Scripture Focus: Philippians 1, 4; Colossians 1, 4; Ephesians 3
Overview
This week’s Sabbath School lesson, titled "Persecuted but Not Forsaken," launches a new quarter focused on the "Prison Epistles" of Paul, specifically Philippians and Colossians. The lesson examines Paul’s imprisonment (likely in Rome) and his remarkable ability to "Rejoice in the Lord always" despite being in chains.
Key themes presented in the lesson include:
- The Reality of Suffering: The lesson details Paul’s physical and emotional hardships, listing trials like beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment. It emphasizes that suffering does not mean God has abandoned His children.
- Mission Strategy: It highlights Paul’s strategic evangelism, such as targeting influential cities like Philippi and Ephesus and training co-workers like Timothy and Epaphras.
- Joy in the Spirit: The central application is maintaining joy and resilience through the "love of Christ," which sustains believers during persecution.
- SDA Specifics: The lesson weaves in Ellen G. White's commentary to explain Paul's mindset at martyrdom and to define the role of the Holy Spirit in overcoming "hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil." It also asserts that the SDA church organization follows the New Testament model established by the apostles.
FAP Response
As Former Adventists, we can deeply appreciate the biblical focus on Paul’s resilience. However, we must view the commentary through the lens of the New Covenant and be aware of the subtle denominational distinctives woven into the text.
1. The Definition of "Persecution."
The lesson rightly points out that persecution is a reality for Christians. However, within the Adventist worldview, "persecution" is often heavily coded to mean the future "Time of Trouble" and Sunday Laws.
The lesson quotes Tertullian: "the blood of Christians is seed."
Our Perspective: We must remember that Paul was persecuted for the Gospel of Grace for preaching that Gentiles were co-heirs with Jews without needing the Law of Moses. He was not persecuted for keeping the Sabbath. In fact, Paul was often in conflict with the "Judaizers" who tried to enforce days and laws on believers.
When we face rejection from the Adventist family or friends for leaving the church, we share a small taste of this suffering for the sake of the true, unmixed Gospel.
2. Sanctification vs. Perfectionism.
The lesson quotes The Desire of Ages to say the Spirit empowers us to "overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil."
Our Perspective: While we believe in the power of the Spirit, we must be careful with the SDA tendency toward perfectionism. In the New Covenant, our standing before God is not determined by our success in overcoming every tendency (which often leads to anxiety), but by our union with Christ. We are "complete in Him" (Colossians 2:10). The Spirit produces fruit in us naturally as we abide in Jesus, not as a requirement to secure our final salvation.
3. Church Organization and Authority.
The lesson claims that SDA pioneers followed the "New Testament model" of organization and implies that the hierarchical structure (overseers, deacons) supports the SDA system.
Our Perspective: The New Testament church was organic and centered on local leadership, quite different from the centralized General Conference structure. Furthermore, the lesson uses Ellen White to validate biblical interpretation, for example, describing exactly what Paul saw before his execution ("the calm blue heaven").
As FAP, we affirm Sola Scriptura. We do not need extra-biblical revelation to validate Paul's hope; the Scripture is sufficient.
FAP Theological Conclusion & Reflection for Former Adventists.
This lesson reminds us that our identity is not in our circumstances, but in Christ. Paul called himself a "prisoner of Jesus Christ," not a prisoner of Rome.
For the Former Adventist, this is crucial:
- We are Free: We are no longer prisoners to a system of fear, date-setting, or investigative judgments.
- We are Secure: The lesson asks, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" While we must remain in the faith, we have a strong assurance that God is the one keeping us. The "love of Christ" is not a prize for good Sabbath-keeping; it is the fuel of our existence.
- We are Missional: Just as Paul used his imprisonment to spread the Gospel to the "palace guard," our experience of leaving Adventism is our mission field. We have a unique testimony to share with those still trapped in legalism. We can show them that leaving the organization does not mean leaving Jesus; in fact, it often means finding Him more fully.
The lesson mentions "rejoice always." True joy is hard to find when you are constantly worried if you have unconfessed sin or if you are "overcoming" enough. But in the New Covenant, joy is the natural response to Grace. We rejoice because the work is finished.
Real Talk Reflection: Joy Even When It’s Messy
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4, NKJV)
Mga kapatid, let’s be honest. Sometimes, leaving the SDA church feels like you just entered a different kind of prison, ‘di ba? You lose your community, your childhood friends, and sometimes even your family treats you like an outsider. It’s painful. It’s lonely. When the lesson asks, "Rejoice always," you might want to say, "Paano? How can I rejoice when my parents won't talk to me because I go to church on Sunday?" But look at Paul. He was literally in chains. He wasn't rejoicing because the prison food was yummy or the floor was soft. He was rejoicing because he knew who held him.
When we were Adventists, our "joy" often depended on our performance. Did I keep the Sabbath right? Did I pay my tithe? Am I ready for the Time of Trouble? It was exhausting. Now, under the New Covenant, our joy is different. It’s steady. Why? Because it’s not based on us. It’s based on Jesus. Even if people judge us, even if we are misunderstood, we are "Persecuted but Not Forsaken." God has not left you. In fact, He led you out so He could hug you tighter without the barrier of legalism.
So today, if you’re feeling the weight of judgment from your SDA past, take a deep breath. You are safe in His grace. You are free. And that is enough reason to smile again.
Next Step: This week, if an SDA friend or relative sends you a "guilt-trip" message or a prophecy update, don't argue. Just reply with grace and say, "I am just so happy resting in what Jesus did for me." Let your joy be your defense.
Former Adventists Philippines
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Former Adventists Philippines Association, Inc
SEC Registration No: 2025090219381-03
Former Adventists Philippines Association, Inc
SEC Registration No: 2025090219381-03
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