses persecution and difficulties to spread His wonderful message of love and grace. Philippians 1:12–14.“It could not be expected that Paul, a poor and friendless prisoner, would be able to gain the attention of the wealthy and titled classes of Roman citizens. To them vice presented all its glittering allurements and held them willing captives. But from among the toilworn, want-stricken victims of their oppression, even from among the poor slaves, many gladly listened to the words of Paul and in the faith of Christ found a hope and peace that cheered them under the hardships of their lot.“Yet while the apostle’s work began with the humble and the lowly, its influence extended until it reached the very palace of the emperor.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 461.“The grace of God sustained Paul in his imprisonment, enabling him to rejoice in tribulation. With faith and assurance he wrote to his Philippian brethren that his imprisonment had resulted in the furtherance of the gospel. . . .“There is a lesson for us in this experience of Paul’s, for it reveals God’s way of working. The Lord can bring victory out of that which may seem to us discomfiture and defeat. We are in danger of forgetting God, of looking at the things which are seen, instead of beholding by the eye of faith the things which are unseen. When misfortune or calamity comes, we are ready to charge God with neglect or cruelty. If He sees fit to cut off our usefulness in some line, we mourn, not stopping to think that thus God may be working for our good. We need to learn that chastisement is a part of His great plan and that under the rod of affliction the Christian may sometimes do more for the Master than when engaged in active service.”—Ibid., pp. 480, 481.b. If tempted to feel disappointed over unconventional ways by which seeds of truth may be sown, what should we remember? Philippians 1:15–18.“By the efforts of Satan to destroy it, the ‘incorruptible’ seed of the word of God, ‘which liveth and abideth forever’ (1 Peter 1:23), is sown in the hearts of men; through the reproach and persecution of His children the name of Christ is magnified and souls are saved. Great is the reward in heaven of those who are witnesses for Christ through persecution and reproach.”—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 34.
4. HAVING ETERNITY IN VIEW Wed, Sep 30
a. Why can we be inspired by the amazing testimony of Paul? Galatians 6:14; Philippians 1:19–21.“The one who stands nearest to Christ will be he who on earth has drunk most deeply of the spirit of His self-sacrificing love—love that ‘vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, . . . seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil’ (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5)—love that moves the disciple, as it moved our Lord, to give all, to live and labor and sacrifice, even unto death, for the saving of humanity. This spirit was made manifest in the life of Paul. He said, ‘For to me to live is Christ;’ for his life revealed Christ to men; ‘and to die is gain’—gain to Christ; death itself would make manifest the power of His grace, and gather souls to Him. ‘Christ shall be magnified in my body,’ he said, ‘whether it be by life or by death.’ Philipians 1:21,20. ”—The Desire of Ages, p. 549.“Paul was a living example of what every true Christian should be. He lived for God’s glory. . . . He who was once a persecutor of Christ in the person of His saints now holds up before the world the cross of Christ. Paul’s heart burned with a love for souls, and he gave all his energies for the conversion of men. There never lived a more self-denying, earnest, persevering worker. His life was Christ; he worked the works of Christ. All the blessings he received were prized as so many advantages to be used in blessing others.”—The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 6, pp. 1112, 1113.“ ‘For to me to live is Christ,’ [Paul] declared. This is the most perfect interpretation in a few words, in all the Scriptures, of what it means to be a Christian. This is the whole truth of the gospel.”—Ibid., vol. 7, p. 903.b. What perspective should we have regarding our duties here on earth, in anticipation of Christ’s return? Philippians 1:22–24; 2 Timothy 4:8; John 14:3.“While the great final reward is given at Christ’s coming, true-hearted service for God brings a reward, even in this life. Obstacles, opposition, and bitter, heartbreaking discouragements, the worker will have to meet. He may not see the fruit of his toil. But in face of all this he finds in his labor a blessed recompense. All who surrender themselves to God in unselfish service for humanity are in cooperation with the Lord of glory. This thought sweetens all toil, it braces the will, it nerves the spirit for whatever may befall.”—Christian Service, p. 270.
5. FORTIFIED THROUGH FAITH Thu, Oct 1
a. How can the attitude of Paul generate hope in us? Philippians 1:25–28.“God’s faithful messengers are to go steadily forward with their work. Clothed with the panoply of heaven, they are to advance fearlessly and victoriously, never ceasing their warfare until every soul within their reach shall have received the message of truth for this time.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 220.b. How does the example of Christ strengthen us? Philippians 1:29, 30; Isaiah 53:8–11.“What sustained the Son of God in His betrayal and trial? He saw of the travail of His soul and was satisfied. He caught a view of the expanse of eternity and saw the happiness of those who through His humiliation should receive pardon and everlasting life. He was wounded for their transgressions, bruised for their iniquities. The chastisement of their peace was upon Him, and with His stripes they were healed. His ear caught the shout of the redeemed. He heard the ransomed ones singing the song of Moses and the Lamb.“We must have a vision of the future and of the blessedness of heaven. Stand on the threshold of eternity, and hear the gracious welcome given to those who in this life have cooperated with Christ, regarding it as a privilege and an honor to suffer for His sake. . . .“There the redeemed ones greet those who directed them to the uplifted Saviour. They unite in praising Him who died that human beings might have the life that measures with the life of God. The conflict is over. All tribulation and strife are at an end. Songs of victory fill all heaven as the redeemed stand around the throne of God.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, pp. 43, 44.
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS Fri, Oct 2
1. Why must we persevere with fallen souls having at least a glimmer of hope?2. How many times have I seen stubborn, wayward souls amazingly changed?3. How can God use our trials to accomplish His good purpose?4. Describe what was essentially the motto of Paul’s existence.5. In what ways should I better reflect the life of Paul and above all, Christ?