Sabbath: Persecuted but Not Forsaken
Daily Lesson for Sabbath 27th of December 2025
Image © Pacific Press
Read for This Week’s Study
Ephesians 3:1; 2 Corinthians 4:7-12; Acts 9:16; Philemon 1:15-16; Colossians 4:9; Philippians 1:1-3; Colossians 1:1-2.
Memory Text:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, NKJV).
An Adventist pastor, imprisoned on false charges, spent nearly two years behind bars. Though at first greatly perplexed, he realized the prison was his God-given mission field. When his fellow prisoners learned that he was a pastor, they asked him to preach. He did, and he gave out literature too. He even baptized prisoners and conducted Communion services.
“At times,” he admitted, “it was difficult ministering in the prison, but there was also joy, especially when you saw prayers answered and lives changed.”
Paul wrote Philippians and Colossians from prison (see Philippians 1:7, Colossians 4:3). In fact, in Philippi itself, after Paul and Silas were unjustly accused, the jailer put “their feet in the stocks” (Acts 16:24, NKJV). At midnight, they were “praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25, NKJV; emphasis supplied). Truly they knew how to “rejoice always.”
This week we’ll look at the circumstances that Paul faced. He saw a larger purpose for what happened to him, and perhaps we can learn from him when we, as we inevitably do, face our own trials.
*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, January 3.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, NKJV).
The above memory text is an eye-opener and an antidote to many heartaches and headaches. Many…many people in the world today are lacking joy because they are looking for it in the wrong places. For instance, they expect to find joy in things/relationships/jobs/substances/circumstances, but sadly, they never find it. True joy is only found in the Lord. True joy is only rooted in the Lord. Circumstances may change and shake us to the core, but they do not define us if we are in the Lord. Paul is simply telling us not to build our joy on what can be lost, but on One who cannot be taken away. The world is constantly promising us joy through more stuff, but Paul is insisting on telling us that by belonging to the Lord, all joy will be ours.
Jesus specifically pinpointed His followers to the true source of joy. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11). Jesus said, “My joy”, true joy is found in Jesus. True joy is received from Jesus. Any other kind of joy is “manufactured”, and it fades away. By abiding in Him, His joy will flow to us.
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing”(John 15:5).
We are studying two of Paul’s letters this quarter and it is worth considering how Paul became so important to us. We know that he wrote roughtly 25% of the New Testament but, interestingly, the congregations thought that what he wrote was important enough to keep. I know that we can write reams about his theology and the work of the Holy Spirit, but the thing that appeals to me is that nearly all his letters contain personal greetings. He was not writing theoretical theology for us. He was writing encouragement and admonition to people he knew on a first-name basis.
The spreading of the Gospel was built of friendship and love for one another.
“By this shall all men know…”
Amen!
Is there anything too hard for the Lord to do? As we delve into this new lesson let us keep in mind that whatever tasks He entrusts you to do He will give you the power to accomplish it.
Remember Philippians 4:13-I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength!!!!!
A good lesson to study on Faith. “Persecuted but not alone” We have another opportunity to study the faith of Paul.an epistles to Philippians and Collosians.Paul, one in whom persecution was his best take. Now a convert in labour for Christ. Being in prison and still stronger in Faith.
It’s just a forethought of reflection of what will come to us(Prophecy or with us(challenge of life)
The Jewish leaders had supposed that the work of Christ would end with him; that when his voice was no longer heard, the excitement would die out, and the people would return to the doctrines and traditions of men. But instead of this, they witnessed the marvelous scenes of the day of Pentecost. The disciples, endowed with a power and energy hitherto unknown, preached Christ to the vast multitude. When moment will come to bring us down. Let’s not faint in faith. We focus on Jesus with no negotiation. In a little while we are going home. And hard time are coming. Cling onto Jesus. The finisher of our faith.
It is uplifting that God remains the same ( Malachi 3: 6, Hebrews 13: 8, James 1: 17). His ability to give us peace is not dependent on external circumstances but on His love and personality. I am strengthened by this lesson as a parent and church leader that the tasks He has set ahead for me will be made possible by seeking Him for the guidance. Pray for me to understand this even better !
Most of us are sad in this life because we are trying to seek for joy in the wrong places(fashion,relationships,marriages,workplaces,shopping e.t.c) All these are man made and can not satisfy our hungering spirits, all we need is the joy of the Lord_ Jesus calls it “My joy” and this is very powerful. Our happiness is realized when we trade our sorrows and all that we love just for the joy of the Lord!
Joy is not about having a perfect life.Some days are difficult and things do not go as planned.But God never changes.When we choose to rejoice in Him, our hearts find peace and strength.
Let your joy be seen through a smile, kind words and helping others.
I have to rejoice in the Lord for the Sabbath School Lesson! What a blessing! Every single daily study speaks to me directly! God is wonderful!!!
The joy of the Lord is our strength. Paul’s example is definitely one we can learn from. I am encouraged today to rejoice in the Lord always. Especially when I may be placed in undesirable situations, knowing that being placed their doesn’t exempt me from reflecting the light of the Lord by my life, my response and my attitude.
Since we are in religious freedom presently in the United States we can’t have joy in suffering in prison for our faith in Lord Jesus Christ. However we can have joy in encouraging our brothers and sisters, and being ready to share our faith. That is the genuine joy that Doug and Rehema are talking about. It is much more rewarding than worldly joy.
I shan’t forget the letter Maurice gave us from William Johnsson past editor of the Review and Herald. His message should be ringing in our ears. Pastors and those who stand up front should be cheerleaders of the flock. And affirm, affirm, affirm the congregation of their faith, or if you prefer to strengthen our affirmation of our Biblical beliefs. I got the point I do believe, He was saying we encourage the flock in truth. And as for us the flock, we need to take the encouragement as for our salvation rather than judgement or condemnation.
There is a lot of affirming in Paul’s messages let us take his word as healing encouragement to our souls. Luke 5:32.
This is what rejoicing in the Lord is all about.
1Kings 8:61 Let your heart therefore be wholly true to the Lord our God, walking in his statutes and keeping his commandments, as at this day.