Memory Verse: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, NKJV).

INTRO: This week’s lesson theme is “Persecuted but Not Forsaken.” Our “memory verse” for this week is chosen in light of the hardships Paul suffered. Memory Verse: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, NKJV).

“Rejoice always”? What does Paul mean by that phrase? How are we supposed to do that? Someone you love is sick or dies. You lose your job. You are in great physical pain. Perhaps the key to understanding this is to ask, “Rejoice always” in what? That is, no matter our situation, what can we always rejoice in?

Q: How did Paul view his own suffering for proclaiming Jesus of Nazareth the rightful King of this world? Why was this idea important for the Philippian and Colossian churches as well as us to understand?

Q: Despite Paul’s suffering and imprisonment for preaching the good news about Jesus in the Roman empire, how would Jesus still be considered “the link” for uniting heaven and earth? Why is this such an important goal, yet from our human standpoint a seemingly impossible mission?

Q: How is persecution of Christ-followers and opposition to the gospel of Jesus still part of the world in which we live, including the Western world?

Closing Comments: These two letters to the Philippian and Colossian churches from Paul reveal similar concepts common to both groups, yet the believers at Philippi knew Paul personally and loved him as their leader. However, the believers in Colossae had never met Paul but still developed a trust in his wise counsel through one of their own, a man named Epaphras, who likely helped launch the church there under Paul’s guidance and blessing. Both letters emphasize the importance of unity among believers who were learning about the Lordship of Jesus Christ and how to commit their lives to Him on a daily basis.

SIDEBAR:

“I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…. Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel….”
— Philippians 1:6, 27 (NKJV)

“Jesus gives us humanly impossible tasks so we will rely on Him, rather than ourselves to accomplish them. He never gives us a job without supplying the power to do it. ‘As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished His strength. All His biddings are enablings.’”
– Clinton Wahlen, SS lesson author cites Ellen White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p.333

These two letters to the Philippian and Colossian churches from Paul reveal important concepts common to both groups, yet the believers at Philippi knew Paul personally and loved him as their leader. However, the believers in Colossae had never met Paul but still developed a trust in his wise counsel through one of their own, a man named Epaphras. Both letters emphasize the importance of unity among believers who were learning about the Lordship of Jesus Christ and how to commit their lives to Him on a daily basis.

NEXT WEEK, we’ll look at Paul’s “Reasons for Thanksgiving and Prayer.” My thanks to Naomi Cueto and Faith Montes, our program engineers, and to all of you for listening in. Until next time, for the “Good Word,” I’m Phil Muthersbaugh.