Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class on April 8, 2023.

Main Theme: The three angels’ messages is Jesus’ final message of mercy, a call that leads us from trusting in our own righteousness to trusting the righteousness of Jesus to justify us, to sanctify us, and, at the end of time, to glorify us.

Read in Class: Matthew 24:14 and Revelation 14:6. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: What promise did Jesus give to His disciples regarding the worldwide spread of the gospel just before His return?

Apply: How does God shape our characters? What means does He use for us to grow in grace? What can we do to more fully allow the Holy Spirit to transform us to be more like Jesus?

Share: Your friend complains that no one is preaching the three angels message anymore. What do you tell your friend? Hint: See “Beware of Preachers Presenting Themselves as the Last Person Preaching Bible Truth.”

Read in Class: Revelation 14:14 and Acts 1:9-11. What similarities does your class discover?

Study: Read Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14. Why did Daniel call Jesus the “Son of Man” in something as serious as the judgment? What, given what we have already looked at, should be comforting in knowing that the “Son of Man” is so central to judgment?

Apply: Think about the fact that your whole life will come under scrutiny before God. What, then, is your only hope when this happens? (See Rom. 8:1).

Share: Your friend asks, “Why is the title “Son of Man” an encouragement in the judgment hour as we anticipate the second coming of Christ? Why is it comforting to realize that a man, a human being, is up there representing us in the judgment?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Revelation 14:15 and Mark 4:26-29. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: What similarities do you see between the texts? What are they both talking about?

Apply: “The germination of the seed represents the beginning of spiritual life, and the development of the plant is a beautiful figure of Christian growth. As in nature, so in grace; there can be no life without growth. The plant must either grow or die. As its growth is silent and imperceptible, but continuous, so is the development of the Christian life. At every stage of development, our life may be perfect; yet if God’s purpose for us is fulfilled, there will be continual advancement. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime. As our opportunities multiply, our experience will enlarge, and our knowledge increase.” — Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 65, 66.

How do you understand Ellen G. White’s statement that “at every stage of development, our life may be perfect”? What does that mean, especially when we can see our faults and defective characters now?

Share: Your friend asks, “What is the difference between being saved by grace and growing in grace?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Revelation 14:17-20. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does the expression “the great winepress of the wrath of God” mean? See also Revelation 14:10, Revelation 15:1, and Revelation 16:1.

Appy: How well can you discern the contrast between good and evil? Why is it important that we do? (See Heb. 5:14).

Share: Can you think of someone who you can share the gospel with this week? How can you share the gospel of the third angels message with them? See The Gospel Presentation.