Category / Sabbath School Teaching Plans

by In Light Of The Cross

5: Shining as Lights in the Night-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Provided by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School Class on January 31 2026.

Central Theme: The light and power of heaven is available to all of us who have surrendered our lives to Jesus. But too often either we expect God to do it all or our own ideas and plans get in the way. That’s why Paul’s words to the Philippians are so relevant today.

Read in Class: Philippians 2:12-16. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does Paul mean by saying, “Work out your own salvation”? How would you describe the relation between faith and works? How does Paul describe what we, as children of God, are to be and to do?

Apply: While we are not saved by works, how does grace apply to our works in our practical everyday living? See Ephesians 2:8-10. Romans 1:5 and Titus 2:11-12.

Share: Your friend says that we work out our own salvation by deciding for ourselves what is right and wrong, rather than listening to the church. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Philippians 2:17, 2 Timothy 4:6, and Romans 12:1-2,

Study: What is Paul saying in these passages?

Apply: Reflect on what it would mean for your life to be a “living sacrifice.” How much do you sacrifice for the kingdom of God, and what does your answer tell you about yourself?

Share: Your friend says that some people are way too fanatical and give up way too much to become Christians. They think they are holier than thou just because of their fanatical sacrifices and lifestyle. What do you tell your friend? Hint: See Matthew 26:6-13.

Read in Class: Philippians 2:19-23, 1 Corinthians 4:17, and 2 Timothy 1:5.

Study: Why do you think Paul speaks so positively and at such length about Timothy? What are some of the things Paul says about Timothy?

Apply: Think about the provocations, hardships, and annoyances you have faced recently. Have these been “meekly borne” and “well endured”? What can you do to enable these experiences to help make you more disciplined?

Share: Your friend says he thought we were not supposed to be praising other people, so why is Paul going on about how good Timothy is? What do you tell your friend? Is there a difference between praising someone and affirming them? If so, what is the difference?

Read in Class: Philippians 2:25-30. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: How does Paul describe Epaphroditus? What specific attitudes and actions of this Christian worker reveal his character?

Apply: How do we make sure that we shine as lights in the world without our good deeds and accomplishments giving us pride? See Matthew 5:16.

Share: Your friend says that while Epaphroditus almost worked himself to death, Ellen White says her husband James did work himself to death. Are we supposed to work ourselves to death for the sake of the Gospel? What do you tell your friend?

Mission: Can you think of someone who works hard for the church out of love and is a bright light for Jesus in a world of darkness? Can you commend them this week?

by In Light Of The Cross

4: Unity Through Humility-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School Class, January 24, 2026.

Central Theme: This week, we’ll look at the biblical basis for unity in the church, focusing especially on the amazing condescension of Jesus, the lessons we can gain from beholding Him, and how we can grow to be more like Him.

Read in Class: Philippians 2:1-4. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: What factors seem to have led to disunity within the church? What practical steps does Paul urge to have unity in the church?

Apply: What kind of death to self would lead us to where we, indeed, esteem others better than ourselves? How can we learn to do that? How different would our relationships be if we all lived like that?

Share: Your friend asks you if you have ever known anyone who was so humble that it reminded you of Jesus? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Philippians 2:5.

Study: What do you think it means to have the “mind” of Christ?

Apply: Why is it so important that we follow what Paul tells us here: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things” (Phil. 4:8, NKJV)?

Share: Your friend says that we are all human, so there is no way we can really have the mind of Christ. What do you tell your friend? Hint: See Romans 12:1-21.

Read in Class: Philippians 2:5-8. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is Paul saying to us here? What are the implications of these words? Most importantly, how do we apply the principle expressed here to our own lives?

Apply: How should we respond to what Christ has done for us, as depicted in Philippians 2:5-8? What response could possibly be “adequate” or worthy of what Christ has done for us, perhaps other than to fall on our knees and worship? Why is it so wrong to think that our works can add to what Christ has already done for us?

Share: Your friend says he thinks the reason so many people have trouble being humble is that they think it is humiliating to be humble. Is there a difference between being humble and being humiliated? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Romans 8:3, Hebrews 2:14-18, and Hebrews 4:15.

Study: What characterized Jesus’ condescension and His taking of human nature?

Apply: How can, and should, focusing on what Jesus did for us at the cross–seeing the cross as our example of surrender and humility–make us more humble, as well as more submissive to God?

Share: Your friend says, 1 Corinthians 8:2 says, “And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.” Your friend asks what that is saying. Does it mean we are not supposed to act like we know anything? What do you tell your friend?

Mission: Ask yourself what specific changes you can make to show more humility at your work, school, church, and family. Share these specific changes with God and ask for His help.

by In Light Of The Cross

3: Life and Death-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School Class, 17 January 2026.

Central Theme: Life is short, and it is vital to make the greatest possible impact for God’s kingdom within the years God grants us.

Read in Class: Philippians 1:19-20. Compare with Galatians 4:19.

Study: What seems to be Paul’s expectation as to the outcome of his trial? What does he consider even more important than being acquitted? What did Paul want to see accomplished in the people he won to Christ?

Apply: Look at how you live and how you treat people, especially people who don’t treat you nicely. What kind of witness for Jesus do you present?

Share: Your friend says, “Isn’t making sure we have eternal life the whole purpose of accepting Jesus as our savior? So why would Paul not care if he lived or died so long as Christ is magnified? Is there more to the cross and salvation other than just making sure we get eternal life?”

Read in Class: Philippians 1:21-22 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-6.

Study: What is the basis of the spiritual war we wage, and what are our weapons? How do we understand Paul’s point, especially in the context of the great controversy?

Apply: In what ways, right now, are you experiencing the reality of the great controversy? How can you draw comfort and strength from knowing that Christ has won the victory for us already?

Share: Your friend asks, “What does it mean, ‘To me to live is Christ and to die is gain?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Philippians 1:23-24.

Study: What does Paul mean when he says that “to depart, and be with Christ” is “far better”?

Apply: Knowing that our days in the flesh here on earth are numbered, how can we make the best use of our time to share the Gospel, especially those of us who are working full-time jobs or are in school full-time?

Share: Your friend says that Philippians 1:23-24 proves that we go straight to heaven the moment we die. What do you tell your friend? For a hint, see what Paul says later in Philippians 3:10-11.

Read in Class: Philippians 1:27-30 and John 17:17-19.

Study: What do both Jesus and Paul say is indispensable for unity in the church? How does our unity and “striving together for the faith of the gospel” relate to fearlessness?

Apply: What hope, what comfort, should we, as Christians, have amid our suffering?

Share: Your friend says she has noticed that people in the church who work together to spread the Gospel don’t seem to bicker, complain, or gossip as much as those who aren’t working in the church to spread the Gospel. Do you agree with your friend? How do you respond to your friend?

Mission: Can you think of someone who works a full-time job or goes to school full-time, and still makes good use of their time sharing the Gospel? Can you reach out to them this week and encourage and affirm their ministry? Maybe even pray with them that God will continue blessing their ministry?

by In Light Of The Cross

2: Reasons for Thanksgiving and Prayer-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School Class, Sabbath, 10 January 2026.

Central Theme: This week, we’ll consider Paul’s opening words of thanksgiving and prayer in Philippians and Colossians, which may enrich and strengthen our own prayer life.

Read in Class: Philippians 1:3-8. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: What is Paul thankful for? What reassurances does he give the Philippians, and why is that important?

Apply: How do you understand the promise that God will finish the “good work in you” (Phil. 1:6)? What does that mean? Will this work ever end before the Second Coming?

Share: Who are some people in your life that you thank God for, and why?

Read in Class: Philippians 1:9-11. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is the focus of Paul’s prayer, and what big requests does he make? What does it tell you about prayer?

Apply: Whatever else we do, how can our love “abound still more and more” (Phil. 1:9, NKJV)? Why is that so important for the Christian life? (See also 1 Cor. 13:1-8.)

Share: Your friend says that she tries to be sincere and not offend others, but the people she works with are too sensitive and easily offended. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Philippians 1:12-18. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: How did Paul view his imprisonment? What lessons can we learn from his attitude, despite the circumstances he found himself in?

Apply: What lesson have you learned from experiences that, though unquestionably bad, also brought about some benefits? Even in cases in which a benefit might not be apparent, how can we learn to trust God regardless?

Share: Your friend asks, “What selfish motivations could possibly drive someone to share the gospel, and how should we respond to them?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Colossians 1:3-12. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: What three things does Paul thank God for? What specific requests do you find in Paul’s prayer?

Apply: In Colossians 1:5, Paul writes about “the hope which is laid up for you in heaven.” What is your understanding of that hope, and why does it apply to you personally, even though you are truly unworthy?

Share: If someone were to ask you, “How do you know that God is leading you in one direction or another?” how would you answer–and why?

Mission: Can you reach out to someone this week who is going through a tough time and offer encouragement?

by In Light Of The Cross

1: Paul in Chains-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School Class, 3 January 2026.

Central Theme: This week, we’ll look at the circumstances that Paul faced. He saw a larger purpose for what happened to him, and perhaps we can learn from him when we, as we inevitably do, face our own trials.

Read in Class: Ephesians 3:1, 2 Corinthians 4:7-12, and 2 Corinthians 6:3-7.

Study: How was Paul able to endure the trials that he faced? What seemed to be the focus of his entire life?

Apply: What spiritual resources were available to Paul to help him endure his trials? What resources do you use to endure your trials?

Share: Your friend asks, “What does it mean in 2 Corinthians 6:4 to commend yourself as a minister of God? What does that mean? Is this just talking about paid ministers?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Acts 9:10-16. Ask the class what is happening in this passage.

Study: How does this help us to understand some of Paul’s trials? How may it help us to understand some of our own?

Apply: Not only was Paul persecuted for his faith, but he also had persecuted others for their faith. When we are being mistreated, does it ever open our eyes to how we may have mistreated others? What lessons can we learn from our own suffering?

Share: Can you share a trial that you endured that helped you see and experience the goodness of God in a way you never had before?

Read in Class: Philemon 1:15-16, Colossians 4:9. Ask the class to identify the main idea of these passages.

Study: What course did Paul urge Philemon to take with Onesimus?

Apply: How do you stay focused on your calling in the Lord when others disrespect you and treat you less than a brother or sister?

Share: Your friend notes that in Daniel 5:13, the king is condescending toward Daniel, even after all Daniel had done, when he simply refers to him as a captive slave. Yet Daniel seemed to just shrug it off. Still, your friend asks you why God allows his people to be so disrespected. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Philippians 1:1-2, 12-18. Ask the class to summarize these passages.

Study: How is the church in Philippi described in these passages, and what was their concern for Paul? During Paul’s persecution, what was the overarching purpose that enabled him to endure?

Apply: What was Paul focused on that helped him to rejoice even while enduring persecution? How should this allow us to focus and even rejoice when we are being persecuted?

Share: What trials were you able to endure once you saw the larger purpose behind your trials? How did seeing the larger purpose help Jesus to endure what He suffered for us on the cross? See Isaiah 53:3-11, and Hebrews 12:2-3.

by In Light Of The Cross

13: Choose This Day!-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School Class, 27 December 2025.

Central Theme: Joshua is close to the end of his life; no replacement is on the horizon. The covenant renewal is a reminder to Israel that their king is Yahweh Himself and that, if they remain loyal to Him, they will enjoy His protection. Israel does not need a human king. As a theocratic nation, they have to always keep in mind that their only king is the Lord.

Read in Class: Joshua 24:2-13. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study:  What is the main thrust of God’s message to Israel?

Apply: What are ways in which we can, as a church, have a better sense of corporate responsibility—that is, grasp the idea that what we do impacts everyone in the church?

Share: Your friend says that Joshua 24:13 shows the people did not build the cities they lived in or plant the vineyards they ate from. However, your friend says that since he has worked hard to buy his home and put food on his family’s table, he does not feel that God’s grace has given him these things; instead, they are the result of his hard work. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Joshua 24:14-15. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What did Joshua appeal to the Israelites to do?

Apply: What does it mean to you to serve the Lord “in sincerity” and “in truth”? What are some of the distracting factors in your life that prevent your full devotion to God?

Share: Your friend asks, “What are some idols in our culture we need to put away?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Joshua 24:16-21. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What was Israel’s response to Joshua’s appeal? Why do you think Joshua reacted to their answer in the way he did?

Apply: Knowing our own weaknesses, what are some practical ways that you rely on God during the day to serve God?

Share: Your friend says we can serve God by trusting His promises rather than making our own. What do you tell your friend? What part might we play besides just trusting God’s promises? See 2 Peter 1:4.

Read in Class: Joshua 24:22-33. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: Why would Joshua need to repeat his appeal to the Israelites to get rid of their idols? How are these words not only looking back to Joshua’s life but also looking forward to the future?

Apply: Joshua, like Paul, “fought the good fight” (2 Tim. 4:7, NKJV). What was the key to Joshua’s success? What decisions do you need to make today to finish with the same assurance of salvation?

Share: What are your key takeaways from this quarter’s lesson?

by In Light Of The Cross

12: God is Faithful-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School Class, December 20, 2025.

Central Theme: This week, we will study together the first speech of Joshua, in which he glances back at Israel’s victories while at the same time tracing the path to future success

Read in Class: Joshua 21:43-45 and 2 Timothy 2:11-13.

Study: What picture do these passages paint of God? How do these words apply not only to the historical Promised Land but also to the reality of our salvation

Apply: How does God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises give us confidence that none of His promises for the future will fail? (See 1 Cor. 10:13, 2 Cor. 1:18-20.)

Share: Your friend says that she prayed for God to save her mother from a deadly disease, but her mother still died, so now she does not believe God is faithful. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Joshua 23:1-13.

Study: What are the primary focal points of Joshua’s introduction? Why do you think Joshua took such a strong position concerning Israel’s relations with the surrounding nations?

Apply: What are the similarities between how the Israelites conquered Canaan under Joshua’s leadership and the way Christians today can live a victorious spiritual life? Read Josh. 23:10, Col. 2:15, 2 Cor. 10:3-5, Eph. 6:11-18.

Share: Your friend states, “Joshua’s warning against harmful associations inevitably leads to the question of the Christian’s relationship to the world. How can we find a balanced relationship with the society that surrounds us?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Joshua 23:15-16.

Study: How should we interpret the descriptions of God’s wrath and retributive justice in Joshua (Josh. 23:15-16) and elsewhere in Scripture? (See also Num. 11:33; 2 Chron. 36:16; Rev. 14:10, 19; Rev. 15:1.)

Apply: We are motivated to love and obey God because he first loved us. See 2 Corinthians 5:14 and 1 John 4:19. What place does the fear of God’s wrath play in our lives, if any?

Share: Your friend says it seems like the wicked get away with everything. Where is God’s wrath on the wicked today? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Deuteronomy 6:5 and Joshua 23:11.

Study: Love cannot be forced; otherwise, it will cease to be what it essentially is. Yet in what sense can love be commanded?

Apply: Jesus gave a new commandment to His disciples. In what sense was this commandment new and old at the same time? Read John 13:34, John 15:17, and 1 John 3:11; compare with Lev. 19:18.

Share: Your friend says he has trust issues when it comes to clinging to God with all of his heart. What do you tell your friend?

by In Light Of The Cross

11: Living in the Land-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared for Sabbath School class on December 13, 2025.

Central Theme: Why is it dangerous to jump to a rash conclusion about the behavior of others? How can we foster unity in the church? Why is it important to keep in mind the larger scope of our calling and not get caught up in distractions? These are some of the questions we will address this week.

Read in Class: Joshua 22:5-20. Ask the class to summarise this passage.

Study: What accusations do the West Jordan tribes level against the East Jordan tribes? To what extent were these accusations well-founded? For ideas, see Deuteronomy 12.

Apply:  Read Luke 6:37, John 7:24, 1 Cor. 4:5. Why is it so easy to jump to wrong conclusions about the motives of others? How did Jesus and Paul teach us to avoid jumping to incorrect conclusions?

Share: Your friend says a group from her Seventh-day Adventist church has started its own home church. They teach the Bible just like the church does, but your friend says this is wrong, because we should only be worshiping at official Adventist churches. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Numbers 25:5-11 and Joshua 22:13-15.

Study: Why do the Israelites choose Phinehas as the head of the delegation to the two-and-a-half tribes?

Apply: We all have negative experiences from the past that shape how we deal with similar incidents in the future. How can God’s grace help to ensure that the tragedies of our past do not determine the way we treat our neighbors in the present?

Share: Your friend points out that in the story in Daniel 3, even a pagan king had enough common sense to ask those accused if the accusation was true. Your friend asks you how Matthew 18:15-20 can help us to mediate fairly when disputes arise. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Joshua 22:21-29 and Proverbs 15:1.

Study: What can we learn from the answer of the eastern tribes?

Apply: How do you handle false accusations? Share some of the principles that guide your attitude. For inspiration, see Psalm 37:3-6, 34, 37.

Share: Your friend says it is better not to defend yourself against false accusations because defending yourself only gives the accusation merit. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Joshua 22:30-34.

Study: How does this entire incident give us some insights into conflict resolution and ways of ensuring the unity of the church? (Compare with Psalm 133; John 17:20-23; 1 Pet. 3:8-9.)

Apply: Without betraying any confidences, can you share how Bible counsel has helped you to peacefully resolve conflicts in the past?

Share: Can you think of someone you have jumped to conclusions and misjudged in the past? If you have not already made things right with them, how can you make things right with them this week?

by In Light Of The Cross

10: The True Joshua-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared for Sabbath School Class, December 6, 2025.

Central Theme: This week, we will examine principles of biblical interpretation related to typology. We will study how the Bible itself contains indicators of typology and how the life of Joshua foreshadows the ministry of the Messiah and points to symbolism fulfilled in the church and in the consummation of human history.

Read in Class: Romans 5:14, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, and Hebrews 8:5.

Study: What is Biblical typology?

Apply: How was the conquest of Canaan a “type” of our conquest of the new earth, and our spiritual conquests?

Share: Your friend asks how we are supposed to know when the Bible is literal, figurative, or using types. How do we know if something is just a type or a real thing? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Exodus 3:1-2, Joshua 1:1-3, Numbers 13;1-2, and Joshua 2:1.

Study: In the light of biblical typology, what is the significance of the multiple parallelisms between the lives of Moses and Joshua?

Apply: Read Acts 7:37. Who is Moses talking about? Joshua? Jesus? Both? Who was Jesus like Moses and Joshua, and what does that mean to us?

Share: Your friend says that she heard that Jesus came to be like us so we could be like Him. Your friend asks, How can we be like Jesus? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Hebrews 3:7-4:11.

Study: How does the New Testament confirm that Joshua, the new Moses, is himself a type of Jesus Christ?

Apply: What does it mean to be able to “rest” in what Christ has done for us? That is, how can we have assurance that Jesus has defeated Satan on our behalf?

Share: Your friend asks you if you have ever known anyone who really reminded you of Jesus. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: 1 Peter 1:3-4 and Revelation 21:1-3.

Study: What do these texts say about the ultimate fulfillment of the Joshua typology? 

Apply: Joshua, the type, asked the Israelites: “ ‘How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers has given you?’ ” (Josh. 18:3, NKJV). How would Jesus, the antitype of Joshua, phrase that question today?

Share: Can you think of someone who would benefit from being in your Sabbath School class with you each Sabbath? Can you reach out and invite them this week?

by In Light Of The Cross

9: Heirs of Promises: Prisoners of Hope-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, 29 November 2025.

Central Theme: This week, we will examine theological concepts related to the Promised Land and their spiritual implications for those who claim all the promises found in Jesus.

Read in Class: Exodus 3:8, Leviticus 20:22, Leviticus 25:23, and Numbers 13:27.

Study: What was the special relationship between God, Israel, and the Promised Land?

Apply: In the light of 1 Peter 2:11 and Hebrews 11:9-13, what does it mean to you personally to live as a stranger and sojourner looking forward to the city whose designer and builder is God Himself?

Share: Your friend asks what it means to be an heir of a promise. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Joshua 13:1-7. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: Even though the land of Canaan was a gift from God, what were some of the challenges that came with possessing it?

Apply: How do Christians today encounter similar challenges to those related to occupying the Promised Land? See Phil. 2:12, Heb. 12:28.

Share: Your friend says that when she was younger, she believed with all her heart that Jesus was coming soon and one day she would receive the promise of having eternal life on the New Earth. But decades later, she is now wondering if it is all just make-believe. Jesus hasn’t come yet, and she wonders whether she can still trust the Bible’s promises about the second coming and the new earth. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Leviticus 25:1-5, Leviticus 25:8-13. Ask the class to identify the main idea of these passages.

Study: What was the purpose of the Sabbatical year and of the Year of Jubilee?

Apply: How can the principles of the Israelite land allotment and the Sabbath remind us that, in God’s eyes, we are all equal? How can the Sabbath help us say “no” to the exploitive, vicious cycles of consumerism that plague many societies?

Share: your friend says we should be just as gracious with others as God has been generous with us, and yet we have to be practical too. You can’t make a profit in business by being generous to everyone. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Jeremiah 24:6, Jeremiah 31:16, and Ezekiel 11:17.

Study: What was the promise of God concerning the return of Israel to the Promised Land, and how was it fulfilled?

Apply: Read John 14:1-3, Titus 2:13, and Revelation 21:1-3. What ultimate hope is found for us here in these verses, and why does the death of Jesus guarantee us the fulfillment of this hope?

Share: Can you think of a friend who would be encouraged by some of the Scripture we studied this week? Can you reach out to them and share these wonderful promises?