Lesson 1 Review: Oppression: The Background and the Birth of Moses

Introduction

Memory Text: “The children of Israel groaned because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage. So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God acknowledged them” (Exodus 2:23‒25, NKJV).

The book of Exodus resonates with accounts of the oppressed, the marginalized, the persecuted, the exploited, and the degraded. God was touched by the sufferings of His people, and we can be encouraged by the fact that God is touched by the sufferings of His people, those who trust and fear Him.

What does the book of Exodus begin with?

The book of Moses begins with a reminder of God’s blessings. The Israelites “were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty, and the land was filled with them” (Exodus 1:7, NKJV).

What was the situation of the Israelites in the time of the Exodus?

In the time of the Exodus, the Israelites were enslaved by their Egyptian taskmasters and the oppressive labor that they inflicted upon the Hebrews. However, the book of Exodus ends with God’s peaceful and comforting presence in the tabernacle.

How does God’s blessings upon Israel serve as an encouragement to us?

The Israelites were oppressed by the Egyptians, but the more the oppressors “afflicted them [the Israelites], the more they multiplied and grew” (Exod. 1:12, NKJV). No matter our situation, God is able to reach out to us and bless us. He can bless us even in situations that seem hopeless, at least from a human perspective.

 Why was Joseph so successful in the land of Egypt?

Joseph was so successful in the land of Egypt because the “LORD was with Joseph” (Gen. 39:2, NKJV).

What hope is there for us from the book of Exodus?

No matter the situation we find ourselves, God is always there and we can trust in whatever situation we find ourselves. Even as He was with the Israelites.

Why is the action of the midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who disobeyed Pharaoh’s command essential to us today?

Although Pharaoh commanded the Hebrew midwives, Shiprah and Puah, to kill every Hebrew male child on the birthstools, they disobeyed the king, choosing rather to obey God than an earthly king. They not only knew what was right, they did what was right. For this reason, God blessed Shiprah and Puah. We as believers are to fear God, and do what is right, no matter the circumstance, there is always reward that comes with obedience.

How is God’s providence seen in the birth of Moses?

Moses is born in a time when all Hebrew males were killed, but in God’s providence, Moses was saved. Moses became the adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter, Hatshepsut, his mother became his nurse, and he was given Education that was to prepare him to be pharaoh.

What lesson can we draw from Moses’ early life in Egypt?

Moses received the best Egyptian education, all in order to prepare him to be the next pharaoh of Egypt, but all this education, becomes useless or even work against what really mattered: the knowledge of God and of His truth. We should be careful of the kind of knowledge we seek to acquire, because not all knowledge is beneficial to our Christian life.

How does the entire direction of Moses’ life change quickly?

Moses killed an Egyptian who was beating a fellow Hebrew, and the matter became known—even to Pharaoh. As a result, any plan for Moses to become Pharaoh was thwarted, and it became clear that Moses identified with the Hebrews rather than the Egyptians. In fact, Pharaoh sought to kill Moses, but Moses fled to Midian.

In Conclusion,

Even in Israel’s oppression, God was with them, He was moved by their affliction and He raised up Moses to save them. We too can be assured that God is there for us in every situation, we only have to accept His offer to save us. May God help us to trust Him, even when situations may look discouraging to man, in Jesus’ name.

3rd Quarter of 2025 Sabbath School Study Guide Introduction

 

The theme for the Sabbath School Study Guide for the third quarter of 2025 is “Exodus: Journey to the Promised Land.” It speaks of the God of love Who, despite the unfaithfulness of His people, Israel, was faithful to them. God’s prime purpose was to create a meaningful relationship with His people. What happened to the people of Israel is an object lesson for us so that we can learn from their mistakes and faithfully follow the LORD.

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

WEEK	LESSON’S TOPIC	PERIOD
1	Oppression: The Background and the Birth of Moses	June 28‒July 4
2	The Burning Bush	July 5‒11
3	Rough Start	July 12‒18
4	The Plagues	July 19‒25
5	Passover	July 26‒August 1
6	Through the Red Sea	August 2‒8
7	The Bread and Water of Life	August 9‒15
8	Covenant at Sinai	August 16‒22
9	Living the Law	August 23‒29
10	The Covenant and the Blueprint	August 30‒September 5
11	Apostasy and Intercession	September 6‒12
12	“Please, Show Me Your Glory”	September 13‒19
13	The Tabernacle	September 20‒26

 

Lesson 13 Review: Images of the End

Introduction

Memory Text: "So he said to them 'I am a Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land' " (Jonah 1:9, NKJV).

This week's lesson focuses on accounts of the mission of Jonah to Nineveh; the fall of Babylon; and the rise of Cyrus, the Persian king who liberated God's people and enabled them to return to the Promised Land. These accounts contain elements that can help us understand "present truth," and rather than focusing on every detail in hopes of finding truth, we will look for major points and principles.

What lessons can be drawn from the mission of Jonah to the people of Nineveh?

Jonah, when asked who he was, declared, " 'He is a Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land' " (Jon  1:9, NKJV). This is foundational to why we worship God, God is our Creator.

What is the relationship between the experience of Jesus and that of Jonah?

Jesus spent 3 days in the tomb for our sins, Jonah spent 3 days in the great fish because of his sins. Jesus came "to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luk 19:10, NKJV) Jonah was sent to preach to the Ninevites a message that would save them.

How does the mission of Jonah correlate with our time?

Like Jonah, we have been charged with preaching an unpopular message to spiritual Babylon. To say "come out of her, my people" (Rev. 18:4, NKJV) is to tell the world to repent, a message that brings negative response from many people.

What can we expect in the last days?

We can expect that people will heed the call to "come out of her" (Rev. 18:4, NKJV). People, all over the world, will take their stand, and in defiance of the beast, will "keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" (Rev. 14:12, NKJV). These people, like those in Nineveh, will be spared the judgment that falls upon the lost.

What are the different kinds of prophecies as highlighted in Monday's lesson?

Some prophecies are conditional, such as God's announcement that Nineveh would be destroyed. The Ninevites would be destroyed only if they do not repent. Other prophecies are not conditional, such as the Messianic prophecies of Christ's first and second comings, the mark of the beast, the outpouring of the plagues, and the end-time persecution. However, what humans do and the choices they make determine instead whether they are on the Lord's side or the devil's side.

What important messages can we take from the account of Belshazzar's feast and fall?

Belshazzar used God's temple vessels in a profane manner, although he knew what had befallen Nebuchadnezzar as a result of defying God, thus he was underscoring the fact that Babylon had conquered the Jews and now possessed their God's religious articles. In other words, Belshazzar meant that he still had supremacy over this God Who had predicted their demise. As with Belshazzar, it is not enough to know truth, we should follow the truth. Belshazzar had enough evidence, the problem, instead, was his heart.

What parallels can be found between the fall of Babylon and the coming of Christ?

Just as in the fall of Babylon, the coming of Christ will catch modern Babylon by surprise. However, we have been given ample evidence of the soon coming of Jesus in a multitude of detailed prophecies, the coming of Christ is not to catch us by surprise.

Why would the second coming of Christ get the world by surprise?

The second coming of Christ would get the world by surprise because it has chosen not to believe what God has said would happen.

How does Cyrus appear as a type of Christ?

Cyrus would orchestrate the rebuilding of the temple; Jesus begins His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary, leading up to His return and liberation. Cyrus campaigns against Babylon, Jesus' second coming will end spiritual Babylon. Cyrus liberates God's people, Jesus saves His people who keep His commandments and have His faith. Cyrus is not a perfect representation of Christ, no type lines up perfectly with antitype, but he broadly functions as a type of "Savior."

In Conclusion,

The second coming of Christ is not a conditional promise, but our being part of those who will be in God's kingdom at Christ's second coming is on condition that we obey God. May God help us to fear Him, keep His commandments, and have His faith, in Jesus' name.

Lesson 12 Review: Precursors

Introduction

Memory Text: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV).

This week’s lesson covers the example of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. It also covers the example of the experience of the early Christians. These examples highlight remarkable courage and provide keys to finding peace of mind under the most trying of circumstances. These circumstances will come in the last days upon those who will seek to be faithful to God, but Christ has admonished us, “let not your heart be troubled.” We are not to be fearful, but hopeful.

What is the historicists approach to the prophecy of Daniel 2?

The historicists approach has to do with the fact that the prophecies go from one world empire after another until God establishes His kingdom which shall never be destroyed.

How should the prophecies of Daniel 2 be understood?

The study of the prophecies of Daniel 2 demands that we use the historicist approach where the prophecies go through history in an unbroken sequence of empires, starting in antiquity and ending in the future, even to our time.

What significance can be found in the fact that the statue was all gold?

King Nebuchadnezzar set up the golden image to signify that Babylon would never fall, Nebuchadnezzar will always be king. Anybody who dared to challenge that idea was faced with death penalty.

How does Nebuchadnezzar display characteristics of Lucifer?

Nebuchadnezzar displays ambitiousness, self-importance, and pride, enough to rebel against God’s authority.

In what way is Nebuchadnezzar different from Lucifer?

Nebuchadnezzar eventually came to faith in the true God, and it is likely that we will meet him in the kingdom he originally fought so hard to defy.

What lessons can we draw from the Hebrew boys’ defiance of the king?

Faith can demand that we go completely against the directives of authorities, even at the risk of our lives. We are not to compromise, but stay faithful.

Who are God’s people called to worship?

God’s people are called to worship “ ‘Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.’ ” (Revelation 14:7, NKJV).

How does the test of the Hebrews boys reflect the condition of the world in the end?

We are to worship God alone, the One who, not only created us, but redeemed us. The Hebrew boys desired to only worship this same God, even when the king ordered them to worship the golden image. This is similar to what will happen in the end with the call to worship the image as opposed to the Creator.

What elements of the story in Acts 12:1-17 might foreshadow last-day events?

James was beheaded, and Peter was to be next, but Peter was set free. Some believers in the time of the early church were spared, others were killed. As we approach the end time, the same thing will happen, but we are comforted with the hope that all who believe in God will be saved.

What issue caused the religious leaders to want to kill Jesus?

The religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus because He went against their traditions. They sought to kill Jesus because of human tradition. This is close to what we can expect in the last days, human law versus God’s, and, in both, the contested law centers on the biblical Sabbath.

In Conclusion,

The Hebrew boys were threatened with death if they did not worship the golden image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. James was killed for his faith in God, Peter, too, was killed. As we approach the end time, believers will be persecuted for their faith, but just like Peter, we are to follow Christ, even when it can lead to death. May God help us to keep His commandments and have His faith, in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 11 Review: Ruth and Esther

Introduction

Memory Text: “So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter” (Esther 5:2, NKJV).

This week is about two women: Ruth, a dispossessed widow who finds favor with Boaz, her kinsman redeemer and Esther, a young girl living in a foreign land who God used to deliver His people from an evil plot. We will discover lessons from the stories of these two women on how God regards His people.

What lessons can we draw from the hardships that fell on Naomi and Ruth?

Naomi left a town named Bethlehem which means “house of bread” because of famine to the country of Moab. During her stay in Moab, her husband and two sons, one of which was Ruth’s husband, died. Like Naomi, we may have been dispossessed of the inheritance that God originally gave us, but one day all this will end.

Why was the fact that Boaz was not only kindhearted and generous but a relative of Naomi the best possible news?

It was good news because the famine Naomi and Ruth experienced would come to an end.

How does Boaz appear as a type of Christ?

Boaz could be understood to be a type of Christ, Who is not only our Creator, but chose to be our kinsman. Boaz, was not only kindhearted, generous and a relative, he was willing to make a good relationship with Ruth.

How does Boaz further reveal the character of Christ?

Boaz falls in love with Ruth and wishes to marry her but there is a closer relative who has a claim on the woman and the land. Boaz travels to the gate of Bethlehem—the town where Christ would enter our world as our close relative. Boaz paid the price for his bride, just as Christ paid the price for the church, His bride. It is only because Christ paid the price for us, that judgment is made “in favor of the saints.”

Why can we say Haman’s story in Esther 3:1-14 is parallel to that of John’s description of God’s people?

Haman was bent on destroying the Jews from the face of the earth because their laws did not align with that of the Medes and Persians. Similarly, God’s remnant people who decide to stand for what is right will be faced with persecution, they will be seen as “objects of universal execration”—Ellen G. White, Signs of the Times, February 22, 1910.

What parallels can be found between the story of the deliverance of the Jews and God’s remnant church in the last days?

God raised up His remnant church for a specific moment in history, just as Esther became a queen for such a time as then. It is for such a time as now that God’s people are brought out of hiding to proclaim the three angels’ messages to the world. Esther was not alone in facing the persecution being unleashed on her people by Haman. We are not alone in the conflict with Satan, the King is on our side and God’s people will be delivered as well.

In Conclusion,

God was with Ruth and Esther even in their darkest times, God is with us. Even in the darkest times, He is very near. He will deliver us from the consequences of sin and save us in His kingdom at last, may this be our portion, in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 10 Review: Upon Whom the Ends Have Come

Introduction

Memory Text: “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:11, 12, NKJV).

Accounts in the Bible says a lot about events such as the Second Coming, the investigative judgment, the final crisis, and more. And, through it all, we find Christ as the center, for He must be the foundation as well as the end goal of all prophetic endeavors.

Why are some people going to be caught off-guard by Christ’s second or third coming?

Some people will be caught off-guard by Christ’s second coming or third coming, not because they were not informed, but because they refused to believe. Prior to the end, the gospel is carried to every nation on earth (Matt. 24:14).

What lessons can be drawn from the story of the flood?

The passing of periods of time does not nullify the prophecies. As with the Second Coming, the Flood did not come as a surprise to the world because of a lack of information, it came as a surprise because they didn’t believe. It is in the Flood Story’s context that Peter writes “that scoffers will come in the last days, walking in their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation’ ” (2 Pet. 3:3, 4, NKJV).

What lesson can we learn from Noah’s evangelism for ourselves?

Noah preached for 120 years, and only his family were saved in the ark, the flood certainly came. We have not gotten to the point where there are no results, although we are told probation will close, and the door of mercy will be shut. We are to carry on the work of mercy, of warning the world of the coming judgment, knowing that the prophecy will surely be fulfilled, Christ is coming.

Why are the warnings from the accounts of Sodom and Gomorrah important for last-day people of this planet?

Like Sodom and Gomorrah, the wicked will also be destroyed by fire, as described so clearly in Revelation 20. Secondly, we should note that this account is not primarily addressed to the outside world but to God’s own people. Sin is remarkably deceptive and can blind us to the state of our own hearts. We too, can fall into the same trap, hence, these accounts are addressed to us.

What can we learn from God’s meeting with Abraham in Genesis 18:17‒32?

“Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7, NKJV). Not only did Abraham examine the case of Sodom, but he is also examining the character of God. Likewise, before the end comes, God opens the books of heaven (Rev. 20:4-15) and allows us to investigate the evidence before He finally brings fire down on the earth.

Who needs the book of records to know who is saved or lost?

God does not need the book of records of every person to know who will be saved or lost. These records are made for our sakes, for the sake of the angels, for the sake of the on looking universe. These are the ones who needs the book of records.

Who is the reason why we can get through judgment?

We can get through judgment only through Christ’s perfect righteousness.

In Conclusion,

God’s desire is for everyone to be saved. If anyone is not saved it is because he or she consciously decided not to believe in Jesus Christ. May we be part of those who will “believe in [Christ]” (John 3:16) and be saved, in Jesus’ name.