Tag / Sabbath School Teaching Plan

by In Light Of The Cross

12: Dying Like a Seed-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School Class, Sabbath September 17, 2022.

Main Theme: We serve God better when we surrender our will to His will.

Read in Class: Philippians 2:5-9. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What important message is there for us in these verses?

Apply: What rights might we be holding onto that keep us from sharing God’s love and serving others better?

Share: Your friend tells you that Jesus’ example and teaching about being a servant and going the extra mile for our enemies appears to be tone deaf to the social justice issues of today. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Romans 12:1-2. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What are some practical ways we can offer our bodies as a living sacrifice in our day to day life?

Apply: What things might you have to give up in order to become a living sacrifice?

Share: Your friend asks, how do we transform and renew our minds? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: 1 Samuel 3:1-18. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is the difference between those who listen to God and those who don’t?

Apply: Preacher Charles Stanley describes how essential it is to cultivate openness to God’s voice in what he calls “shifting into neutral.” He says: “The Holy Spirit … does not speak for the sake of passing along information. He speaks to get a response. And He knows when our agenda has such a large slice of our attention that it is a waste of time to suggest anything to the contrary. When that is the case, He is often silent. He waits for us to become neutral enough to hear and eventually obey.” — The Wonderful Spirit-Filled Life, (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1992), pp. 179, 180.

What do you think Stanley means by becoming “neutral enough”? When you think about your openness to God, what things often prevent you from being “neutral enough to hear and eventually obey”? What do you need to do in your life to cultivate openness to God’s voice and a decisiveness to be obedient to His direction?

Share: Your friend asks you why God allowed Eli to be priest while not even being able to control his own sons? After all, doesn’t the New Testament teach that a leader should control his own household? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: 1 Samuel 13:1-14. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What did Saul do that led to his downfall?

Apply: Why do you think it was so easy for Saul to follow his own judgment, even though he had God’s clear instructions still ringing in his ears? If we know that we are so fragile and have such imperfect knowledge, why do we still try to rely on ourselves? What can we do to learn to trust in the Lord’s commands more than in ourselves?

Share: How can we encourage our leaders to rely on God instead of trusting in their themselves and their own wisdom? Is there a leader in your church family who you could call this week and pray with and for them?

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain” (John 12:24, NKJV).

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

10: Jesus Opens the way Through the Veil-Sabbath School Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, Sabbath, March 5, 2022.

Main Theme: The book of Hebrews shows us how Jesus is working on our behalf in the heavenly sanctuary.

Read Together: Hebrews 9:24. What is the main idea of this passage?

Study:  According to this passage, what was the purpose of Jesus’ ascension to heaven?

Apply: Why should the reality of what Christ has done, not only on the cross but what He is doing now in heaven, give us assurance of salvation?

Share: Your friend shares that she thinks there is no real sanctuary in heaven. Christ is the actual sanctuary. How would you answer your friend’s claims?

Read Together: Leviticus 10:1-3, and Leviticus 16:1-2. Define the main idea of these passages.

Study: What warning do we have in these passages?

Apply: Matthew 27:51 tells us the veil of the earthly sanctuary was torn apart when Jesus was crucified. In Hebrews 4:14-16 it tells us to come boldly before the throne of grace in time of need. How does this veil being removed give you confidence to enter the presence of God today?

Share: Your friend asks you, if Jesus was God why weren’t people destroyed when they saw Him walk the earth, just like the Israelites were destroyed if the approached God on Sinai or the temple? How do you answer your friend? Hint: Hebrews 10:19-20.

Read Together: Hebrews 10:19-22. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What invitation do we have in this passage?

Apply: What accusations could Satan make against you before God, if He were allowed? Though he is a liar, how much would he have to lie about you in order to seek your condemnation? What’s your only hope?

Share: Your friend asks, “What does it mean to be able to enter into the holiest through the veil through His flesh and blood by a new and living way? And what does it mean to have our hearts sprinkled and our bodies washed?” How do you answer your friend?

Read Together: Hebrews 12:22-24. What is the main idea of this passage?

Study: In what sense have we arrived at heavenly Jerusalem into the presence of God? See Ephesians 2:5-6 and Colossians 3:1.

Apply: How can we learn to make the promise of eternal life real to us now, amid a world so full of pain and suffering? What answer can you give to those who say that this is all just a fantasy to help us feel better about our life here and now?

Share: Your friend asks you how you know your name is registered in heaven? How do you answer your friend?

The precious Saviour will send help just when we need it. The way to heaven is consecrated by His footprints. Every thorn that wounds our feet has wounded His. Every cross that we are called to bear, He has borne before us. The Lord permits conflicts, to prepare the soul for peace.–The Great Controversy, p. 633. (1888)

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,