A New Heart and a New Birth

 

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31–34; John 3:1–21; Hebrews 8:10

Introduction: The human heart, apart from God, is broken and stained by sin. But our merciful God has always planned to renew us from the inside out. Through His promise in Jeremiah, the teaching of Jesus to Nicodemus, and the fulfillment in Christ, we see God’s commitment to transforming us with a new heart and a new birth.

I. The Promise of a New Heart (Jeremiah 31:31–34) Jeremiah speaks of a new covenant where God will write His law upon our hearts. The old covenant, based on external adherence to the Law, was not sufficient to change human nature. But God promises a radical transformation—He will be our God, and we will be His people. This is not just about following rules but having an internal transformation where obedience flows from a heart aligned with Him.

II. The Necessity of a New Birth (John 3:1–21) Nicodemus, a Pharisee, comes to Jesus at night seeking understanding. Jesus tells him, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). This puzzled Nicodemus, but Jesus explained that the new birth is spiritual, not physical. Just as Jeremiah prophesied a new heart, Jesus speaks of being born of water and the Spirit. The Holy Spirit brings regeneration, making us new creations in Christ.

III. The Fulfillment of the Promise (Hebrews 8:10) The writer of Hebrews quotes Jeremiah, confirming that Jesus has established this new covenant. Through Christ’s sacrifice, God’s law is not merely written on tablets of stone but inscribed on our hearts. We no longer strive for righteousness through our works; instead, God transforms us by His grace, making us His children.

Conclusion: God’s promise to give us a new heart is fulfilled through Christ’s work on the cross and the Spirit’s transforming power. The call to Nicodemus is the call to us all: we must be born again. This is not a self-improvement project but a divine work of grace. Have you received the new heart that God offers? Are you living in the joy of the new covenant? Let us surrender to God’s work in us, embracing the transformation He promises.

More: Lesson 13 Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law

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

The Law: Holy, Just, and Good

 

Scripture: Romans 6:1–3; Romans 7:7–12 (emphasis on verse 12)

Introduction
Brothers and sisters, today we turn our hearts to the words of Paul in the book of Romans, where he speaks about the law in relation to Christ’s work on the cross. Some might wonder: If we are saved by grace, does the law still matter? Others might ask: Is the law something to be feared or cast aside now that Christ has come?

Paul answers these questions with great clarity, reminding us that the law itself is holy, just, and good (Romans 7:12).

 Grace Does Not Abolish the Law (Romans 6:1–3)

Paul begins by asking, "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" (Romans 6:1). His response is immediate and firm: "God forbid!" Just because Christ has freed us from sin does not mean we should live lawlessly. Instead, we are called to walk in newness of life.

The law was never the problem—sin was the problem. The law revealed sin, but it did not cause it. Rather, it showed us the standard of God's holiness and our need for a Savior.

 The Purpose of the Law (Romans 7:7–12)

Paul explains that the law acts like a mirror—it reveals sin but cannot remove it. Without the law, we would not have known the depth of our sinfulness. He uses the example of coveting: “I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet” (Romans 7:7).

But does this mean the law is bad? Absolutely not! It is through the law that we see our need for Christ. The problem is not the law—it is sin that corrupts. The law points us to Christ, who alone can redeem us.

 The Law is Holy, Just, and Good (Romans 7:12)

Here is the heart of today’s message: “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” The law reflects God's character—it is holy, because it comes from a holy God. It is just, because it teaches us righteousness. It is good, because it leads us to Christ.

Even though Christ fulfilled the law, He did not abolish it (Matthew 5:17). Rather, He gave us the grace to live according to God's righteousness—not by our own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Walking in Grace and Truth

As believers, we no longer live under the condemnation of the law, but we do live in the righteousness it upholds. The law shows us our need for grace, and grace empowers us to fulfill the righteousness of the law through Christ.

Let us, therefore, walk in obedience—not out of fear, but out of love. For the law is holy, just, and good, and through Christ, we are given the power to live in its light. Amen.

More: Lesson 13 Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law

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

Love for God, Love for Others: Exodus 20:1–17

 

The Two Great Loves

Exodus 20:1–17

When Jesus was asked to summarize the greatest commandment, He responded with two principles: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37–39). These two principles are the foundation of the Ten Commandments given in Exodus 20. The first four commandments teach us how to love God, and the last six show us how to love others.

 Loving God (Exodus 20:1–11)

The first four commandments reveal how we are to love and honor God:

• No other gods (v. 3): God alone deserves our worship and devotion. Loving Him means placing Him first in our lives.

• No idols (v. 4–6): True love for God is not just in words but in worshiping Him in spirit and truth, not through man-made images.

• Do not misuse God’s name (v. 7): Loving God means revering His name, speaking of Him with honor, and living in a way that reflects His holiness.

• Keep the Sabbath holy (v. 8–11): Setting aside time for worship and rest shows our love for God by trusting in His provision and prioritizing our relationship with Him.

 Loving Others (Exodus 20:12–17)

The remaining six commandments guide us in loving our neighbors:

• Honor your father and mother (v. 12): Love begins at home. When we honor our parents, we build strong families and a stable society.

• Do not murder (v. 13): Every life is precious to God. Love for others means valuing life and rejecting hatred or violence.

• Do not commit adultery (v. 14): Faithfulness in marriage is an expression of love and respect for our spouse.

• Do not steal (v. 15): Love for others means respecting their property and working honestly.

• Do not bear false witness (v. 16): Truth builds trust. Loving our neighbors means speaking truthfully and avoiding slander.

• Do not covet (v. 17): Contentment is key to loving others. Instead of envy, love rejoices in the blessings of others.

 Living Out the Two Great Loves

The Ten Commandments are not just rules; they are a reflection of God's heart for us. Jesus fulfilled the law, and through Him, we are empowered to love God and love others. When we obey these commands out of love, we reflect the character of Christ and show the world what it means to walk in His ways.

Lord, help us to love You with all our hearts and to love others as You have loved us. May we live in obedience to Your Word, reflecting Your goodness and grace. Amen.

More: Lesson 13 Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law

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

 

The question "Who is my neighbor?" comes from Luke 10:25-37, where a lawyer asks Jesus this exact question. In response, Jesus tells the Parable of the Good Samaritan, in which a man is beaten and left for dead. A priest and a Levite pass by without helping, but a Samaritan—someone from a group despised by the Jews—stops, cares for the man, and provides for his recovery.

Who Is My Neighbor?

Jesus' parable teaches that our neighbor is not just the person who lives near us, shares our background, or belongs to our social circle. Instead, our neighbor is anyone in need, regardless of race, status, or difference. The Samaritan did not let social divisions or personal inconvenience stop him from showing mercy.

Who Is Your Neighbor?

Your neighbor includes:

• The person in crisis who needs help.
• The outcast or marginalized individual in your community.
• The person with whom you may have cultural, political, or personal differences.
• Even those considered "enemies" by society.

How Should Following Christ Make Us Like the Good Samaritan?

1. Crossing Boundaries – Just as the Samaritan disregarded racial and religious divisions, we must break through barriers of prejudice, class, and comfort zones.
2. Active Compassion – Love is not just words but actions. Helping others, even when inconvenient, reflects Christ’s love.
3. Self-Sacrifice – The Samaritan gave his time, resources, and energy. Following Christ means being willing to give up our own comfort for the sake of others.
4. Seeing with Christ’s Eyes – The priest and Levite ignored the suffering man, but the Samaritan saw a human being in need. We must cultivate a heart that notices and responds to suffering.
5. Loving Beyond Convenience – True love is costly. It means going beyond good intentions to practical, ongoing involvement in others' lives.

Practical Ways to Be Like the Good Samaritan

• Helping the Poor and Homeless – Volunteering at shelters, donating, or offering direct assistance.
• Standing Against Injustice – Advocating for those who are oppressed.
• Serving Those Society Overlooks – Befriending immigrants, the disabled, or the elderly.
• Showing Kindness in Daily Life – Helping a struggling neighbor, listening to someone in pain, or simply being present for those in need.

Jesus ends the parable by telling the lawyer, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37). Being a neighbor is not just about knowing the right answer—it’s about doing mercy in everyday life.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 12: The Two Greatest Commandments

> Next Quarter: Allusions, Images, Symbols: How to Study Bible Prophecy: Sabbath School 2nd Quarter 2025

Sabbath School Lesson 13: Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law

 

God's Love and Justice

Sabbath School Lesson 13

Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law

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

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> Download the notes for Lesson 13 video here.

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“Go and Do Likewise” - Parable of the Good Samaritan

 

Scripture Reading: Luke 10:25–37

Brothers and sisters in Christ, the parable of the Good Samaritan is one of Jesus’ most well-known teachings, but its radical challenge is often overlooked. This parable was not just a call to kindness but a bold confrontation of injustice, prejudice, and the failure of religious and social systems to uphold mercy.

When the lawyer asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” he was trying to define the limits of his responsibility. Jesus answered with a story that shattered those limits. A man is beaten and left for dead on the road. A priest and a Levite—both religious men—pass by without helping. Then comes the Samaritan, the last person anyone would expect to show compassion. Samaritans were despised by the Jews, yet it was this outsider who embodied the mercy of God.

The cry of the prophets throughout Scripture echoes in this story. Micah 6:8 reminds us: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” The prophets condemned religious rituals that lacked justice and acts of worship that ignored the suffering of the oppressed. The Good Samaritan does exactly what the prophets called for—he acts justly, loves mercy, and moves humbly in the presence of God.

Throughout history, we have seen entire societies create systems that dehumanize and exclude others. Slavery, colonization, racial segregation, and economic exploitation have been justified by those in power while the wounded lay in the streets, ignored by those who should have helped. Even today, the suffering of refugees, the poor, and the marginalized is often met with silence or indifference. But Jesus calls us to be different. He calls us to go and do likewise.

This parable forces us to ask: Who are the wounded lying on the roadside today? Who are the ones we pass by because they make us uncomfortable, because they do not fit within our social or political categories? The love of God does not allow us to walk by. It compels us to stop, to kneel, and to bind the wounds of the broken.

Let us not be like the priest or the Levite, using religion as an excuse to ignore injustice. Instead, let us be like the Good Samaritan, crossing boundaries, breaking down walls, and loving with a mercy that reflects the very heart of God. Amen.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 12: The Two Greatest Commandments

The Weightier Matters of the Law: Matthew 23:23–30

 The Weightier Matters of the Law

In Matthew 23:23–30, Jesus delivers a sharp rebuke to the Pharisees and religious leaders of His time. They were meticulous in tithing even the smallest of their crops—mint, dill, and cumin—yet they neglected the "weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness." Jesus does not condemn their tithing but points out their hypocrisy in focusing on minor details while disregarding what truly matters. This passage calls us to examine our own priorities in faith and to consider what Jesus means by the "weightier matters."

 The Danger of Religious Formalism The Pharisees were known for their outward religiosity. They performed religious duties with precision, seeking to appear righteous in the eyes of others. However, Jesus exposes their spiritual blindness. They were straining out a gnat while swallowing a camel (v. 24), emphasizing the trivial while missing the profound.

This same tendency can be found today when believers focus more on outward expressions of religion—attending church, giving offerings, following traditions—without addressing the deeper calls of justice, mercy, and faithfulness in their lives.

 The Weightier Matters: Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness When Jesus speaks of the "weightier matters," He refers to the foundational principles of God's moral law. These are not in opposition to religious practices but are the core of what God desires from His people:

1. Justice – Justice is the pursuit of righteousness and fairness in society, ensuring that the vulnerable are not oppressed. The prophet Isaiah echoes this theme:

   • "Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause" (Isaiah 1:17).

   • The Pharisees enforced religious laws but failed to uphold justice for the poor and needy. Jesus calls us to a faith that actively seeks justice in the world.

2. Mercy – Mercy is the heart of God's character. It reflects His compassion toward those who are suffering. The Lord, speaking through Isaiah, condemns empty rituals when mercy is absent:

   • "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?" (Isaiah 58:6).

   • Jesus desires His followers to embody mercy, caring for the broken and extending forgiveness rather than merely adhering to religious customs.

3. Faithfulness – Faithfulness means loyalty and sincerity in our relationship with God and others. The Pharisees were unfaithful in their hearts, though they appeared devout. True faithfulness is not just about outward observance but about a steadfast commitment to God’s truth and love.

 Whitewashed Tombs: The Danger of Hypocrisy Jesus further rebukes the Pharisees by comparing them to whitewashed tombs (v. 27). They looked pure on the outside but were filled with death and corruption. This powerful imagery warns us against spiritual hypocrisy—when our external righteousness does not align with the condition of our hearts.

Isaiah also speaks against such hypocrisy, declaring:

• "Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me" (Isaiah 29:13).

• True worship is not just about what we say or do externally but about a heart that genuinely seeks God.

 Living Out the Weightier Matters Jesus' words in Matthew 23 call us to a faith that is more than rituals and appearances. He calls us to a life marked by justice, mercy, and faithfulness. As followers of Christ, we must reflect God’s heart by standing against injustice, showing mercy to others, and remaining faithful in our walk with Him.

May we not be like the Pharisees who focused on minor details while missing the greater call of God. Instead, let us embrace the weightier matters of the law, living out a faith that truly honors the Lord.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 12: The Two Greatest Commandments