Lesson 3 Review: To Be Pleasing to God

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17, NKJV).

God does not look upon us, or the gifts we bring to Him, with the attitude of a father who does not care about the gift of his son. On the contrary, we can be pleasing to God, but only through Christ.

How does God respond to lost sinners who come back to Him?

As the father who had compassion and welcomed the prodigal son who requested for his inheritance from his father and left his father for prodigal living, so does God have compassion and welcomes every wayward person. The son who remained home may have, from a human standpoint, thought that it was not a fair treatment the father gave but it further tries to explains to us the extent of God’s love towards us, that is beyond human understanding.

How does Zephaniah 3:17 shed light on the parable of the prodigal son?

Just about every word in the Hebrew language is packed into Zephaniah 3:17 to describe God’s delight over His redeemed people. Almost as though none of the terms is sufficient to describe the magnitude of God’s love. The reconciliation of God’s love comes with the immediate presence of God, just like the father who sees his son from afar off and runs to meet him. The very pinnacle of God’s joy is reserved for the ay of restoration.

What does Ephesians 5:25-28 say about the kind of love we are called to display?

Husbands are exhorted in this passage to love their wives “just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,” and to love their wives as “their own bodies” (Eph. 5:25, 28, NKJV). Christ indeed loves the church as part of Himself.

What does Isaiah 43:4, Psalm 149:4 and Proverbs 15:8,9 say about God taking delight in His people?

God loves people in a way that takes account of their best interests as would anyone who loved and cared for others. Conversely, God is displeased by His people when they do evil. God loves the righteous and the cheerful giver according to Psalms 146:8 and 2 Corinthians 9:7 respectively. These texts do not say God loves only the righteous and the cheerful giver, God loves everyone. The text says God loves the righteous and the cheerful giver in some special sense — in the sense of being pleased with them is the clue from Proverbs 15:8, 9.

How can we be reconciled to God and even pleasing to Him?

God bestows grace on people prior to any human response. And We can be reconciled to God and even pleasing in His sight, by faith through the work of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. God’s work is not only for us but in us as well.

What is the worthy Goal according to Paul’s counsel?

Our worthy goal is to “be well pleasing to God” (2 Cor. 5:9, 10, NKJV) and we should ask God to transform our interests to include the best interests of those whom we love, and to expand our love so that it reaches out to others.

In Conclusion,

We are reconciled to God and even pleasing in His sight, by faith through the work of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ and may We have faith so we can be pleasing to God, in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 2 Review: Covenantal Love

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him’ ” (John 14:23, NKJV).

The Greek term agape refers not only to God’s love but also to human love, even sometimes misdirected human love (2 Tim. 4: 10). Other terms for example, phileo refer to God’s love for humans. Scripture also teaches that God’s love is not unilateral but relational, in that it makes a profound difference to God whether or not humans reflect His love back to Him.

What does the Bible record about the love of God towards us?

God’s love for us is an everlasting love, every person is loved by God. He also wants everyone to be saved, as well.

What is the nature of God’s covenantal love?

hesed is translated “lovingkindness” or “mercy” in Deuteronomy 7:9. God’s hesed shows that His lovingkindness is extremely reliable, steadfast, and enduring. Yet, at the same time, the reception of the benefits of hesed is conditional, dependent upon the willingness of His people to obey and to maintain their end of the relationship.

What is the basis of all love relationships?

God’s steadfast love is the basis of all love relationships, and we could never match that love. God not only freely gave us existence but also in Christ He gave Himself for us.

What does the benefits of a saving relationship with God depend on?

John 14:21 and John 16:27 among other texts teach that maintaining the benefits of a saving relationship with God depends upon whether we will accept God’s love (which involves willingness to be vehicles of that love, as well). God’s love never ceases.

What can we do in order not to forfeit God’s mercies?

By loving God in response, by loving the people we see around us, by keeping God’s commandments, we are showing that we love God, we are avoiding forfeiting the mercies of God. We should not be like the unforgiving servant who did not forgive his fellow servant even when he had been forgiven a far greater debt. God forgives us, we are to forgive others.

What is expected of us in response to God’s infinite love toward us?

We have been forgiven an infinite debt because of God’s infinite love. Jesus commands us to love God and to love one another. If to love God entails that we love one other, we should with urgency share the message of God’s love, both in word and deed. We should help people in their daily lives, we should be conduits of God’s love and point people to the One Who can give eternal life.

In Conclusion,

God loves us and His love is an everlasting love, but we must respond to His love by keeping His commandments, by loving Him, by loving one another. This is how we can receive the benefits of this love. May God help us to love God, in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 1 Review: God’s Loves Freely

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “ ‘I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from him’ ” (Hosea 14:4, NKJV).

The ultimate question that Jesus poses to each of us in our time and place is the same question that Jesus asked Peter: “ ‘Do you love Me?’ ” Everything depends on our answer to that question.

What does it mean when God says He will be compassionate to whom He will be compassionate to?

God is proclaiming that as the Creator of all, He has the right and authority to grant grace and compassion freely to even the most undeserving of people. In the situation after the Israelites worshipped the golden calf, God had compassion on them still. This is one of many instances where God manifests His love and does so beyond any reasonable expectations.

What do we see in Hosea 14:1-4 about God’s love?

God’s love is steadfast, free and voluntary. He shows amazing commitment and love to His people, although they do not deserve it. Scripture repeatedly displays God’s love as free and voluntary.

Why is God worthy of all glory, honor, and power?

God freely created this world. And, because of this, God is worthy of all glory, honor, and power. He did not need to create this world, He already enjoyed the love between the Godhead, but He created this world out of love.

What does John 17:24 tell us about God’s love before the world existed?

God did not have to create the world but in accordance with His character of love, God chose to create the world, and enter into a love relationship with creatures. Even in the fallen state of humans, God still continues to love humans and reconciles them back to Himself.

What does it mean that many are called but few are chosen according to Matthew 22:14?

God calls (that is, invites) everyone to the wedding feast, God invites everyone to share in His love, but we have the freedom to accept this call or invitation. Freedom is essential to love and God will never force anyone to accept. So those who are the elect or chosen are those who accept God’s call of love. Once again, it all comes down to the question of love and the freedom inherent in love.

What can be seen in the ultimate display of God’s love – the Cross?

In the ultimate display of God’s love – the Cross, we see that Christ gave Himself for us of His own free will. He paid the price of sin and made the way to repair the ruptured relationship between heaven and earth.

In Conclusion,

God loves freely. He loved us and died for us while we were yet sinners, but as the phrase says, “ ‘Many are called but few are chosen.’ ” May God help us to accept this invitation of love He offers us, in Jesus’ name.

1st Quarter of 2025 Sabbath School Study Guide Introduction

 

The Theme for the Sabbath School Study Guide for the First Quarter of 2025 is “The God of Love and Justice.” In this quarter’s lesson, we will see how divine love and justice are inextricably connected. The God of the Bible loves justice too.

Here is an outline for the weekly topics for this quarter:

WEEK	LESSON’S TOPIC	PERIOD
1	God Loves Freely	December 28–January 3
2	Covenantal Love	January 4–10
3	To Be Pleasing to God	January 11–17
4	God Is Passionate and Compassionate	January 18–24
5	The Wrath of Divine Love	January 25–31
6	God’s Love of Justice	February 1–7
7	The Problem of Evil	February 8–14
8	Free Will, Love, and Divine Providence	February 15–21
9	The Cosmic Conflict	February 22–28
10	Rules of Engagement	March 1–7
11	What More Could I Have Done?	March 8–14
12	Love and Justice: The Two Greatest Commandments	March 15–21
13	Love is the Fulfillment of the Law	March 22–28

Lesson 13 Review: Epilogue: Knowing Jesus and His Word

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “ ‘You search the scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me’ ” (John 5:39, NKJV).

John’s gospel like Mark’s ends with a meeting in Galilee, this final lesson deals with that meeting but integrates it with the theme of how we know Jesus and the Word of God—a concept that runs through the fourth gospel. We today, like the disciples who were unprepared for Christ’s crucifixion, may be in danger of hearing or reading the Word of God and but not listening to it, not abiding in it, and not obeying it. That is, not accepting it as the light that should guide our thoughts and actions. This week’s lesson looks at John’s key points that helps us move beyond the mere head knowledge of Jesus to instead, knowing Jesus better and more closely abiding in Him and His Word.

What was the focus of Peter’s response to Jesus at Galilee after Jesus’ resurrection?

Actually, Peter’s response is focused on humility. Jesus uses the term agapaō, which means to love, Peter responds with Phleō, which means to love, but just as a friend.

Why is humility one of the greatest qualifications for ministry?

Humility is one of the greatest qualifications for ministry because the focus then becomes Jesus Christ and not self.

How is Peter’s restoration and role as leader in the early church one of the strongest evidences that Jesus rose from the dead?

Peter’s restoration and role as leader in the early church is one of the strongest evidences that Jesus rose from the dead because with it we can explain Peter’s prominence. Peter denied Jesus before His crucifixion, Jesus restored him in the presence of other disciples to ministry after His resurrection.

What question led Peter down a wrong path and how did Jesus straighten the path?

In restoring Peter to ministry, Jesus had predicted Peter’s manner of death but Peter wanted to know about John’s death, as well. Jesus redirects Peter’s attention instead to the issue of following Him, not worrying about what will happen to another disciple.

What can we learn from the correction to Jesus’ statement that was misunderstood?

Jesus and Jesus alone is our only Savior, not people, we are to keep our eyes on Jesus.

What is the only way through which we can know God?

Only through Jesus can we truly know God.

How do we avoid speaking lies from our own resources?

We must be careful, be surrendered in faith and obedience to God. We must accept that Christ is the light of the world and follow Him in our interpretation of the Word.

What is theology from “Above” and theology from “Below” based on?

“Theology from below” sets rules and standards for God and His Word. Theology “from above,” in contrast, responds in faith, with belief in God and His Word first (John 4:48; John 6:14, 15; 2 Tim. 3:16). When Bible is accepted in faith, it becomes its own interpreter.

What does it mean to hear God’s Word?

To hear God’s Word is more than a passive intake of information. It means to do God’s will (John 17:17).

What choices can we make about Jesus Christ and what are their respective results?

Throughout John’s gospel, people who encounter Jesus either accept the light and grow or reject the light and become blind. We are to accept Jesus and grow.

What is the secret to spiritual growth?

The secret to spiritual growth is to stay connected to Jesus. He is the Word of God, the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Door of the sheep, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection and the Life, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and the True Vine.

In Conclusion,

Knowing the Father is through Jesus, knowing truth about Jesus is in His Word, and knowing the Word is not just head knowledge of it, but doing it. May God help us to be hearers and doers of His Word, in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 12 Review: The Hour of Glory: The Cross and Resurrection

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “Then Pilate said to him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.’ ” (John 18:37, ESV).

Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection are the climax of John. Matthew emphasizes the fulfillment of Scripture, Mark emphasizes the parallel between the baptism of Jesus and the Cross; and Luke focuses on the Cross as healing and salvation (the story of the thief on the cross), John presents the Cross as the enthronement of Jesus, particularly tied to the idea of the hour (John 7:30, John 8:20, John 12:27). Jesus is dying in shame, but it is, at the same time, His glorious enthronement as a Savior.

What is Truth?

As the eternal Word (logos, John 1:1-5), Jesus is the Light and the Truth. He is full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Grace and truth came through Him (John 1:17). John the Baptist bore witness to the truth (John 5:33). Jesus affirmed that His Father is “true” (John 7:28). Jesus Himself heard the truth from His Father (John 8:40). Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The Word of God is “truth” (John 17:17).

Why did Pilate miss the opportunity to know the truth?

Pilate missed his opportunity to know the truth because of his prejudice, his earlier decisions, and the pressures upon him.

How did Pilate try to persuade the people to ask for Jesus’ release?

Pilate did not wait for an answer from Jesus concerning truth. Instead, he went back to try to persuade the people. They chose that the Brigand, Barabbas be rather set free than innocent Jesus. Even after the mockery from the soldiers, Pilate sought to gain pity from the people for Jesus by calling on the people to ‘Behold the Man’ (John 19:5, ESV) reminding us of John the Baptist’s words in John 1:29, ESV, “ ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” Pilate becomes frightened because the mob calls for Jesus’ crucifixion on account of His claiming to be the Son of God. The leaders sealed Jesus’ faith by claiming that to release Jesus is to oppose Caesar because Pilate’s loyalty to Caesar would mean he could not release someone claiming the same role. How ironic that a pagan governor sought to release Jesus but the leaders were bent on crucifying Him, they were willing to sacrifice claims to national autonomy to rid themselves of Jesus.

What touching scene regarding Jesus’ mother happened at the cross?

Jesus’ mother, Mary, saw the prediction of Simeon come to pass as Jesus hung on the cross. Now in His dying moments, Jesus speaks to His mother. “ ‘Woman, behold your son!’ ” To John He says, “ ‘Behold your mother!’ ” (John 19:26, 27, NKJV).

What is the significance of Jesus’ dying words, “It is finished”?

When Jesus says, “It is finished!” he is completing, fulfilling, the work that the Father gave Him to do.

What lessons can we draw from John 20:1-7?

Jesus died on a Friday afternoon and rose early on Sunday. However much they loved Jesus, His followers kept the Sabbath day and did not go to the tomb.

What was the meaning of the folded face cloth?

Peter and John entered into the tomb, saw, and believed. The typical answer to why the tomb was empty would possibly be grave robbers. But this explanation fails for three reasons. First, Matthew tells us that the tomb was guarded (Matt. 27:62-66), making grave robbery unlikely. Second, grave robbers typically steal valuables not rotting bodies. Third, grave robbers are in a hurry and do not fold up grave clothes. No wonder, then that when John saw the face cloth folded, he believed that Jesus had risen from the dead.

How do we know that Mary Magdalene still did not understand the meaning of the empty tomb?

Mary after telling Peter and John about the empty tomb, came back to the tomb weeping. To her surprise, two angels in white were in the tomb, sitting where Jesus’ body was lain. They asked her, “ ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ ” (John 20:13, NKJV). Her pained reply was that they had taken away her Lord, and she did not know where they had laid Him.

What changed everything for Mary in John 20:14-18?

Through tear-dimmed eyes, Mary turned and saw someone standing behind her who asks, “ ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ ” (John 20:15, NKJV). The Stranger says one word “Mary” and suddenly, the surprised Mary recognizes that the risen Jesus is talking to her and acknowledges Him. Jesus gives her a task to go and tell His disciples that He is ascending “ ‘to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God’ ” (John 20:17, NKJV) which she did (John 20:18).

In Conclusion,

The great work of redemption was accomplished for the angels, the unfallen worlds, and us as we all share the fruits of Christ’s victory. May God help us not to exclude ourselves from this victory, in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 11 Review: The Father, the Son, and the Spirit

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “ ‘The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you’ ” (John 14:26, NKJV).

This week’s lesson looks at how the gospel of John presents the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but now within the context of the farewell discourse (John 13-17). If you must understand God, you must look at Jesus and what has been revealed in the Word.

What are some of the roles of the Father as described in Sunday’s lesson?

God gave us His only begotten Son, not to condemn the world but that the World through Him might be saved. That all who feed on His Son might live because of the Son.

God committed all judgement to the Son.

God the Father, sent the Son, the Bread of Life and the Words the Son speaks are the Father’s.

God teaches those who come to Jesus.

The Father answers prayers in the name of the Son.

What was the intention of the Godhead to all humanity for the breach caused by sin?

The intention of the Godhead was to offer healing to all humanity for that breach caused by sin, even if all humanity would not accept what They offered.

How was the intention of the Godhead to all humanity for the breach caused by sin accomplished?

To accomplish the restoration of this relationship, one Member of the Godhead became human and dwelt among us. As a result, humanity has received His fullness and grace.

What wonderful hope is there for us as highlighted in Monday’s lesson?

We tell from the verses in Monday’s lesson that the Godhead had be working from the beginning to restore the relationship that was broken by sin. God was not recognized by humanity (John 17:25). Thus, He sent His only Son (John 9:4, John 16:5) in order that He, the Father, might be known.

What lessons are contained in Tuesday’s lesson concerning the relationship between God the Father and the Son?

Jesus was the Father’s representative here on earth, He came to live out, in human flesh, the Father’s will. In Christ’s life, He showed how totally surrendered Jesus, as a human being, was to the Father. Jesus asserts that all of His teachings are the teachings of the Father, that all He says He had personally heard from the Father; that belief in Him is the same as belief in the Father; that both His very words and His works are all of the Father; and that He and the Father are united in loving and working for the salvation of humanity.

What does John 1:10-13 teach about the importance of the Holy Spirit?

John tells us that as many as received the Word (that is, as many as believed in Him) became children of God, those “who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:13, NKJV). This comes only from the work of the Holy Spirit.

What is the key for us to know what is right, true and good?

The key for us to know what is right, what is true and what is good is our submission of our reason and life experiences to the Word of God through the convicting and convincing power of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit, the Highest of all gifts that Jesus could solicit from the Father, that convicts of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.  (John 16:8-11).

What was the prayer of Jesus in the farewell discourse of the book of John?

The prayer of Jesus is that they may know the Father, that all may be sanctified by the truth. John 17 does not only portray all that matters as unity and love, there is a suggestion of a much more vital connection between love and truth.

In Conclusion,

The relationship we had with God was marred by sin, but The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit took the initiative to heal this relationship by sending one of the Godhead Members, the Son, in human form to save those who are willing to be saved. May we accept this saving grace in Jesus’ name.