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Commentary on "Joyous and Thankful"
Day 1: Sabbath Afternoon, July 21, 2012 - Introduction
Overview
This first lesson focuses on the many good things Paul has to say about the Thessalonians. The Lesson author, Paulien, states, “Paul then rejoices that the Thessalonians, on the whole, appear to be remaining faithful. Their lives offered abundant evidence of the life-changing power of the Spirit…”
Observations
In the first chapter, Paul describes the Thessalonians’ faith, hope, and love, and for Paulien, these traits are the keys to motivation in the Christian life. This week’s lesson, he emphasizes their very practical, active nature, and explores how the true meanings of these words are only realized in a practical way. Faith, hope, and love are principles of sound psychology in action, not “abstract ideas.”
Where is the truly spiritual element in Christian motivation? The 19th century evangelist Charles Finney believed in the central role of the human will in spirituality, and belittled God’s central role in faith. He believed that when evangelists implement proper motivational tools, they can produce powerful emotional experiences that will change lives. His ideas and methods have left a lasting affect on evangelical Christianity, as well as on Seventh-day Adventism.
There appear to be common elements in Paulien’s teachings and those of Finney. This week we will examine Paulien’s study of Christian motivation, and see how much of a psychologist the apostle Paul really was. Can Paul’s writings be used as a guide for motivational speakers, life coaches, or psychotherapists, even if they don’t embrace Paul’s Christ and His gospel? Is good motivational psychology what the Holy Spirit uses in the lives of Christians to produce holy living that endures to the end?
Summary
- The Lesson emphasizes the practical, general psychological principles found in Paul’s writings.
- Paulien’s emphasis on psychological principles for Christian motivation resembles the methods of 19th century evangelist, Charles Finney.
- We need to examine the premise that enduring Christian holiness is a matter of strengthening the human will through practical psychology.
Copyright 2012 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised July 20, 2012. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Camp Verde, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.
The Sabbath School Bible Study Guide and the corresponding E.G. White Notes are published by Pacific Press Publishing Association, which is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist church. The current quarter's editions are pictured above.
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