Lessons From the Epistles to Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians
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Sabbath, November 28, 2026Lesson 9
Laboring for the Lost MEMORY VERSE: “Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: . . . that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:10, 12).
Suggested Reading:
The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 346–358.
“Paul was an educator. He preached the gospel with his voice, and in his intelligent labor he preached it with his hands.”—The Review and Herald, March 6, 1900.
1. THE DEVOTED UNDERSHEPHERD Sun, Nov 22
a. How does Paul’s simple, introductory greeting to the Thessalonians reveal the depth of his tender regard for the flock? 1 Thessalonians 1:1–4.“From the root of true humility springs the most precious greatness of mind—greatness which leads men to conform to the image of Christ. Those who possess this greatness gain patience and trust in God. Their faith is invincible. Their true consecration and devotion keep self hidden. The words that fall from their lips are molded into expressions of Christlike tenderness and love. Having a sense of their own weakness, they appreciate the help which the Lord gives them, and they crave His grace that they may do that which is right and true. By their manner, their attitude, and their spirit, they carry with them the credentials of learners in the school of Christ.”—That I May Know Him, p. 37.b. How does the apostle Peter’s appeal resemble that of Paul? 1 Peter 5:2, 3.“Those who occupy the position of undershepherds are to exercise a watchful diligence over the Lord’s flock. This is not to be a dictatorial vigilance, but one that tends to encourage and strengthen and uplift. Ministry means more than sermonizing; it means earnest, personal labor.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 526.
2. IN THE SPIRIT’S POWER Mon, Nov 23
a. In order for the truth to spread, what can we all learn from both the apostles and converts in Thessalonica? 1 Thessalonians 1:5–8.“Let there be shown more of a desire to receive the Holy Spirit as an instructor.”—Medical Ministry, p. 307.“The work of the Holy Spirit is to enlighten the darkened understanding, to melt the selfish, stony heart, to subdue the rebellious transgressor, and save him from the corrupting influences of the world. The prayer of Christ for His disciples was: ‘Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.’ The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, pierces the heart of the sinner and cuts it in pieces. When the theory of the truth is repeated without its sacred influence being felt upon the soul of the speaker, it has no force upon the hearers, but is rejected as error, the speaker making himself responsible for the loss of souls. We must be sure that our ministers are converted men, humble, meek, and lowly of heart.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 441.“God has given His ministers the message of truth to proclaim. This the churches are to receive and in every possible way to communicate, catching the first rays of light and diffusing them.”—Ibid., vol. 6, p. 425.b. How was the transformation of the new believers a testimony to the world—and a scene to be repeated today? 1 Thessalonians 5:9, 10; Isaiah 56:6, 7.“Living power must attend the message of Christ’s second appearing. We must not rest until we see many souls converted to the blessed hope of the Lord’s return. In the days of the apostles the message that they bore wrought a real work, turning souls from idols to serve the living God. The work to be done today is just as real, and the truth is just as much truth; only we are to give the message with as much more earnestness as the coming of the Lord is nearer. The message for this time is positive, simple, and of the deepest importance. We must act like men and women who believe it. Waiting, watching, working, praying, warning the world—this is our work. . . .“All heaven is astir, engaged in preparing for the day of God’s vengeance, the day of Zion’s deliverance. The time of tarrying is almost ended. The pilgrims and strangers who have so long been seeking a better country are almost home.”—Evangelism, p. 219.
3. HUMBLE SELF-SUPPORT Tue, Nov 24
a. Name some keys to the success in Thessalonica. 1 Thessalonians 2:1–7.“The Thessalonian believers were true missionaries. Their hearts burned with zeal for their Saviour, who had delivered them from fear of ‘the wrath to come.’ Through the grace of Christ a marvelous transformation had taken place in their lives, and the word of the Lord, as spoken through them, was accompanied with power. Hearts were won by the truths presented, and souls were added to the number of believers.“In this first epistle, Paul referred to his manner of labor among the Thessalonians. He declared that he had not sought to win converts through deception or guile.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 256.b. When observing Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica, what qualities are especially heartwarming? 1 Thessalonians 2:8–10.“Before he became a disciple of Christ, Paul had occupied a high position and was not dependent upon manual labor for support. But afterward, when he had used all his means in furthering the cause of Christ, he resorted at times to his trade to gain a livelihood. Especially was this the case when he labored in places where his motives might have been misunderstood.“It is at Thessalonica that we first read of Paul’s working with his hands in self-supporting labor while preaching the word.”—Ibid., p. 347.“Paul, the great apostle to the Gentiles, learned the trade of tentmaking. There were higher and lower branches of tentmaking. Paul learned the higher branches, and he could also work at the common branches when circumstances required. Tentmaking did not bring returns so quickly as some other occupations, and at times it was only by the strictest economy that Paul could supply his necessities.”“Although feeble in health, he [Paul] labored during the day in serving the cause of Christ, and then toiled a large part of the night, and frequently all night, that he might provide for his own and others’ necessities.”“Paul was an educator. He preached the gospel with his voice, and in his intelligent labor he preached it with his hands. He educated others in the same way in which he had been educated by one who was regarded as the wisest of human teachers. As Paul worked quickly and skillfully with his hands, he related to his fellow workers the specifications Christ had given Moses in regard to the building of the tabernacle.”—The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1063.
4. AN UNSHAKEABLE GOAL Wed, Nov 25
a. With what aim did Paul care for the flock? 1 Thessalonians 2:11–13.“A knowledge of the truth depends not so much upon strength of intellect as upon pureness of purpose, the simplicity of an earnest, dependent faith. To those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance, angels of God draw near. The Holy Spirit is given to open to them the rich treasures of the truth.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 59.b. Describe the obstacles that faced the proclamation of the gospel in Paul’s day—and how this is echoed throughout history, including in the near future. 1 Thessalonians 2:14–18; 2 Timothy 3:12; Matthew 5:10–12.“As the controversy extends into new fields and the minds of the people are called to God’s downtrodden law, Satan is astir. The power attending the message will only madden those who oppose it. The clergy will put forth almost superhuman efforts to shut away the light lest it should shine upon their flocks. By every means at their command they will endeavor to suppress the discussion of these vital questions. The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and, in this work, papists and Protestants unite. As the movement for Sunday enforcement becomes more bold and decided, the law will be invoked against commandment keepers. They will be threatened with fines and imprisonment, and some will be offered positions of influence, and other rewards and advantages, as inducements to renounce their faith. But their steadfast answer is: ‘Show us from the word of God our error’—the same plea that was made by Luther under similar circumstances. Those who are arraigned before the courts make a strong vindication of the truth, and some who hear them are led to take their stand to keep all the commandments of God. Thus light will be brought before thousands who otherwise would know nothing of these truths.“Conscientious obedience to the word of God will be treated as rebellion. Blinded by Satan, the parent will exercise harshness and severity toward the believing child; the master or mistress will oppress the commandment-keeping servant. Affection will be alienated; children will be disinherited and driven from home. . . . As the defenders of truth refuse to honor the Sunday-sabbath, some of them will be thrust into prison, some will be exiled, some will be treated as slaves. To human wisdom all this now seems impossible; but as the restraining Spirit of God shall be withdrawn from men, and they shall be under the control of Satan, who hates the divine precepts, there will be strange developments. The heart can be very cruel when God’s fear and love are removed.”—The Great Controversy, pp. 607, 608.
5. A UNIQUE JOY Thu, Nov 26
a. Why can we be inspired by how closely the desire of Paul’s heart reflected that of Christ? 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20; Isaiah 53:11.“Who can measure the results to the world of Paul’s lifework? Of all those beneficent influences that alleviate suffering, that comfort sorrow, that restrain evil, that uplift life from the selfish and the sensual, and glorify it with the hope of immortality, how much is due to the labors of Paul and his fellow workers, as with the gospel of the Son of God they made their unnoticed journey from Asia to the shores of Europe?“What is it worth to any life to have been God’s instrument in setting in motion such influences of blessing? What will it be worth in eternity to witness the results of such a lifework?”—Education, p. 70.“We do not realize how much [the Saviour’s lessons] mean to the beings He has created. He loves the human race. Do you ask how much? I point you to Calvary.”—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 284.“Many all around us only need to have their prejudices removed and the evidences of our present position spread out before them from the Word, and they will joyfully receive the present truth. The messengers should watch for souls as they that must give account. Theirs must be a life of toil and anguish of spirit, while the weight of the precious but often-wounded cause of Christ rests upon them. They will have to lay aside worldly interests and comforts and make it their first object to do all in their power to advance the cause of present truth and save perishing souls.“They will also have a rich reward. In their crowns of rejoicing those who are rescued by them and finally saved will shine as stars forever and ever. And to all eternity they will enjoy the satisfaction of having done what they could in presenting the truth in its purity and beauty, so that souls fell in love with it, were sanctified through it, and availed themselves of the inestimable privilege of being made rich, and being washed in the blood of the Lamb and redeemed unto God.”—Early Writings, p. 61.
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS Fri, Nov 27
1. What can we all learn from the apostles’ dedication to sharing the truth?2. Why was the gospel work in Thessalonica particularly striking?3. Why did Paul, a gospel minister, at times do manual labor as a livelihood?4. When persecution escalates, what positive results nonetheless occur?5. Describe the joy experienced by Christ, Paul, and all soul winners.