LESSON 13 *September 16–22
Sabbath Afternoon
Read for This Week’s Study: Eph. 6:10–20, 1 Pet. 4:1, 1 Pet. 5:8, Isa. 59:17, Isa. 52:8–10, 1 Thess. 5:16–18.
Memory Text: “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:16, 17, ESV).
In John Bunyan’s devotional classic, The Pilgrim’s Progress, written while he was in jail, Christian is escorted into a palace armory and shown “all manner of furniture [weaponry], which their Lord had provided for pilgrims, as sword, shield, helmet, breastplate, all-prayer, and shoes that would not wear out. And there was here enough of this to harness [fit] out as many men for the service of the Lord, as there be stars in the heaven for multitude.” Before Christian departs, he is again escorted into the armory where “they harnessed [fitted] him from head to foot with what was of proof [impenetrable], lest, perhaps, he should meet with assaults in the way.”
Bunyan’s writing in 1678 recalls a document written some 1,600 years earlier by the apostle Paul, the Epistle to the Ephesians, also composed in prison. In it the great missionary apostle imagines a great army, the church, visiting God’s armory and suiting up in the divine panoplia, the Greek term for full, head-to-toe armor. God’s armory holds enough of the finest weaponry for every soldier in His army to be “clad with northern steel from top to toe,” as they set forth to wage peace in His name.
* Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 23.
EGW Notes — SATURDAY ↓
Sabbath Afternoon, September 16
Lesson 13 - Waging Peace
When the servants of Christ take the shield of faith for their defense, and the sword of the Spirit for war, there is danger in the enemy’s camp, and something must be done. Persecution and reproach only wait for those who are endowed with power from on high to call them into action. When the truth in its simplicity and strength prevails among believers, and is brought to bear against the spirit of the world, it will be evident that there is no concord between Christ and Belial. The disciples of Christ must be living examples of the life and spirit of their
Master.—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 407.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” God has provided abundant means for successful warfare against the evil that is in the world. The Bible is the armory where we may equip for the struggle. Our loins must be girt about with truth. Our breastplate must be righteousness. The shield of faith must be in our hand, the helmet of salvation on our brow; and with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, we are to cut our way through the obstructions and entanglements of
sin.—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 502.
Having sought the Lord in the days of prosperity, the king could now rely upon Him in the day of adversity. His petitions showed that he was not a stranger to God’s wonderful power. “It is nothing with Thee to help,” he pleaded, “whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on Thee, and in Thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, Thou art our God; let not man prevail against Thee.”
The prayer of Asa is one that every Christian believer may fittingly offer. We fight in a warfare, not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, and against spiritual wickedness in high places. See Ephesians 6:12. In life’s conflict we must meet evil agencies that have arrayed themselves against the right. Our hope is not in man, but in the living God. With full assurance of faith we may expect that He will unite His omnipotence with the efforts of human instrumentalities, for the glory of His name. Clad with the armor of His righteousness, we may gain the victory over every
foe.—Prophets and Kings, p. 111.
SUNDAY September 17
The Church: A Unified Army
Read Ephesians 6:10–20. What is Paul saying about the kind of warfare
the church is engaged in? Is Paul primarily depicting just an
individual believer’s spiritual battle against evil, or the church’s
corporate war against evil?
* Your notes will not be saved!
Victory in Greek and Roman warfare was dependent on the cooperation
of the soldiers in a military unit and especially in their support for
each other in the heat of battle. Individualism in battle was regarded as
a characteristic of barbarian warriors, dooming them to defeat.
There are important reasons to support the idea that Paul, in line
with this usual military understanding, is primarily addressing the
church’s shared battle against evil in Ephesians 6:10–20: (1) The
passage is the climax of a letter that is all about the church. It would
be strange for Paul to conclude his letter with a picture of a lone
Christian warrior doing battle against the foes of darkness; (2) At the
end of the passage, Paul highlights Christian camaraderie in his call
to prayer “for all the saints” (Eph. 6:18–20, ESV); (3) Most significant
of all, earlier in the letter when Paul discusses the powers of evil,
he places them over against the church, not the individual believer:
“So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now
be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places”
(Eph. 3:10, ESV).
Thus, Ephesians 6:10–20 does not portray a solitary, lone warrior
confronting evil. Instead, Paul as a general addresses the church as
an army. He calls us to take up our full armor and, as a unified army,
vigorously and unitedly press the battle. Paul chooses to conclude his
thoroughgoing emphasis on the church, which has included sustained
descriptions of the church as the body of Christ (Eph. 1:22, 23; Eph.
4:1–16), the building/temple of God (Eph. 2:19–22), and the bride of
Christ (Eph. 5:21–33), with a final metaphor, the church as the army
of the living God. Since we are approaching “the evil day” (Eph. 6:13),
the final stages of the long-running battle against evil, it is no time to
be fuzzy about our commitment to God or our loyalty to one another as
fellow soldiers of Christ.
In what ways can we, as a corporate body, work together in the
great controversy, in order to help each other in our struggles
against evil, in whatever form it comes?
EGW Notes — SUNDAY ↓
Sunday, September 17
The Church: A Unified Army
[The] Saviour’s eye penetrates the future; He beholds the broader fields in which, after His death, the disciples are to be witnesses for Him. His prophetic glance takes in the experience of His servants through all the ages till He shall come the second time. He shows His followers the conflicts they must meet; He reveals the character and plan of the battle. He lays open before them the perils they must encounter, the self-denial that will be required. He desires them to count the cost, that they may not be taken unawares by the enemy. Their warfare is not to be waged against flesh and blood, but “against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12, R. V. They are to contend with supernatural forces, but they are assured of supernatural help. All the intelligences of heaven are in this army. And more than angels are in the ranks. The Holy Spirit, the representative of the Captain of the Lord’s host, comes down to direct the battle. Our infirmities may be many, our sins and mistakes grievous; but the grace of God is for all who seek it with contrition. The power of Omnipotence is enlisted in behalf of those who trust in
God.—The Desire of Ages, p. 352.
The church of Christ may be fitly compared to an army. The life of every soldier is one of toil, hardship, and danger. On every hand are vigilant foes, led on by the prince of the powers of darkness, who never slumbers and never deserts his post. Whenever a Christian is off his guard, this powerful adversary makes a sudden and violent attack. Unless the members of the church are active and vigilant, they will be overcome by his
devices.—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 394.
The Master calls for gospel workers. Who will respond? All who enter the army are not to be generals, captains, sergeants, or even corporals. All have not the care and responsibility of leaders. There is hard work of other kinds to be done. Some must dig trenches and build fortifications; some are to stand as sentinels, some to carry messages. While there are but few officers, it requires many soldiers to form the rank and file of the army; yet its success depends upon the fidelity of every soldier. One man’s cowardice or treachery may bring disaster upon the entire army.
There is earnest work to be done by us individually if we would fight the good fight of faith. Eternal interests are at stake. We must put on the whole armor of righteousness, we must resist the devil, and we have the sure promise that he will be put to flight. The church is to conduct an aggressive warfare, to make conquests for Christ, to rescue souls from the power of the enemy. God and holy angels are engaged in this warfare. Let us please Him who has called us to be
soldiers.—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, pp. 394, 395.
MONDAY September 18
Belt and Breastplate
How does Paul imagine believers beginning their preparation for the battle
against evil? Eph. 6:14; see also 1 Pet. 4:1, 1 Pet. 5:8, Rom. 8:37–39.
Paul’s warning of an intense battle (Eph. 6:13) prepares readers for his
final call to stand (his fourth, compare Eph. 6:11, 13) and is a detailed
call to arms (Eph. 6:14–17). Paul describes the action of “girding up
one’s waist” (compare Isa. 11:5). Ancient, loose-fitting garments needed
to be tied up around the waist before work or battle (compare Luke 12:35,
37; Luke 17:8). Paul imagines the believer suiting up in armor as would
a Roman legionnaire, beginning with the leather military belt with its
decorative belt plates and buckle. From the belt hung a number of leather
straps covered with metal discs, together forming an “apron” worn as a
badge of rank for visual effect. It served the essential function of tying
up the garments and holding other items in place.
Truth is not the believers’ own; it is a gift of God (compare salvation
in Eph. 2:8). It is not, though, to remain abstract, a distant asset without
any transforming impact on their lives. They are to “put on” God’s
truth, to experience and use this divine gift. They do not so much possess
God’s truth as God’s truth possesses and protects them.
Paul next urges believers to put on “the breastplate of righteousness”
(compare 1 Thess. 5:8). Like the belt of truth, it is of divine origin, being
part of the armor of Yahweh in His role as the divine warrior (Isa. 59:17).
The body armor used by soldiers in Paul’s day was made of mail (small,
intertwined iron rings), scale armor (small, overlapping scales of bronze
or iron), or bands of overlapping iron fastened together. This body armor
or breastplate protected the vital organs from the blows and thrusts of the
enemy. In an analogous way, believers are to experience the spiritual protection
offered by God’s protective gift of righteousness. In Ephesians,
Paul associates righteousness with holiness, goodness, and truth (Eph.
4:24, Eph. 5:9), thinking of it as the quality of treating others justly and
well, especially fellow church members.
In what ways have you experienced the idea that goodness, holiness,
and truth can be a protection?
EGW Notes — MONDAY ↓
Monday, September 18
Belt and Breastplate
[After Christ’s ascension] Satan again counseled with his angels, and with bitter hatred against God’s government told them that while he retained his power and authority upon earth their efforts must be tenfold stronger against the followers of Jesus. They had prevailed nothing against Christ but must overthrow His followers, if possible. In every generation they must seek to ensnare those who would believe in Jesus. He related to his angels that Jesus had given His disciples power to rebuke them and cast them out, and to heal those whom they should afflict. Then Satan’s angels went forth like roaring lions, seeking to destroy the followers of
Jesus.—Early Writings, p. 191.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth. Ephesians 6:14. There is absolutely no safeguard against evil but truth. No man can stand firm for right in whose heart the truth does not abide. There is only one power that can make and keep us steadfast—the power of God, imparted to us through the grace of Christ.
There are many in the church who take it for granted that they understand what they believe; but, until controversy arises, they do not know their own weakness. When separated from those of like faith and compelled to stand singly and alone to explain their belief, they will be surprised to see how confused are their ideas of what they had accepted as truth.
The Lord calls upon all who believe His word to awake out of
sleep.—God’s Amazing Grace, p. 30.
We must put on every piece of the armor, and then stand firm. The Lord has honored us by choosing us as His soldiers. Let us fight bravely for Him, maintaining the right in every transaction. Put on as your breastplate that divinely protected righteousness which it is the privilege of all to wear. This will protect your spiritual life. . . .
All who have put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness will stand before Him as chosen and faithful and true. Satan has no power to pluck them out of the hand of the Saviour. Not one soul who in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy’s power.
Each one will have a close struggle to overcome sin in his own heart. This is at times a very painful and discouraging work; because, as we see the deformities in our character, we keep looking at them, when we should look to Jesus and put on the robe of His righteousness. Everyone who enters the pearly gates of the city of God will enter there as a conqueror, and his greatest conquest will have been the conquest of
self.—God’s Amazing Grace, p. 31.
TUESDAY September 19
Shoes: The Church Wages Peace
A Roman soldier, preparing for battle, would tie on a pair of sturdy,
military sandals. A multilayered sole featured rugged hobnails, helping
the soldier hold his ground and “stand” (Eph. 6:11, 13, 14).
Paul explains this military footwear with language from Isaiah 52:7,
which celebrates the moment when a messenger brings the news that
Yahweh’s battle on behalf of His people is won (Isa. 52:8–10) and
peace now reigns: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of
him who brings good news, who publishes peace” (Isa. 52:7, ESV).
Review the eight times Paul highlights peace in Ephesians. Why does
he use a detailed military metaphor when he is so interested in
peace? Eph. 1:2; Eph. 2:14, 15, 17; Eph. 4:3; Eph. 6:15, 23.
Paul celebrates peace as the work of Christ, “our peace,” the One who
preaches peace “to you who were far off and peace to those who were
near” (Eph. 2:14–17, ESV), drawing Jew and Gentile together into “one
new humanity” (Eph. 2:15, NIV). By keeping alive the gospel story of
Christ’s rescue and His creative work of peace, by celebrating His victory
past and looking toward the victory shout in the future, believers
shod their feet and stand ready for battle. Like the messenger in Isaiah
52:7, believers are messengers proclaiming the victory of Christ and
His peace.
Paul, however, does not wish us to understand his call to arms as a
call to take up military weapons against our enemies. That’s why he
describes believers as proclaiming “the gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:15).
Nor does he wish believers to be combative in their relationships with
others, since he has been emphasizing unity, edifying speech, and
tenderheartedness (see especially Eph. 4:25–5:2). The church is to
“wage peace” by employing the gospel arsenal of Christian virtues
(humility, patience, forgiveness, etc.) and practices (prayer, worship).
Such acts are strategic, pointing toward God’s grand plan to unify all
things in Christ (Eph. 1:9, 10).
How does the following quote help us understand what Paul’s
military imagery should mean in our lives as believers? “God
calls upon us to put on the armour. We do not want Saul’s
armour, but the whole armour of God. Then we can go forth to
the work with hearts full of Christ-like tenderness, compassion,
and love.”—Ellen G. White, [Australasian] Union Conference
Record, July 28, 1899.
EGW Notes — TUESDAY ↓
Tuesday, September 19
Shoes: The Church Wages Peace
The gospel is a message of peace. Christianity is a system, which, received and obeyed, would spread peace, harmony, and happiness throughout the earth. The religion of Christ will unite in close brotherhood all who accept its teachings. . . .
Men cannot manufacture peace. Human plans for the purification and uplifting of individuals or of society will fail of producing peace, because they do not reach the heart. The only power that can create or perpetuate true peace is the grace of Christ. When this is implanted in the heart, it will cast out the evil passions that cause strife and dissension.
The faces of men and women who walk and work with God express the peace of heaven. They are surrounded with the atmosphere of heaven. For these souls the kingdom of God has begun. The Lord is soon coming. Talk it, pray it, believe it. Make it a part of the life. Gird on the Christian armor, and be sure that your feet are “shod with the preparation of the gospel of
peace.”—God’s Amazing Grace, p. 32.
Brethren and sisters, will you put on the Christian armor? “Your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace,” you will be prepared to walk from house to house, carrying the truth to the people. Sometimes you will find it trying to do this kind of work; but if you go forth in faith, the Lord will go before you, and will let His light shine upon your pathway. Entering the homes of your neighbors to sell or to give away our literature, and in humility to teach them the truth, you will be accompanied by the light of heaven, which will abide in these
homes.—The Review and Herald, May 24, 1906.
He who is shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace will walk as Christ walked. He will be able to speak right words, and to speak them in love. He will not try to drive home God’s message of truth. He will deal tenderly with every heart, realizing that the Spirit will impress the truth on those who are susceptible to divine impressions. Never will he be vehement in his manner. Every word spoken will have a softening, subduing
influence.—Evangelism, p. 174.
There are many souls to be saved. . . . In word and deed . . . represent Christ to all with whom you come in contact. Let all see that your feet are shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace and good will to men. Wonderful are the results we shall see if we enter into the work imbued with the Spirit of Christ. Help will come in our necessity if we carry the work forward in righteousness, mercy, and love. Truth will triumph, and bear away the
victory.—Evangelism, p. 563.
WEDNESDAY September 20
Shield, Helmet, and Sword
When and how should believers as combatants in the great controversy
use the shield, the helmet, and the sword? Eph. 6:16, 17.
Paul’s shield is the large, rectangular shield of a Roman legionnaire.
Made with wood and covered with leather, its edges curved inward to
guard against attacks from the side. When soaked in water, shields were
“able to quench . . . fiery darts” (NKJV), extinguishing arrows dipped in
pitch and set on fire. Paul’s description of the “shield of faith” reflects
the Old Testament use of the shield as a symbol of God, who protects
His people (Gen. 15:1, Ps. 3:3). To take up “the shield of faith” (Eph.
6:16) is to enter the cosmic battle with confidence in God, who fights
on behalf of believers (Eph. 6:10), supplies the finest weaponry (Eph.
6:11, 13), and who ensures victory.
At the same time, the Roman battle helmet was made of iron or bronze.
To the bowl that protected the head were added a plate at the back to
guard the neck, ear guards, a brow ridge, and hinged plates to protect
the cheeks. Given the essential protection the helmet provided, “the helmet
of salvation” (Eph. 6:17) symbolizes the present salvation believers
experience in solidarity with the resurrected, ascended, and exalted Christ
(Eph. 2:6–10). To put on “the helmet of salvation” means to reject the
fear of spiritual powers so common in the time and, instead, to trust in the
supreme power of Christ (compare Eph. 1:15–23, Eph. 2:1–10).
The final item of armor is “the sword of the Spirit, which is the
word of God” (Eph. 6:17), referring to the Roman legionnaire’s short,
two-edged sword. The usual battle tactic was to throw two javelins (not
mentioned by Paul) and then draw the sword and charge, employing the
short sword in a thrusting motion. The believers’ sword is “the sword of
the Spirit” in that it is supplied by the Spirit, a weapon identified as “the
word of God.” Paul steps forward as general and issues a call to arms,
speaking promises of hope and victory from the divine Commander in
Chief. It is these promises, issued in Ephesians 6:10–20, that constitute
“the word of God” as the lead weapon in the battle against evil. The
“word of God,” then, refers to the broad promises of the gospel that we
find in the Bible.
Even if we might not like so many military images, what should
this imagery teach us about just how literal the great controversy
really is and how seriously we should take it?
EGW Notes — WEDNESDAY ↓
Wednesday, September 20
Shield, Helmet, and Sword
All who range themselves under the blood-stained banner of the Prince of Life will henceforth count Satan as a foe, and will in God’s strength oppose him as a deadly enemy. They will take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. And what will they do in order to hold vantage ground? “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance” (Ephesians 6:18).
We should be quick to discern danger. We should see the hateful character of sin and should expel it from the soul. The doers of the Word know that in Jesus there is strength, which becomes their own by faith. They are clothed with righteousness that God will accept, for it is the righteousness of Christ. Clad in this armor of God, the panoply of heaven, they successfully resist the serpent’s
wiles.—In Heavenly Places, p. 48.
I asked the angel why there was no more faith and power in Israel. He said, “Ye let go of the arm of the Lord too soon. Press your petitions to the throne, and hold on by strong faith. The promises are sure. Believe ye receive the things ye ask for, and ye shall have them.” I was then pointed to Elijah. He was subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly. His faith endured the trial. Seven times he prayed before the Lord, and at last the cloud was seen. I saw that we had doubted the sure promises, and wounded the Saviour by our lack of faith. Said the angel, “Gird the armor about thee, and above all take the shield of faith; for that will guard the heart, the very life, from the fiery darts of the wicked.”
If the enemy can lead the desponding to take their eyes off from Jesus, and look to themselves, and dwell upon their own unworthiness, instead of dwelling upon the worthiness of Jesus, His love, His merits, and His great mercy, he will get away their shield of faith and gain his object; they will be exposed to his fiery temptations. The weak should therefore look to Jesus, and believe in Him; they then exercise
faith.—Early Writings, p. 73.
A familiar acquaintance with the Scriptures sharpens the discerning powers, and fortifies the soul against the attacks of Satan. The Bible is the sword of the Spirit, which will never fail to vanquish the adversary. It is the only true guide in all matters of faith and practice. The reason why Satan has so great control over the minds and hearts of men is that they have not made the Word of God the man of their counsel, and all their ways have not been tried by the true test. The Bible will show us what course we must pursue to become heirs of
glory.—Our High Calling, p. 31.
THURSDAY September 21
Practicing Battlefield Prayer
In concluding his battle exhortation, Paul urges believers as soldiers to
participate in crucial, continuing prayer “for all the saints” (Eph. 6:18, NKJV)
and for himself as imprisoned ambassador (Eph. 6:19, 20). This call to prayer
can be seen as an extension of the military imagery, since calling out to God
(or to the gods) in prayer was a common practice on the ancient battlefield.
To cite a biblical example: following the battle exhortation of Jahaziel,
Jehoshaphat leads “all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem” in falling
down “before the Lord, worshiping the Lord” (2 Chron. 20:18, ESV). While
prayer is not a seventh piece of armor, it is an integral part of Paul’s battle
exhortation and military metaphor.
In the first of two prayer requests, Paul asks the addressees to participate
in fervent, urgent, and perseverant prayer “for all the saints”
(Eph. 6:18, NKJV). If the church is to be successful in its battle against
the powers of evil, it will need to practice dependence on God through
Spirit-inspired prayer.
Paul’s second prayer request is for himself: “and also for me” (Eph. 6:19,
ESV). He asks for prayer that God might grant him the right message (“that
words may be given to me”), at the right time (“in opening my mouth”),
delivered in the right way (“boldly to proclaim”), and addressing a most
important theme, “the mystery of the gospel” (Eph. 6:19, ESV). This last
phrase refers to what we might call the “open secret” of God’s intervention
in Christ to redeem Gentiles along with Jews (see Eph. 3:1–13), creating
“one new humanity” (Eph. 2:15, NIV; see also Eph. 2:11–22) as a signal
of the overarching plan “to unite all things” in Christ (Eph. 1:10, ESV).
Review the following “calls to prayer” in the New Testament. Which
one inspires you most? Why? Luke 18:1–8, Phil. 4:6, Col. 4:2, 1 Thess. 5:16–18.
Why are believers so often urged to participate in earnest, persevering
prayer? Paul’s military metaphor suggests two answers: (1) the threat of
spiritual battle against an array of supernatural enemies is dire and real;
and (2) God’s promises of spiritual strength and victory are illustrated
through Paul’s military imagery (Eph. 6:10–17). Earnest, persevering
prayer provides opportunity for us to listen carefully to these promises, to
celebrate them, and to thank God for the resources of His grace.
EGW Notes — THURSDAY ↓
Thursday, September 21
Practicing Battlefield Prayer
True faith lays hold of and claims the promised blessing before it is realized and felt. We must send up our petitions in faith within the second veil and let our faith take hold of the promised blessing and claim it as ours. We are then to believe that we receive the blessing, because our faith has hold of it, and according to the Word it is ours. “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. Here is faith, naked faith, to believe that we receive the blessing, even before we realize it. When the promised blessing is realized and enjoyed, faith is swallowed up.
But many suppose they have much faith when sharing largely of the Holy Spirit and that they cannot have faith unless they feel the power of the Spirit. Such confound faith with the blessing that comes through faith. The very time to exercise faith is when we feel destitute of the Spirit. When thick clouds of darkness seem to hover over the mind, then is the time to let living faith pierce the darkness and scatter the clouds. True faith rests on the promises contained in the Word of God, and those only who obey that Word can claim its glorious promises. “If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John
15:7.—Early Writings, p. 72.
We have a soldier’s duty to perform, victories to gain, for we must not be ignorant of Satan’s devices. We pray and then watch lest Satan shall steal upon us and make us forget our need of prayer, our need of vigilance and watching thereunto.
In the Christian warfare, unless there is a sharp eye on the adversary and a sharp eye on ourselves, we shall be led into Satan’s snare. Our security depends on the state of our heart. God help us to take heed to ourselves or we shall certainly lose heaven. Little departures from right, little indulgences, seem a trifling thing at present, but Satan will lead us on a track that will separate us from righteousness and from God. We want not our ways but God’s ways. We want to strive with all the powers of being to bruise Satan under our feet and be sure that we are right with God, that we have a clear title to our immortal
inheritance.—This Day With God, p. 27.
Our prayers are to be as earnest and persistent as was the petition of the needy friend who asked for the loaves at midnight. The more earnestly and steadfastly we ask, the closer will be our spiritual union with Christ. We shall receive increased blessings because we have increased faith.
Our part is to pray and believe. Watch unto prayer. Watch, and co-operate with the prayer-hearing God. Bear in mind that “we are labourers together with God.” 1 Corinthians
3:9.—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 146.
FRIDAY September 22
Further Thought: “An army in battle would become confused and
weakened unless all worked in concert. If the soldiers should act out
their own impulsive ideas, without reference to each other’s positions
and work, they would be a collection of independent atoms; they could
not do the work of an organized body. So the soldiers of Christ must
act in harmony. They alone must not be cherished. If they do this, the
Lord’s people in the place of being in perfect harmony, of one mind, one
purpose, and consecrated to one grand object, will find efforts fruitless,
their time and capabilities wasted. Union is strength. A few converted
souls acting in harmony, acting for one grand purpose, under one head,
will achieve victories at every encounter.”—Ellen G. White, Spalding
and Magan Collection, p. 121.
What is the significance of Paul’s labeling himself “an ambassador
in chains” (Eph. 6:20, ESV)? Ambassadors often played challenging
roles during wartime; so, Paul’s self-description fits the context of his
military metaphor. Ambassadors were to be treated with the respect due
the person or country that sent them. So there is stark contrast between
Paul’s status as ambassador for the Supreme Ruler of the cosmos and
the utter disrespect signaled by his chains (literally, “chain”). However,
since ambassadors would wear a “chain of office,” Paul’s mention of
a “chain” may be “spiced with irony,” in which he sees his chain as “a
decoration to be worn with distinction.”—David J. Williams, Paul’s
Metaphors: Their Context and Character (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson,
1999), p. 152.
Discussion Questions:
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1. In your corner of a world divided and at war, what does it
mean for you and your congregation to “wage peace”? How can
we be agents of peace in a world so increasingly characterized by
aggression and violence?
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2. What particular “fiery darts” are being hurled in your direction?
How can you ensure that the “shield of faith” is in place to
extinguish them?
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3. We sometimes speak of “prayer warriors.” How might we conduct
“prayer ministry” based on Ephesians 6:18–20?
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4. How should we treat those who are wounded on the battlefield
of the great controversy? How should we treat the Christian believer
who, in the heat of the battle, flees out of fear or openly capitulates to
the other side?
EGW Notes — FRIDAY ↓
Friday, September 22
For Further Reading
My Life Today, “O God! Help Me to Higher Levels,” p. 105;
My Life Today, “Paul’s Shout of Victory,” p. 326.
INSIDE STORY
Power of a Few Words
By Andrew McChesney
When armed conflict erupted in his homeland of Ukraine in 2022, Alexei Arushanian was living safely across the border in Poland, where he had worked for several years installing windows in people’s homes. But he had many relatives in Ukraine, and he was worried about them.
He called relative after relative to check on their well-being and to see if he could help. “How are you, Aunt Lyuda?” he asked.
“All is fine, praise God,” she replied. “We are in hiding.”
She said her daughter, Nastya, and her young son were planning to join refugees spilling across the border to Poland. During normal times, the trip would have taken a day. But now the trip would take two to three days.
“Will they come to Warsaw?” Alexei asked. “Have them call me. They can stay with me as long as they need. I can meet them at the border.”
A short time later, another relative called from Ukraine to say that Nastya and her son were already in Poland. They had crossed the border and were staying with a Polish family who had opened their home to them. Many Polish people generously offered temporary housing to refugees.
Alexei called Nastya and promised to come for her and her son.
She and her son were waiting when Alexei drove up to the house. The 60-year-old owner of the house accompanied Nastya and her son to the car. Nastya waved goodbye as she got into the car, and Alexei opened the car trunk to place her and her son’s belongings inside. As the trunk lid opened, he saw several copies of Ellen White’s The Great Controversy inside. Alexei belonged to a church group that distributed the book, a difficult task with few receptive people, and he always kept several books in the trunk. Alexei grabbed a book. “I have a gift for you,” he told the 60-year-old man.
“What kind of gift?” the man asked, curiously.
“It’s a Christian book that contains the history of Christianity from the first Christians who defended the truth after Christ returned to heaven to the events that will occur at the end of the world,” Alexei said. “I think that you will find it interesting.”
The man accepted the book. Then he gave Alexei a big hug. “Thank you,” he said.
Alexei was overjoyed. He had not expected it to be so easy. “This was the will of God,” he says. “All I had to do was say a few words, and he took the book. I pray that he reads it and that his wife and children read it, too. I hope that he accepts it.”
This quarter’s Thirteenth Sabbath Offering will go to the Trans-European Division, which includes Poland. Thank you for planning a generous offering next Sabbath.
Provided by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission, which uses Sabbath School
mission offerings to spread the gospel worldwide. Read new stories daily at
AdventistMission.org.
