Lessons From the Epistles to Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians
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Sabbath, December 12, 2026Lesson 11
Living in Light MEMORY VERSE: “Ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief” (1 Thessalonians 5:4).
Suggested Readings:
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, pp. 309–313;
Ibid., vol. 5, pp. 711–718.
“The Sun of Righteousness has been shining upon the church to dispel the darkness and to call the attention of God’s people to the preparation essential for those who would shine as lights in the world.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 166.
1. VIGILANCE IN PRAYER Sun, Dec 6
a. Seeing prophecy unfolding right before our eyes, what must we ever keep in mind? 1 Thessalonians 5:1, 2; Ecclesiastes 8:5.“We must have a greater nearness to God. Much less of self and much more of Jesus Christ and His grace must be brought into our everyday life. We are living in an important period of this world’s history. The end of all things is at hand; the sands of time are fast running out; soon in heaven it will be said: ‘It is done’ (Revelation 21:6). ‘He that is holy, let him be holy still,’ ‘he which is filthy, let him be filthy still’ (Revelation 22:11).“Let our testimonies be sharpened up; let us have a firmer hold on God. I cannot refrain from prayer at one, two, and three o’clock in the morning for the Lord to work upon the hearts of the people. I think of all heaven being interested in the work that is going on upon the earth. Ministering angels are waiting about the throne to instantly obey the mandate of Jesus Christ to answer every prayer offered in earnest, living faith.”—Selected Messages, bk. 2, pp. 376, 377.“Thank God, all will not be rocked to sleep in the cradle of carnal security. There will be faithful ones who will discern the signs of the times. While a large number professing present truth will deny their faith by their works, there will be some who will endure unto the end.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 10.
2. WATCHFULNESS NEEDED Mon, Dec 7
a. Living in the last days, what reality is faced? Isaiah 13:9; Luke 17:28–30.“The state of corruption and apostasy that in the last days would exist in the religious world, was presented to the prophet John in the vision of Babylon, ‘that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.’ Revelation 17:18. Before its destruction the call is to be given from heaven, ‘Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.’ Revelation 18:4. As in the days of Noah and Lot, there must be a marked separation from sin and sinners. There can be no compromise between God and the world, no turning back to secure earthly treasures. ‘Ye cannot serve God and mammon.’ Matthew 6:24.“Like the dwellers in the vale of Siddim, the people are dreaming of prosperity and peace. ‘Escape for thy life,’ is the warning from the angels of God; but other voices are heard saying, ‘Be not excited; there is no cause for alarm.’ The multitudes cry, ‘Peace and safety,’ while Heaven declares that swift destruction is about to come upon the transgressor.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 167.b. Despite flowery promises of earthly glory from influential people, of what must we all be aware? 1 Thessalonians 5:3.“Lawyers, mechanics, farmers, traders, and even ministers from the pulpit are crying, ‘Peace and safety,’ when destruction is fast coming upon them.“Belief in the near coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven will not cause the true Christian to become neglectful and careless of the ordinary business of life. The waiting ones who look for the soon appearing of Christ will not be idle, but diligent in business. Their work will not be done carelessly and dishonestly, but with fidelity, promptness, and thoroughness. Those who flatter themselves that careless inattention to the things of this life is an evidence of their spirituality and of their separation from the world are under a great deception. Their veracity, faithfulness, and integrity are tested and proved in temporal things. If they are faithful in that which is least they will be faithful in much. . . .“Here is where many will fail to bear the test. They develop their true character in the management of temporal concerns. They manifest unfaithfulness, scheming, dishonesty, in dealing with their fellow men. They do not consider that their hold upon the future, immortal life depends upon how they conduct themselves in the concerns of this life, and that the strictest integrity is indispensable to the formation of a righteous character.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, pp. 309, 310.
3. CLEAR AS THE DAY Tue, Dec 8
a. How are God’s people to be distinct in this earth? 1 Thessalonians 5:4–6.“God would have His people, in words and in deportment, declare to the world that no earthly attractions or worldly possessions are of sufficient value to compensate for the loss of the heavenly inheritance. Those who are truly children of the light and of the day will not be vain or frivolous in conversation, in dress, or in deportment, but sober, contemplative, constantly exerting an influence to attract souls to the Redeemer. The love of Christ, reflected from the cross, is pleading in behalf of the sinner, drawing him by cords of infinite love to the peace and happiness found in our Saviour. God enjoins upon all His followers to bear a living testimony in unmistakable language by their conduct, their dress and conversation, in all the pursuits of life, that the power of true godliness is profitable to all in this life and in the life to come; that this alone can satisfy the soul of the receiver.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, pp. 580, 581.“In the warning to ‘watch and pray,’ Jesus has indicated the only safe course. There is need of watchfulness. Our own hearts are deceitful; we are compassed with the weaknesses and frailties of humanity, and Satan is intent to destroy. We may be off our guard, but our adversary is never idle. Knowing his tireless vigilance, let us not sleep, as do others, but ‘watch and be sober.’ The spirit and influence of the world must be met, but they must not be allowed to take possession of the mind and heart.“The active man of business, as he is brought in contact with the world, will have trials, perplexity, and anxious care. He will find that there is a tendency to let worldly thoughts and plans take the lead, and that it will require effort, and discipline of mind and soul, to maintain a devotional spirit. But divine grace waits his demand, and his great need is the mighty argument that will prevail with God.”—Ibid., vol. 5, pp. 409, 410.b. Why can we have hope—and act accordingly? 1 Thessalonians 5:7–11.“Paul teaches that it is sinful to be indifferent to the signs which are to precede the second coming of Christ. Those guilty of this neglect he calls children of the night and of darkness. . . .“The watchful Christian is a working Christian, seeking zealously to do all in his power for the advancement of the gospel.”—The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 260, 261.
4. PATIENT APPRECIATION Wed, Dec 9
a. Name one reminder needed in Thessalonica. 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13.“The Thessalonian believers were greatly annoyed by men coming among them with fanatical ideas and doctrines. Some were ‘disorderly, working not at all, but . . . busybodies.’ The church had been properly organized, and officers had been appointed to act as ministers and deacons. But there were some, self-willed and impetuous, who refused to be subordinate to those who held positions of authority in the church. They claimed not only the right of private judgment, but that of publicly urging their views upon the church. In view of this, Paul called the attention of the Thessalonians to the respect and deference due to those who had been chosen to occupy positions of authority in the church.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 261.b. What general admonitions are needed by all? 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 15.“When death claims one of our number, what are our memories of the treatment he has received? Are the pictures upon memory’s walls pleasant to reflect upon? Are they memories of kind words spoken, of sympathy given at the right time? Have his brethren turned away the evil surmisings of indiscreet meddlers? Have they vindicated his cause? Have they been faithful to the inspired injunction: ‘Comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak’? . . .“When he with whom we have associated in the church is dead, when we know that his account in the books of heaven is fixed, and that he must meet that record in the judgment, what are the reflections of his brethren as to the course they have pursued toward him? What has been their influence upon him? How clearly now every harsh word, every unadvised act, is called to mind! How differently they would conduct themselves if they had another trial!”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 489.“The more you are jostled, misapprehended, misstated, misrepresented, the more evidence you have that you are doing a work for the Master, and the more closely you must cling to your Saviour. In all your difficulties be calm and undisturbed, patient and forbearing, not rendering evil for evil, but good for evil. Look to the top of the ladder. God is above it. His glory shines on every soul ascending heavenward. Jesus is this ladder. Climb up by Him, cling to Him, and erelong you will step off the ladder into His everlasting kingdom.”—Ibid., vol. 8, p. 130.
5. KEYS TO SUCCESS Thu, Dec 10
a. When in trial, what are we to remember? 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18.“You will meet with trials, but hold fast your integrity. Never show anything but a noble spirit. The heavenly universe is watching the conflict. Satan is watching, anxious to catch you off your guard, anxious to see you acting impetuously, that he may obtain the advantage over you. Fight manfully the battle of the Lord. Do just as Christ would do were He in your place. Let there be no inconsistency in your faith or practice. Do not allow yourself to become wrought up over the vexatious troubles that are constantly arising. Keep calm, think of Jesus, and do what you can to please Him. The grace of Christ and the Holy Spirit are God’s gifts to you, that you may be strengthened with all might in the inner man.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 132.“If the loving-kindness of God called forth more thanksgiving and praise, we would have far more power in prayer. We would abound more and more in the love of God and have more bestowed to praise Him for. You who complain that God does not hear your prayers, change your present order and mingle praise with your petitions. When you consider His goodness and mercies you will find that He will consider your wants.”—Ibid., vol. 5, p. 317.b. Name some habits of victorious thinking. 1 Thessalonians 5:19–21.“Men have the power to quench the Spirit of God; the power of choosing is left with them. They are allowed freedom of action. They may be obedient through the name and grace of our Redeemer, or they may be disobedient, and realize the consequences. . . .“The Spirit of God is continually convicting, and souls are deciding for or against the truth.”—Gospel Workers, p. 174.
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS Fri, Dec 11
1. How can I develop more vigilant prayer habits—and why is it important?2. When we hear claims of “peace and safety,” what should we remember?3. What distinguishes the children of light/day from those of darkness/night?4. Whom do I know that may be aggravating but should be appreciated?5. What is to accompany our petitions to God?