✉️ CHRIST IN PHILIPPIANS AND COLOSSIANS
⛪ Lesson 13 : Standing in All the Will of God
📘 13.7 Questions
🤔 Decision, Direction, and Influence
“Christ makes the person who yields to Him His fortress, which He defends in the midst of a rebellious world. He desires that in this fortress only His authority be acknowledged. Whoever remains under this heavenly rule cannot be overcome by Satan’s attacks. But if we do not submit to the guidance of Christ, we will be controlled by the evil one. We inevitably stand under the leadership of one or the other power that is fighting for supremacy in this world. We do not need to consciously choose the kingdom of darkness in order to serve under its rule. It is enough simply to neglect to unite ourselves with the kingdom of light. If we do not cooperate with heavenly agencies, Satan will take possession of our hearts and dwell there. The only protection against evil is that Christ dwells in our hearts through faith in His righteousness. If we do not maintain a living relationship with God, we cannot resist the unholy effects of self-love and love of pleasure, as well as the temptations to sin. We may give up many bad habits and for a time separate ourselves from Satan, but without a living connection with God and without continual surrender to Him, we will be defeated. Without personal acquaintance with Christ and without constant fellowship with Him, we remain under the influence of the enemy and will ultimately carry out his desires.” (SDL 306)
Questions:
1.Look at the quotation above from Ellen White. Yes, in the great controversy there are only two sides. If we do not consciously choose Christ, we stand on Satan’s side. Even if this idea disturbs our feelings, God is not obligated to ensure that His truth does not offend our emotions. What does this fact tell you about how crucial the surrender of your will to Christ really is?
2.Read Revelation 14:14–16. The early rain at Pentecost caused the seed of the gospel to sprout and grow, while the latter rain prepares the earth for the final harvest. What does Revelation 14:12 have to do with this perspective?
3.How are we, as a church and as individual believers, influenced by the culture and the world around us? How can we protect ourselves from the negative influences of the world, which have been a problem for God’s people in every age?
📖 1. Introduction – An Uncomfortable Truth
Sometimes there are truths we do not like to hear. They challenge us because they are clear and leave no room for excuses. The quotation makes one thing clear: there is no neutral position in the spiritual life.
Many people think they can simply remain “neutral.” But according to the Bible, that is not possible. Not deciding is already a decision.
📜 2. The Central Message of the Quotation
The quotation draws a clear line:
A person either belongs under the guidance of Christ or is shaped by other influences.
Especially striking is the idea that it is not necessary to consciously decide against God. It is enough not to actively choose Him.
👉 This makes it clear:
The will is decisive.
Who leads my life – myself or Christ?
💡 3. Question 1 – Surrender of the Will
The first question goes straight to the heart of faith.
If there are truly only two sides, then surrendering the will is not a minor issue, but the most important decision of all.
The fact that God’s truth sometimes challenges our feelings shows:
Faith is not based on feelings, but on truth.
👉 This means in practice:
- I trust God even when I do not understand everything
- I consciously submit my will to His will
- I actively choose Christ
🌾 4. Question 2 – Preparation for the Harvest
In Revelation 14:14–16, the world is described as a field ready for harvest. The image shows that history has a goal.
Revelation 14:12 describes people characterized by three things:
Patience, faithfulness to God’s commandments, and faith in Jesus.
👉 The connection is clear:
The “harvest” concerns not only the world as a whole, but also the personal condition of each individual.
Preparation happens in daily life:
- through consistent trust
- through lived faith
- through faithfulness in small decisions
🌍 5. Question 3 – Influence of the World
The world often influences us more than we realize. Values, ways of thinking, and priorities shape our behavior gradually.
The problem is not that we live in the world, but when the world begins to live in us.
👉 Protection does not come through withdrawal, but through intentional direction:
- regular connection with God
- conscious decisions in daily life
- careful evaluation of influences
✝️ 6. Theological Focus
These questions reveal a central biblical principle:
Human beings always stand under a spiritual authority.
A living relationship with Christ is not optional, but necessary. Without this connection, a person is automatically shaped by other forces.
This means:
Faith is not static, but dynamic.
It lives through daily decisions and continual relationship.
🔧 7. Application in Daily Life
This lesson becomes practical when we are honest:
- Do I consciously make decisions for God?
- Do I actively nurture my relationship with Him?
- Do I recognize influences that weaken my faith?
It is not about perfection, but about direction.
❓ 8. Reflection Question
When I look at my life today—
does it show that I am consciously living under God’s guidance?
🌟 9. Final Thought
In the end, it is not about which side you once stood on,
but which side you stand on today.
👉 Every day is a new decision.
