God’s gracious purpose and saving work intersected at the cross. There Christ, the one Mediator, gave Himself as a ransom for all, and by this singular act revealed the Father’s tender heart toward the lost. When we are tempted to question whether God cares for us in our weakness, grief, and struggles, we must look again to Calvary and rest in the sure proof of His love. This testimony of grace was meant for all the world to know. Therefore, God commissioned Paul as His chosen instrument to proclaim this gospel of grace to the nations. May we, too, be smooth and unobstructed channels of that same grace, making Christ known to all around us.
Convictions are the roots that hold and steady the tree of compassion. Paul underscores three deep convictions that undergird compassion for the lost: one God, one Mediator, and one Ransom. In this study, we give thoughtful attention to these three biblical truths that move us to pray and labor for the salvation of the lost.
God desires all people to be saved. This fundamental truth about God our Savior had grown dim in the church at Ephesus, and Paul seeks to restore it by calling believers to pray for the lost. Here is where our hearts begin to align with the heart of the God of salvation. As beloved children, we are to share His concern, calling those who are not walking with the Lord to reconciliation with Him and restoration to His paths of righteousness. May God be magnified in us as we move in step with His love for the lost.
The heart of God seeks the salvation of the lost. Paul reminds us of three gospel convictions that reinforce this compassion for the lost.
Children of God should have their Father’s heart in them. His Spirit within us should drive us not to personal comfort and ease but to blood-earnestness to lead others to reconciliation with God.
The church's greatest need is not better philosophy, more impressive speakers, or superior rhetoric, rather, a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross.
God cares for His people by providing faithful shepherds to lead and nurture His church. In Scripture, believers are described as sheep, and church leaders are called to shepherd the flock willingly, eagerly, and not for selfish gain. Their role is not to rule harshly, but to lead by godly example through love for God, obedience to His Word, and faithful living. This lesson reminds us that receiving shepherding care means humbly being part of Christ’s church, learning from faithful leaders, and ultimately looking to Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, who will reward faithfulness when He returns.
God cares for His people by providing faithful shepherds to lead and nurture His church. In Scripture, believers are described as sheep, and church leaders are called to shepherd the flock willingly, eagerly, and not for selfish gain. Their role is not to rule harshly, but to lead by godly example through love for God, obedience to His Word, and faithful living. This lesson reminds us that receiving shepherding care means humbly being part of Christ’s church, learning from faithful leaders, and ultimately looking to Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, who will reward faithfulness when He returns.
Suffering for Christ is not something strange, but something believers should expect in a fallen world. When Christians face persecution for the sake of righteousness, they are sharing in the sufferings of Christ and are called to rejoice, knowing they are blessed and that God’s Spirit rests upon them. Such trials test and strengthen genuine faith, producing endurance and proving our hope in Him. Rather than being ashamed, believers glorify God, entrust their souls to Him as the righteous Judge, and continue doing what is right. This lesson reminds us that Christians can and should rejoice even in persecution, trusting God’s purposes and His promised glory to come.
Saul and the army of Israel come face to face with the champion of the Philistines, Goliath. While David sees the other Israelites and king Saul filled with their fear, he instead trusts the LORD to deliver Israel. How will God give them victory over this great enemy?
Who will be God’s anointed king after Saul has been rejected by Him? What is it that God is looking for in the next king of Israel?
Israel is given a king, Saul, like all the other nations, after rejecting God as their king. Saul was chosen by God to rule over and deliver His people from the Philistines. In today’s lesson, we will see that Saul was truly a king like the other nations in that while he won battles against his enemies, he did not love God and he did not obey Him. What will God do?
