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Commentary on "The Priestly Garments of Grace"
Day 5: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 - Breastplate of Judgment
Overview
“…The idea is still there: God’s people must be completely dependent upon the Lord, who forgives them, who sustains them, and who offers them the power to live the holy lives that He demands from His people (Phil. 4:13).” (Teacher’s Quarterly, Page 60)
Problems
Wednesday, too, offers some wonderful explanation regarding how the High Priest’s breastplate (actually, bag or pouch) relates to the work of Jesus.
However, the quote above again exposes Adventism’s only approach to holiness—do your best, and God does the rest.
The Philippians 4:13 reference is taken completely out of context in order to prove the point that God enables us to perform His demands. Here’s a more inclusive version of that passage, verses 10-19:
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
It is clear from the context that Paul is 1) thanking them for their thoughtful gifts, 2) talking about being content, and 3) reminding them that God will supply their needs similarly. There is nothing here about meeting God’s demands for perfection or being enabled to do so.
Lest you think I’m nit-picking the Adventist position, let me point out that many in the so-called Word of Faith community use the same verses, just as much out of context, to “prove” their false doctrine. It doesn’t seem to matter that a particular passage teaches nothing related to the point in question. As long as there is a word or phrase that fits their interpretation they will use it. “Danger, Will Robinson. Danger!”
Copyright 2011 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised April 20, 2011. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Glendale, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.
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Official Adventist Resources
Standard Edition Study Guide Week 5
Teacher's Edition Study Guide Week 5
Easy Reading Edition Study Guide Wk 5
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