CONFIANZA SOLO EN CRISTO | Panel de Escuela Sabática por 3ABN | Lección 6 | 1er Trim. 2026

Introduction to the Study Panel

Overview of the Lesson

• Jill Moriconi introduces the panel discussing "Uniting Heaven and Earth: Christ in Philippians and Colossians," focusing on lesson six, "Trust Only in Christ."

• Viewers are encouraged to download a copy of the adult Bible study guide from their website or visit their local Seventh-day Adventist Church for resources.

Panel Introductions and Topics

Panel Members

• Pastor John Lomakay discusses Paul's past life.

• Pastor John Dinsy focuses on what truly matters.

• Pastor James Rfordy shares insights on "The Faith of Christ."

• Shelly Queen will cover knowing Christ, highlighting four keys provided by Paul.

Opening Prayer and Contextual Discussion

Importance of Prayer

• The panel begins with a prayer led by Pastor James, asking for guidance as they study God's word.

Religions and Salvation

• Discussion about various religions, noting that there are approximately 4,000 different religions worldwide.

• Christianity is identified as the largest religion followed by Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism.

Salvation Through Works vs. Grace

Commonality Among Religions

• Most religions aim to reach heaven through works; this raises questions about human nature's attraction to salvation through deeds.

Human Nature and Pride

• The desire for self-satisfaction leads people to believe they can earn their way into heaven. This may stem from upbringing or feelings of guilt.

Christianity's Unique Perspective

Justification by Faith

• Christianity emphasizes God's justice rather than self-righteousness; it stands apart from other faith systems that rely on works for salvation.

Misconceptions About God’s Acceptance

• A works-based religion reflects a misunderstanding of God's love; believers may feel compelled to earn acceptance through actions rather than faith alone.

Understanding Works in Salvation

Role of Good Works

• While good works are important in Christian life, they do not contribute to salvation; sanctification is viewed as a gift from Jesus.

Memory Text Focus

• The memory text for this week is Philippians 3:10–11, emphasizing knowing Christ intimately through His resurrection power and suffering.

Exploring Philippians Chapter 3

Rejoicing in the Lord

• The lesson highlights rejoicing in Jesus as central to understanding salvation. Paul encourages believers to find joy rooted in their relationship with Him.

Salvation by Grace: A Reminder to Rejoice

The Importance of Rejoicing in the Lord

• The speaker emphasizes that salvation is not based on works but is a reminder that we are saved by grace through faith, referencing Philippians 3:1.

• Paul reiterates the need for joy, stating that reminders can prevent mistakes and help during discouraging times. Joy is essential even amidst life's challenges.

• Recognizing our growth in Christ involves acknowledging His sacrifice for our salvation, justification, and sanctification. We rejoice in the Lord and the Gospel He provides.

• The speaker connects rejoicing in the Lord with loving the Gospel; true joy stems from understanding and embracing this message.

Warnings Against False Teachings

• Transitioning to Philippians 3:2, Paul warns against "dogs," "evil workers," and "mutilation," indicating a serious caution against false teachings within the church.

• These terms describe wicked or irreligious individuals who impose unnecessary requirements like physical circumcision on Gentile believers to join the church.

Historical Context of Circumcision Debate

• The debate over circumcision was significant during Paul's time, particularly highlighted at the Jerusalem Council around AD 49 (Acts 15).

• This issue raised questions about whether salvation comes solely through grace or if works play a role. Paul addresses this throughout his letters.

Justification by Faith

• Paul clarifies that Abraham was justified by faith before circumcision, emphasizing that external signs do not determine one's relationship with God (Romans 4).

• He stresses that justification occurs internally before any outward sign takes place, reinforcing that faith alone suffices for salvation.

Internal vs. External Righteousness

• In Philippians 3:3, Paul states true circumcision is internal—worshiping God in spirit rather than relying on physical acts or confidence in fleshly achievements.

• Romans 2:28–29 further clarifies this point; being a Jew is an internal matter of heart transformation rather than mere external compliance with laws.

The Depth of God's Law

• The speaker reflects on humanity's tendency to seek favor through external actions instead of recognizing God's desire for inner change—a theme echoed throughout scripture.

• Jesus' teachings illustrate how moral laws extend beyond actions to thoughts and intentions (Matthew 5–7), highlighting the need for profound internal transformation.

By structuring these notes chronologically with clear timestamps linked to key insights from the transcript, readers can easily navigate complex discussions surrounding grace, joy in faith, and warnings against false teachings.

Understanding Salvation and Works in Philippians

The Foundation of Salvation

• The study of Philippians chapter 3 emphasizes rejoicing in the salvation provided by God, highlighting that external works are not necessary to add to one's salvation.

• The speaker introduces the concept of sanctification, noting its biblical significance while indicating that the manner of being sanctified will be explored further.

Paul's Transformation and Perspective

• It is common for Christian converts to reflect on their lives as "before" and "after" accepting Jesus, a theme echoed in Paul's writings in Philippians 3.

• The speaker discusses the biblical assertion that no one is inherently good, referencing Romans which states, "No one is righteous." This underscores a focus on character rather than mere actions.

Paul’s Credentials and Confidence

• Paul contrasts his past confidence in his Jewish heritage with his current understanding of faith; he lists his credentials: circumcised on the eighth day, from the tribe of Benjamin, a Pharisee.

• He describes himself as meticulous regarding the law, illustrating how this mindset can lead to a false sense of righteousness.

Faith vs. Works Debate

• A discussion arises about keeping God's commandments; if Jesus commands it, believers must have the capacity to fulfill it through His empowerment.

• The speaker asserts that if Jesus asks something impossible from us, it would contradict His nature; thus believers are qualified and empowered by Christ's presence.

Addressing False Doctrines

• Paul implicitly contrasts Jewish believers promoting false doctrines with uncircumcised believers who rely solely on Christ for salvation without trusting human works like circumcision.

• Many letters from Paul (Romans, Ephesians, etc.) were written to counteract misleading teachings imposed by some Jewish Christians during New Testament times.

Understanding True Righteousness

• In 1 Corinthians 7:19, Paul emphasizes that physical rites like circumcision hold no value compared to obeying God's commandments.

• The speaker highlights how strict adherence to laws led some Jews to act against Christ's teachings—illustrating a disconnect between legalism and true faith.

Conclusion on Justification

• Romans 3:20 states that no human will be justified by works of the law but through faith alone. This distinction clarifies that both ceremonial laws and moral laws address sin differently.

• Ultimately, justification comes through faith apart from works—a central tenet emphasized throughout Paul's epistles.

Understanding the Spirit of the Law

The Essence of the Law

• The speaker discusses the distinction between the spirit and acts of the law, emphasizing that true adherence goes beyond mere actions to include intentions and feelings.

• Jesus magnifies the law, indicating that harboring hate or lust in one's heart is a violation of its principles, thus expanding its interpretation beyond physical actions.

Paul vs. Jesus on the Law

• There is a common misconception among Christians that Paul contradicts Jesus; however, both are aligned in their teachings about the law's purpose and implications.

• Paul describes the law as a mirror that reveals sin rather than creating it, highlighting our need for change through Christ.

The Role of Grace

• Jesus' teachings extend to show that sin originates in thoughts and desires, not just actions. This underscores our continuous need for grace even when we strive to live righteously.

• Both Paul and Jesus illustrate how the law exposes sin's true nature while also pointing towards salvation through faith in Christ.

The Spiritual Nature of the Law

Understanding Sin Through the Law

• Romans 3:20 states that knowledge of sin comes from the law; this highlights its role in revealing our shortcomings.

• Both Jesus and Paul affirm that while humans are flawed (carnal), it is not due to any fault in God's law but rather human nature itself.

Pursuing Perfection

• In Matthew 5:48, Jesus calls for perfection akin to God’s nature. This raises questions about achieving such standards given human imperfection.

• Justification by faith is emphasized as essential; Galatians 3:24 illustrates how the law serves as a tutor leading us to Christ for righteousness.

The Purpose and Fulfillment of the Law

Affirmation from Both Teachings

• Jesus clarifies his mission was not to abolish but fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17), aligning with Paul's view that it remains holy and good (Romans 7:12).

• The discussion concludes with an affirmation that while humans may struggle with sinfulness, it is through Christ alone we find goodness and righteousness.

Mission Moment Reflection

Personal Testimony Impacting Lives

• A personal story shared by Greg Moriconi highlights how messages can profoundly impact individuals facing despair, showcasing God's love and transformative power.

Importance of Faith

• Emphasizes surrendering one’s life to Christ leads to new beginnings; testimonies serve as powerful reminders of faith's ability to change lives dramatically.

What Truly Matters?

Reflecting on Priorities

• Discussion shifts towards understanding what truly matters in life, suggesting past prideful pursuits can hinder recognition of one's need for Christ.

Pablo y su Transformación Espiritual

La Conversión de Pablo

• Después de su conversión, el libro espiritual de Pablo cambió drásticamente, reflejando un cambio en sus valores desde el judaísmo hacia una perspectiva celestial.

• Se cita a Elena G. White, quien menciona que solo aquel que vino del cielo puede hablar correctamente sobre las cosas celestiales y advertir sobre los peligros de aferrarse a lo terrenal.

La Evaluación de Sufrimientos

• En Romanos 8:18, Pablo considera que los sufrimientos actuales no son comparables con la gloria futura, sugiriendo una evaluación profunda de lo que realmente importa.

• Se plantea la pregunta sobre qué podría ser más valioso que la vida eterna, destacando cómo el valor mundano puede cegar a muchos ante esta realidad.

La Competencia entre Valores Terrenales y Celestiales

• Existe una lucha constante entre seguir a Jesús y las distracciones del mundo; se enfatiza la necesidad de tomar la cruz diariamente para mantenerse enfocado en lo celestial.

• Se destaca la importancia de tener un devocional diario personal con Jesús, además del tiempo familiar.

El Engaño de las Riquezas

• Mateo 13:22 menciona cómo las preocupaciones mundanas y el engaño de las riquezas pueden ahogar la palabra y hacerla infructuosa.

• Se discute cómo muchas personas persiguen estatus material en lugar de priorizar su relación con Dios.

Tentaciones Mundanas

• En Lucas 4:5, se narra cómo Jesús fue tentado con riquezas y autoridad mundana; esto resalta la naturaleza real de las tentaciones enfrentadas por Él.

• Se subraya que aunque Jesús fue tentado como nosotros, permaneció sin pecado, ofreciendo un modelo a seguir en medio de nuestras propias luchas.

Reflexiones Finales sobre el Mundo

• En 1 Juan 2:16–17 se advierte sobre los deseos del mundo que no provienen del Padre; enfatizando que aquellos que hacen la voluntad de Dios permanecerán para siempre.

Priorities in Life and Spiritual Focus

The Importance of Prioritizing Spiritual Matters

• A well-known verse emphasizes not loving the world or its things, suggesting that true value lies in what God offers.

• Reflect on personal priorities: Are you pursuing worldly goals at the expense of spiritual time and family relationships?

• Philippians 3:8 highlights considering all worldly gains as loss compared to knowing Christ, emphasizing the importance of spiritual knowledge over material wealth.

Understanding Loss in a Spiritual Context

• The concept of loss is significant; it implies viewing worldly pursuits as detrimental to one's spiritual life.

• The Greek term for "rubbish" indicates worthless and detestable things, urging believers to focus on Jesus instead.

The Role of Being Found in Christ

Analyzing Philippians 3:8-9

• Pastor James Rafferty continues discussing Paul's emphasis on viewing personal righteousness as loss compared to Christ's righteousness.

• The lesson focuses on being found "in Him," a phrase prevalent throughout scripture, indicating a deep connection with Christ.

Broader Implications of Salvation

• Being "in Christ" encompasses the entire plan of salvation, from wisdom to glorification, highlighting its comprehensive nature.

• Citing 1 Corinthians 1:30 reinforces that salvation is entirely God's work from beginning to end.

Predestination and Its Controversies

Exploring Romans 8:28-30

• These verses summarize key themes from Romans, addressing predestination and its implications for humanity.

• Predestination is often misunderstood; biblically, it includes all humanity being known by God and called towards conformity with Christ's image.

Justification Explained

• All who are predestined are also called; this calling extends universally as Jesus draws everyone toward Himself.

• Justification involves both forgiveness through faith and justification leading to life—highlighting the distinction between spiritual death due to sin and continued grace through Christ.

The Impact of Sin and Redemption

Consequences of Adam's Sin

• Romans 5:18 discusses how sin entered through one man (Adam), resulting in condemnation for all humanity but also introduces redemption through Jesus.

The Role of Jesus as Savior

• Despite humanity's fall into sin, God's provision through Jesus allows for continued life—a testament to His grace.

Understanding God's Gift to Humanity

The Universality of God's Message

• In Acts 17:28, the speaker emphasizes that "in Him we live, move, and exist," addressing not just believers but Gentiles and Greeks, highlighting a universal message.

• The concept of being God's offspring is discussed, indicating that God’s gift through Jesus Christ extends beyond believers to all humanity.

Human Idolatry and Divine Reality

• A parallel is drawn between ancient idol worship and modern materialism, where people praise created things instead of honoring God who sustains their lives.

• The speaker notes that many do not recognize or honor God despite His sustaining presence in their lives.

Life Through the Cross

• The life every human possesses comes through the sacrifice at Calvary; this life is a gift from God regardless of one's belief status.

• Immortality is presented as a reward for those who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, contrasting with the general gift of life available to all.

Justification by Faith

• Romans 3:22–23 highlights that no one is righteous on their own; everyone has sinned. However, God's righteousness through faith in Jesus is accessible to all.

• The speaker stresses that Jesus died for everyone with the hope they would respond positively to His sacrifice.

Salvation's Availability

• Romans 3:3–4 discusses how individual disbelief does not negate God's faithfulness; salvation remains available to all unless one chooses otherwise.

• Emphasizing divine desire for repentance and salvation for everyone as stated in 2 Peter 3:9.

Life Sustained by Christ

• A quote from "The Desire of Ages" illustrates how even our physical sustenance (food and water) connects back to Christ's sacrifice.

Resurrection Hope

• Discusses the resurrection promise for both the righteous and unrighteous due to Adam's sin but emphasizes God's desire for salvation rather than condemnation.

Pursuit of True Righteousness

• Paul sought true righteousness through faith in Christ rather than self-righteousness; he recognized only Christ could provide what was needed.

Living by Faith

• The importance of living out one's faith in Christ is highlighted—believers manifesting His righteousness through their lives.

Understanding the Depth of Knowing Christ

The Desire to Know Christ

• Paul expresses a profound desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection, emphasizing that this yearning persists even after decades of ministry.

• This knowledge is not merely intellectual; Paul seeks an experiential understanding of Christ, highlighting a deep intimacy rather than historical facts.

Experiential Knowledge Through Scripture

• We come to know Christ through His written word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as promised in John 16:13.

• Engaging with Scripture allows us to understand God's nature—His love, justice, mercy, humility, and power—transforming information into a relational experience.

Power of Resurrection

• Knowing Christ also involves experiencing His resurrection power today, which brings spiritual renewal and victory over past defeats (Romans 6:4).

• The resurrection power transforms our hearts from guilt to grace, illustrating that Christian life is about divine empowerment rather than mere self-improvement.

Communion Through Suffering

• Paul emphasizes knowing Christ through sharing in His sufferings—a challenging concept that draws believers closer to Him during trials.

• Each hardship faced can deepen our understanding of what Jesus endured for us; suffering leads to purification rather than just pain.

Pursuing the Goal in Faith

• Paul encourages believers to focus on one goal: knowing Christ and becoming like Him. This singular focus is essential for spiritual growth.

• He likens life to a race where the ultimate prize is eternal life with God—an invitation to strive towards holiness and character transformation.

Letting Go of the Past

• To move forward spiritually, one must forget past failures or successes; looking back can hinder progress in faith.

• Believers are reminded that if they have confessed their sins (1 John 1:9), they are forgiven. They should not be held captive by guilt or shame from their past.

Understanding Spiritual Growth and the Journey of Faith

The Nature of Spiritual Growth

• The speaker emphasizes that spiritual growth is a continuous journey, not an instantaneous event. They reference Paul's acknowledgment of not having reached perfection yet.

• Spiritual sanctification is described as a daily process where individuals are shaped and molded by God's word and strengthened through His spirit.

• The importance of perseverance is highlighted; even when progress feels slow or setbacks occur, one should rise again, relying on the same grace that provided forgiveness.

Knowing Christ: A Lifelong Pursuit

• The speaker expresses the significance of trusting solely in Christ, reinforcing that knowing Him is not just a destination but an ongoing pursuit throughout life.

• A reminder is given about the transformative power of Jesus, who writes His laws in our hearts and minds, contrasting divine law with human nature's conflicts.

Encouragement to Focus on Eternal Promises

• The speaker encourages listeners to prioritize their thoughts and affections on God rather than worldly distractions, emphasizing God's eternal plans for them.

• Reference to Philippians 1:6 reassures believers that God will complete the good work He started in them, encouraging faithfulness until they reach their ultimate goal.

Call to Action for Listeners

• An appeal is made for listeners to accept Christ into their hearts today as a step towards salvation and transformation through the Holy Spirit's power.

• The session concludes with an invitation to join next week’s lesson on Philippians while expressing gratitude for Jesus' gift of redemption and salvation.