Episode 2651 - Lesson 5 - Sabbath January 24 - Shining as Lights in the Night

Sabbath AfternoonRead for This Week's Study: Phil. 2:12-30; Rom. 3:23-24; Rom. 5:8; 2 Tim. 4:6; 1 Cor. 4:17; 2 Tim. 4:21, 13; Luke 7:2Memory Text: "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:14-15, NKJV).God told the Hebrews to obey because that obedience "is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people'" (Deut. 4:6, NKJV).Centuries later Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" (John 8:12, NKJV). He has also said, " 'You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden' " (Matt. 5:14, NKJV). How can we be that light? Only through a close connection with Jesus, "the true light that gives light to everyone" (John 1:9, NIV). As Philippians 2 says, God "has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow ... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Phil. 2:9-11, NKJV).The light and power of heaven is available to all of us who have surrendered our lives to Jesus. But too often either we expect God to do it all or our own ideas and plans get in the way. That's why Paul's words to the Philippians are so relevant today.* Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, January 31.