May He sanctify you. Our lesson opens with the beautiful benediction in 1 Thessalonians: Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, NASB). How closely connected are God’s holiness and … Continue reading –>
What do 1 Corinthians 6:11, Titus 3:5, and Hebrews 13:12 tell us about sanctification? Our sanctification is accomplished by faith (Heb. 11:6) through the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Thess. 2:13, 1 Pet. 1:2). The apostle Paul writes: “but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of … Continue reading –>
Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them! Luke 15:1-2 NLT Jesus was frequently seen publicly eating with sinners, infuriating the Pharisees, who prided themselves from staying away from … Continue reading –>
“The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes; for your vision will be clearer, and your imperfections will be seen in broad and distinct contrast to His perfect nature. This is evidence that Satan’s delusions have lost their power; that the vivifying influence of the Spirit of … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: It is the Holy Spirit who strengthens us in our pursuit of the character of God embodied in holiness.. Lesson 6, February 11, 2017 1. Have a volunteer read I Peter 1:14-16. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is. b. What does … Continue reading –>
Read 1 Peter 1:14-16. Why is the ultimate motivation for holiness just the reality of God Himself? What motivates you to live a holy life? What does it mean that God is holy? It’s popular to emphasize God’s love while ignoring His holiness. While God is love, the idea of holiness is more often connected … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: 1 Pet. 1:14-16; Isa. 6:3; Heb. 12:14; 1 Cor. 6:11; 1 Tim. 1:8; Ps. 15:1-2. Memory Text: “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “The Baptism and Filling of the Holy Spirit” in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. (Adobe Flash Player version.) A Youtube version of this week’s lesson at Hope Sabbath School is below. You can download the video, the MP3 audio, and the lesson outline … Continue reading –>
It is only natural for any person to seek control of one’s life. We normally depend on our own efforts to achieve all that we can. While many people spend their lives in a quest for control, others have an unhealthy fear of losing control. This human dilemma finds an answer only in God. He … Continue reading –>
Read Galatians 5:16-26 and compare it with Ephesians 5:1-9, Ephesians 5:17-20. List the differences between a self-centered life and a life that is filled with the Spirit. The life of a person who does not live in the Spirit is radically different from the life and values of a person who is filled with the … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: As we follow the Biblical steps to be filled with the Spirit, we receive strength and joy. Lesson 5 for February 4, 2017 1. Have a volunteer read Acts 11:16. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is. b. What does it mean … Continue reading –>
Read Acts 5:32. Why is obedience to God’s Word an important condition for receiving the Holy Spirit? Then, as now, the Holy Spirit is granted to all who obey God. In the Bible, love and obedience go hand in hand, and true faith is expressed in obedience. If we trust God with all our hearts, … Continue reading –>
