SDA Sabbath School Lesson 9-4th Quarter 2024-The Source of Life

[Richard Myers]

4th  Quarter        Lesson 9                                                                                                                                                            Nov 23 - Nov 29

The Source of Life

Commentary in Navy                  Inspiration in Maroon

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study

John 1:4; John 10:10; John 1:12-13; John 6:61-68; Numbers 13:23-33; Matthew 4:1-4.

    Memory Text:
    “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

In the Gospel of John, when asked who He was, Jesus answered with the term that designates deity. “I AM” was an unmistakable reference to the Lord Himself, who had appeared to Moses in the burning bush. “ ‘I AM WHO I AM,’ ” He said to Moses (Exodus 3:14). And this same God, the “I AM,” then “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14).

The theme “I AM” threads throughout John. This week’s memory verse reflects that theme: “‘I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The “I AM” is the Light of the world, the Bread of Life, the Gate or the Door of the sheep, the Good Shepherd, and the True Vine.

This week continues with the revelation of God as given us in John. We will also more fully explore the flip side of things, in which, despite the powerful evidence for Jesus as the Messiah, some rejected Him. We will study this idea for two reasons: to avoid the same mistake, but also to consider how we might be able to reach out to those in danger of making that mistake, as well.

More than "some" rejected Him. The sin and ruin of a whole nation was due to its religious leaders. Many accepted Jesus, but the vast majority remained as Jews who persecuted those who became the followers of the true God. In AD 70 millions were made slaves and up to a million were killed. It is estimated by the ancient historians Tacitus (l. c. 56 - c. 118 CE) and Flavius Josephus (36-100 CE) that there were about 600,000 to 1,100,000 people killed in the siege. Males aged 17 and older were either put in hard labor camps or made to be gladiators. Women and children were sold into slavery.

*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, November 30.

[Richard Myers]

Sunday  November 24
In Him Was Life

In John 1:1, the apostle clearly states that Jesus is God, the divine Son. Consequently, in John 1:4—“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men”—the reference to life here has to be divine life, underived eternal self-existence. Because He has life within Himself, He can lay down His life and take it again (John 10:17). And, because He has life within, He can give life to whom He will (John 5:21; compare with John 14:19).

This term life (zoē) appears 36 times in the Gospel of John, about 25 percent of the uses in the New Testament. In John 1:4-5, besides referring to the Source of life on our planet, the word is also linked to salvation. Throughout the rest of John, this idea of life (zoē) is most often expressed as everlasting life, the promise of salvation (see John 3:15-16; John 3:36; John 4:14; John 4:36; John 6:27; John 6:40; John 6:47; John 6:54; John 6:68; John 10:27-28). Thus, the One who gave life at Creation is the same One who brings salvation, eternal life, to a lost world.

Why did Jesus come to this earth? John 1:29; John 3:16; John 6:40; John 10:10; John 12:27.

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:14-15.

Just as the bronze serpent took the place of the Israelites who had been bitten by serpents, so Jesus took our place, we who have been struck down by sin. He took the penalty that was ours so that we might have the life that was His.

There is a lesson in what Jesus said to Nicodemus in John 3:14, 15.  After Jesus reproving the Jewish leader and telling Him he needed to be born again (converted), Nicodemus asked Him, "How can these things be?" John 3:9. Then Jesus said “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:14-15.

Why did Jesus answer in that way? We need to go back to the where what Jesus was talking about took place. It was when Israel had left Egypt on their exodus to the promised land. They were murmuring and complaining even though God had delivered them from slavery and was providing for them. God removed His hand of protection and allowed the fiery serpents to come into camp. Their bite was fatal. "Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived." Numbers 21:7-9.

Thus, Jesus revealed to Nicodemus how it is that man is born again, saved from sin by being transformed from sinner into saint. By looking upon Jesus uplifted on the cross we are changed into His character. 2 Cor. 3:18 is the promise that if we would spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Jesus we would not only be born again (converted), but we would be changed into His image every day. For we must die to self daily. The brass serpent seems to be a mystery to many, but there was a reason why it was a serpent who we know represents Satan and sin. There was no power in the brass serpent to heal those bitten by the fiery serpents. It was the power of God that healed those who looked upon the brass serpent. Then the brass serpent represented God. Why? Because in order for us to be saved (converted, born again of the Spirit), Jesus had to take our sins upon Himself. He was made sin, thus the brass serpent. By looking upon Jesus uplifted on the cross we behold the glory of God. His glory is His character of self sacrifice. By beholding His glory we are changed into His image by the Spirit. 2 Cor. 3:18. Pray that you have opportunity to share this with your Sabbath School class. It is vital that they rightly understand these Words of Jesus. It is the way we become transformed from sinner into saint. The most important question to ask and be answered is "what must I do to be saved?" The answer was given to Nicodemus by Jesus. Look upon the Savior hanging on the cross and live.

Christ also desires that we have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). Thus, for “as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13).

Christ came to reveal the Father to us. For, “no one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him” (John 1:18). By seeing the character of Jesus, we can see the character of the Father.

What can we learn from the life of Jesus about the character of the Father? Why is this revelation such good news?

They share the same character. "Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father." John 14:9. Jesus led a self sacrificing life that we might be saved. So it is with the Father. He did not require Abraham sacrifice his son, but He did allow Jesus to suffer for the sins of the whole world at the risk of losing Him for eternity. Herein is love. Wonder, O heavens! And be astonished O Earth!

[Richard Myers]

Monday  November 25
The Words of Eternal Life

Read John 6:61-68.

61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

When Jesus asked the disciples if they would leave Him, what was the meaning of Peter’s answer?

He meant just what he said and what we also would say if we ever would considered leaving Jesus. There is no place  to go, for we know the truth. How could we ever leave Jesus, there is no place to go. Of course there are a lot of places to go, but Jesus is everything to us and to leave Him would be to die a wicked death in a wicked world. There would be no love, joy, or peace. It is impossible for us to even consider leaving Jesus, He is our world!

Peter’s words about “eternal life” tap into a theme that runs throughout the Gospel of John. A concentration of phraseology about eternal life appears in John 6:1-71, in the context of the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:27; John 6:40; John 6:47; John 6:54; John 6:68). Jesus says that He is the Bread of Life (John 6:35), meaning that His life, His death, and His resurrection are the source of eternal salvation.

The phrase everlasting life or its equivalent occurs at least 17 times in the Gospel of John. This term does not refer to a spirit existence, or to becoming part of an eternal being, or to some other ethereal concept. Rather, it refers to that life-giving power that brings salvation and meaning to our existence now and to life without end when our Lord returns. Just as Jesus became flesh, so the resurrection that Jesus talks about takes place in time and space and in a physical body. It is a resurrection from the dead, a renewal of the life that we once had in Eden.

How do we receive eternal life? John 3:15-16; John 5:24; John 6:40; John 6:47; John 8:31; John 12:46; John 20:31.

By faith alone we believe that Jesus Christ came to live and to die on our behalf. This faith comes to us as a gift, but we must consciously choose to surrender ourselves to Jesus, to repent, and to claim His blood for the forgiveness and cleansing of sin.

When Jesus asked Peter if he, too, was going to leave, Peter’s answer, “ ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life’ ” (John 6:68), encapsulates the essence of salvation and how we attain it. It doesn’t come from philosophy, history, or science—all human disciplines. It comes from Jesus, who—possessing in Himself eternal life—offers it freely to all who, responding to the Holy Spirit, will accept it.

Eternal life is not the issue. Peter was moved by the Holy Spirit to say there is no place to go. Imagine those who left Jesus never to return. Would they have love, joy, and peace in this world? How did Judas feel when he made that decision to leave Jesus? How did the rich young ruler feel when he left Jesus. How did Pilot feel when he chose to execute Jesus? How did Herod feel when he chose to behead John? How did Saul feel when he accepted Jesus as Savior? Those who know the Truth would have a hard time walking away from Jesus. The only place to go would be a living Hell.

Before we leave these verses in John, let us consider why Jesus would say what He did knowing some of His disciples would be offended and leave never more to return?He knew they would deny Him and if they did not leave, they would be a very bad influence on His faithful disciples when He hung on the cross. They could make it very difficult for the disciples who stayed with Jesus. So it is today. We do not know who will cause great problems in the future, but God does and He will at times offend those who would cause great difficulties for His people. The church has a responsibility to remove some from church membership when they refuse to repent when violating their baptismal vows.

How does the promise of having eternal life impact how we view our temporal life here? How should it impact how we view it?

What is the value of eternal life? Eternal life with Jesus in a world without sin! Then ought this be a powerful  motivation to live a holy temporal life? How would you think of a rich young ruler today who would choose the things of this world instead of living in a world with Jesus where there would never be sin?

[Richard Myers]

Tuesday  November 26
Believing and New Birth

Read John 1:12-13.

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

What are the steps described here about becoming a Christian?

One must first believe with the whole heart that God is who He says He is and that we can trust Him with all we have and all we are then He through the Holy Spirit makes us partakers of His divine nature which then empowers us to keep the laws of God.

John wrote his Gospel so that we would believe in Jesus and that by believing we may have eternal life in His name (John 20:31; John 1:12-13, this process is described in two steps. First, we receive Him, that is, believe in Him. Second, He gives us authority or power to become God’s children, described in verse 13 as being begotten by God. Thus, there is a human and divine aspect of becoming a Christian. We must act in belief, receive Him, and be open to the light, but He is the one who regenerates the heart.

To believe is not the way the devils believe. We believe in a manner that trusts God with all we have and all we are. Satan and his angels went the other way thinking their ways were better.

In fact, faith itself is a gift of God that comes by hearing His Word (Romans 10:17). “In order to have true, abiding faith in Christ, we must know Him as He is represented in the word.”—Ellen G. White, Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 433. “The Spirit operating upon and enlightening the human mind, creates faith in God.”—Ellen G. White Comments, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 940.

Those who believe or accept the Son as the Messiah receive everlasting life. John also emphasizes accepting or believing the Word that Jesus spoke (John 5:24; John 5:38; John 5:47). It is the role of the Holy Spirit to bring conviction (John 16:7-8; compare with Romans 8:16).

Read Romans 8:16.

Let's look at this verse in its context:

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

What principle about salvation in Jesus is found here?

Verse 16 may be a little hard to understand if one is not filled with the Spirit. So, read what was written before verse 16. There is much light in knowing when one walks in the flesh, he does not have salvation, he is not a child of God and the Spirit does not bear witness. Look at verse 9: "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His."

Faith, biblical faith, based on the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, is the foundation of our faith. “Faith is . . . the great blessing—the eye that sees, the ear that hears.”—Ellen G. White, In Heavenly Places, p. 104. The humanistic approach to faith states that we must find a foundation, the criteria for faith, and then believe. In contrast, the biblical approach states that faith is the foundation, a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8; 1 Corinthians 1:17-24; 1 Corinthians 2:1-6). We start with the foundation of faith, and then from there we grow in understanding and grace.

Amen! The foundation of faith does not save anyone. A measure of faith is given to everyone. What we need is "saving faith," a faith that trusts God  with all we are and all we have. Saving faith is revealed in obedience to the commandments of God. How does one grow from the foundation of a measure of faith to saving faith? What does the Bible say we must do in order to obtain saving faith? "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word." Why? Because the first and greatest of the commandments is to love the Lord our God with the whole heart. How can this happen? The Word is a revelation of the character of God. The Word was made flesh. By beholding the glory of God w hich is His character we are transformed from sinner to saint. Our faith, saving faith comes from knowing God intimately. Again, we must spend time beholding His character so that we do know Him well enough that we trust with everything!  "Here are they who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus."

If someone were to ask you what your faith is based on, how would you respond?

My faith is based on my knowing and loving God with my whole heart and mind, the result of 40 years of studying the Word to know Him who gave all that I might live.

[Richard Myers]

Wednesday  November 27
Rejecting the Source of Life

Some of the saddest accounts in all of Scripture occur in the Gospel of John. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. . . . [The Light] was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him” (John 1:5; John 1:10-11). The “I AM” was rejected by many of His own people.

No wonder Paul later warns, “Do not cast away your confidence” (Hebrews 10:35). As we have seen again and again, Christ was rejected because people did not accept His Word.

“The contemporary humanistic way of thinking begins with doubt. People question everything in order to determine what is truth. That which survives the fire of cross-examination they accept as rock-solid knowledge, something on which to place one’s faith. Some apply the same method to the Bible, calling everything into question from a scientific, historical, psychological, philosophical, archaeological, or geological perspective in order to determine what is truth in the Bible. The very method itself starts with and builds upon doubt in the veracity of Scripture. Christ asked, ‘When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?’ (Luke 18:.”—E. Edward Zinke and Roland Hegstad, The Certainty of the Second Coming (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 2000), p. 96.

Read Numbers 13:23-33. What made the difference between the two reports the spies brought back about Canaan?

The sin of the Hebrews when they were at Kadesh Barnea was to doubt the Word of God. God had asked them to go up and take the land. Twelve spies were sent to Canaan to spy out the land. They came back with two reports. The majority gave a negative report. There are giants in the land, walled cities, weapons we have never seen before, and well-trained armies. By contrast, we have been slaves in the land of Egypt with little military experience. Ten spies voted no, based upon the overwhelming evidence from a human standpoint. Two spies voted yes based upon their faith in the overwhelming power of the Word of God.

How do we avoid making the same kind of mistake made here? And yet, how do we also avoid presumption, doing something foolish but believing that we are doing God’s will and, therefore, cannot fail?

[Richard Myers]

Thursday  November 28
Condemnation

“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because [he has] not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. . . . Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that [his] deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light” (John 3:18-21; compare with John 1:10).

Why do people come into judgment? John 3:18; John 3:36; John 5:24; John 5:38; John 8:24; John 12:47.

The rejection of Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, leaves us open to doubt and to the temptations of the devil. It is to turn from light to darkness.

Eve was given light on how to relate to the tree in the center of the garden. Satan tempted her to bring the light into question. She tested God’s word by reasoning that a God of love would not destroy the creatures whom He created. She also relied upon the data of her senses. The serpent has eaten of the fruit and now has the power to speak. Perhaps the serpent is right. If I partake of the fruit, I may become like God! Deceived, she turned away from the light. And her husband chose the same path.

Read Matthew 4:1-4. What principles did Christ use in the wilderness of temptation to combat the deceptions of Satan?

Christ had at His disposal the same humanistic tool of thought used by Adam and Eve, the antediluvians, and Israel at Kadesh Barnea. He could have asked why a God of love would leave His Son in the wilderness for 40 days and nights without food and protection. He also could have determined to prove His Sonship by turning stones into bread! Instead, He answered with the Word of God. He operated on the level of heavenly things rather than on earthly patterns of thought. How easily He could have rationalized His way to a wrong decision, which so many people, even people of faith, often do.

[Richard Myers]

Friday  November 29
Further Thought

Read Ellen G. White, “ ‘God With Us,’ ” pp. 19–26; “Controversy,” pp. 601–609, in The Desire of Ages.

“In stooping to take upon Himself humanity, Christ revealed a character the opposite of the character of Satan. But He stepped still lower in the path of humiliation. ‘Being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’ Philippians 2:8. As the high priest laid aside his gorgeous pontifical robes, and officiated in the white linen dress of the common priest, so Christ took the form of a servant, and offered sacrifice, Himself the priest, Himself the victim. ‘He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him.’ Isaiah 53:5.

“Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. ‘With His stripes we are healed.’ ”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 25.

Discussion Questions

    Jesus gave so much to save the world. What do you consider the best ways to help others see this amazing truth and come to Him in faith?

    What are the key differences in making decisions on a human, worldly level versus making decisions on the basis of divine revelation?

    How do such things as logic and reason fit with understanding the Word of God? What logical and rational reasons do we have for coming to faith? How do such things as the fulfillment of prophecy or the astonishing beauty and complexity of the created world point us logically and rationally to the existence of God and to the truth of the plan of salvation?

    In class, talk about your answer to the question at the end of Tuesday’s study. What is your faith based on? If someone were to ask you why you believe in Jesus and the claims of the gospel, how would you respond?