Lesson 1 Review: Jesus Wins—Satan Loses

 

Memory Text: “And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17, NKJV).

The theme of Revelation is this, “Jesus Wins, Satan Loses”. Though (humanly speaking) we seem to be outnumbered by our foe the devil in the life and death battle, Satan will lose and Jesus will win.

What is the reality of free will and free choice in the Great Controversy?

Love is not forced, hence the need for free will. God bestowed upon us the power to choose from the beginning, in the context of the Great Controversy between good and evil, there is no middle ground, we either by our power choose to be on God’s side or on the Devil’s (see Luke 11:23). However, the incredibly good news is the fact that we know who is going to win, making it easier to choose.

What do the Dragon, Woman, Male Child, and Rod of Iron represent in Revelation 12?

The Dragon represents Satan, The Woman represents God’s Church, The Male Child represents Christ and the Rod of Iron is a symbol of an unbreakable, all-powerful, invincible rulership.

What is the reality of the conflict between good and evil?

Though faced with every temptation we experience, Jesus came off as a Conqueror. Jesus defeated the devil on Calvary’s cross, anyone who accepts Him is victorious too.

What happens after accepting Christ?

“When we accept by faith what Christ has done for us, our sin debt is canceled and our sins are forgiven. We stand perfect before God, covered in Christ’s righteousness.” We become Victors in Christ.

What encouragement do we get from Christ’s victory?

‘Although the battle still rages on earth, Satan has lost. Period.’

What assurance of Christ’s victory is given us in Revelation 12:11?

The passage tells us that we can overcome too by the “blood of the Lamb”. We have to accept by faith what Christ has done for us, when we do so, our debts are canceled, and we stand perfect in the sight of God. Our sins are forgiven.

What is the background of “the woman in the wilderness”?

The woman, as we know, represents God’s Church. Revelation 12 goes on to tell us that this woman who represents God’s church was persecuted, but amidst these persecutions, God’s care was not absent. The persecution of God’s faithful people is an extension of the controversy between good and evil. The Faithful people are persecuted because they choose to “keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17, NKJV). At the time of reformation, men and women were faced with this choice.

What fascinating and extremely encouraging expressions of God’s care can be seen in Revelation 12?

‘Revelation 12:6 uses the expression, “a place prepared by God” (NKJV). Revelation 12:14 declares that the woman was “nourished” in the wilderness, and Revelation 12:16 declares, “The earth helped the woman.” At times of severe persecution, God provides for His church.’

What are the characteristics of God’s remnant as found in Revelation 12:17?

The remnant are a people who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Where is the center of earth’s last war?

Earth’s last war is centered in the minds of God’s people scattered all over the world.

What is the reality of this final war?

There is no neutral ground, we all have to make choices, and the battle is between two opposing forces. The central question is “who has our loyalty? Where is our allegiance”. Only through Jesus can we be saved, we choose to partake in the victory of Christ by accepting what He has done for us by faith, this faith leads to obedience.

In Conclusion,

‘Christ has never lost a battle with Satan, and at the end time. His people will be victorious. Whatever trials we face, God is there to carry His people through triumphantly.’ I pray that God helps us to remain faithful in Jesus’ name.

2nd Quarter of 2023 Sabbath School Study Guide Introduction

The theme for the Sabbath School Study Guide for the Second Quarter of 2023 is “The Three Angels’ Messages”. After the great disappointment in 1844, God raised up a movement that would reveal the truth about what really happened in 1844. This movement over time became the Seventh Day Adventist Church that proclaims the last day truth to the world¾the three angels’ messages. The core of these messages stands as the truth, they refute various misconceptions and errors such as that promoted by Mars, Nietzsche, and Darwin as seen in the Quarter’s introduction.

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

WEEK	LESSON’S TOPIC	PERIOD
1	Jesus Wins¾Satan Loses	March 25-31
2	A Moment of Destiny	April 1-7
3	The Everlasting Gospel	April 8-14
4	“ ‘Fear God and Give Glory to Him’ ”	April 15-21
5	The Good News of the Judgment	April 22-28
6	The Hour of His Judgement	April 29-May 5
7	Worshipping the Creator	May 6-12
8	The Sabbath and the End	May 13-19
9	A City Called Confusion	May 20-26
10	Satan’s Final Deceptions	May 27-June 2
11	The Seal of God and Mark of the Beast: Part 1	June 3-9
12	The Seal of God and Mark of the Beast: Part 2	June 10-16
13	Ablaze With God’s Glory	June 17-23

 

Lesson 12 Review: Rewards of Faithfulness

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “ ‘His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things, Enter into the joy of your lord” ’ ” (Matthew 25:21, NKJV).

The hope of reward serves as a motivation for faithful living as undeserving recipients of God’s grace. Without the hope we have through Christ, we will only find rest for our suffering in eternal death. Also, in keeping the law of God that is perfect, there is great reward.

What is the nature of the reward of faithfulness?

It is unique and, like many spiritual things, maybe beyond our finite understanding. Matthew 5:11,12 helps us know that the reward here is great, “ ‘ for great is your reward in heaven,’ ”.

How do we get this reward?

The way we get this reward is faithfulness to God, however, we are not saved by the works themselves, we are saved by grace, which is the essence of Christ’s death. The Rewards are the mere outworking of what God has done for us and in us.

What options are presented to us according to Romans 6:23 and John 3:16?

The options are eternal life and eternal death. We choose by our actions, we believe in God, rest upon the merits of Jesus, and by faith obey His word to choose eternal life, doing contrary to these denotes that we the choice of eternal death.

What are God’s counsel and the rewards that await us according to John 14:1-3?

God’s counsel is that we should not be troubled but believe in God and in Him (verse 1). The reward, is a place God has gone to prepare for us (verses 2 and 3).

What is our assurance of His second coming?

Jesus explicitly said so in John 14:3, “I will come again and I will receive you unto Myself so you can be with me there” (see John 14:3). Also, more than anything else, the assurance we have that Jesus is coming the second time is from the fact that He came the first time and died on the cross. Christ’s first coming is an assurance that He will come the second time.

Where can we find the description of the New Jerusalem?

The description of the New Jerusalem can be found in Revelation 21.

What are some of the privileges that come with the New Jerusalem?

1.       We will have the privilege of seeing Jesus up close and personally without the veil of sin distorting what we see.

2.       “ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away’ ” (Rev. 21:4, NKJV).

3.       “they shall see His face” (Rev. 22:4, NKJV).

4.       ‘The Redeemed will live with a closeness to God that, for the most part, we don’t have now.’

What is the crucial difference between those saved who committed a particular sin and those lost who committed the same sin?

The crucial difference is that one repented from his sin and was saved, whereas the other repented not and was lost.

What does the parable represent?

“And these talents do not represent merely the ability to preach and instruct from the word of God. The parable applies to the temporal means which God has entrusted to His people.”¾Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 197.

What important lesson can we draw from the parable of the talents?

Rather than think of the responsibilities of others, let us focus on what God has entrusted to us and how we can use it to His glory.

What awareness does the parable of the talents create?

Among others, it is the notable awareness that there will be a settling of accounts. We will all give an account of how well we have used the talents entrusted to us.

How was Paul able to endure all the persecutions he faced?

He placed so much value on the reward of the faithful, Paul said, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy of being compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18, NKJV). He forgot about the things which are behind him and reached forward to those things which are ahead, his eyes were toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

What is prosperity from the biblical perspective?

‘Prosperity is having what you need when you need it’. It can also be seen as claiming the promise of God in Philippians 4:19: “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Finally, prosperity is to be thankful for what you have in the Lord and trust in Him in all things.

What awaits all those who suffer persecution for the sake of God?

In the end, He will give His faithful ones true wealth and responsibility and eternal life. At the close of the persecution, we can say as Paul did, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love thy appearing” (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

In Conclusion,

Faithfulness comes with its reward as with every other thing. We will all have to give accounts of whatever talents we have been entrusted with, let us not be like the one that was given a talent. I pray that God helps us to be faithful so we reap the rewards in Jesus' name.

Lesson 11 Review: Managing in Tough Times

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “‘Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me’” (Psalm 50:14, 15, NKJV).

The toils of life can really take a lot of our daily focus but Jesus says “ ‘Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you’ ” (Matt. 6:32, 33, NKJV). This week’s lesson is on some concrete steps to follow, based on biblical principles amid trying times when we lean on the Lord.

What did Jehoshaphat do when he was faced with a challenge according to 2 Chronicles 20:1-22?

Jehoshaphat resorted to seeking the Lord his God, instead of relying on himself.

How did Jehoshaphat’s seeking the Lord turn out?

Their enemies destroyed one another, and “none escaped” (2 Chron. 20:24).

What important spiritual principles can we take from the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:1-22?

‘the God who delivered them is the same God whom we love and worship, and His power is just as great today as back then. The challenge, for us, is to trust in Him and His leading.’

What was David’s sin in 1 Chronicles 21:1-14?

He trusted in his own strength rather than depending on the providence of God in his defense.

What was the result of David’s sin?

‘His actions brought calamity to the nation. “So the Lord sent a plague upon Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell” (1 Chronicles 21:14, NKJV).

How do we apply the lesson from David’s story in our lives?

‘We should be using the present time to get square with God, get out of debt, and be generous with what we have been given. You should “Trust God, Not Your Own Resources.’

What is Paul telling us in 2 Peter 3:3-12?

‘The earth and everything in it will be burned up in the final conflagration when all traces of sin and evil will be forever destroyed.’

What kind of persons should we be knowing of the fate that awaits sin?

‘We must live in the light of eternity.’ Whatever we have here on earth is only temporary, and has the potential to make us lose the greater reward. Our lives too are short. ‘Let us not be dwellers upon the earth, but be getting things into as compact a compass as possible.’ ¾ Ellen G. White, Counsels on Stewardship, p. 59.

 What kind of commitment can we have to Christ?

Our commitment to Christ is no half-way commitment. It is either we are or we are not on the Lord’s side. Nowhere in the parables and teachings of Jess, the stories of Bible Characters, and the Counsels of Ellen G. White do we see partial commitment. “We cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24, NKJV).

How can we overcome the pull to love the things of this world?

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:2, NKJV). We should not let the love for the things of this world pull us away from the Lord.

How do we prepare for the time of trouble when we can’t “buy or sell”?

We prepare by making sure that we are not slaves to our money, to the things of the world. ‘If we are not bound to them now, we won’t be when we will, in order to be faithful, have to give them up.’

In what way can we protect ourselves from selfishness and encourage trust in God?

Tithing is a way to protect ourselves from selfishness and encourage trust in God. Being faithful in tithe though does not guarantee that we will be faithful to the end is a strong indicator “ ‘that you may learn to the fear the LORD your God always’ ” (Deut. 14:23, NKJV).

In Conclusion,

The way to manage tough times is by trusting in God to save us. I pray that we learn to trust in God always in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 10 Review: Giving Back

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them” (Revelation 14:13).

The older people transiting from working to retirement worry about things like dying to soon, living too long, catastrophic illness or mental and/or physical disability. But it should be far from it, the advice for them is to lay aside all anxiety and burdens and occupy their time as happily as they can, and be ripening up for heaven.

What should be our attitude towards getting wealth?

The general picture given in the Bible is that a person works and remains productive as long as he or she is able. Jesus also counseled those waiting for His second coming to continue working and not just watch (Matt. 24:44-46). We should live to carry out God’s will instead of pursuing a life of selfishness.

What does the Bible teach about human life?

Life goes by quickly, and at death we take nothing with us, someone else gets whatever possessions we leave behind.

What should those with possessions do at the end of their life?

Estate planning can be our final act of stewardship, as much as possible a will or trust should be left behind, else government laws can come in to play. We can also say that because God is the Owner of everything (see Ps. 24:1), it would be logical to conclude from a biblical perspective that when we are finished with what God has entrusted to us, we should return to Him, the rightful Owner, what is left, once the needs of loved Ones are met.

What does Proverbs 27:23-27 advices?

Although the Bible warns against greediness and the rich trampling on the poor, the scripture never condemns wealth or people’s efforts to acquire wealth, provided of course, they do it honestly and don’t oppress others.

What more does good stewardship require?

Good stewardship does not deal only with what we have while alive but also with what happened after we are gone. We are to make provision so that what we have been blessed with can be a blessing to others and the furtherance of God’s work.

What should we know about deathbed charity?

Deathbed charity refers to those charitable deeds done at the point of death or so. Those who hold fast to their property till the last moment surrender it to death rather than to the cause.

What are some of the reasons that should encourage us to be good stewards?

God owns everything, it is only logical that when we are finished with what God has given us, and have taken care of our family, we should return the rest to Him.

In giving to the work of God you are laying up for yourselves treasures in heaven, a place secure from disaster and loss, and is increasing to an eternal and enduring substance.

What are some of the advantages to giving now, while we live?

1.       The donor actually can see the results of the gift.

2.       The ministry or person can benefit now when the need is greatest.

3.       There is no fighting among family or friends after your death.

4.       It sets a good example of family values of generosity and love for others.

5.       It minimizes estate tax consequence.

6.       It guarantees that the gift will be made to your desired entity.

7.       It demonstrates that the heart of the donor has been changed from selfish to unselfish.

8.       It stores up treasures in heaven.

In Conclusion,

An important lesson to learn is to not wait till the last moment to do our charitable deeds, of course no one knows the future but God. We are to make provision for when we are gone as good stewards, we should leave the Lord a legacy. I pray that God helps us to be better stewards for him in Jesus’ name.