SSQ1 2026 - Lesson 2: Reasons for Thanksgiving and Prayer

Overview Discussion (1)
Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Core Theme: Genuine thankfulness and effective prayer are rooted in a spiritual perspective that sees God’s faithful work in all circumstances, trusts His completion of our salvation, and seeks discernment to live a life pleasing to Him.

Key Insights by Day:
Sunday: Fellowship in the Gospel (Philippians 1:3-8)
  • Paul expresses deep gratitude for the Philippians’ faithful “fellowship” (koinonia) in the gospel, evidenced by their consistent support and shared suffering.
  • Mutual Intercession: Their relationship mirrors Christ’s high-priestly intercession, carrying believers on His heart before the Father.
  • Confident Hope: Paul is confident that God, who began the good work of salvation in them, will see it through to completion at Christ’s return.
Monday: Paul’s Prayer Requests (Philippians 1:9-11)
  • Paul’s prayer is others-focused, requesting that their love “abound more and more” in knowledge and discernment.
  • Goals of Discernment: This spiritually-informed love leads to approving what is excellent, living sincerely (“judged by sunlight”), avoiding offense, and being filled with the righteousness of Christ.
  • Foundation: Christian ethics and purity flow from a love guided by the truth of God’s Word.
Tuesday: Spiritual Discernment Applied (Philippians 1:12-18)
  • Paul reframes his imprisonment not as a setback but as an advance for the gospel, reaching the palace guard and emboldening other believers.
  • Two Responses: His suffering exposed both the selfish ambition of some and the courageous faith of others, illustrating the deceitfulness of the human heart (Jeremiah 17:9).
  • Lesson: Spiritual discernment allows us to see God’s hand and purposes even in adverse circumstances.
Wednesday: Gospel Fruit (Colossians 1:3-8)
  • Paul thanks God for the Colossians’ faith, love, and hope - virtues that are divine gifts, not human achievements.
  • Power of the Word: The “word of truth” (the gospel) is inherently powerful and fruitful, spreading rapidly and producing new spiritual life in believers.
  • Living Hope: The Christian’s hope is the guaranteed, heavenly inheritance reserved by God (1 Peter 1:4).
Thursday: Prayer Power (Colossians 1:9-12)
  • Paul prays for the Colossians to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will through spiritual wisdom and understanding.
  • Sources of Guidance: God’s will is discerned through: 1) Scripture, 2) the Spirit of Prophecy, 3) providential circumstances, and 4) the inner guidance of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 30:21).
  • Worthy Living: Knowing God’s will enables a life “worthy of the Lord” - fruitful in good works, growing in knowledge, and overflowing with thankful joy.
Final Thoughts (Friday):
  • Root Principle: Our lives are a pilgrimage; we must trust God’s plans over our own, as He leads us step by step toward His perfect will.
  • Historical Warning: Unbelief, murmuring, and rebellion delayed ancient Israel’s entry into Canaan and have similarly delayed spiritual Israel’s entry into their heavenly promise.
  • Our Call:
    • Cultivate a heart of thankfulness for God’s ongoing work of grace.
    • Pray for abounding, discerning love that seeks God’s will above all.
    • Exercise spiritual discernment to see trials as opportunities for gospel advancement.
    • Trust completely in God’s promise to finish the good work of salvation He began, and live in the power of that hope.
"True thankfulness is not born of perfect circumstances but of a discerning heart that sees the advance of the gospel in every link of the chain."
 
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