Bible Study - Sabbath School Podcast

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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. 8h ago

    Episode 2877 - Lesson 11 - Tuesday September 08 - Planning

    Planning Read 2 Corinthians 9:7. What does this passage say about the act of offering? God's decision to save the world took place even before the world fell into sin. The coming of Christ to die for us was part of an ancient plan (Rev. 13:8). God was not caught by surprise. He had made plans to give Himself through Jesus. In 2 Corinthians 8, and 9, planning is an essential theological principle that concerns the act of giving. This can be seen in at least two ways: First, planning involves previous decision. Paul says that "each of you should give what you have decided in your heart" (2 Cor. 9:7, NIV). The Greek word translated as "decided" is the verb proaireō. This verb is a compound form. The particle pro means "beforehand" or "in advance," and aireō means in this context "to decide." Thus, proaireō points to a decision made beforehand. Also, by starting his statement with "each of you," Paul indicates that the given amount will not be the same for everyone. His point was simply that whatever people decide to give, they should do it with careful reflection. They should give what they believe is the right amount for them to give. Second, planning involves the principle of proportionality. Paul reports that the Macedonians "gave according to their means" (2 Cor. 8:3, ESV). Next, he applies this principle of proportionality to the Corinthians as well. Encouraging them to finish the task that they had already committed to, he urges them to complete that project by using the resources that they possess (2 Cor. 8:11). He concludes this thought by saying that the offering is given "according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have" (2 Cor. 8:12, ESV). Whereas the Bible defines the proportionality of the tithes, namely, ten percent, the same does not apply to the offerings. "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart" (2 Cor. 9:7, NIV) by applying the principle of proportionality. In other words, each one decides which proportion of earnings that he or she will give as an offering. Each one is supposed to give in proportion to what one has. This cannot be done without planning. How faithful are you with tithes and offerings, no matter how rich or poor you are? What excuses do you use to hold back from giving when you know that you can do more?

  2. 1d ago

    Episode 2876 - Lesson 11 - Monday September 7 🇧🇷- Motivation

    Motivation Read 2 Corinthians 8:1, 5, and 2 Corinthians 9:7, 9, 13, 15. What is the central message of these passages? The language of giving pervades 2 Corinthians 8, and 9: "The grace of God . . . has been given" (2 Cor. 8:1, ESV); "They gave themselves" (2 Cor. 8:5, ESV); "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart ..., for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:7, NIV); "He has given to the poor" (2 Cor. 9:9, ESV); "They will glorify God because of ... the generosity of your contribution" (2 Cor. 9:13, ESV); "Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!" (2 Cor. 9:15, ESV). Second Corinthians 8 and 9 begin and end with the language of giving (2 Cor. 8:1, and 2 Cor. 9:15). We must read these two chapters with the idea of giving in mind. They present at least four major reasons for giving our offerings. Gratitude for God's grace (2 Cor. 8:1; 2 Cor. 9:14-15). Second Corinthians 8-9 begins with a reference to "the grace of God" (2 Cor. 8:1). A little further, Paul says, "You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Cor. 8:9, ESV). The grace of God and Christ is presented here as one's primary reason for the practice of offering. God did so much for us by giving us Christ. By offering our gifts in return, we recognize the grace of God in our lives. As with the concept of giving, the term "grace" (in Greek, charis) also occurs repeatedly in 2 Corinthians 8-9. Likewise, the word charis occurs at the beginning and the end of this passage (2 Cor. 8:1; 2 Cor. 9:14-15). Paul applies this term with different meanings in the passage to emphasize that the grace of Christ in our lives results in grace for others and for thanksgiving. Desire to follow the example of Jesus (2 Cor. 8:9). Jesus was rich and became poor (remember that these are symbols for His eternal pre-existence and then coming into humanity, respectively). There is only one way for that to have happened: He gave all. As for us, by sharing our offerings, we provide means for others to know Christ. Desire to share God's blessings (2 Cor. 9:10-11). We give to others only because we first received from God. He enriches us so that we can be generous. Sincere love (2 Cor. 8:8, 24). Giving is the test of sincere and genuine love. It is the most substantial evidence that love dwells in one's heart. To use an English expression, it is to "put your money where your mouth is." How generous are you? In light of the Cross, how much do you give in contrast to what you could give?

  3. 2d ago

    Episode 2875 - Lesson 11 - Sunday September 06 - The Example of Jesus

    The Example of Jesus The context of 2 Corinthians 8, and 9 has to do with Paul's encouraging members in Corinth to complete a fundraiser for the impoverished churches in Judea. Apparently, they had already committed to doing that (2 Cor. 8:10-11; 2 Cor. 9:5; see also 1 Cor. 16:1-4), but relationship issues between them and Paul had complicated things. After dealing with these issues (2 Corinthians 1-7), Paul now turns to the conclusion of that task (2 Corinthians 8-9). Initially, Paul appeals to the example of the Macedonians (2 Cor. 8:1-7), whose extreme poverty did not prevent them from overflowing "in a wealth of generosity" (2 Cor. 8:2, ESV). Yes, poverty and generosity can walk together. However, this admirable generosity of the Macedonians is but a replication of Jesus' generosity in giving Himself for us (2 Cor. 8:8-15). Read 2 Corinthians 8:9. What does this passage tell us about the example of Jesus? Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians 8:9 is one of the most astonishing, powerful, and profound passages in the whole Bible. Paul tells the story of Jesus' mission, but with an incredible economy of words. There is so much theology here. This is the story of redemption, but in only one verse. Even more impressive is that this story is told through financial language. Yes, Jesus was rich. His richness refers to His pre-existence in heaven (John 17:5). He decided to become poor by giving up the heavenly glory and coming to this world of sorrows. He became literally poor (Luke 9:58). Although He was equal with God, He "emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men" (Phil. 2:7, NASB). "And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Phil. 2:8, ESV). Jesus gave His own life so that we might live forever with Him. His offering had a purpose: our salvation. Stewardship and mission go together. Second Corinthians 8-9 tells the story of a particular money offering, but this story is based upon Jesus. During this week, we will see theological principles related to the practice of offering gifts that are based on Christ's offering of Himself. Dwell on the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. When you realize that all this was done for you so that you can have hope of something beyond this miserable existence here, what should your reaction be?

  4. 3d ago

    Episode 2874 - Lesson 11 -Saturday Septembe 05 - Stewardship and Mission

    Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week's Study: 2 Corinthians 8-9; John 3:16; John 17:5; Luke 9:58; Rev. 13:8; Rom. 12:8; Rom. 15:26-27 Memory Text: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9, NKJV). Second Corinthians 8 and 9 show that Paul gave the Corinthians the opportunity to serve their brothers and sisters in Judea. This passage shows that giving is a privilege that God grants us, so that we can emulate the self-giving character of Christ. The language of heaven is one of giving. Notice these remarkable words: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16, NKJV; emphasis supplied). Furthermore, John 3:16 clearly expresses God's purpose in giving Jesus, so that "whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (NKJV). Stewardship and mission go together in this passage. They are as inseparable as the two sides of a coin. It is no wonder that Paul identifies himself and his fellow workers as "stewards of the mysteries of God" (1 Cor. 4:1, NKJV). We, too, are stewards in the same sense. This week we will see that the concepts of stewardship and mission are deeply rooted in the example of Jesus. Indeed, stewardship and mission are inseparable. Stewardship provides the church with financial and human resources to fulfill God's mission. * Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 12.

  5. 4d ago

    Episode 2873 - Lesson 10 - Friday September 04 - Further Thought

    Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, "The Message Heeded," pp. 323-334, in The Acts of the Apostles. Last week, we read the above cited passage in The Acts of the Apostles. It is worth rereading it. This time, dwell a little bit more on the parts referring to Paul's severe letter, his feelings upon writing it, and his joy upon receiving the good news about the sincere repentance of the addressees. Then, reflect on what this tells us about the authenticity of Paul's ministry and what lessons we can apply to our work for Christ. "We are to reveal to the universe, to the world fallen and to worlds unfallen, that there is forgiveness with God, that through the love of God we may be reconciled to God. Man repents, becomes contrite in heart, believes in Christ as his atoning sacrifice, and realizes that God is reconciled to him."--Ellen G. White, Special Testimonies On Education, p. 223. "As a church, we have received great light. This light the Lord has entrusted to us for the benefit and blessing of the world. To us has been given the ministry of reconciliation. With power from on high we are to beseech men to be reconciled to God."--Ellen G. White, Letter 32, 1903. Once reconciled to God, people must seek holiness. Commenting on 2 Corinthians 7:1, Ellen G. White hints at what Paul meant by "perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor. 7:1, NKJV). She says Paul sought to help the new converts "to become self-reliant, growing Christians, strong in faith, ardent in zeal, and wholehearted in their consecration to God and to the work of advancing His kingdom."--Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 201. Discussion Questions: Paul refers to us as "jars of clay" containing the gospel treasure (2 Cor. 4:7, ESV). How can the fact that the human condition is weak, frail, and filled with limitations enhance rather than undermine the proclamation of the gospel? What does it mean to be a "new creation" (2 Cor. 5:17, NKJV)? How does this affect our daily lives? How has Christ made you a new creature? In 2 Corinthians 6:4-5, Paul provides a long list of hardships for the gospel's sake. How did he respond to his sufferings (see 2 Cor. 6:6-7)? How does this help you respond to yours? Paul contrasts godly sorrow with worldly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:10). In what manner may sorrow relate to repentance? How would you describe godly sorrow in contrast to worldly sorrow?

  6. 5d ago

    Episode 2872 - Lesson 10 - Thursday September 03 - Comfort and Joy

    Comfort and Joy Read  2 Corinthians 7. What are Paul's feelings upon hearing that the Corinthians had repented? How much love flows from the words "You are in our hearts" (2 Cor. 7:3, NKJV; see also 2 Cor. 6:11). In his deep desire to have his love reciprocated, Paul also says, "Make room in your hearts for us" (2 Cor. 7:2, ESV). While the phrase "in your hearts" is not in the Greek text, most English versions supply it, which is correct because the context supports it. Indeed, the Corinthians opened their hearts to Paul and his fellow workers. This is why verse 4 is a burst of joy. Paul's words express how positive his feelings are at this moment: "Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation" (2 Cor. 7:4, NKJV). Paul is filled with comfort and joy. How much comfort and joy our churches can bring to the hearts of their ministers by faithfully committing themselves to Christ. In 2 Corinthians 7:5-16, Paul further explains the reason for his comfort and joy. These two concepts dominate the passage. The verb parakaleō ("to comfort") or the noun paraklēsis ("comfort") occurs together a total of seven times in 2 Corinthians 7. This section of the letter ends the same way it began, namely, with much comfort in God (2 Cor. 1:3-7). Paul's comfort in 2 Corinthians 7 comes from the relief he experienced because the severe letter produced the effect he intended for it. Although this relief is the result of Titus's positive report, ultimately, God is the agent of the comfort Paul experienced (2 Cor. 7:6). God is indeed the "God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation" (2 Cor. 1:3-4, NKJV). Interestingly, while Paul is "filled with comfort," he is "exceedingly joyful" (2 Cor. 7:4, 7, 13). Although his painful letter had caused much sadness, that was a sadness according to God's will with repentance intended (2 Cor. 7:9-11, NASB). The Corinthians "sorrowed in a godly manner" (2 Cor. 7:11, NKJV), a sorrow producing "repentance leading to salvation" (2 Cor. 7:10, NKJV). What else could bring more joy to the heart of an authentic minister of God? Have you ever experienced godly sorrow in your life? How did you know that it was sorrow according to God's will to lead you to repentance?

  7. 6d ago

    Episode 2871 - Lesson 10 - Wednesday September 02 - Call to Holiness

    Call to Holiness In 2 Corinthians 6:3-10, Paul keeps encouraging the Corinthians to be reconciled to God. He presents a long list of hardships and triumphs to show what it means to be a follower of Christ and a minister of God. In short, he lists difficult situations (2 Cor. 6:4-5), virtues of character (2 Cor. 6:6), equipment for ministry (2 Cor. 6:7), and vicissitudes of ministry (2 Cor. 6:8-10). After instructing the members in Corinth to be reconciled to God, Paul appeals for them to live a holy life, and to do so by separating themselves from the harmful influence of unbelievers and from unclean things (2 Cor. 6:14-17). Read 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:1. According to this passage, what does a holy life look like? Paul emphasizes in this passage the importance of affection and love within the church (1 Cor. 6:11-13). The evidence that people have been reconciled to God is that they seek reconciliation with one another. Indeed, they become, as it were, agents of horizontal reconciliation. Next, the call to holiness is given by means of six appeals, namely, (1) "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers" (2 Cor. 6:14, NKJV); (2) " 'Come out from among them' " (2 Cor. 6:17, NKJV); (3) " 'Be separate' " (2 Cor. 6:17, NKJV); (4)" 'Do not touch what is unclean' " (2 Cor. 6:17, NKJV); (5) "Let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit" (2 Cor. 7:1, ESV); (6) "Make holiness perfect in the fear of God" (2 Cor. 7:1, RSV; emphasis supplied). These exhortations show that a holy God requires a holy life and separation from idolatry. On the other hand, the passage also brings seven promises that highlight the role of the Christian church as a holy temple: (1) " 'I will dwell in them' "; (2) " '[I will] walk among them' "; (3) " 'I will be their God' "; (4) " 'They shall be My people' "; (5) " 'I will receive you' "; (6) " 'I will be a Father to you' "; (7) " 'You shall be My sons and daughters' " (2 Cor. 6:16-17, 18, NKJV). Notice that the four promises in 2 Corinthians 6:16 are the basis for the three imperatives in 2 Corinthians 6:17 (see the word "therefore" at the beginning of 2 Corinthians 6:17). This demonstrates that holiness is not the result of one's efforts but the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart. Although holiness results from God, believers must do their part and reject idolatry and every impure practice. What do God's promises in 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 tell us about what holiness is?

  8. Sep 1

    Episode 2870 - Lesson 10 - Tuesday September 01 - Christ-focused Ministry of Reconciliation

    Christ-focused Ministry of Reconciliation Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-15. How does this passage demonstrate that Paul's ministry is Christ-centered? Paul knew he was supposed to render an account of his ministry to Christ (2 Cor. 5:10). He knew "the fear of the LORD" and sought to persuade people about the gospel of Christ (2 Cor. 5:11, ESV). This fear is reverence and awe toward Christ and, hence, it is combined with Paul's love for Christ and trust in Christ's love for him. In the Old Testament, to fear the Lord means to walk in His ways, to love Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and soul (Deut. 10:12). Paul's ministry is not self-focused but Christ-focused. He did not commend himself. The reason for his boasting is Christ (2 Cor. 12:9). He said, "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Gal. 6:14, ESV). Thus, the Corinthians' opportunity to boast about him (2 Cor. 5:12) means to be proud of his Christ-focused ministry in contrast to the self-focused ministry of his opponents. Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Colossians 1:19-23, and Ephesians 2:13-16. What did Paul mean by "ministry of reconciliation"? Christ is the minister of reconciliation par excellence. As such, He "has given us the ministry of reconciliation" (2 Cor. 5:18, NKJV). The idea of reconciliation occurs over and over throughout 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. This is an essential concept for Paul, and so must it be for us, too. God has reconciled humanity to Himself by means of the atoning death of His Son. Those who were reconciled to God are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). Now, they are supposed to pass this "message of reconciliation" onward by proclaiming the gospel of Christ (2 Cor. 5:19, ESV). In this sense, "we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us" (2 Cor. 5:20, NKJV). Think about what Christ has done for you. Think about the guilt, the sin, the condemnation that would be yours but for what He did for you at the cross. How should this reality impact how you relate to others, especially those who don't know the Lord?

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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

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