Bible Study - Sabbath School Podcast

Believes Unasp
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Daily

English Sabbath School Bible Study podcast - an unpretentious and fun way to study the Bible Classe da Escola Sabatina em inglês do Unasp SP. English Sabbath School Class at Unasp SP Brazil

  1. 22h ago

    Episode 2821 - Lesson 3 - Wednesday July 15 - Christlike Servanthood

    Christlike Servanthood Read 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. What does this passage teach about the correct view one must have about human leaders? In 1 Corinthians 3:1-4, Paul hints that cliques result from a lack of spiritual maturity. However, before addressing this topic, he affirms, "We have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor. 2:16, NKJV). This phrase likely refers to Christ's way of thinking and acting. In other words, the believer has "the mind of Christ" when he thinks and acts like Christ. Putting this mind into practice in all matters of life is not that easy, though, is it? In the Greco-Roman world, there was much competition among political figures, philosophers, thinkers, and religious leaders. The longing for cultural approval apparently led the church of Corinth to follow secular standards. This may be a danger for the church today, too. Read Philippians 2:5-8. How does this text help us understand the phrase "the mind of Christ" (1 Cor. 2:16)? Just as in Corinth, divisions were also taking place in the church of Philippi (Phil. 2:1-4), perhaps to a lesser degree. Philippians 2:1-8 teaches us that a Christlike servanthood requires dying to self and to selfish ambitions, and seeking instead to bless others above ourselves, as did Jesus. A Christlike servanthood is what Paul meant by the phrase "servants of Christ" (1 Cor. 4:1, NKJV). This phrase can convey the idea that they serve Christ as assistants or subordinates. It is clear that a correct view of human leaders is based on Christ's example of leadership. The servants are further portrayed as "stewards" (1 Cor. 4:1-2). A steward is a person who has been entrusted with administrating the property of somebody else. And whatever we have, it all belongs to Christ, anyway. Prayerfully dwell on the message of Philippians 2:5-8. How do we grasp what this tells us about God's self-denying love for us? Why, too, do we need to die to self in a way so that, in our own sphere, we can emulate this love?

  2. 1d ago

    Episode 2820 - Lesson 3 - Tuesday July 14 - Wisdom & Maturity

    Wisdom and Maturity By and large, cliques result from too high a view of human leaders. This is very threatening to the unity of the church and to the members' spiritual health, for a distorted view of Christian ministry may lead a church to give excessive importance to certain leaders, all to the detriment of others. The consequence of such behavior is an atmosphere of competition, which can split the church. More than that, if we treat human leaders as central to our Christian identity, we risk moving Christ from the correct position in our lives. Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-4. How does Paul here describe the spiritual immaturity of the Corinthians? Paul makes it clear that spiritual maturity leads the believer to appreciate the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 2:6-7), which is communicated to us through the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:13), and which contrasts with the wisdom of this age (1 Cor. 2:6), human wisdom (1 Cor. 2:13). The wisdom of God is unveiled in the Cross of Christ (1 Cor. 2:1-4). More precisely, the wisdom of God is revealed in Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection. Thus, before resuming his appeal for unity (1 Cor. 3:1-17), Paul wants his readers to acknowledge the need for true wisdom and maturity in Christ. Wise and mature Christians are spiritual people, not carnal, not like infants (1 Cor. 3:1). They compare spiritual things with spiritual things, because "the things of the Spirit ... are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor. 2:13-14, NKJV). Wise and mature Christians feed on solid food, not milk (1 Cor. 3:2; compare with Heb. 5:12). The believer "who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil" (Heb. 5:13-14, ESV). Wise and mature Christians do not say, "I am of Paul" or "I am of Apollos" (1 Cor. 3:4), referring to different people. After all, these people are, like them, "God's fellow workers" (1 Cor. 3:9, ESV). We, as a church, are God's field, building, and temple (1 Cor. 3:9, 16, 17). We all belong to God through Christ (1 Cor. 3:11). What has been your experience with being greatly disappointed by someone whom you had greatly admired? If you have had this experience, what lessons did you learn from it?

  3. 2d ago

    Episode 2819 - Lesson 3 - Monday July 13 - Centered on Jesus

    Centered on Jesus Read 1 Corinthians 1:10. What do you think Paul meant by "be united in the same mind and the same judgment" (ESV)? The formation of cliques constituted here a denial of one's allegiance to Christ (1 Cor. 1:10). God called us "into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Cor. 1:9, NKJV). Our Lord is Christ, and we must be centered on Him. Thus, the answer to the rhetorical questions "Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?" (1 Cor. 1:13, NKJV) is a resounding "No!" Christ is not divided. It is Christ who was crucified for us. We were baptized "in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" (Matt. 28:19, NASB). Paul mentions that we are "the body of Christ and individually members of it" (1 Cor. 12:27, ESV; emphasis supplied). While the body has many parts--each one with its function--it is still one body. For the body to function properly, each part has to do its work according to its capabilities. This metaphor indicates that Paul is looking for unity, not uniformity. He is looking for unity in the diversity. More than that, he is looking for unity despite diversity. However, all thoughts and opinions must be submitted to Christ, our Lord. The fact that Christ is our Lord is such an important concept for Paul that he resorts to it repeatedly, in the opening of 1 Corinthians (1 Cor. 1:2, 7, 8, 9, 10). Thus, before Paul deals with the issue of cliques and human leaders, he first emphasizes that all of us have Jesus as our Lord. The church is not centered on human leaders. Christians are centered on Jesus. The emphasis on the Lordship of Jesus in the early verses of 1 Corinthians helps us understand what Paul meant by the words: "Be united in the same mind and the same judgment" (1 Cor. 1:10, ESV). The Greek term translated as "united" comes from the verb katartizō, which suggests that something is to be restored to its proper condition. When cliques are formed around human leaders, relationships within the church must be restored to their proper condition, and that can happen through unity in Christ and the death to self it entails. During the past few decades, some parts of the Seventh-day Adventist Church have emphasized small group Bible studies. What is the difference between cliques and small groups? How can we be careful that small groups do not turn into cliques?

  4. 3d ago

    Episode 2818 - Lesson 3 - Sunday July 12 - The Problem of Cliques in the Church

    The Problem of Cliques in the Church Paul's appeal that "there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment" (1 Cor. 1:10, ESV) dominates the first four chapters of 1 Corinthians. In fact, most scholars agree that unity is the all-encompassing theme that binds all the parts of the letter together. Read 1 Corinthians 1:12-17. How does this passage help us understand how absurd it is to form cliques around local leaders? What is Paul's solution? Paul employs strong words to portray the lack of unity among the church members in Corinth. He uses the Greek terms schisma ("division," 1 Cor. 1:10, NKJV) and eris ("contention," 1 Cor. 1:11, NKJV). The noun schisma (as well as the verb schizō, "to split") is used elsewhere in the New Testament to describe differences of opinion resulting in factions. In turn, the noun eris ("contention") frequently appears in lists of vices that must not be practiced by Christians. Read Romans 1:29, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 3:3, 2 Corinthians 12:20, and Galatians 5:20. What other sins are listed along with eris ("contention," "strife")? What does this tell us about how bad it is? The disagreements in the church of Corinth came to the surface--even in the form of lawsuits against one another (1 Cor. 6:1-3). "I say this to your shame," Paul told them (1 Cor. 6:5, NKJV) concerning these lawsuits between church members. In fact, they didn't lay aside their differences even when celebrating the Lord's Supper (1 Cor. 11:17-22). The problem of lack of unity among church members is so terrifying, and Paul is so worried about it, that this is the first issue he addresses in this letter to the Corinthians. Read again 1 Corinthians 1:12-27. Then reflect on how this passage helps us understand why cliques are so dangerous to the unity of the church. What can your local church do in order to avoid this problem?

  5. 4d ago

    Episode 2817 - Lesson 3 - Sabbath July 11 - Unity in Christ

    Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week's Study: 1 Cor. 1:12-17, Rom. 1:29, 1 Cor. 1:10, 1 Cor. 3:1-4, Phil. 2:5-8, 2 Cor. 11:23-28, Col. 1:24. Memory Text: "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment" (1 Corinthians 1:10, ESV). Those who observe wildlife know that some creatures live in packs, in herds, in groups, all of varying sizes. From wolves (of course), to dolphins, to even army ants, these creatures stick together. Chimpanzees are especially known for their tight-knit social bonds, sometimes existing in groups of from 15 to 150 fellow chimps. However, these relationships are not always harmonious, and sometimes the chimps fight among themselves. Humans are somewhat like that as well; that is, not only do they tend to exist in groups, but they sometimes fight among themselves in those groups. And that's a reality even in our churches! Cliques form, often around some kind of charismatic leader. And, even worse, sometimes one clique does not get along with others. Have you ever seen that in your church? If so, then you have an idea of an issue Paul faced in Corinth. This week we will take a look at 1 Corinthians 1-4, where the apostle Paul deals with the problem of quarrels in the church and how to overcome them, namely, through unity in Christ. * Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 18.

  6. 5d ago

    Episode 2816 - Lesson 2 - Friday July 10 - Further Thought

    Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, "Calvary," pp. 741-757, in The Desire of Ages. "To the minds of multitudes living at the present time, the cross of Calvary is surrounded by sacred memories. Hallowed associations are connected with the scenes of the crucifixion. But in Paul's day the cross was regarded with feelings of repulsion and horror. To uphold as the Saviour of mankind one who had met death on the cross, would naturally call forth ridicule and opposition. "Paul well knew how his message would be regarded by both the Jews and the Greeks of Corinth. . . . Among his Jewish hearers there were many who would be angered by the message he was about to proclaim. In the estimation of the Greeks his words would be absurd folly. He would be looked upon as weak-minded for attempting to show how the cross could have any connection with the elevation of the race or the salvation of mankind. "But to Paul the cross was the one object of supreme interest. Ever since he had been arrested in his career of persecution against the followers of the crucified Nazarene he had never ceased to glory in the cross. At that time there had been given him a revelation of the infinite love of God, as revealed in the death of Christ; and a marvelous transformation had been wrought in his life, bringing all his plans and purposes into harmony with heaven. . . . He knew by personal experience that when a sinner once beholds the love of the Father, as seen in the sacrifice of His Son, and yields to the divine influence, a change of heart takes place, and henceforth Christ is all and in all."--Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 245, 246. Discussion Questions: In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me" (Matt. 26:39, NKJV). What does this prayer say about the immense price Jesus paid on the cross?Paul says, "The foolishness of God is wiser than men" (1 Cor. 1:25, NKJV). In what ways is the wisdom of God so different from human wisdom?The message of a crucified Christ was a stumbling block for the Jews and foolishness for the Greeks. What biblical themes that we preach today can produce the same effect in modern audiences, and why?Paul says that "the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God" (1 Cor. 2:14, NKJV). So, how can we speak about Jesus to these people in a way that could touch their hearts? Or maybe our actions alone will reach them.

  7. 6d ago

    Episode 2815 - Lesson 2 - Thursday July 09 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God

    Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God In 1 Corinthians 1:19-20, 30, and 31, Paul talks about how God's wisdom and human wisdom are incredibly different and, thus, mutually exclusive. Notice that Paul does not reject wisdom as such, but he rejects the kind of human wisdom that tries to compete with God. Human wisdom is incapable of freeing men from sin. Only Christ, the wisdom of God, can perform this work. See the table below. Both 1 Corinthians 1:18, and 1 Corinthians 1:24 show that Christ is the power of God, in the sense that He has the power to save people from their sins. Indeed, "it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe" (1 Cor. 1:21, NKJV). The phrases "us who are being saved" (1 Cor. 1:18, NKJV), "those who believe" (1 Cor. 1:21, NKJV), and "those who are called" (1 Cor. 1:24, NKJV) refer to the same group, namely, people living the experience of salvation through faith. "The gospel of Christ . . . is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes" (Rom. 1:16, NKJV). Christ is not only the power but also the wisdom of God. This means that through Him God faced and solved the problem of sin, a problem that human wisdom was powerless to solve. The wisdom of this world is unable to make people know God (1 Cor. 1:21). Conversely, through Christ we become wise for salvation (2 Tim. 3:15). Read 1 Corinthians 1:24-29. Notice the words there, such as "foolishness," "weak," "power," and "wise." What point is he making? In reading 1 Corinthians 1:24-29, one should also notice the terms foolish (or foolishness) and weak (or weakness). The point is that human wisdom may consider the message of the Cross to be foolishness and weakness. However, "the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men" (1 Cor. 1:25, ESV). This doesn't mean that God is weak or foolish, but it's merely an expression showing how God's power and wisdom far exceed anything human. Dwell on the words "that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called" (1 Cor. 1:26, NKJV). What message is there for us? but to us who are being saved[the message of the Cross] is the power of God1 Cor. 1:18 (NKJV)but to those who are calledChrist [is] the power of God1 Cor. 1:24 (NKJV)

  8. Jul 8

    Episode 2814 - Lesson 2 - Wednesday July 08 - A Messiah Crucified

    A Messiah Crucified Paul wrote that the "Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom" (1 Cor. 1:22, ESV). The Cross--the idea of God, the Messiah, being crucified--was not a sign that the Jews had expected. Nor was it the kind of wisdom that the Greeks wanted. It went against everyone's expectations. In fact, all one has to do is read how the disciples reacted to the idea of Jesus being crucified (see Mark 8:31-32; Mark 9:30-32; and Mark 10:32-34) to begin to see how alien, and repulsive, the whole notion was, especially to the Jews. As said before, the Jews expected the Messiah to conquer the Romans; that is not what happened, at least not in the worldly military sense of "conquer." For centuries, the cross has been, for Christians, a symbol of faith. It is hard for twenty-first-century Christians to understand how crazy the idea of a crucified God was for the first-century mindset. However, it is precisely because this was such a shocking message that makes it worthy of our most profound reflections. The portrait of a crucified Messiah makes it entirely clear to the whole universe how far God was willing to go to complete the plan of redemption. The idea of the cross itself, and of the Lord's dying on the cross, is astonishing enough to us, sinners here on earth. (Imagine, though, what it must have meant to the sinless beings who knew, and worshiped, the Lord Jesus in heaven!) Read Acts 13:16-47 (especially verses 26, 38, and 47). What does this passage teach us about the meaning of the Cross? Paul says Christ sent him to preach the gospel. And so Paul preaches the message of a crucified Messiah (1 Cor. 1:23). He resumes these ideas in 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. The apostle was faithful to Christ's commission. In proclaiming the gospel, he didn't employ "lofty speech or wisdom" (1 Cor. 2:1, ESV); instead, he focused only on "Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2, ESV). His speech and message "were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power" (1 Cor. 2:4, ESV) because, in fact, "the wisdom of men" stands in visible contrast with "the power of God" (2 Cor. 2:5, ESV). A crucified Messiah was something completely unexpected by the Jews and the Greeks. What does this tell us about the fact that God does not always act the way we expect? Why is this an important concept to grasp, especially when things don't go as we have expected?

See All (1.5K)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

English Sabbath School Bible Study podcast - an unpretentious and fun way to study the Bible Classe da Escola Sabatina em inglês do Unasp SP. English Sabbath School Class at Unasp SP Brazil

Information