Tag / Teaching adult Sabbath School class

by In Light Of The Cross

11-Living With Christ-Sabbath School lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, March 14, 2026.

Central Theme: This week we’ll see ways in which living with Christ can make a difference, now and eternally.

Read in Class: Colossians 3:1-6. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What condition does Paul indicate is necessary for us to be heavenly-minded? What do you think that means?

Apply: How do we experience what it means to be dead to self and to earthliness and alive to “those things which are above” (Col. 3:1)? See also Romans 6:1-7.

Share: Your friend asks, “How do we follow the words “mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth” (Col. 3:5)?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Colossians 3:6-11. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: How does Paul continue with this train of thought?

Apply: What does putting off the old man look like for you in everyday life? See also,  Romans 6:6 and Ephesians 4:22-24.

Share: Your friend complains that a kid from the church neighborhood, who is trying t find Jesus has joined her son’s youth Sabbath School class. Last week during prayer request time, he was talking about how frustrating his life is and accidently let a very bad word slip out. He apologized, and the teacher forgave him. Your friend thinks he should have been asked to leave the class. This is church after all! What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Colossians 3:12-14. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study:  How are believers described, and how do you think it relates to the qualities they are to “put on”?

Apply: How well are you representing Jesus in the way you treat others, especially those who may be unkind to you?

Share: Your friend says we hear too many sermons about forgiveness and need to hear more sermons about perfecting our character. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Colossians 3:16-17. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What specifically enables Christ to be in control, and what role does music play in all this?

Apply:We are told that whatever we do, “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17). Can you truly say that you do that? If not, how can you change; that is, what must you stop doing if you cannot do it in the name of the Lord?

Share: Your friend asks how the Word of God “dwells” in us. What do you tell your friend?

Mission: Think about the kind of influence your life has on others. And though we tend to think of this in the context of our individual influence, what about our influence as a Sabbath School Class? How does your local Sabbath School class impact your local community?

by In Light Of The Cross

9: Reconciliation and Hope-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, For Sabbath School Class on February 28, 2026.

Central Theme: The process of individual reconciliation is unpacked in this week’s passage. As with the cosmic sphere, it happens through the death of Christ. On the individual level, the cross, far from being a passive symbol, becomes an active reality, with God’s love transforming people as they hear the gospel and receive Christ Himself, the hope of glory.

Read in Class: Colossians 1:21-23. Ask the class to briefly summarize this passage.

Study: What is Paul alluding to with his reference to alienation and being enemies? And what is the expected end result of Christ’s death (see also Eph. 5:27)? What do you think Paul means by remaining “grounded and steadfast” in the faith? (See also Col. 2:5 and Eph. 3:17.)

Apply: What has been your experience regarding the importance of continuing to exercise faith? That is, why must you always make a conscious choice to do that? What will happen if you don’t?

Share: Your friend tells you that we need the cross for reconciliation here on earth, but the angels did not need it because they are perfect and unfallen. Therefore, once we are in heaven, we won’t need the cross either. What do you tell your friend? See Why Heaven Needed Reconciliation.

Read in Class: Colossians 1:24-25. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does Paul say about his suffering for Christ’s sake?

Apply: Think about your own life. How might the decisions you make (big and small) fit within God’s larger plan? Can we really know whether a decision is actually “small”? How might it have larger ramifications that will become apparent only later?

Share: Your friend says that when we suffer for Christ, we are also suffering for His body, which is the church. If so, how are we suffering for each other when we are suffering for Christ? How have you suffered for the church?

Read in Class: Colossians 1:26-27, Ephesians 1:7-10, and Ephesians 3:3-6. Ask the class to identify the common thread in these passages.

Study: What is the mystery Paul is talking about in these passages, and what does this mystery have to do with the plan of salvation?

Apply: How has this mystery of the gospel already reunited you with heaven while still being right here on earth?

Share: Your friend asks you what the mystery of God is in Revelation 10, and how and when it is finished in verse 7. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Colossians 1:28-29. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is Paul’s focus? Why do you think “everyone” (NKJV and ESV) is repeated three times?

Apply: How do you understand what it means to be “perfect in Christ Jesus” (Col. 1:28)? How does an understanding of what Jesus accomplished for us at the cross help in knowing what it means to be “perfect in Christ Jesus”?

Share: Your friend asks, since Paul wants to present every man (and woman) perfect in Christ, does that mean that none of us are beyond hope of reconciliation and redemption? What do you tell your friend?

Mission: Can you think of someone who has been abused and mistreated and never really seen the love of God? How can you show them the love of goodness and God this week so they can be reconciled to Christ? See Romans 2:4.

by In Light Of The Cross

7: A Heavenly Citizenship-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, February 14, 2026.

Central Theme:  We need not place our hopes in earthly systems of government, which regularly disappoint us. As Christians, we are citizens of God’s heavenly kingdom. And with that, citizenship comes privileges, wonderful privileges. And responsibilities, too.

Read in Class: Philippians 3:17-19. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study:  How are good and bad role models described in this passage? What keys are given to distinguish between them?

Apply: Though, of course, Jesus is the only perfect pattern, there are others who, at least in certain areas, could be good role models. At the same time, what kind of role model do you present to others?

Share: Your friend asks, “How are we supposed to work, pay the bills, and take care of our home without thinking about earthly things?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Philippians 3:20-21. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: How does Paul vividly describe what Christian “citizenship” looks like?

Apply: How does our everyday lifestyle, how we dress, what we eat, and what we do for entertainment reflect where our citizenship is? How do you spot a tourist in your community? How do people in your community know your citizenship is in heaven?

Share: Your friend asks why it is so important to know we have the promise of eternal life in order to live like citizens of heaven. What do you tell your friend? See 1 John 5:13.

Read in Class: Philippians 4:4-9. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: How are we to experience “the peace of God”? What specific actions are urged?

Apply: What practical steps do you use to keep your mind contemplating pure, noble, and redeeming themes? Especially in a world with so much evil and impurity?

Share: Your friend asks you what it means to experience the peace of God. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Philippains 4:10-13, 19. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What keys does Paul reveal for a contented, happy life?

Apply: How do you deal with the things that you have prayed for that have not yet come, or perhaps might never come?

Share: Your friend asks whether you have ever had an answer to prayer that you knew was a genuine miracle, not just a stroke of luck. What do you tell your friend?

Mission: Do you know someone who needs to accept the plan of salvation, so they can have peace of mind and a hope beyond this earth? Can you share it with 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

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

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?