Tag / Sabbath School Net

by In Light Of The Cross

9: Jacob the Supplanter-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, For Sabbath School Class, Sabbath, May 28, 2022.

Main Theme: Jacob deceives and then gets deceived, thus learning what goes around comes around.

Read Together: Genesis 25: 21-34. Discuss the main theme of this passage.

Study: What qualities of Jacob predispositioned him to be more worthy than Esau of Isaac’s blessings?

Apply: Jacob wanted something good, something of value, and that was admirable (especially compared to his brother’s attitude). Yet, he used deception and lies to get it. How can we avoid falling into a similar trap of doing bad so that “good” may come?

Share: Your friend says its okay to tell a white lie in order to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. Do you agree with your friend? Why or why not?

Read Together: Genesis 29:20-30. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: How and why does God allow for Laban’s deception? What lessons did Jacob learn?

Apply: How can we avoid justifying doing something bad so that good may come? 

Share: Your friend asks if God let Jacob get deceived so that he would then realize and be convicted of his own lies. What do you tell your friend?

Read Together: Genesis 30:15-22. Summarize this passage.

Study: How are we to understand the meaning of what takes place here?

Apply: How does this story reveal that God’s purpose will be fulfilled despite human errors?

Share: Your friend asks why God was so good to Leah when Leah was deceptive? What do you share with your friend?

Read Together: Genesis 30:25-32. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is going on here, and what kind of reasoning does Jacob use? What is Laban’s response?

Apply: Have you ever been cheated by an employer? How did you deal with it?

Share: Think of someone who would be encouraged by this week’s message. How can you share it with them this week?

by In Light Of The Cross

7: The Covenant With Abraham-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, Sabbath May 14, 2022.

Main Theme: The promises given to Abraham are for all believers. “And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.” Galatians 3:29 NLT

Read Together: Genesis 15:1-6. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: How did Abraham reveal what it means to live by faith?

Apply: What does it mean if we start counting up or relying on our good works?

Share: Your friend says that if we are counted righteous because we believe then there is no reason to obey. How do you respond to your friend? See Genesis 26:5 and James 2:23-24.

Read Together: Genesis 17:1-12. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is the spiritual and prophetic significance of the circumcision rite?

Apply: How do you keep believing even when we struggle with belief?

Share: Your friend says that circumcision is nothing more than barbaric sexual mutilation. How do you respond to your friend? See Why Circumcision.

Read Together: Genesis 18:1-8 and Romans 9:9. Define the main idea of these passages.

Study: What lessons of hospitality do we learn from Abraham’s reception of his visitors? How do you explain God’s response to Abraham’s hospitality?

Apply: What is our responsibility to the poor and hungry? How do we help those in need? What stipulations would you put on helping someone who is in need?

Share: Your friend asks, what it was that made Abraham so generous? What do you tell your friend?

Read Together: Genesis 18:22-Genesis 19:13. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: How does Abraham’s prophetic ministry affect his responsibility toward Lot?

Apply: How do you respond to someone who says that God does not punish the lost, that it is against His love?

Share: How can we help the sinner realize their need of a Savior without making them feel like the scum of the earth?

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:17 NKJV

by In Light Of The Cross

6: The Roots of Abraham-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, Sabbath, May 7, 2022.

Main Theme: God has a plan for His loved ones.

Read Together: Genesis 12:1-9. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: Why did God call Abram to leave his country and family? How did Abram respond?

Apply: What might God be calling you to leave behind? That is, what part of your life might you have to abandon in order to heed the call of God?

Share: Your friend is given an opportunity to serve a couple of years in the mission field far from home. A decent salary and travel and lodging are all provided. Your friend acknowledges that it looks like God is leading in this venture, but your friend does not want to leave a comfortable home, as well as family and friends. What can you share with your friend?

Read Together: Genesis 12:10-20. Discuss the key idea in this passage.

Study: Why did Abram leave the Promised Land to go to Egypt? How did the pharaoh behave in comparison to Abram?

Apply: What should this story teach us about how easy it is, even for faithful Christians, to stray from the correct path? Why is disobedience never a good choice?

Share: Your friend acknowledges that we are saved by faith, but says that a lack of obedience shows a lack of faith. Do you agree with your friend? Why or why not?

Read Together: Genesis 13:1-18. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does this story teach us about the importance of character?

Apply: How can we learn to be kind and generous to others, even when they aren’t that way to us?

Share: Your friend asks, “How can we reach wicked cities with the Gospel if we are counselled to live in the country and stay away from such places?” What do you tell your friend?

Read Together: Genesis 14:1-17. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is significant about this war taking place just after the gift of the Promised Land? What does this story teach us about Abram?

Apply: What kind of influence do our actions have on others? What kind of message are we sending about our faith by our actions?

Share: Can you think of a friend who needs to be encouraged by the fact that God has a plan for their life? Can you reach out and encourage your friend this week?

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going” Hebrews 11:8 NKJV

by In Light Of The Cross

2: The Fall-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, Sabbath, April 9, 2022.

Main Theme: As soon as mankind fell, God provided a Savior.

Read Together: Genesis 3:1-7. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What tactics did the serpent use to get Adam and Eve to fall?

Apply: If Satan could get Adam and Eve to fall, how easy it must be for us to fall? What is our defense against temptation? See Every Word of God Proves True. See also What Role Does the Bible Play in a World Where Everyone Does Whatever is Right in Their Own Eyes?

Share: Your friend asks you why in Romans 5 it talks about sin coming through Adam, when in reality Eve sinned first? What do you tell your friend? See 1 Timothy 2:14. What does this tell us about God only holding us accountable for what we know?

Read Together: Genesis 3:8-20. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What was the purpose of this “investigative judgment?” Did God not already know what Adam and Eve had done?

Apply: As soon as Adam and Eve were caught, they started pointing the finger. Why do we blame others for our mistakes, and how does pointing the finger and blaming others keep us from experiencing full salvation? See 2 Samuel 12:1-7. , Romans 2:1-4. See also John 5:1-8.

Share: A friend says, “Sin and suffering is all God’s fault. He never should have placed the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the garden with Adam and Eve.” How do you respond to your friend?

Read Together: Genesis 3:7, 21. Discuss the main idea of these passages.

Study: What was Adam and Eve’s solution for their sin and nakedness? What was the Lord’s solution? How does this relate to works and grace?

Apply: In light of these two verses, how is the way we clothe ourselves related to our salvation? See Luke 8:27,35.

Share: A friend states, “Adam and Eve tried to save themselves by their works by making a garment of fig leaves, but how could we be trying to save ourselves by our own works today? How do we know we are really trusting the Lamb of God to clothe us?” How do you respond to your friend?

Read Together: Genesis 3:15, Romans 16:20, Hebrews 2:14, and Revelation 12:17. Define the common idea in these passages.

Study: How is the plan of salvation, as well as the great controversy, revealed in these texts?

Apply: Why is it so comforting to see that, in Eden itself, where sin and evil on earth began, the Lord started to reveal the plan of salvation?

Share: Can you think of someone this week who needs to hear the plan of salvation? Can you share it with them this week?

“No sooner does one come to Christ than there is born in his heart a desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found in Jesus;” –Steps to Christ, Page 78.

by In Light Of The Cross

11: Jesus, Author and Perfecter of our Faith-Sabbath School Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, Sabbath, March 12, 2022.

Main Theme: Hebrews 11 assures us of the many victories and accomplishments that can be ours through faith.

Read Together: Hebrews 10:35-39. Define the main thought of this passage.

Study: What is God saying to us in these verses?

Apply: Why is it important to recognize that our faith results from and feeds on God’s faithfulness? How can we learn more to trust in His faithfulness to us and to the promises He has made to us?

Share: Your nephew asks you what is the difference between faith and presumption? How do you answer your nephew? For ideas see Faith and Presumption.

Read Together: Hebrews 11:1-19. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What did these heroes of faith do that exemplified their faith?

Apply: Why is meditating on how God has led our lives in the past so crucial in maintaining our faith and trust in Him now?

Share: Your neighbor says that obedience is not important. The only thing that matters is that we have faith. How do you answer your neighbor? See Hebrews 11:8, James 2:21-24, and Genesis 26:5.

Read Together: Hebrews 11:20-28. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What did these men of faith do? How are their actions related to things not seen?

Apply: What are some of the struggles that you have faced because of your faith? What have you had to give up for it? Why, ultimately, is the reward worth it, even if you can’t see it now?

Share: Your relative says that one bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Should Moses have really given up a sure thing, like being prince of Egypt for something that could only be grasped by faith? Wasn’t that risky? How do you answer your relative?

Read Together: Hebrews 12:1-4. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What do these verses ask us to do?

Apply: How is your endurance? Do you endure against temptation or give up easily? How can we have the victory?

Share: Can you think of someone who may be discouraged and need their faith lifted? Can you reach out to them this week with words of encouragement?

“Often He met those who had drifted under Satan’s control, and who had no power to break from his snare. To such a one, discouraged, sick, tempted, and fallen, Jesus would speak words of tenderest pity, words that were needed and could be understood. Others He met who were fighting a hand-to-hand battle with the adversary of souls. These He encouraged to persevere, assuring them that they would win; for angels of God were on their side, and would give them the victory. Those whom He thus helped were convinced that here was One in whom they could trust with perfect confidence. He would not betray the secrets they poured into His sympathizing ear. -Ellen White, Desire of Ages, Pages 91-92.

by In Light Of The Cross

7: Jesus, The Anchor of the Soul-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class on Sabbath, February 12, 2022.

Main Theme: The book of Hebrews encourages us to not become discouraged and give up the hope we have in Jesus.

Read Together: Hebrews 6:4-6. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What were believers given in Christ while they were faithful to Him?

Apply: Have you ever been enlightened and tasted the heavenly gift, and been a partaker of the Holy Spirit? How so?

Share: The Inside Story on lesson four talked about a doctor who believed in Jesus when Jesus miraculously healed his son. The story went on to say that the doctor no longer believes in Jesus now. A classmate asks how can someone have such a wonderful experience with Jesus and then turn away? How do you answer your classmate? How do we make sure that doesn’t happen to us?

Read Together: Hebrews 6:7-12. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: List the good things that the audience has done and continues to do and explain what they mean.

Apply: Sometimes we have to give words of warning to those people whom we love. What can we learn from the apostle regarding warning and encouraging others?

Share: A friend confides that he is discouraged because he has not seen the results he had been hoping to see in his ministry. Can you encourage him by sharing a time you were discouraged in your ministry, but later realized just how fruitful you were?

Read Together Hebrews 6:17-20. Define the key thought of this passage.

Study: How did God guarantee His promises to us?

Apply: What do you feel when you think that God has made an oath to you? Why should that thought alone help give you assurance of salvation, even when you feel unworthy?

Share: Your daughter asks you how you know your hope is not just presumption? How do you answer your daughter?

Read Together: Hebrews 10:26-29. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study:  In what three ways does the author describe the sin for which there is no forgiveness?

Apply: Which definition of sin applies to this passage, 1 John 3:4 or John 16:9? What difference does it make?

Share: Can you think of someone who has become discouraged lately? Can you reach out to them this week with a word of encouragement?

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9

by In Light Of The Cross

5: Jesus, the Giver of Rest-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath school class, Sabbath, January 29, 2022.

Main Theme: The weekly Sabbath reminds us of the rest we have in Jesus.

Read Together: Genesis 15:13-21. Define the main idea of this passage.

Read Together: Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15. Define the main idea of these passages.

Study: What did God promise Abram?

Apply: 400 years is a long time to be under oppression, yet God predicted it and delivered them just as He said He would. What hope does this give you when going through your own oppression?

Share: Your friend asks, “If God knew Abram’s seed were going to become slaves, why didn’t He just stop it from happening?” What do you tell your friend?

Study:  What two things does the Sabbath rest commemorate, and how are they related?

Apply: How should keeping the Sabbath help us understand our complete dependence upon God, not only for existence but for salvation?

Share: Your friend tells you her pastor said that we have rest in Jesus now, so we no longer need the weekly Sabbath? How do you answer your friend? See also, If Jesus is our Rest do we Still Need a Weekly Sabbath? Remember also that Jesus has always been our rest. Just like a country does not destroy its flag which is symbolizes the country, we do not destroy the weekly Sabbath that symbolizes the rest we have in Jesus.

Read Together: Hebrews 3:12-19. Identify the key point of this passage.

Study: Why was Israel unable to enter into the promised rest?

Apply: In what ways can you help build the faith of fellow believers? How can you make sure that you never say or do anything that could weaken another’s faith?

Share: A classmate points out that in Hebrews 3:19 it says the could not enter because of unbelief, but in Hebrews 4:11 it says they failed because of disobedience? Your classmate asks if there is a discrepancy here? How do you reconcile the two? See James 2:14-26 and John 16:9.

Read Together: Hebrews 4:1-11. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is the meaning of entering rest “today” in connection with keeping the Sabbath?

Apply: How can we enter into His rest even now? That is, how can we, by faith, rest in the assurance of the salvation that we have in Christ, and not in ourselves?

Share: Do you know someone overcome with the cares and burdens of this life? How can you help them find rest today?

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

PS: If you are using these lessons in class or group Bible study and have any ideas for improvement please comment or message me directly at racerthree@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you. Thank you!

by In Light Of The Cross

3: Jesus, the Promised Son-Sabbath School Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath school class, January 15, 2022.

Main Theme: Jesus is the Son God promised to Adam and Eve Who would Redeem the human race.

Read Together: Numbers 24:14-19 and Isaiah 2:2-3. Define the common theme in these passages.

Study: What did God promise He would do for His people in the “latter days?”

Apply: Look at all the promises God fulfilled in the past. How should this help us to trust Him for the promises not yet fulfilled?

Share: Years ago when I was doing door to door work as a literature evangelist, I met a woman who told me, “Jesus never did anything for me!” I was surprised. How would have responded to this woman? Hint: See Genesis 12:3, Romans 5:18-19, Hebrews 2:9.

Read Together: Genesis 3:15 and John 3:16. Define the common theme of these passages.

Study: What is meant by “only begotten” or “one and only Son?” Hint: See “God’s One and Only Son.”

Apply: How do you know your belief in Jesus is not just presumption?

Share: Your neighbor asks you how he can know if he has eternal life? What do you tell your neighbor? See the Gospel Presentation.

Read Together: Hebrews 1:1-5. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What are some of the things that this passage teaches us about Jesus?

Apply: Why is it important to know that Jesus is greater than the angels?

Share: While studying with a protestant family about the spirit of prophecy, the wife told me, “In Hebrews 1:1-2 it says God used to speak to us by prophets but now speaks to us by His Son. This means God no longer uses prophets. He just uses His Son.” How would you have responded to this comment? Hint: See 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Ephesians 4:11-13.

Read Together: Psalm 2:7 and Luke 1:31-32 and Hebrews 1:5. Define the main theme of these passages.

Study: What promise to David did Paul in Hebrews apply to Jesus?

Apply: How does the fulfilment of these passages give you confidence?

Share: Can you think of someone who may be encouraged by something shared in class today? Can you share it with them this week?

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only...James 1:22.

by In Light Of The Cross

10: Remember, Do Not Forget-Sabbath School Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath, December 4, 2021.

Main Theme: As we remember God’s goodness it strengthens us and helps us encourage others.

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Read Together Genesis 9:8-17. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: How is the word “remember” used here, and what can we learn from its use for how we should remember what God has done for us?

Apply: What “memorials” or “monuments” do you have that help you to remember the Amazing things God has personally done for you? For example, journal?

Share: What is something extraordinary God has done in your life? How does remembering this help you face the future?

Read Together Deuteronomy 4: 9, 23. What is the common thread of these two verses?

Study: What is God telling His people, and why is it important for us today?

Apply: How does sharing what God has done for us help us as well as others?

Share: A friend asks if false ideas or false teachings can also be idols? What is your answer and why?

Read Together Deuteronomy 4:32-40. Identify the main theme of this passage.

Study: What is God telling His people to remember, and why?

Apply: What is God doing for his church today, and how do we make sure we remember and share with others?

Share: Your friend mentions children starving in third world countries. “What has God done for them?” she asks. How do you respond to your friend?

Read Together Deuteronomy 8:7-18 and discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What warning is God given here and what does it mean to us today?

Apply: What does this teach us about the dangers associated with wealth and prosperity? Just like Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4, does success make us prone to forget God? Why or why not?

Share: Can you think of a friend who may be encouraged by some of the testimonies shared in class today? Can you reach out to that friend this week?

 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only...James 1:22.

by In Light Of The Cross

8: Choose Life – Sabbath School Teaching Plan

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Sabbath School Teaching Plan prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath, November 20.

Main Theme: God wants us all to live but gives us the choice of choosing life or death.

Read Together, Deuteronomy 30:1-20. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: According to this passage what brings life and blessings? What brings death and curses?

Apply: How have you seen or experienced the results of obedience or disobedience today?

Share: A friend tells you that we now have life trough grace and obedience to the law is no longer necessary. How do you respond to your friend? Hint: Matthew 19:17.

Read Together Deuteronomy 4:19. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: How would worshiping the sun or moon be choosing death?

Apply: What things or people do people worship today? How is worshiping those things rejecting life and choosing death?

Share: Your child asks you what is the difference between admiring God’s creation and worshiping God’s creation? How do you answer your child?

Read Together Romans 6:23 and 1 John 5:12. Discuss the common thread of both passages.

Study: What is the opposite of life? Eternity in hell or death? See John 3:16. See also Punishment fo the Wicked in Light of the Cross.

Apply: A recent Newsweek article claims every time we drink a cola it takes 12 minutes off our life. In what subtle ways might we be choosing death or life in our every day choices?

Share: A friend asks, “how do I know if I have the Son?” How do you answer?

Read Together Revelation 14:6-12. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is happening here in Revelation that reflects the warning given in Deuteronomy (and all through Scripture actually) about false worship? Hint: The Three Angels Message and the Triumph of the Gospel Over Legalism Part 1. Part 2.

Apply: How does your behavior express your faith or lack thereof?

Share: your cousin tells you she wants to choose life, but wants to know how to know if she has eternal life. What do you share with your cousin? Hint: The Plan of Salvation,