Sabbath School Lesson for December 31-January 6, 2023
[Don’t forget to click on or hold your mouse over the Bible verse hyperlinks in each lesson to go directly to the verse.]
Overview of Lesson 1, Part of God’s Family
Memory Verse: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the children of God!” 1 John 3:1 NKJV
This week we will explore these topics:
- Sunday: being part of God’s family–How does this affects the way we treat each other?
- Monday: God is the owner of everything.–How does this affect how we treat the things God has given us?
- Tuesday: God has many resources available, including those related to our salvation.–How and why do we utilize our spiritual blessings?
- Wednesday: We have responsibilities as God’s family members.–Why is keeping God’s commandments out of love one of those responsibilities?
- Thursday: treasure in heaven–What is it and how do we get it?
As we discover in the introduction to this new quarter’s lessons, managing our lives in faithful ways now will help prepare us for the end times. Revelation 13:17 talks about a time at the very end when God’s children will not be able to buy or sell.
It’s important that we develop a deep trust in God that allows us to remain faithful no matter what disaster or crisis may be in our future. By exploring our relationship with God as His children, we are amazed that God is also trusting us to manage His affairs on earth.
Adam and Eve were delegated from the very beginning with caring for the garden, naming the animals, and even filling the earth with children. As God continues to bless us with resources, we are told to use them for our needs, but also for the needs of others, and to help advance God’s work on earth.
Managing our resources well indicates that we take our responsibilities as sons and daughters of God seriously. Careful management will enhance our trust in God and increase His trust in us, growing our relationship in ways that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.
Sunday: We Are Part of God’s Family
It’s easy to understand that as members of the human race we are all somehow related. But the Bible speaks of a special kind of family relationship that includes only those who are followers of God.
We have the privilege of belonging to this “family of God”. Many forget that unfallen angels in heaven are part of this family (Ephesians 3:14, 15). Through Jesus, we can happily claim this special family status.
Jesus instructed His disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven…” (Matthew 6:9). He told Mary after His resurrection, “I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God” (John 20:17). Jesus obviously considers Himself our Brother, as well as our Lord. That’s what makes being a member of this heavenly family so special. It includes heaven itself. This is why Ellen G. White reminds us that “The family of heaven and the family of earth are one.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 832).
Bible Verses for Thought and Discussion:
Exodus 3:10 and Galatians 3:29
- Although God’s people were the children of Israel at the time of Moses, how has the life and death of Jesus Christ widened the “family of God”?
Galatians 3:26
- What difference, if any, should there be in how we treat other members of God’s family?
- Why is it also important to treat every human being with godly love and kindness?
Monday: God Is the Owner of Everything
The Bible repeatedly claims God as the Creator, and therefore the Owner, of everything on this planet. Nature and even our manmade material possessions, which are products of God’s nature, are easy to recognize as belonging to God.
On the other hand, many see our money, whether it’s in our wallets and purses or in a bank, as belonging to us. After all, in most cases haven’t we earned the “silver and gold” we have come to possess? The prophet Haggai reminds us that God is the owner of that silver and gold as well (Haggai 2:8).
King David notably understood this all-important truth. Nathan the prophet had told David that he was not allowed to build the temple of God since he was a man of war. His son would be given that delightful task. Instead, David was allowed to collect materials for God’s temple, which he eagerly did.
When sufficient building materials had been gathered, David called for a special ceremony of praise and thanksgiving. In a public prayer, David reminded them that they could not take any credit for this immense undertaking. Instead, he declared that they were just giving back to God the things that were already His (1 Chronicles 29:13, 14).
We, too, must remember that it is only by God’s grace and the abilities He has given us that we are able to work for the money we come to possess. God is the Owner of anything we earn from our jobs and careers. He is truly the Owner of everything that touches and improves our lives.
Bible Verses for Thought and Discussion:
Psalm 33:6, 9 50:10-12, 24:1, and Haggai 2:8
- Why essentially is God the Owner of all these things?
- What does it say about us when we think something is ours?
1 Chronicles 29:13, 14
- How can we remember that God is the Owner of everything?
Tuesday: Resources Available for God’s Family
God’s greatest gift to us is certainly His Son, Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Our salvation from sin is from Him, who knew no sin. But consider other resources that are gifts as well.
- our life, our existence, the ability to move and breathe–in other words, our health
- material blessings, all those things in our world that make living possible and enjoyable
- the promise and hope of a better existence, one apart from sin and suffering
- spiritual gifts that make us a blessing to others
We are indebted to God for any and all of these resources. Therefore, it is important to use our gifts in a way that glorifies His name. One of the most loved expressions of praise to God begins with, “Praise God, from whom all blessing flow.”
Bible Verses for Thought and Discussion:
John 3:16
- Why is Jesus our greatest gift?
Matthew 6:33 and Philippians 4:19
- What kind of “things” are added when we seek God and join His family?
- What needs will God supply?
Acts 17:25, 28
- Besides Jesus, what other gifts do we get from God?
Wednesday: Responsibilities of God’s Family Members
The Pharisees thought to trick Jesus when they asked Him about the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:36, 37). Did they really believe that one commandment was more important than another? They surely had spent much time on the question of how to keep the law, perhaps even which commandment had priority.
Jesus’ reply was merely a quote from Moses in Deuteronomy 6:5, which emphasized that love was behind all the commandments. Yes, loving God and loving their neighbor were central to commandment keeping. When love was missing, they were in violation of the law.
Jesus’ parable about the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:21-27) reminds us that hearing God’s word is never enough. It would be like the man who built on the sand. Doing God’s word, by actively showing our love to God and man, was needed for the house to stand. Only by building on the love of Christ, the Rock, are we be able to carry out our duties as members of God’s family.
Love to God is linked to keeping the commandments, a fact that many Christians seem to overlook as they try to avoid any hint of legalism. But Deuteronomy 10:12, 13 and 1 John 5:3 reinforce the fact that keeping the commandments is relevant and needed in order to build on that Rock, Jesus Christ. We show our love to Him by keeping His commandments. What a responsibility and privilege the family of God has been given.
Bible Verses for Thought and Discussion:
Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:36-40
- Is it possible to keep God’s law without love? Why or why not?
Deuteronomy 10:12, 13 and 1 John 5:3
- Why is keeping the commandments still important to God?
Matthew 7:21-27
- What does this parable teach us about keeping the commandments and loving God?
Thursday: Treasure in Heaven
When God called Abram out of idolatry, He intended for him to advance the work of God and be a blessing to all the surrounding nations. We, too, as God’s children, are being called by Him to do the same. This is how we have treasure in heaven.
The world is a very unstable place, just as it was for Abraham, but Jesus assures us that the heavenly treasure we store in our hearts will always be there for us. See Matthew 6:19-21.
Money, or any kind of earthly treasure, will not last; but the treasure given by God, will last for eternity. It’s not wrong to be rich in this world’s goods, according to Scripture, but our wealth must be kept in perspective. God must remain first and foremost in our lives. Material wealth can be of use to us, only as we use it for necessities, share it with others, and use it to advance the cause of Christ.
Bible Verses for Thought and Discussion:
Matthew 6:19-21 and 19:21
- How and why do we long for treasure in heaven?
Matthew 6:33, 34
- What do rich people worry about? How is that the same or different from the worry of the poor?
- How does being wealthy or poor make it hard for us to put God first?
- What danger might there also be for someone who is neither wealthy or poor, with just a middle-sized income?
Friday: Final Thoughts
“If you have renounced self and given yourself to Christ you are a member of the family of God, and everything in the Father’s house is for you. All the treasures of God are opened to you, both the world that now is and that which is to come. The ministry of angels, the gift of His Spirit, the labors of His servants–all are for you. The world, with everything in it, is yours so far as it can do you good.” ~Ellen G. White, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 110
As King David understood, it is by praising and thanking God for all His provisions that these truths are kept before us. As we embark on a new year, let’s keep these thoughts in mind, as we manage for the Master.
Next Week: God’s Covenants With Us
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