Knowing and Doing

 Sabbath School

Growing in a Relationship with God 

Sin, the Gospel, and the Law 

Lesson 9 - Thursday 

Hearing and Doing the Words of Jesus

The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most powerful teachings ever given. In it, Jesus spoke about anger, lust, forgiveness, love for enemies, prayer, worry, judging others, and true righteousness. But as He came to the end of the sermon, He did not simply leave His listeners with inspiring ideas. He gave them a serious and deeply personal challenge.

In Matthew 7:21–29, Jesus makes it clear that hearing truth is not enough. What matters is whether we truly surrender to Him and live according to His words.

Jesus begins with a sobering warning:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

These are some of the most startling words in Scripture. Jesus describes people who appear outwardly religious. They call Him “Lord.” Some even perform miracles and do mighty works in His name. Yet Jesus says to them:

“I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:23).

Notice the issue was not that they lacked religious activity. The problem was that they lacked a genuine relationship with Christ and lives transformed by obedience. They knew about Jesus, but they did not truly know Him.

This is an important warning for every believer. Christianity is not merely attending church, knowing Bible verses, defending doctrines, or appearing spiritual before others. A person can be deeply involved in religious things while still resisting God in the heart.

Jesus is calling His followers to authenticity.

The Christian life is not about perfection, but it is about surrender. Real faith produces change. When Christ lives within a person, there will be evidence—not to earn salvation, but because salvation changes the heart.

Jesus then illustrates this truth with the parable of the wise and foolish builders.

“Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).

Both builders heard the words of Jesus. Both built houses. Both experienced storms. But only one house stood firm. Why? Because one builder acted upon Christ’s words while the other merely listened.

The storms represent the trials of life, temptations, suffering, disappointment, and ultimately the final judgment. Sooner or later, every foundation is tested. Popularity cannot save us. Emotions cannot save us. Religious appearances cannot save us. Only a life anchored in Christ can endure.

The foolish builder likely thought the rock foundation was unnecessary work. Sand is easier. Faster. More comfortable. But convenience is a terrible foundation for eternity.

Many people today want the blessings of Christianity without the surrender that comes with following Christ. They admire Jesus as a teacher but resist Him as Lord. They want inspiration without repentance, grace without transformation, and heaven without obedience.

Jesus lovingly warns us that such faith cannot stand when the storms come.

The wise builder, however, digs deep. He builds on the rock even when it costs more time, effort, and sacrifice. That rock is Christ Himself and the truth of His Word. A believer who daily trusts Christ, studies His teachings, prays, repents, forgives others, and obeys God through faith is building on solid ground.

This does not mean the wise builder never struggles. Storms still come to faithful Christians. They face sickness, loss, temptation, doubt, and persecution just like everyone else. But because their lives are rooted in Christ, they are not destroyed.

At the end of the chapter, the crowds are astonished because Jesus taught “as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matthew 7:29). Jesus was not merely giving advice or philosophy. He was speaking as the Son of God who has authority over eternity itself.

That same authority confronts us today with a decision.

Will we simply admire the teachings of Jesus, or will we build our lives upon them?

The Sermon on the Mount is not meant to be read casually and forgotten. It is an invitation to a completely different way of living—a life of humility, purity, forgiveness, trust, mercy, and wholehearted obedience to God.

The challenge Jesus leaves us with is simple but life-changing: hearing is not enough. We must respond.

A person who truly belongs to Christ does not merely say “Lord” with their lips. They surrender to Him with their life.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the words of Jesus and the truth He taught with such love and authority. Forgive us for the times we have heard Your Word without truly applying it to our lives. Help us not to settle for outward religion or empty profession, but to build our lives firmly upon Christ, the solid Rock. Give us hearts that obey You out of faith and love. Strengthen us when storms come, and keep us rooted in Your truth. Teach us to follow Jesus sincerely, not just with our words, but with our actions and our character. May our lives reflect that we truly know You.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

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The Law and the Gospel

 Sabbath School

Growing in a Relationship with God 

Sin, the Gospel, and the Law 

Lesson 9 - Wednesday 

Christ, the Law, and the Freedom of Faith

When Jesus came to earth, many people misunderstood His mission. Some thought He came to remove the law entirely. Others believed righteousness could only come through strict rule-keeping. Jesus corrected both extremes. In one of the clearest statements He ever made, He said:

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled” (Matthew 5:17–18, NKJV).

Jesus did not abolish God’s law. He fulfilled it perfectly. He lived the life humanity failed to live. He showed the true spirit of the law—not cold legalism, but love flowing from a transformed heart. Throughout His ministry, Jesus exposed how the religious leaders had turned obedience into a burden. They focused on outward performance while neglecting mercy, humility, justice, and faithfulness. Christ showed that the law was never meant to be a ladder to earn salvation. It was meant to reveal God’s character and guide people into loving relationship with Him and others.

The apostle Paul expands on this truth powerfully. Romans 3:28 says:

“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.”

Romans 4:13–16 explains that the promises of God come through faith, not through law-keeping. Galatians 2:16 repeats the point strongly:

“A man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ.”

This means no amount of obedience can erase sin or make us righteous before God. We cannot save ourselves by trying harder. The law can reveal sin, but it cannot cure it. Like a mirror, it shows the dirt on our face but cannot wash us clean.

That is why Galatians 3:13 is so important:

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us.”

Jesus took upon Himself the condemnation that the broken law demanded. At the cross, justice and mercy met together. Christ bore the penalty so that sinners could receive forgiveness and new life.

Paul also writes in Philippians 3:9 that he no longer wanted a righteousness that came “from the law,” but instead the righteousness that comes “through faith in Christ.” Paul had once been extremely religious and strict about the law, yet he discovered that outward obedience without Christ leaves a person spiritually empty.

So how do believers keep the law without becoming legalistic?

The answer is found in relationship, not performance.

Legalism says, “I obey so God will accept me.”
Faith says, “God has accepted me in Christ, therefore I obey.”

Legalism focuses on earning.
Faith focuses on trusting.

Legalism produces pride or despair.
Faith produces humility, gratitude, and love.

When someone truly loves Christ, obedience stops being about checking boxes. It becomes the natural fruit of walking with God. Jesus Himself said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Love comes first. Obedience follows.

This is why the Christian life is not law versus grace. It is law established through grace. Romans 3:31 says:

“Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.”

Faith does not destroy obedience; it puts obedience in its proper place. We obey not to become saved, but because we are saved. The law becomes a joy rather than a burden when Christ changes the heart.

Many sincere Christians struggle here. Some become careless and think grace means obedience no longer matters. Others become anxious and exhausted trying to prove themselves worthy to God. Both miss the gospel. The cross shows us that sin is serious enough that Jesus had to die, but God’s love is great enough that He was willing to die for us.

The Christian walk is not about flawless performance. It is about daily surrender to Christ. As we trust Him, the Holy Spirit writes God’s law upon our hearts. Real obedience grows from faith, just as fruit grows naturally from a healthy tree.

Look at the lives of people like Abraham, David, Peter, and Paul. None were perfect. All failed deeply at times. Yet they were counted righteous because they trusted God. Their obedience flowed from faith, not from an attempt to earn salvation.

The same is true for us today. God is not asking you to save yourself through rule-keeping. He is asking you to trust Christ completely. When you do, obedience becomes an expression of love rather than a desperate attempt to gain approval.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for sending Jesus to fulfill the law perfectly and to bear the curse of sin in our place. Help us never to trust in our own works or righteousness, but only in Christ alone. Teach us to obey You from love and gratitude rather than fear or pride. Guard us from legalism on one side and careless living on the other. Write Your law upon our hearts through the Holy Spirit, and make our lives reflect the character of Jesus. Strengthen our faith when we struggle, and remind us daily that our hope is found in Christ’s righteousness, not our own.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Faith in Gethsemane

 

“Not My Will, but Yours Be Done”

Before the cross, before the nails, before the crowds mocked Him, Jesus faced another battle in the garden of Gethsemane. In The Gospel of Matthew 26:36–42, we see one of the clearest pictures of the faith of Jesus. It is not a picture of easy confidence or emotionless strength. It is faith under crushing pressure.

Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him into the garden. He told them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.” He knew what was coming. He knew the betrayal, the abandonment, the false accusations, the beating, and the cross. More than physical suffering, He knew He would bear the weight of the sins of the world. The sinless Son of God was about to drink the cup of human guilt and separation caused by sin.

Jesus then prayed, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” This prayer reveals something important about biblical faith. Faith is not pretending pain does not exist. Faith is not denying fear, grief, or struggle. Jesus openly expressed His agony to the Father. Real faith is bringing your honest heart to God while still choosing to trust Him completely.

Notice that Jesus prayed this way more than once. The struggle was intense. Yet every prayer ended in surrender to the Father’s will. That is the faith of Jesus: complete trust and obedience even when the path leads through suffering.

Many people think faith means always feeling strong and fearless. But in Gethsemane, Jesus shows us that faith can exist alongside tears, anguish, and deep emotional pain. The key is not the absence of struggle; it is the presence of trust. Jesus trusted the Father even when He could not see immediate relief.

This moment also reveals how alone Jesus was. The disciples slept while He suffered. Human support failed Him, but He still clung to the Father. Sometimes our own faith journey feels lonely too. Friends may not understand. People may fail us. Answers may not come quickly. Yet the example of Jesus reminds us to keep praying and surrendering ourselves to God.

The faith of Jesus was active, enduring faith. He did not run from the cross. He moved forward in obedience because He trusted the goodness and purpose of the Father. Because Jesus remained faithful in Gethsemane, salvation became possible for us.

There is another encouraging lesson here: Jesus understands human weakness. The Epistle to the Hebrews 4:15 says that we have a High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses. Jesus knows what it feels like to struggle. He knows what it feels like to pray through agony. When we come to Him in our own dark moments, we are coming to Someone who truly understands.

The faith of Jesus calls us to trust God not only when life is easy, but also when obedience is costly. It teaches us to pray honestly, surrender fully, and continue forward even when our emotions are heavy. Faith says, “Father, I trust You even here.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us the faith of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. Thank You that Jesus trusted You completely even in sorrow and suffering. When we face fear, uncertainty, disappointment, or pain, help us to follow His example. Teach us to pray honestly and surrender our will to Yours. Strengthen our faith when we feel weak and remind us that Jesus understands our struggles. Help us trust You even when the path is difficult. May we learn to say with Jesus, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

More on: Lesson 8 Having Faith    

The Law

 Sabbath School

Growing in a Relationship with God 

Sin, the Gospel, and the Law 

Lesson 9 - Tuesday 

 

Sin, Love, and the Freedom of God’s Law

If you asked many non-Christians to define sin, you would probably hear answers like “breaking religious rules,” “being judgmental,” or “doing bad things.” But the Bible describes sin as something deeper and far more serious. Sin is not merely the violation of arbitrary rules. Sin is rebellion against God’s character and ways. It is living outside the love, truth, and order He created us for.

Romans 3:20 says, “Through the law comes the knowledge of sin.” God’s law acts like a mirror. A mirror does not create dirt on your face—it simply reveals what is already there. In the same way, God’s law reveals where our hearts, attitudes, and actions are out of harmony with Him.

Then 1 John 3:4 gives a direct definition: “Sin is lawlessness.” Sin is not simply weakness or mistakes; it is choosing our own way over God’s way. It is humanity saying, “I want control.” That rebellion began in Eden and continues today in every human heart.

Yet many people struggle with the idea of God’s law because they connect it with legalism, guilt, and restriction. Rules can feel cold and oppressive. But the Bible presents God’s law differently. First John 5:3 says, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”

That changes everything.

God’s law was never meant to crush us. It was meant to protect, guide, and shape us into people who reflect His love. Think about it this way: traffic laws are restrictive in one sense, but they also prevent chaos and destruction. In the same way, God’s commands guard relationships, protect hearts, and point us toward life.

The problem is not the law. The problem is the human heart resisting it.

When people obey outwardly without love for God, religion becomes dry legalism. But when obedience flows from love, the law becomes freedom. Jesus Himself said that the greatest commandments are to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37–40). Every commandment hangs on those two principles.

So ask yourself honestly:

1. How precious is God’s Word to me?

On a scale of one to five, where would you place it? Is Scripture something you occasionally glance at, or is it shaping your thoughts, decisions, and priorities daily? Psalm 119 repeatedly describes God’s Word as sweeter than honey and more valuable than riches. The more we know God personally, the more precious His Word becomes.

2. Does God’s law feel restricting or strengthening?

If the law only feels restrictive, it may be because it is being viewed apart from God’s love and purpose. A fish is not “restricted” by water—it thrives in it. Human beings were created to live within God’s design. Sin promises freedom but often produces bondage, confusion, and brokenness. God’s commands may challenge us, but they ultimately strengthen and protect us.

Understanding the law better begins with seeing the heart behind it. Every command reveals something about God’s character—His faithfulness, purity, justice, mercy, and love.

3. What would happen if God’s law of love became central in my life?

Imagine a family where forgiveness replaced bitterness, honesty replaced deception, and patience replaced anger. Imagine a church where people loved sacrificially instead of competing, gossiping, or dividing. Imagine your own life shaped daily by love for God and genuine love for others.

That is what God’s law was always pointing toward.

The law cannot save us—only Jesus can do that. But once we know Him, the law becomes a guide showing us what a transformed life looks like. Obedience is no longer about earning favor with God; it becomes the response of a heart that already knows it is loved.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for giving us Your Word and Your law, not to burden us, but to lead us into life. Forgive us for the times we have viewed Your commands as restrictions instead of expressions of Your love and wisdom.

Help us understand sin for what it truly is—not just broken rules, but separation from You. Open our hearts to see the beauty of living according to Your ways. Teach us to treasure Your Word and to delight in obedience that flows from love.

Lord, remove legalism from our hearts and replace it with genuine devotion. Let Your law of love transform our homes, our relationships, and our churches. Help us love You with all our hearts and love others the way Jesus loved us.

Thank You for Jesus, who fulfilled the law perfectly and offers us grace, forgiveness, and new life. Strengthen us daily to walk in Your truth and freedom.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Strongholds in My Relationship With God

 Sabbath School

Growing in a Relationship with God 

Sin, the Gospel, and the Law 

Lesson 9 - Monday 

Removing the Barriers to God

A healthy relationship with God doesn’t drift into maturity on its own. It grows when barriers are removed—especially the subtle ones we don’t always notice in ourselves. Scripture repeatedly shows that spiritual failure rarely starts with a dramatic moment. It starts with attitudes of the heart: pride, hidden sin, judgment of others, and unchecked anger.

Paul gives a blunt warning in 1 Corinthians 10:12: “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” In other words, overconfidence is dangerous. One of the first barriers to a strong walk with God is self-reliance—the quiet belief that “I’ve got this.” Samson’s story fits this pattern. Strength without humility becomes vulnerability.

Jesus then addresses another barrier in Matthew 6:2—religious pride. Doing good things for the wrong reasons. When faith becomes a performance for others, the heart shifts away from God and toward human approval. That kind of spirituality looks strong on the outside but is hollow inside. Jesus calls us back to quiet sincerity and humility.

In Matthew 5:28–29, Jesus confronts something even more internal: lust. He doesn’t treat sin as harmless thoughts that don’t matter. He treats it as something serious enough to cut off at the source. His strong language—“pluck it out”—is not about physical harm, but about urgency. If something feeds sin, it has to go. No negotiation. No compromise.

Then in Matthew 7:1–2, Jesus warns against a critical, judgmental spirit. It is easy to become sharp toward others while excusing ourselves. But judgment belongs to God, not us (1 Corinthians 4:5). When we take that role for ourselves, we damage relationships and harden our own hearts in the process.

Jesus goes further in Matthew 5:44, calling us to love enemies, pray for those who hurt us, and bless those who mistreat us. This is one of the clearest tests of spiritual maturity. Hatred—whether open or quietly held—creates distance between us and God. But prayer for enemies changes something inside us. It breaks bitterness and reorders the heart.

Even anger, Jesus says in Matthew 5:22, can become spiritually destructive when it is held unjustly. Many people justify anger as “normal,” but Jesus points to its deeper effect: it shapes the heart and fractures fellowship with God and others.

All of this connects to Jesus’ warning in Mark 9:42–48 about anything that causes us to stumble. His repeated imagery of cutting off a hand, foot, or eye emphasizes decisive action. The message is clear: do not tolerate anything that consistently leads you into sin. Spiritual growth requires spiritual surgery—removing influences, habits, or attitudes that keep pulling you away from God.

Taken together, these passages show a consistent truth: barriers to God are often internal, not external. Pride, hidden sin, judgment, anger, and unchecked desires slowly weaken the soul. And the longer they remain, the harder they are to confront.

But there is also hope here. Jesus doesn’t expose these issues to shame us—He exposes them to heal us. Every warning is an invitation to deeper freedom. God is not asking for perfection before relationship. He is calling for honesty, surrender, and willingness to change.

The real question is not just “What is wrong in my life?” but “What am I willing to let God remove?”

Prayer

Lord God,
Thank You for Your Word that speaks honestly to our hearts. We confess that there are barriers in us that we often excuse or overlook—pride, anger, judgment, and hidden sin. We ask You to forgive us and cleanse us.

Give us humility so we do not rely on ourselves. Give us purity in our thoughts and strength to turn away from what leads us into sin. Teach us to stop judging others and to remember that You alone are the righteous Judge. Replace bitterness in us with love, even toward those who hurt us.

Lord, help us take sin seriously, not casually. Give us courage to remove anything that pulls us away from You. Shape our hearts so that we desire closeness with You more than comfort in sin.

Thank You that Jesus not only calls us higher but also gives us the power to change. Lead us into a deeper, freer walk with You.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

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