Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, January 4, 2025.

Main Theme: God loves us freely, desire our love in return.

Read in Class: Exodus 33:15-22. Ask the class to define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does this passage, especially verse 19, reveal about God’s will and love?

Apply: In what ways has God continued to reveal and manifest His love to you—even beyond any reasonable expectations?

Share: Your friend says that Exodus 33:19 sounds like predestination to them. What do you tell your friend? Hint: See Ephesians 1:4 and 1 Timothy 2:4.

Read in Class: Hosea 14:1-4 and John 17:24. Ask the class what the main ideas of these passages are?

Study: What do these verses reveal about God’s steadfast love for His people, now and before the world existed?

Apply: What does the fact that God continues to bestow love on this world, despite its fallenness and evil, tell us about His love and character? How should this truth cause us to love Him in return?

Share: Your friend says since God’s love is unconditional and everlasting, everyone will be saved no matter what. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Matthew 22:1-14. Ask the class to define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is the meaning of this parable?

Apply: What about your life reveals that you have accepted the wedding invitation and have come appropriately clothed?

Share: Your friend asks, “What does it mean that Many are called but few are chosen?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 10:17-18 and Galatians 2:20. Have the class identify the common thread in these passages.

Study: What’s the message to us here in these texts?

Apply: How does your life show that you truly appreciate God’s self-sacrificing love?

Share: Your friend asks if you know of anyone who has laid down their life for a friend? What do you tell your friend?