The Certainty of God's Word and Prophecy

 

Scripture Readings:

• Matthew 5:18 – “For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”

• 2 Timothy 3:15–17 – “And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

• Luke 24:27 – “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”

Bible prophecy is not just a set of mysterious predictions about the future—it is God's sure and unfailing word, revealing His sovereign plan. Many approach prophecy with speculation or fear, but Scripture teaches us to approach it with faith, reverence, and an expectation that God will fulfill every word He has spoken.

Prophecy is Certain (Matthew 5:18)

Jesus affirms in Matthew 5:18 that not one part of God’s word will fail—every prophecy will be fulfilled exactly as intended. When we study prophecy, we must do so with confidence that God's promises are sure. The world may change, but God's word does not.

Prophecy Equips and Instructs Us (2 Timothy 3:15–17)

Paul reminds us that Scripture—including prophecy—is God-breathed and profitable for our growth and guidance. Bible prophecy is not given to satisfy curiosity but to equip us for faithfulness. It reminds us of God's holiness, justice, and redemptive plan. Rather than treating prophecy as a puzzle to be solved, we should see it as an encouragement to live righteously.

Prophecy Points to Christ (Luke 24:27)

When Jesus walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, He explained how all Scripture points to Him. This means prophecy is not merely about end-times events or Israel’s history—it is ultimately about Jesus Christ. Every prophecy, whether about judgment or redemption, directs us toward God's ultimate purpose in Christ.

A Right Approach to Prophecy

• Trust the certainty of God's Word—not a single prophecy will fail.

• Let prophecy equip you for righteous living—rather than becoming consumed by speculation.

• See Jesus at the center of prophecy—because all Scripture testifies about Him.

When we approach prophecy this way, we will find not fear or confusion, but faith, hope, and deeper love for God's word. Amen.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 1 Some Principles of Prophecy

The Sealed and the Unsealed Word

 Scripture: Daniel 12:4 & Revelation 22:10

In Daniel 12:4, the Lord tells Daniel:

"But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."

This stands in contrast to Revelation 22:10, where the angel tells John:

"Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand."

What do these passages mean? Why was Daniel told to seal the book, while John was told to leave his unsealed? Let us reflect on the purpose of God’s revelation and His perfect timing.

 The Sealed Vision (Daniel 12:4)

Daniel was given extraordinary visions about the future—visions of kingdoms rising and falling, of the coming of the Messiah, of great tribulations, and of the final resurrection. However, God instructed Daniel to seal up these words until “the time of the end.”

This command suggests that the full meaning of Daniel’s prophecy would not be understood immediately. It was not meant for his time, but for a future generation that would witness its fulfillment. The increase of knowledge and people running “to and fro” indicate an era where understanding would grow, and God's plan would become clearer.

God’s revelations unfold according to His perfect timing. Sometimes, we may not fully understand what He is doing, but He calls us to trust in His wisdom and wait on His timing.

 The Unsealed Revelation (Revelation 22:10)

In contrast, John is told not to seal the words of the prophecy in Revelation because "the time is at hand." The events John witnessed—the coming of Christ, the judgment of the world, and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom—were soon to be set in motion.

With the coming of Jesus Christ, the mystery that was hidden in Daniel’s time had been revealed. The message of salvation and judgment was now urgent. The time to understand, repent, and prepare was no longer in the distant future but at hand.

Today, we live in the age of unsealed prophecy. The truth of Christ’s return is clear, and the call to repentance is immediate. We are not waiting for another revelation—God has already spoken, and His Word is open for all to hear and respond.

Living in the Age of Revelation

The contrast between Daniel and Revelation teaches us that God’s plan is progressive. What was once hidden has now been revealed through Jesus Christ. The question we must ask ourselves is:

• Are we living as if the time is still far off, delaying our obedience to God?

• Or are we heeding the urgency of the Gospel, knowing that the time is at hand?

Jesus calls us to watch, pray, and be ready, for He is coming soon. Let us live with faith, wisdom, and urgency, sharing His unsealed truth with the world.

Amen.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 1 Some Principles of Prophecy

God’s Understanding: Beyond Our Comprehension

 

Scripture Readings:

• Psalm 139:1–6 – “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! … Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.”

• Psalm 147:5 – “Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.”

• Romans 11:33 – “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”

• 1 John 3:20 – “For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.”

Introduction

We live in an age where knowledge is at our fingertips. With a quick search, we can learn about the mysteries of the universe, the depths of the ocean, and the inner workings of the human body. And yet, despite all our learning, Scripture reminds us that God's understanding far surpasses our own.

God’s Knowledge Is Personal (Psalm 139:1–6)

Psalm 139 speaks of a God who knows us intimately—our thoughts, our words before we speak them, our paths before we take them. Unlike human understanding, which is often superficial, God’s knowledge reaches to the very core of our being. David acknowledges that such knowledge is “too wonderful” for him to grasp. How often do we try to make sense of our own lives, yet fail to see the full picture? God, in His infinite understanding, sees not just our present, but our past and future, and He knows what is best for us.

God’s Understanding Is Infinite (Psalm 147:5)

The psalmist declares that God’s understanding is beyond measure. No human mind can calculate the depths of His wisdom. While we struggle with uncertainty and unanswered questions, God’s knowledge is complete. He is never surprised, never caught off guard, and never lacking in wisdom. In our confusion, we can trust the One whose wisdom is limitless.

God’s Ways Are Beyond Our Grasp (Romans 11:33)

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, marvels at the mystery of God’s wisdom. He acknowledges that God’s judgments and ways are beyond human comprehension. This reminds us that there will always be aspects of God's plans that we do not understand. Yet, rather than frustration, Paul responds with worship. When we encounter trials or mysteries beyond our understanding, our response should not be doubt, but faith. If we could fully understand God, He would not be God!

God’s Knowledge Brings Comfort (1 John 3:20)

Finally, John tells us that God’s knowledge extends even to our hearts. Sometimes, our own hearts condemn us—we feel unworthy, broken, or beyond redemption. But God knows everything, including the depths of His own mercy. While we see our failures, He sees His grace at work in us. His perfect knowledge means that even when we don’t understand ourselves, He does. And He loves us still.

Conclusion

God’s understanding is not just vast—it is personal. He knows us fully, guides us wisely, and loves us completely. When life doesn’t make sense, we can trust in His infinite wisdom. And when our hearts condemn us, we can rest in His perfect knowledge and grace.

Let us, like Paul, respond to the mystery of God’s understanding not with frustration, but with worship.

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! To Him be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:33, 36)

More: Sabbath School Lesson 1 Some Principles of Prophecy

God’s Desire to Be Understood

 

Scripture Readings:

• Matthew 24:15 – “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand.”

• Revelation 1:3 – “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”

• Matthew 11:29 – “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

• Jeremiah 9:23-24 – “This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord.”

One of the greatest truths of Scripture is that God desires to be known and understood by His people. He is not a distant or hidden deity, but a God who reveals Himself through His Word, His works, and ultimately through Jesus Christ. The passages we have read today emphasize God’s intention for us to understand Him—not just intellectually, but in a way that transforms our lives.

God Calls Us to Seek Understanding (Matthew 24:15, Revelation 1:3)

In Matthew 24:15, Jesus speaks of a prophecy from Daniel and urges His followers: “Let the reader understand.” Similarly, in Revelation 1:3, there is a blessing for those who read, hear, and take to heart God’s message. These verses remind us that God does not want His truth to remain a mystery; He provides His Word so that we may comprehend His plans and be prepared.

Jesus Invites Us to Learn from Him (Matthew 11:29)

Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:29 are both an invitation and a reassurance: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.” He does not burden us with knowledge that is beyond our grasp; instead, He teaches with gentleness, guiding us toward spiritual rest and wisdom. His heart’s desire is that we walk closely with Him, learning from His example and drawing from His strength.

True Understanding Comes from Knowing God (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

In Jeremiah 9:23-24, the Lord declares that the greatest knowledge is not human wisdom, strength, or riches, but the understanding of who He is—His kindness, justice, and righteousness. God’s revelation is not reserved for the elite; it is given to those who seek Him with humility. The most important knowledge we can attain is the knowledge of God Himself.

We can Know Jesus

God has made Himself known through prophecy, through His Son, and through His Word. He desires that we understand Him, not just to gain knowledge, but to grow in relationship with Him. If we seek Him earnestly, He will open our hearts and minds, leading us into the fullness of His truth.

Let us, therefore, commit ourselves to studying His Word, listening to His Spirit, and walking in His ways, that we may truly know the Lord and delight in His presence.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 1 Some Principles of Prophecy

The Sheep and the Goats: A Heart Transformed by Grace

Text: Matthew 25:31-46

Beloved in Christ, the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46 is one of the most striking teachings of Jesus about the final judgment. It paints a vivid picture of Christ returning in glory, separating people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. The sheep are welcomed into His kingdom, while the goats are sent away into eternal punishment.

At first glance, this passage may seem to teach that our final destiny depends on our works—whether we fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and visited the imprisoned. However, we must interpret Jesus’ words in the broader context of Scripture, which consistently teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). So, how do we reconcile this passage with the gospel of grace?

Works as the Evidence, Not the Basis, of Salvation

Jesus is not teaching that these acts of kindness earn salvation. Rather, they are the natural fruit of a life transformed by His grace. The sheep are not saved because they served the least of these; they serve the least of these because they are saved. Their good works are the outflow of a genuine faith, a heart changed by Christ.

James 2:26 reminds us that "faith without works is dead." This does not mean works save us, but that true faith will inevitably bear the fruit of love and compassion. Just as an apple tree produces apples because it is alive, not to make itself alive, so the sheep serve others because they have received new life in Christ.

The Goats’ Problem: A Heart Unchanged

The goats, on the other hand, are not condemned simply because they failed to do good works. Their lack of compassion reveals a deeper issue—the absence of a transformed heart. They may have professed faith, but their lives showed no evidence of it. Jesus warned in Matthew 7:21, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father."

The will of the Father is not just outward obedience but a heart that loves God and loves others. The goats' indifference toward the suffering of others is proof that they never truly knew Christ.

The Sheep Know the Shepherd

A key detail in the passage is the humility of the sheep. They are almost surprised that their acts of kindness mattered so much. This is because their good works were not done to earn favor with God but were the natural response of a heart transformed by knowing Christ.

Jesus identifies Himself with “the least of these.” When we belong to Him, our love for Him overflows into love for others. We serve not out of duty but out of delight in our Savior.

Conclusion: A Call to Examine Our Hearts

This passage is not a lesson on salvation by works, but a call to self-examination. Have we truly trusted in Christ? If so, the evidence will be seen in how we love and serve others. Our works do not save us, but they testify to the faith that does.

May we, by God’s grace, be counted among His sheep—not by our own righteousness, but by the righteousness of Christ working in us, for His glory and the good of others. Amen.

More: Lesson 13 Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law

Next Quarter: Allusions, Images, Symbols: How to Study Bible Prophecy 

The Sin of Favoritism and the Call to Love

 Scripture: James 2:1-9

Brothers and sisters in Christ, today we reflect on James 2:1-9, a passage that warns us against favoritism and calls us to love as God loves. James, the brother of Jesus, speaks directly and powerfully, challenging us to examine our hearts and actions.

The Sin of Favoritism (James 2:1-4)
James begins with a stark warning: "My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism." He then paints a vivid picture of two men entering a gathering—one rich and well-dressed, the other poor and in rags. The rich man is given a place of honor, while the poor man is told to stand or sit at someone’s feet.

What is the problem here? It is not merely an issue of hospitality but of partiality—treating people differently based on their outward appearance or social status. James calls this behavior evil because it contradicts the very nature of God, who shows no favoritism (Romans 2:11).

How often do we judge by appearances? Do we favor those who can offer us something in return while overlooking the weak and needy? James reminds us that this is not the way of Christ.

God's Heart for the Poor (James 2:5-7)
James then asks a rhetorical question: "Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom?" This echoes Jesus’ teaching in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

The world may despise the poor, but God sees them differently. He often uses those who seem insignificant to do great things. The rich, on the other hand, can be tempted by power and self-sufficiency, forgetting their need for God. James warns against honoring those who exploit others while neglecting those whom God esteems.

The Royal Law of Love (James 2:8-9)
James then shifts from favoritism to the law of love, saying, "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right." This law, given by God and affirmed by Jesus, is the foundation of true righteousness.

Yet, if we show favoritism, we violate this law and fall into sin. James does not soften his words—favoritism is not a small mistake; it is a transgression against God’s will. To love as Christ loves means to treat all people with dignity, regardless of status, wealth, or appearance.

A Call to Examine Our Hearts
This passage calls us to self-examination: Do we judge others by their wealth, status, or appearance? Do we overlook the poor and the needy? The kingdom of God does not operate like the world. In Christ, all are equal, and our worth is found in Him alone.

Let us ask God to remove favoritism from our hearts and replace it with genuine love. Let us live out the royal law, seeing others as God sees them, and extending grace to all.

Lord, forgive us for showing favoritism and for valuing people based on worldly measures. Help us to love as You love and to honor all people with the dignity You have given them. May we live out Your royal law of love in our daily lives. Amen.

More: Lesson 13 Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law

Next Quarter: Allusions, Images, Symbols: How to Study Bible Prophecy 

Sabbath School Lesson 1: Some Principles of Prophecy

 

Allusions, Images, Symbols:

How to Study Prophecy

Sabbath School Lesson 1

Some Principles of Prophecy

You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.

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