By Ruth Dusingize 
HIGHLIGHT: As we crown up this year’s first quarterly lesson study, the three major themes covered this week are: mission is a collaborative effort of people working together in close connection; and because of this, church leaders and missionaries must work with clear purpose in mind, so that church members may “stand perfect and complete”; and, a profound love for Jesus removes any possibility of compromising with this world’s standards and with materialism that characterises it.
Memory Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
SABBATH: INTRODUCTION
This week’s study concludes Paul’s letter to the Colossians and reveals his vision for mission and teamwork. Paul used his time and resources wisely, reaching key centers of the Roman Empire and training dedicated believers to spread the gospel to cities he could not visit.
Even in prison, he encouraged and connected churches through his letters, strengthening their unity in Christ. His example shows that the success of God’s work depends on every believer—men and women alike—working together. Paul’s passion for the gospel inspires us to serve faithfully wherever God places us.
SUNDAY: LESSONS ON OUTREACH
Paul set up churches in the prominent towns of Corinth and Ephesus and being this strategic, the Gospel would reach on to the smaller towns as time went by. He kept in touch with them by personally returning and also by sending his co-workers in God’s mission such as Tychicus and Onesimus, whom he described as faithful ministers, to go and testify to the fellow believers about what they had seen.
He encouraged the believers and sending these witnesses was a way he used to strengthen their faith so that they could win more souls to Christ in return.
(READ Colossians 4:7-9; Ephesians 6:21; Acts 20:4; 2Timothy 4:12; Titus 3:12)
MONDAY: CHURCH CONNECTIVITY
Paul kept mission moving forward through team work with fellow labourers of the Gospel, among whom were Jews, namely, Aristarchus, Mark and Justus and Gentiles namely, Epaphras, Luke and Demas.
Paul conveyed greetings to the believers of the early church through these individuals as a way of strengthening the companionship between church leaders and the congregations.
Furthermore, this team work highlights the fact that mission work is not a solitary activity, and the fact that, differences dissolve in the unity of faith.
(READ Colossians 4:10-14; Ephesians 6:10&11; 2Timothy 2:1-4; Acts 13:13)
TUESDAY: STANDING PERFECT AND COMPLETE
The major focus that Paul and his co-workers had was for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to spread far and wide and this resulted into its success because it spread across the Roman Empire and beyond.
Among them was Epaphrus who was a fellow prisoner as Paul. However, in as much as he wasn’t physically present to carry on with the work, he earnestly prayed for the believers that they would grow and spiritually mature in Christ Jesus so that they would live worthily of the Lord and please Him is all respects.
He wished that they grow a Christ-like character which is evidenced by being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
(READ Colossians 1:9-11,23; 4:12&13; Philippians 3:12-16; Ephesians 6:10-18; Romans 4:21; 13:12; Matthew 5:44&48; 2Timothy 4:17)
WEDNESDAY: LIVING IN THIS WORLD BUT NOT OF IT
Unlike Luke who remained with Paul throughout ministry due to His love for Jesus and His kingdom, Demas deserted Paul and chose the world which he loved more than God and mission.
However, just like Jesus Christ warned His disciples, Paul warns us to “watch” and “be vigilant.” We should always be ready for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. However, being able to do so is determinant on which Master our hearts serve, whether God or the World(and the Devil).
We are not to love this world, for everything in it will perish and be destroyed. We are to keep our eyes fixed on God’s word and keep our lives in check, without fault.
(READ Colossians 4:14&15; 2Timothy 4:10&11; 1John 2:15; Mark 13:32-37; 14:38; Titus 2:11-14; 2Peter 3:10-14; Revelation 3:17-21)
THURSDAY: A MESSAGE FOR LAODICEA
Jesus gives a clear prescription. First, we must repent of our sins. Then open our hearts to Him and let Him be in control and then obtain the “gold” of faith and love tested by trial and victorious over temptation.
Similarly to this message, Paul urges the Church at Colossae to accept Jesus Christ, to repent and bear fruit which would stand the punishment of the last days. This message is also similar to that which was given to the Israelites by the Prophets.
Furthermore, The heaven and earth will be united by God only after the end of sin.
(READ Colossians 2:1-3; 4:16-18; Isaiah 1:16-21; 60:1-3; 62:1-5; Matthew 3:2,8-10; 4:17; 12:33-37; Acts 2:38; Revelation 18:1-4; 21:3&8; John 12:31; Hebrews 13:21)
FRIDAY: FURTHER THOUGHT
If we do not co-operate with the heavenly agencies, Satan will take possession of the heart, and will make it his abiding place. The only defense against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin.
(READ The Desire of Ages p.324 by Ellen G White)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- How can you, at your local church, work to lessen the things that threaten our unity? What are these tensions at the local level, and what can be done about them?
- What specifics might Jesus be asking you to repent of in your life? What part of His prescription are you in need of most?
- What can you yourself(not looking at anyone else) do in order to remain faithful to God and to the truth He has given us? That is, what choices are you making that reveal who truly has your heart?
- How has God called you to help others grow in spiritual maturity and to prepare for heaven?
- In what ways does your love for Jesus keep you safe from compromising with this world’s values? What does it mean to be in this world but not of it?