ADULT SABBATH SCHOOL BIBLE STUDY GUIDE

TEACHERS EDITION: 
Final Publication Copy

ATONEMENT AND THE CROSS OF CHRIST

by:
Ángel Manuel Rodríguez

October, November, December
2008

   Contents				 	
 1  God's Nature: The Basis of Atonement—(September 27–October 3)	12
 2   Cosmic Crisis: The Disruption of God's Established Order—(October 4–10)	24
	 3 	The Fall Into Sin—(October 11–17)	35
	 4  Atonement and the Divine Initiative—(October 18–24)	47
	 5  Atonement Announced—(October 25–31)	58
	 6  Atonement in Symbols: 1—(November 1–7)	68
	 7  Atonement in Symbols: 2—(November 8–14)	78
 8  Born of a Woman—Atonement and the Incarnation—(November 15–21)	88
	 9  Metaphors of Salvation—(November 22–28)	98
	10  Atonement at the Cross—(November 29–December 5)	109
	11  Benefits of Christ’s Atoning Sacrifice—(December 6–12)	119
	12  United to Christ—(December 13–19)	129
	13   Atonement and Universal Harmony—(December 20–26)	138

Come visit us at our Web site:
 http://www.absg.adventist.org 

Editorial Office:
12501 Old Columbia Pike
Silver Spring, Md. 20904

Principal Contributor:
Ángel Manuel Rodríguez

Editor:
Clifford R. Goldstein

Associate Editor:
Soraya Homayouni Parish

Publication Manager:
Lea Alexander Greve

Editorial Assistants:
Tresa Beard
Sharon Thomas-Crews

Pacific Press® Coordinator:
Paul A. Hey

Art Director and Illustrator:
Lars Justinen

Concept Design:
Dever Designs

The following teachers edition components were written by the following:

1. The Lesson in Brief: Deena Bartel-Wagner, freelance writer, Spencerport, New York, U.S.A. 
2. The Learning Cycle, lessons 1-4: Cheryl Des Jarlais, freelance writer, Ronan, Montana, U.S.A.
3. The Learning Cycle, lessons 5-8: Audrey Anderson, freelance writer, Lindesberg, Sweden. 
4. The Learning Cycle, lessons 9-13: Lynn Ripley, associate pastor, Austin First Seventh-day Adventist Church, Austin, Texas, U.S.A.

The Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide is prepared by the Office of the Adult Bible Study Guide of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the guides is under the general direction of a worldwide Sabbath School Manuscript Evaluation Committee, whose members serve as consulting editors. The published guide reflects the input of the committee and thus does not solely or necessarily represent the intent of the author(s).

Bible Versions Table

	Scripture references other than from the King James Version quoted by permission in this Bible study guide, for 
Standard Edition Third Quarter 2008, are as follows:
	The Message, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
	NEB. From the New English Bible, copyright © by the Delegates of the Oxford University Press and the Syndics of the Cambridge University Press, 1961, 1970. Used by permission.
	NIV. Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
	NKJV. Texts credited to NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
	NLT. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.	

The Doctrine of Atonement

	When taken to the hospital, the old herdsman was sick, blind, and dying. While he was there his granddaughter came every day and read to him; the old man enjoyed the soft sound of the child’s voice. One day she found, in the room, a Bible left by a friend. She casually opened to 1 John 1 and began to read. He listened attentively, and when he heard the words “And the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin,” he interrupted her.
	“Tell me,” he said, “is that really there?”
	“Yes, Grandpa, it’s there.”
	“Could you read it to me again?” 
	“ ‘And the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.’ ”
	For a few seconds there was silence; then he asked, “Are you quite sure that’s there, in that book?”
	“Yes, Grandpa, quite sure.”
	“Please, take my hand and place my finger on that passage and read it to me again.” As she did it, tears dripped down from his sightless eyes, and his voice was heard speaking with difficulty but with great assurance.
	“My dear child . . . if anyone should ask you how I died, please tell them that I died . . . cleansed.” 
	What this story shows is that the doctrine of atonement is not an abstract theory of salvation; it is, rather, the saving power of God in the lives of fallen, sinful beings.
	What is atonement? In general, it could be said that the word atonement refers to the removal of any hindrance to fellowship with God. In a sense, atonement is the equivalent of reconciliation, but it also includes the idea of expiation, a fancy word that portrays the idea of removing any barrier that exists between God and us. The doctrine of atonement emphasizes the sacrifice of Christ as the exclusive expiatory means by which the barrier between us and God—which is sin—is removed, leaving us reconciled to Him. 
	The atonement, in fact, is the biblical doctrine around which all others revolve. It is centered in Christ’s life, death, resurrection, ascension, mediation, and return. It presupposes the presence of sin, our fundamental and desperate need of salvation, and God's loving disposition to save us. 
	A proper understanding of the biblical doctrine of God is also indispensable for understanding the atonement. It was God’s love that made it possible to restore us to union and fellowship with Him through Jesus Christ. We should never give the impression that the death of Christ was needed in order to persuade God to love us. God sent Christ to die for us because He already loved us. The biblical doctrine of atonement is grounded in God's love for sinful and rebellious creatures.
	The fullness of the benefits of the atonement is enjoyed only by those who, after being touched by the Holy Spirit, accept God's offer of salvation in Christ as the exclusive means of forgiveness and reconciliation. Their hearts are possessed by love and gratitude to God and Christ for this infinite sacrifice. 
	Thus, it’s our sincere hope that this quarter, as you study the meaning of Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice, you will be moved toward a greater commitment to the One who suffered so much for us, so that whether you live or die, you can, like the old herdsman, do so in peace.

Dr. Ángel M. Rodríguez, a native of Puerto Rico, is the director of the Biblical Research Institute at the General Conference headquarters, Silver Spring, Maryland.

TE-4Q-2008-01-The Lesson in Brief		

Key Text: Isaiah 46:10

The Student Will:
		Know: That God loves His created beings.
		Feel: Confident that He loves unconditionally.
		Do: Seek the intimacy of this relationship.

Learning Outline:
       I.	The Importance of Understanding God’s Character and Nature
		A. God’s character is love. He has love for all His creatures, even when they sin. As Christians, how are we called to love—even the most despicable? 
		B. Because God loved us, He was proactive and made a plan for salvation before it was needed. When God knew all of our dirty little secrets, why didn’t He just write off planet Earth and start over? What does this tell you about His love for other created beings in the universe?

	 II.	A Creating God (Ps. 19:1–3; Rom. 1:20, 21)
	A. God doesn’t need a public relations firm to promote His image. We can learn much about Him through the nature around us (Ps. 19:1–3). How does Satan use the idea of evolution to cast doubt about the character and nature of God (Rom. 1:20, 21)?
	B. Paul describes Christians as newly created beings (2 Cor. 5:17). Imagine God breathing the first breath of life into Adam. What is the equivalent in our lives? How can we experience it? How often do we need God’s breath?

Summary: God wants to re-create new creatures in this sin-damaged world. Let’s allow Him to do that in us daily.

TE-4Q-2008-01-Learning Cycle
	
STEP 1—Motivate
		
As our minds stretch to wrap around the concepts of God and particularly His nature as they are presented in the Scriptures, we are at once humbled and inspired. Calvin Coolidge described how he would stand in the evening at an open window to contemplate the largeness of space and the vast numbers of stars, in order to remember his place in the universe. When we put our arms on the window casements of heaven and consider the many facets of our eternal, holy, and loving God, the windows of our soul are opened, and the light from God’s throne brightens, uplifts, and ennobles our own nature. Ask class members what activities help them contemplate God’s attributes.

Alternative: Review the qualities of God’s nature examined in the lesson: eternal, holy, creative, loving, all-knowing. Ask your class to extend the list by brainstorming other qualities of God’s nature.

STEP 2—Explore	
	Bible Commentary

	I. God Is Eternal
(Review Genesis 1:1 with your class.)

We share, or hope to share, a number of God’s characteristics. But God’s eternal nature is one that always will be uniquely His. “The opening words of Scripture . . . draw a striking contrast between all that is human, temporal, and finite, and that which is divine, eternal, and infinite.”—The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 207.

Consider This: In the light of Colossians 1:15–19, discuss what impact God’s eternal nature has on His provision for our salvation.

	II. God Is Love
(Review Romans 8:31–39 in The Message, if possible.)

Love is one of those aspects of God’s nature that we greatly need to be a part of our nature, and it is awakened by contemplating God’s love for us. “Children of the heavenly King! Precious promise! Theme for the most profound meditation! The matchless love of God for a world that did not love Him! The thought has a subduing power upon the soul and brings the mind into captivity to the will of God.”—Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 15.

Consider This: What Bible stories help you meditate on the love of God?

	III. God Is Creator
	(Review John 1:1–14.)

Consider This: What examples from Scripture can you use to demonstrate God’s intentions to recreate us in His image, and restore our relationship to Him? Examine 
	2 Corinthians 4:11 and John 17:24, 25.

“As Gen. 1 sets forth the nature of creation and the fact that man was originally formed in the image of God, so the prologue to the Gospel of John sets forth the nature of the Creator (vs. 1-4) and the means by which God purposed to make possible the re-creation of His image in man (vs. 5-14).”—The SDA Bible Commentary, vol 5, p. 896.

Consider This: How do verses 12–14 of John 1 describe the re-creative power of God? What part do we play in this restoration process?

	IV. God Is Holy
(Review Isaiah 57:15.)

The sanctuary service was designed to demonstrate the holy nature of God and His provisions to restore us to Himself. “The sanctuary was not designed to honor man, but the God of heaven. He had given specific directions how everything was to be done. The people were to be taught that He was a being of greatness and majesty, and that He was to be worshiped with reverence and awe.”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 268.

Consider This: In the light of Hebrews 9:11–15, 28, discuss what aspects of the sanctuary service illustrated the holiness of God’s character and what aspects of the sanctuary service illustrated how God designs to make His people holy.

V. God Is All-knowing
	(Review Psalm 139:1–4, 15, 16.)

Consider This: How do you know God is omniscient? What evidence can you find of this in Scripture?

Since God knows the end from the beginning, He knew that sin would enter the world, the havoc it would create, and what to do about it (1 Pet. 1:19, 20). He knew that Israel would fail as a nation and predicted the rise and fall of the world powers before He would finally set up His kingdom (Daniel 2). 

STEP 3—Practice
		
Object Lesson:
“As the bow in the cloud is formed by the union of the sunlight and the shower, so the rainbow encircling the throne represents the combined power of mercy and justice. It is not justice alone that is to be maintained; for this would eclipse the glory of the rainbow of promise above the throne; man could see only the penalty of the law. Were there no justice, no penalty, there would be no stability to the government of God. It is the mingling of judgment and mercy that makes salvation full and complete.”—The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, pp. 1071, 1072. 
Consider This: Illustrate this concept with a glass of water or prism in a window or other means of making a rainbow. What aspects of God’s nature inspire awe and respect? What aspects of God’s nature inspire a desire for love and intimacy? How do these aspects of God’s nature interrelate?

	Life Applications:
❶ The Psalms and Isaiah are wonderful sources of readings on God’s nature. Divide into small groups and give each group one of the following chapters to examine for characteristics of God’s nature: Psalm 18; 139; Isaiah 43; 55. 

❷ List all the things that God knows that we don’t. (For examples, see Isa. 46:10, Daniel 12, Matt. 10:30, Rom. 16:25, and Heb. 4:13.) How does this review of God’s omniscience affect your relationship to Him?

❸ Describe characteristics of the heavenly sanctuary that illustrate the eternal, holy, creative, redemptive, and loving nature of God. How does your understanding of God’s nature help you relate to Hebrews 10:19–24?

STEP 4—Apply	
Consider This: Try these ideas in your Sabbath School class or suggest them as activities for members to try on their own.

❶ Divide into small groups and ask each group to write an original psalm based on a particular theme taken from an aspect of God’s nature. For example, Psalm 139 is centered on God’s omniscience.

❷ Visualize God’s heavenly throne room as a place where we “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Heb. 4:16, NIV), using such texts as Revelation 4 and Revelation 22, and Ezekiel 1. What aspects of God’s nature are illustrated by the rainbow, fire, the four living creatures, lightning and thunder, the river of life, etc.?

❸ Divide into small groups and assign one aspect of God’s nature to each group. Then ask each group to choose two or three verses of Scripture that describe that particular attribute. In responsive reading style, ask each group to read together the verses they chose. (The members of each group should have access to the same version of the Bible.)

❹ Do a prayer walk, focusing on attributes of God as illustrated in the works of nature. What do you see in the natural world that illustrates God’s justice? His love? His holiness? His eternal nature?

❺ Find songs in a hymnal that speak of the various aspects of God’s nature. Close your Sabbath School with one of these hymns, such as Number #21, “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise,” in the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal (1985).

❻ Close your class with prayer by inviting your members to offer sentence prayers acknowledging and praising God for particular aspects of His nature.

TE-4Q-2008-02-The Lesson in Brief

Key Text: Colossians 1:20

The Student Will:				
	Know: Lucifer’s desires caused grief for the entire universe.
	Feel: God’s law is an expression of His true character.
	Do: Determine to seek a daily relationship with Jesus, asking Him to keep us from temptation.

Learning Outline:
  I.	It’s Heaven—Isn’t It Supposed to Be Peaceful? (Isa. 14:13, 14; Ezek. 28:14–17)
	A. Lucifer was created as a beautiful creature with an honored position. Discuss what heaven may have been like before Lucifer began to agitate for change.
	B. As Lucifer became discontented, he began to talk to other angels. Why wasn’t he happy with the position he held? What does this tell us about our trying to obtain power? How did Satan’s complaining to the other angels spread the trouble? How does this apply to us and how we deal with dissatisfaction in our lives? Are there times when we use this same behavior to spread discontent at church or at work? 

	 II.	The Law and Our Independence (John 5:3; 14:15, 21)
		From the foundation of the universe God established laws for the benefit of His created beings. How can we view these as giving us independence rather that being constricting? Discuss a world without God’s law. What would it be like?  

Summary: God’s law was given for our good and for our benefit. We need the law in order to know how to live properly. 

TE-4Q-2008-02-Learning Cycle
					
STEP 1—Motivate		
				
The inexplicable happened; in the most beautiful and wise of all God’s creatures was found doubt and rejection of the all-loving, all-wise God who made him. And from that small seed of rejection has developed all the lies and violence of war against God in heaven and on earth. While there is no reason for why rebellion started in Lucifer’s heart, ask your class members to comment on why we need to examine the path of Satan’s fall into sin.

Alternative: Using a picture of a beautiful garden and a picture of disaster and violence, ask your class to contrast the scenes. What were the steps that led Satan from Paradise into the horrors of war against God?

STEP 2—Explore

Bible Commentary

	I. The Origin of Sin
(Review Isaiah 14:13, 14 and Ezekiel 28:14–17.)

Though Ezekiel refers to the king of Tyre and Isaiah refers to the king of Babylon, it is difficult to make a literal connection from the descriptions in these verses to activities of earthly kings. However, these earthly kings were imitating their real leader, Satan. Understood in this light, these passages provide us with a “history of the origin, initial position, and downfall of the angel who later became known as the devil and Satan.”—The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 675.

Consider This: What advantages did Lucifer have in position, form, and relationship to God? The prophet Ezekiel seems to dwell at length on these advantages. Why?

	II. Lucifer Attacks God
(Review Genesis 3:4, 5.)

Though Lucifer was right next to God, he wanted to be above God. “Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of all created beings, it was his endeavor to secure their service and loyalty to himself.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 35. At first Lucifer covered his tracks by pretending reverence, but in his dealings with the angels he began insinuating doubts about the nature of God.

Consider This: What doubts about God did the serpent try to awaken in Eve’s mind?

	III. Lucifer Attacks God’s Law
(Review Matthew 22:37–40.)

God has represented His laws as expressions of love. When we obey God’s will, we are acting in a loving way to God and those around us. But Lucifer misrepresented these laws as repressive and unnecessary. “He began to insinuate doubts concerning the laws that governed heavenly beings, intimating that though laws might be necessary for the inhabitants of the worlds, angels, being more exalted, needed no such restraint, for their own wisdom was a sufficient guide.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 37.

Consider This: How does Satan tempt us to disregard God’s laws as rules that don’t apply to us? Examine Luke 11:42 and Galatians 5:13-15.

	IV. Lucifer Attacks God’s Government
(Review Colossians 1:16, 17.)

Consider This: What role does Christ play in the government of the universe? In refusing to acknowledge Christ’s supremacy, where did Lucifer find himself in relationship to the universe?

“God’s government included not only the inhabitants of heaven, but of all the worlds that He had created; and Lucifer had concluded that if he could carry the angels of heaven with him in rebellion, he could carry also all the worlds.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 41. God had to let Lucifer’s plans ripen into full revolt, so that all the worlds could see the true nature of His accusations against God. 

Consider This: How did Satan attack God’s methods of government in dealing with Job? (See Job 1:8-11.)

V. War in Heaven
(Review Revelation 12:7-9.)

When Lucifer declared his determination to only follow the Father and not Christ, the Father pronounced the sentence that Lucifer and his angel followers should be cast out of heaven. Satan did not go willingly, but eventually he and his angel followers were thrown to the earth. “Satan became the avowed antagonist of Christ. On the earth he planted the standard of rebellion, and round it his sympathizers rallied.”—The SDA Commentary, vol. 7. p. 973. 
		
Consider This: How has Satan carried on his work of rebellion here on earth? What is his purpose? (See Zech. 3:1, John 8:44.)

STEP 3—Practice

Object Lesson: Ask two people to come to the front of the class and each tenderly and carefully make a clay person. Put a bowl of water between them and announce, “The little people you have just made are spitting in your face. [Flick water at the creators.] What are you going to do about it?” (Coach your helpers ahead of time of your expectations.) One person should smash his creation; the other should turn her back.

Consider This: Discuss God’s options in dealing with Lucifer. If God had destroyed Lucifer right away, what might have happened? If God had ignored Lucifer and the problems he was causing, what might have happened? How does God handle rebellion?

	Life Applications:
❶ Consider the laws we have today; traffic laws, tax laws, city ordinances, church and school policies, etc. How should we relate to laws that we disagree with? Compare Acts 4:19, 20 with 1 Pet. 2:13–18. 

❷ Lucifer declared himself to be the defender of liberty for angels who were being oppressed by God’s overbearing laws. What is the proper relation of liberty and law? Examine Matthew 5:17–20, Romans 14:13–19 and Romans 15:1–8 as part of your discussion.

❸ As parents, we often have to manage a delicate balance between keeping order and helping our children practice decision-making and learn from the consequences of their choices. How does God’s example in His dealings with Lucifer inform our parenting practices?

STEP 4—Apply
 
Consider This: Discuss the suggestions below as possible activities for the week ahead. Close with suggestion number 6.

❶ Outline a plan whereby, with prayer, you implement something you have learned about God’s methods of dealing with challenges to His authority in your family or workplace.

❷ Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., are examples of people who challenged oppressive elements in the governments of their day. Compare and contrast their leadership with that of Lucifer. How should we relate to oppression in the institutions and governments in which we are involved? Is there something you need to do?

❸ The principle of government illustrated by Christ is that of service: He receives from God in order to give. What has God given to you, personally, that you need to freely offer to others? How do you plan to do this?

❹ The world of science in which we are immersed bases its premises on the concept that the laws of nature are the basic harmonizing principles of the universe. Colossians 1:16, 17 argues that it is Christ, a person rather than an impersonal system, who holds the universe together. What fundamental philosophies and activities in your life would be affected by recognizing and applying this principle?

❺ Job found himself attacked by one who was really aiming his attacks at God. Job’s behavior and witness was evidence supporting God’s side in the case. How have you found yourself in a similar situation, and how can you respond in such a way as to support God’s cause?

❻ Read or sing Number 225 “God is Working His purpose Out,” in the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal (1985). Discuss the meaning of the verses in the light of the class discussion. 

TE-4Q-2008-03-The Lesson in Brief

Key Text: Romans 7:24	

The Student Will:
	Know: We had no choice of Adam’s sin being passed on to us.
	Feel: We have the choice of accepting Christ’s life and death.
	Do: Claim victory over sin, and then live as though we believe it.

Learning Outline:
	  I.	A Barrier Is Erected (Genesis 1–3)
	A. God gave one request to Adam and Eve: avoid the tree (Gen. 2:15–17). Their disobedience erected a barrier between humans and God. 
	B. God didn’t angrily accuse Adam and Eve of their wrongdoing (Gen. 3:8–13). How would you use this example in your life when explaining God’s love versus His wrath to someone outside the Christian faith?

	 II.	Darkness Descends
	Sin damages our minds and perceptions (Rom. 8:7). When we live in sin, it is like being in a pit without light. Compare this with the idea that Jesus is the Light of the world. How does sin affect our perception of Christ’s free gift of salvation? Why must we as sinners grasp this gift by faith? 

	III. Rebellion Versus Allegiance
	List three biblical characters that chose rebellion over obedience. Compare these with three who chose obedience. Examine characteristics of the obedient and how they were led closer to God. Why is obedience so important?

Summary: Even though things look grim in the garden, God
gives us opportunity to choose allegiance to Him over allegiance to the enemy of souls.

TE-4Q-2008-03-Learning Cycle

STEP 1—Motivate		
				
In choosing to reject God’s way, Adam sentenced the whole of creation, of which he had been prince, to hopeless, abysmal darkness. The entrance of sin turned Paradise upside down. Instead of intimacy, harmony, happiness, and abundant, joyful life, now there is separation, dissension, shame, fear, misery, and death. We cannot save ourselves, and this sentence would have been eternal, except that God has promised a way out—the only way out—by taking our sentence upon Himself. Discuss evidence of the hopelessness of sin and our only hope in Christ our Savior.

Alternative: Smash an egg into a pan and display the result. This is what sin has done to our world—utterly destroyed it. Can anyone in the room make the egg whole again? Discuss what it would take to restore the egg to its original condition. What do we need to be restored to wholeness? 

STEP 2—Explore
 
	Bible Commentary

	I. Rebellion in Paradise
(Review Genesis 3:23, 24.)

Satan tempted Eve with the same position he coveted: “You will be like God” (Gen. 3:5, NKJV). What could be harmful about wanting something as beautiful and delicious as the fruit on the tree God had made or wanting to be like God? Yet, just to contemplate reaching for something that God had not offered was the first step toward transgression, and the thought was quickly followed by the act. 

Consider This: List the results of Adam and Eve’s sin, as outlined in Genesis 3:23, 24. The initial list seems slight, as does the initial sin. Yet, what were the real results of our parents’ sin?

II. The Prince Becomes the Slave
(Review Romans 5:12.)

By choosing to listen to Satan rather than God, Adam abdicated his kingdom, Satan became its prince, and all of creation became Satan’s slaves. Both Jesus and Satan acknowledged this (John 12:31 and Matt. 4:8, 9). However, though Satan is the acknowledged prince of this world, Michael is our Prince who defends us (Dan. 10:12–14, Jude 9).

Consider This: How is it evident that God has not abandoned us to a life of hopeless slavery under Satan’s rule? (Gen. 3:15, Eph. 1:4, 1 Pet. 1:20)?

	III. Sin Results in Spiritual Death
(Review Romans 3:9–20.)

Sinful nature is not something we must throw off; it is what we are, without a cure. Like a broken egg, only an act of recreation can save us from what we are. 

Consider This: What promises of recreation give you hope? (See Ezek. 11:19, 20; Rom. 8:31–39.)

	IV. Sin Results in Physical, Eternal Death
(Review Genesis 2:17.)

Satan claimed that disobeying God would not result in death (Gen. 3:4). Starting with the leaves that Adam and Eve plucked to cover their nakedness and the animal skins God provided, death has stalked this planet through the thousands of years since that time. Every bit of life, whether tree, flower, bird, or baby, is born under the sentence of death.

Consider This: What rays of hope do we have that death will be conquered? Examine 1 Corinthians 15:20–27, 
	and 54–56.

V. God Meets Sin’s Challenge
(Review Isaiah 57:17–21.)

Consider This: How does God propose to deal with the sin problem?

“Peace and healing . . .come only to those who heed the message of salvation. The wicked find no peace because they reject the only means by which it may be achieved.”—The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 304. 

STEP 3—Practice

Story Song:
There is an old folk song called “ The Hangman,” with a number of versions (see Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. for samples, a simple score, and audio files). As one version has it, a young girl who owes a bond is going to hang. She asks the hangman to wait awhile, because she sees her father coming. She asks her father if he has any gold to pay the bond, but he doesn’t. He can only watch her hang. She sees her mother, sister, brother, and true love coming, but they have no gold to save her either. They can only watch her hang. Then she sees Jesus. He tells her He has no gold, but He will hang in her place. 

Consider This: Try singing this song as a group or arrange for someone to sing it as a special number. This song speaks of how, despite our deepest longings to be of service, we are helpless to save ourselves or our loved ones. We must trust Jesus to do what we cannot. Your class may want to comment on this point.

	Life Applications:
❶ Using three columns on a chalkboard, compare and contrast Eve’s steps into sin and Adam’s fall with Satan’s steps downward. What personal lessons can we draw from these three examples of falling into sin?

❷ The tree and its fruit was very appealing to Eve, and she longed for more wisdom. “Looking at the tree in this way, with a desire to partake of its fruit, was a concession to Satan’s inducements. She was already guilty in her mind of transgressing the divine command, ‘Thou shalt not covet’ (Exod. 20:17). The act of taking the fruit and eating it was but the natural result of entering thus upon the path of transgression.”—The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 230. Why is it so important to guard our thoughts? Give some examples from everyday life. 

❸ Addictions are examples of the slavery of sin. What kinds of addictions are you personally familiar with? What critical insights does the Bible have regarding addictive behavior? (Rom. 7:14–8:4). 

STEP 4—Apply

“The working out of Satan’s rule, its effects upon both men and angels, would show what must be the fruit of setting aside the divine authority. It would testify that with the existence of God’s government is bound up the well-being of all the creatures He has made. Thus the history of this terrible experiment of rebellion was to be a perpetual safeguard to all holy beings, to prevent them from being deceived to as the nature of transgression, to save them from committing sin, and suffering its penalty.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 43.

Consider This: Discuss the suggestions below as possible activities for the week ahead.

❶ John Milton’s Paradise Lost, published in 1667, is a classic epic poem, full of imagery that explores both  Satan’s and Adam and Eve’s fall. If available in your native tongue, read sections of it. For it in English, you can go to: http://dante.ilt.columbia.edu/new/books/parad_los/02.html.

❷ Take a walk, sketching in a notebook examples of the cost of sin on God’s creation. Beside each sketch, write promises of God to restore what has been ruined, such as Isaiah 55:12, 13.

❸ Help out at a local soup kitchen or food distribution center, and become more closely acquainted with at least one client who is served there. As you find opportunity, offer hope through Christ.

TE-4Q-2008-04-The Lesson in Brief

Key Text: Ephesians 1:9, 10
The Student Will:
Know: God chose to save the human race.
		Feel: Separation causes pain to both God and us.
Do: Ponder daily on the mystery of Christ’s incarnation and what it means to us about the love and character of God.

Learning Outline:
	  I.	From Perfection to Eternal Death (Eccles. 7:29)
	God created perfect creatures, and they chose to create chaos. In response God chose to clean up the mess humans made. Discuss the scenarios God could have chosen instead of offering Redemption. After examining these other potential outcomes, how do we understand God’s character better?  Suppose He had decided to leave us to our fate, without the option of salvation?

	 II.	A Rescue in Motion (Rom. 5:6-8)
	We don’t deserve to be fixed. God could have allowed us to be mired in the muck of sin and the eternal ruin it brings. Instead He implemented a rescue operation. Under what conditions would you die for someone else? Whom would you die for—your children, spouse, or parent? Would you die for a power-hungry dictator, a terrorist, a drug dealer, or a prostitute? What does you answer tell you about the character of God?

Summary: We don’t have to fully understand God’s choice to
rescue us. He just wants us to accept and believe He has provided a way out. We simply have to choose to accept it.

TE-4Q-2008-04-Learning Cycle		
	
STEP 1—Motivate		
				
Though He made angels and people with the power of choice, God not only knew they could reject Him but He that some would reject Him. He also knew that the only answer to the evil that would erupt in the universe was a demonstration of His true nature: His unbending righteousness on the one hand and His self-sacrificing love on the other. “Since only the service of love can be acceptable to God, the allegiance of His creatures must rest upon a conviction of His justice and benevolence.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 42.

	Ask class members to describe why being free moral agents is important to them. What would be the alternative? Why should God plan to save people? Haven’t they made their choice?

Alternative: Hold up a potted flowering plant. Ask if the plant has any choice in the type of flower it produces. Ask if any in the class have a choice about how tall they are or if they have a hot temper. Some things we don’t have a choice in. We may be born with a hot temper, but unlike a flower, we do have a choice of whether we display our temper. However, we must be educated as to our alternatives. How does God purpose to do this?

STEP 2—Explore 

Bible Commentary

	I. Mysterious Love
(Review Romans 3:19, 20; 5:6–8.)

In creating Lucifer and Adam and Eve perfect in a perfect environment, God made all the provisions possible for their happiness and success. The law is a perfect picture of how things are in a perfect world. But when sinners choose to step outside of the perfection of God’s environment, neither they nor the law can fix what has been broken. God provided more than a perfect environment; He provided Himself, a perfect offering of self-forgetful love, long before our creation and our sin.

Consider This: Examine Romans 5:6–8 in conjunction with Philippians 2:6. Human love tends to be limited. How did Jesus go beyond most limits we can understand? 

II. Mysterious Grace
(Review Romans 5:20, 21.)

“That He who had passed from star to star, from world to world, superintending all, by His providence supplying the needs of every order of being in His vast creation—that He should consent to leave His glory and take upon Himself human nature, was a mystery which the sinless intelligences of other worlds desired to understand.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 69.
Grace is an offering of something we don’t deserve. God had already provided everything possible; now He was offering more. Already the Provider of every need, He provided Himself as a personal demonstration of the immutability of His law, the end result of sin, and the depths of His mercy in taking on Himself, sin’s sentence.

Consider This: What else could God do for us? (See Rom. 8:32.) 

	III. Eternal Plan
(Review Ephesians 1:4, 10; Titus 1:2.)

Before we were ever created and before we sinned, God chose us to be holy and blameless and to live eternally. This was only possible because Christ was chosen to be slain for our sins, before our sins had ever been committed (1 Pet. 1:20, Rev. 13:8), and to provide for us what we could not provide for ourselves—a sinless life, worthy of eternal life.

Consider This: In this context, explain Galatians 2:20 in your own words.

IV. By Way of the Cross
(Review Galatians 1:4, 2:20.)

We are lifted up to a life we don’t deserve, only because Christ “made himself nothing” (Phil. 2:7, NIV), made Himself a servant in human flesh and took on Himself the curse of death that we deserved, even death on a cross.

Consider This: Philippians 2:8 goes on to describe Christ as “obedient to death” (NIV). Explain this concept in relation to Luke 22:42 and Galatians 1:4.

V. Jesus Must Do It
(Review Luke 22:37, John 9:4.)
Consider This: Why did Jesus see what He did as so necessary for His mission? Why did He say so often that He wasn’t doing His work but His Father’s?

The communion between the Father and Son is so close that Jesus, in loving us and dying for us, was expressing the Father’s love for us, in close obedience to His Father’s will. Yet, our relationship with Jesus is so intimate that Jesus says He knows us the way the Father knows Him. “What a statement is this!—the only begotten Son, He who is in the bosom of the Father, He whom God has declared to be ‘the man that is my fellow’ (Zech. 13:7),—the communion between Him and the eternal God is taken to represent the communion between Christ and His children on the earth!”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 483.

STEP 3—Practice

Role-play:
Set up a pretend situation in which several of your class members (male and female) apply to receive a spouse programmed to meet the applicant’s specifications. Another class member can sit at a computer, typing in each applicant’s requirements as he or she describes them. In discussion, ask class members to imagine receiving a spouse cut and programmed to their specifications. How would they feel, being loved by someone they made to love them? Relate this issue to God, risking rejection in making free moral agents. Why would He do this? (An alternative would be to role-play programming children to obey.)

Thought Questions: 

❶ Since God knew that some of His created beings would, at some point, turn their backs on Him, He created a contingency plan. Why does this contingency plan work for people on earth but not for Satan or his angel followers?

❷ Throughout His life, Jesus acknowledged that He was there not to do His own will and work but His Father’s work. How is this consistent with statements that He laid down His own life and took it up again? (See John 10:14, 15, 17, 18.)

Life Applications:

❶ In Luke, Jesus often spoke of what was “necessary” for Him to do. What do you see as necessary for you to do, as your mission in life? Write a mission statement that defines what it is that is most critical for you to do.

❷ Does your life help to reveal the mysteries of God’s love and grace? How might you be a part of this process?

STEP 4—Apply
Consider This: Discuss the suggestions below as possible activities for the week ahead. You may choose to close with Number 4.

❶ Examine John 17, Jesus’ prayer of consecration for Himself and His disciples. In light of your understanding of your personal mission in Christ’s service, write a prayer of consecration for yourself in response to Christ’s prayer.

❷ Write a short drama about Adam and Eve’s first time to offer a sacrifice outside the gateway into Eden.

❸ Memorize Number 76 “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go,” in the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal (1985).

❹ Arrange a responsive reading from Ephesians 1, emphasizing God’s plan from before the world was made, to bring everything in the universe together under Christ. Use this reading as a closing for your class.

TE-4Q-2008-05-The Lesson in Brief

Key Text: Isaiah 53:5

The Student Will:		
Know: God reiterated His promise of salvation to generation after generation.
		Feel: Confident that His promises are kept.
	Do: Keep holding on to the idea, “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”

Learning Outline:
  I.	God Chose the Place (Gen. 22:1–12, 2 Chron. 3:1, Dan. 9:24–27)
A. Abraham was asked to do the unthinkable— sacrifice his son. How do you think Abraham felt when God gave him these instructions? Compare Genesis 22:1–12 and 2 Chronicles 3:1. Who chose the location? What events would happen at this location? What does this tell you about God revealing His plan through the ages?
	B. Daniel was given the time prophecy of the first advent (Dan. 9:24–27). Why did God choose this time and place to make His plan known?

	 II.	Covenant Breakers and Covenant Mender (Exod. 24:3; 32:31, 35)
	A. God made a covenant with the Israelites at Mount Sinai, which they promptly broke (Exod. 24:3). What are the “golden calves” that we allow into our lives?
	B. Moses begged God for redemption of the Israelites; he was even willing to sacrifice his own life (Exod. 32:32). Even though God forgave the covenant breakers, the consequences were very painful (vs. 32:35). When there is forgiveness of sin, why must there still be consequences? How does this strengthen our belief in a loving God?

Summary: Even though we may struggle with being covenant
breakers, God continually draws us back to His covenant mender, Jesus. 

TE-4Q-2008-05-Learning Cycle
	
STEP 1—Motivate	
				
	Without hope life would be nothing but an unending darkness. Hope encourages us to believe things can improve. All of us have hopes—little hopes, big hopes, short-term hopes, and long-term hope. The Christian’s hope is fixed on God’s promise of redemption. Our hope is not in ourselves but in what God promises and what God has done. It is important to help the class to clearly understand that their faith must be fixed on what God has done and not on what they do or will do. Invite the class to express their hopes. Ask for little hopes, big hopes, long-term hope, personal hopes, hopes for the church—the field is wide open.
Ask how they see God’s role in the fulfillment of their hopes and how this might come about. Are there impossible hopes? You might invite a class member who has had a personal hope fulfilled to speak about it.

STEP 2—Explore 

	Bible Commentary

Genesis 3:15 can be understood as the DNA of the Bible. Notice that there are two forces brought to our attention: the divine and the demonic. Both have followers associated with them. The end of the demonic is destruction. In this act the divine suffers hurt. Observe carefully how the ideas in this verse are developed. The “seed of the serpent” are those of Eve’s children who, forsaking God, have come under the influence of the devil. What began in heaven where the conflict between Christ and Satan originated is continued on earth.

		Notice how in His teachings Jesus speaks about the demonic:

		❶ In Matthew 23:33 Jesus denounces those who are opposed to the purposes of God as “ ‘you snakes! You brood of vipers!’ ”

		❷ In John 8:44 He declares, “ ‘You belong to your father the devil, and you want to carry out your fathers desire.’ ”

		❸ In 1 John 3:7–10 there is laid out the identity of those who belong to God and those who identify with the devil.

		There is no inevitability about salvation. We do not drift into heaven or hell; we choose our destiny. The power of choice has been given us: We have to exercise it.  After all, if there were no free choice, how could God ever be justified in condemning the lost?        In the end, all demonic powers will be destroyed. The promise is clear. The woman’s seed will destroy the serpent once and for all, and evil will never rise again. Christ’s atonement is more than forgiveness; it is power and healing. At the cross Jesus defeated the evil powers (Col. 2:15; Heb. 2:14, 15). He died to destroy the devil and set us free (James 4:7). Our submission to God enables us to resist and defeat the devil, though he would destroy us (1 Pet. 5:8, 9). Through the power of Christ’s atonement we can overcome him (Rom. 16:20). Satan’s doom is certain. The only question remaining is what will our ultimate fate be, eternal life or eternal loss and destruction. It’s one or the other.
		Ellen White draws out the power and purpose of the atonement when she writes: “Through sin the divine likeness was marred, and well-night obliterated. Man’s physical powers were weakened, his mental capacity was lessened, his spiritual vision dimmed. He had become subject to death. Yet the race was not left without hope. By infinite love and mercy the plan of salvation had been devised, and a life of probation was granted. To restore in man the imagine of his Maker, to bring him back to the perfection in which he was created, to promote the development of body, mind, and soul, that the divine purpose in his creation might be realized – this was to be the work of redemption.”—Ellen G. White, Education, pp. 15, 16. 

STEP 3—Practice

Adam sinned with his eyes open. “Adam was not the one deceived” (1 Tim. 2:14, NIV). He deliberately chose to follow Eve into sin. So often in life we react to situations rather than reflect on them. Why would it be so much better to carefully think through things before we rush to judgment and action?
If we wish to live the life that overcomes the devil and his enticements, we must understand that victory over sin does not take place by accident. We defeat sin in our life when we understand it can be defeated. We are not powerless. The devil can be overcome, but we have a part to play. We must connect with the immeasurable power of Christ’s atonement
(Eph. 1:15–21). When tempted by sin, we have to make the choice to not succumb. Of course, we can’t do that ourselves; we need the power of God, but we have to make the choice to claim that power.
	There are basic principles that apply at all levels of life. We learn by doing. In the Christian life, similar principles apply. If we apply the principles, we discover they work. If we fail to apply them, nothing significant is going to happen in our Christian life. In fact, we will eventually fall away from our walk with Jesus. Though these truths are real; the problem is not one of knowledge but one of application.

Consider This: Why do we not practice what we know? How do we experience the saving power of Jesus in our life? These will provide discussion and perhaps resistance because there is often a confusion in people’s minds between being saved by grace and living the life of grace.

▪If we spent only one hour a day watching television and 15 minutes in prayer and Bible study, what influence would our devotions have in our life? The ratio is four to one in favor of television.
	▪If we never speak openly and positively about our experience of salvation, how likely are we to influence those in our circle of family and friends?

STEP 4—Apply

Consider carefully the profound truth in today’s memory verse. Reflect upon the ideas in Genesis 3:15. In Isaiah’s description we see something of the meaning in the phrase “thou shalt bruise his heel.” 
Christ’s sufferings were endured, not for Himself, but for all of Adam’s seed—for us. His sufferings are our peace, our healing, our redemption. When we look at ourselves, we are seeing life’s problems. When we are looking at Jesus, we see life’s solution.
The salvation announced in Genesis has a personal application. It was for me that He died. It has a universal application. Isaiah draws this out, voicing the Lord’s desire for humanity in Isaiah 45:22.
Jesus at infinite cost to Himself has made a way of escape from the bondage and power of human sin. He longs for us to enter into that life of freedom and peace. He calls us. “ ‘Come to me, you who are weary and burdened’ ” (Matt. 11:28, NIV). “God demonstrates his own love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8, NIV). Ask the class to meditate upon the meaning and truth and reality of this verse.		
TE-4Q-2008-06-The Lesson in Brief

Key Text: 1 Peter 1:18, 19

The Student Will:		
Know: The sacrificial system was a visual reminder of the cost of sin.
Feel: Nothing material is valuable enough to rescue sinners.
	Do: Show that our actions show our understanding of the cost of sin.

Learning Outline:
	  I.	Repentance, Faith, and Blood (Gen. 3:21; 4:3–5, 15)
	A. As Adam shed the blood of the first lamb, he set in motion the slaughter of millions of innocent lambs. Adam’s example of performing the sacrifice wasn’t enough to convince Cain. Describe how Cain’s disobedience in the field mirrored Adam’s in the Garden of Eden.
	B. Cain resisted God’s plan of sacrifice. In spite of this, God protected him. What does this tell us about God? How far and for how long does His protection extend?

	 II.	Covered in the Blood (Lev. 17:11)
Before Christ’s death, sin could be cleansed only by the killing of the lamb. Imagine Christ watching the sin offerings being made at the temple. Describe His possible emotions. What would you experience as you felt the warmth of the lamb with one hand and the cold steel of the knife in the other? Would the consequences of sin be more real to us if we had to kill a lamb as a sacrifice? How much more so should the image of the cross touch us?

Summary: Sacrifice is necessary where sin is involved. We
		can never underestimate what even a “little” sin
		cost.

TE-4Q-2008-06-Learning Cycle
	
STEP 1—Motivate		
										
	Symbols are aids to help illustrate ideas. Many Christian churches identify themselves with a cross. The United States flag has stars and stripes that immediately identify it as American. Pakistan, an Islamic country, uses the symbol of a crescent. The Swedish flag uses the colors blue and yellow, symbolizing the sky and the sun. In the Bible God uses a large number of symbols to illustrate the atoning work of Jesus. The early Christians used the symbol of a fish because the word for fish, ixous, was an anagram for the titles Jesus, Christ, God, Son, Savior. There are many symbols of Jesus in the Bible. Dominant among them is the symbol of a lamb.

Consider This:	Consider why a lamb should be a symbol of Jesus. Lambs are gentle creatures. They are powerless, and friendly, not aggressive or confrontational. They are not destructive. 
In Scripture the lamb is associated with death, sacrifice, life, and cleansing. (See John 1:29; Rev. 5:6; and the memory verse, 1 Pet. 1:18:19.)

STEP 2—Explore

Bible Commentary

The lamb is the metaphor that most graphically identifies and illuminates the atonement of Jesus in the Old Testament. It is central in the story of Abraham and Isaac. God will provide a lamb for sacrifice (Genesis 22). In Isaiah 53 Jesus is described as God’s innocent Lamb who was led to the slaughter for the sake of others, and not for Himself (vs. 6). As you look at Isaiah 53, note the prevalence of the theme of substitution. We have sinned, and He, Jesus, paid the penalty for it. Notice how that theme permeates the chapter. Why is the concept of substitution so important to any true understanding of the plan of salvation?
In the sanctuary service, every day a lamb was offered, one in the evening and one in the morning. This service never stopped, no matter what festival was celebrated, be it Sabbath, the Passover, the Day of Atonement, or any other festival. In the sacrifice of the lamb there were two vital and important truths brought before the sinner who came to offer it before the priest.

	❶ The wages of sin is death. There is no escape from the terrible consequences of sin: It pays a wage, and the wage is death (Rom. 6:23). This is a terrible fact that should reveal just how devastating the problem of sin really is.
			
	❷ The death was not the death of the sinner; it was the death of the substitute, the lamb. The sinner went free, but the substitute died. These sacrifices were only symbolic; they did not effect any actual removal of sin (Heb. 10:4). After all, considering the devastating impact of sin on the world, how could the death of a lamb truly atone for it? It couldn’t.  Something greater had to happen. It did. 

	❸ What the sacrifices symbolized, Jesus actually accomplished. He is God’s Lamb in contrast to lambs offered by humans. He actually takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). What does that mean, that He takes away the sin of the world?  Why do we still struggle with sin? Why is sin still a reality in all of our lives?

			Put the questions to the class. Is sin something 
concrete, like a book that can be picked up and moved from place to place? What do we mean when we say Jesus takes away our sin? How are we to understand this idea?

		Jesus takes away our sins by taking
	responsibility for them. The consequences of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). Because He took the responsibility for our sins, Jesus had to die. It is the wonderful news of the gospel that by accepting Jesus’ death in our place, we are free from the penalty that would otherwise be ours. We, all of us, deserved to be on the cross, not Jesus. In fact, He was the only human who didn’t deserve to be on the cross. What lesson should we take away from that?
Note: There is a close connection between the meaning (in Leviticus 17:11) of the life being in the blood, and how the New Testament writers use the expression. (Read Rom. 3:25, Rom.5:9, Eph. 1:7, and Col. 1:20.)
The universal power of the atonement of Christ’s blood is brought out in the book of Revelation. “ ‘With your blood you have purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation’ ” (Rev. 5:9, NIV). The believers overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb.

STEP 3—Practice	

	Thought Question: 
		The Desire of Ages, page 112 states that when John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the world’s sin he did not understand what he said, nor did his hearers. Ask the class, “Can you suggest reasons why many Christians today fail to grasp and experience the freedom from the burden of sin available through Jesus?”
		This is an important question. Give the class time to reflect on the question. Make a careful note of the responses. They will be helpful to you when you come to the application of the atonement to our daily life.

		Consider This: Mass media, television, videos, magazines, DVDs, and audio books all have a strong element of violence in them. It is estimated that in one viewing there may be five to ten people killed, often violently. After constant viewings of seeing people being killed, how impressive will the death of Jesus appear? Is there a real danger that in exposure to repeated violence our sensitivities to the death of Jesus and the seriousness of sin may be lessened?

		We cannot expect to drift into heaven on a cloud of pious thoughts. Life is serious. Salvation is free. Keeping it up to date for ourselves is vital. We have a heaven to win and a hell to avoid. You cannot sail a boat on yesterday’s wind. Nor can last week’s Christian experience substitutes for today.

STEP 4—Apply

Ask the class if any one of them has a job they need to attend to: fixing a fence, painting a door, mending a broken chair, etc. There will always be some who are intending to fix something but failing to do it.
		We cannot take this laid back attitude to salvation. We must pay more careful attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. The King James version says, “How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation . . .?” (Heb. 2:3).
		Ask the class members how they can organize their day in order to cultivate the application of the atonement in their life and keep it fresh and up to date.

		Note these helpful thoughts from Ellen G. White’s Steps to Christ: “If Christians would associate together, speaking to each other of the love of God and of the precious truths of redemption, their own hearts would be refreshed and they would refresh one another.”—p. 102.
		“If we thought and talked more of Jesus, and less of self, we should have far more of His presence.”—p. 102.
“The more our thoughts are upon Christ, the more we shall speak of Him to others and represent Him to the world.”—p. 89.

TE-4Q-2008-07-The Lesson in Brief

Key Text: Psalm 132:7

The Student Will:
		Know: As sinners, we needed a blood transfusion.
	Feel: The enormity of being at one (atonement) with God.
	Do: Feel more appalled at the sin problem in our lives.

Learning Outline:
	  I.	Atonement in the Sanctuary (Leviticus 16)
	A. What attributes of the sanctuary services during the Day of Atonement do you find comforting? Disturbing? Why?
	B. What implications does the sanctuary’s being the center of life in Israel have for us today? Explain your answer.

	 II.	Priestly Duties (Exod. 28:9–12, 29; Num. 27:21; 28:3–8; Deut. 1:5–9; 4:25, 26, 34, 35)
	A. How important was the role of the priest carrying out the daily duties at the temple?
	B. What is the importance of having a priest in our own home? 
	C. Do we feel enough horror at the sin in our lives? 
 
	III. Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16)
	A. Should the Day of Atonement have been a day of rejoicing or one of terror for the Israelites? In the busyness of life, how do we keep a focus on Christ as our high priest? If we lose that focus, what do we risk?
	B. Purging of sins is necessary to be at peace with God. What keeps us from remembering that sense of peace and being drawn to sin again?

Summary: The Day of Atonement is something positive. It is
		the beginning of an eternity with God.

TE-4Q-2008-07-Learning Cycle
	
STEP 1—Motivate		
					
Symbols may mean different things to different people. The fourth of July is America’s Independence Day. It is also the day England lost one of her colonies. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus for Christians, for non-Christians it is just a family holiday. It is a matter of perspective. A flag may be a symbol of liberty to one and a symbol of repression to another. Symbols are like shadows. They are a likeness, a reminder, an aid to understanding, but they are not the reality. God understood the need for symbols for us as individuals and collectively. Symbols are a way of engaging us, getting our attention, helping us gain a better understanding of God, and drawing us into a closer relationship with Him. Jesus is presented to us in Scripture under a whole spectrum of symbols: Rock, Shepherd, Way, Door, Light, etc.
		Ask the class to read the description of the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 23:26–32. Compare this with how Moses describes the way the other festivals should be celebrated (Lev. 23:8, 14, 21, 25, 36). What does this tell you about the significance of the Day of Atonement? 

STEP 2—Explore

	Bible Commentary

Leviticus 16, 23:27–32, Numbers 29:7–11, and Exodus 30:10 list the sacrifices offered on the Day of Atonement: daily burnt offering; bullock for a sin offering and ram for a burnt offering for the priest; 
two goats for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering for the people; and for the day, one bullock, 
one ram, seven lambs, for a burnt offering, and one kid for a sin offering.
The Old Testament sacrificial system and the Day of Atonement all pointed to Jesus’ death and the benefits and implications of it for the sinner. Look at the implications of Jesus’ sacrifice in the following texts:

•	Heb. 9:14 — Serve the living God

•	Heb. 10:10 — Made holy
•	Heb. 10:19-25 — Confidence to approach God; cleansed from a guilty conscience; hope
•	1 John 1:7, 9 — Walk in the light; cleansed from sin
•	Titus 2:14 — Purified and redeemed.

Ask the class to reflect on how this differs from what happened on the annual Day of Atonement. Remember there is a difference and a distinction between the daily services and the once-a-year service of the Day of Atonement.
		Mediator. In the Old Testament the priest modeled the role of mediator for the sinner during the year. On the Day of Atonement the high priest and the ritual involved drew out the awesome reality of what is involved in the plan of salvation. In the sanctuary service we have a model of the reality of the atonement. In the yearly services emphasis is laid upon two things: (1) Where responsibility for sin lies; 
(2) If people are lost, why are they lost? God in Christ has made provision for the salvation of all (John 3:16, 17).
	The term mediator is only used six times in the New Testament, and in four cases it refers to Jesus. In Hebrews 8:6 we are told that Jesus’ ministry and mediation is superior, as it is built on a new covenant. Hebrews 9:15 further explains the implications of Jesus’ mediation.
Ask the class to reflect on how the assurance that Jesus is an unfailing Mediator illustrates that He can save us completely (see Hebrews 7:24, 25). The mediation of the high priest on the Day of Atonement addresses responsibility for sin. In what ways can we gain strength and confidence from Jesus’ mediation? Why do we still need Jesus as our Mediator? Wasn’t everything finished at the cross?
Look at a major theme of the book of Hebrews. It centers on Jesus as our heavenly high priest. Jesus is in heaven, doing something for us now. This is a central truth in the plan of salvation.  
Why do you think many Christians know so little about it, considering the importance it is given in the book of Hebrews?  Why do we as Adventists place a lot of importance on the theme of Jesus as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary? 

STEP 3—Practice

	Thought Questions:
❶ On page 757 of The Desire of Ages, p. 757, Ellen G. White describes events at the temple in Jerusalem as Jesus cries out “It is finished” and dies on the cross. The inner veil of the temple is torn from top to bottom, revealing the Most Holy Place to the people. “The priest is about to slay the victim; but the knife drops from his nerveless hand, and the lamb escapes. Type has met antitype in the death of God’s Son. The great sacrifice has been made. The way into the holiest is laid open. A new and living way is prepared for all. No longer need sinful, sorrowing humanity await the coming of the high priest. Henceforth the Saviour was to officiate as priest and advocate in the heaven of heavens.” What does this great hope and promise mean to us as sinners in need of grace?  
Some people believe that one day the temple in 
Jerusalem will be rebuilt and animal sacrifices resumed.  Even if this did happen, why would those rituals be meaningless in terms of human salvation?

❷ The Old Testament system was horrific in that the sinner actively participated in the death of a living creature. Because of the death of Jesus, we do not endure that horrible ritual. Imagine that each time you sinned you had to go out and kill an innocent animal. Is there a risk that we take the sacrifice of Jesus for granted? What do we need to do to ensure that we appreciate our need of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice and to daily come to Him?

❸ How does the knowledge of symbols of the atonement in the Old Testament help us to better understand the reality of the New Testament and the crucial truths it teaches us about the plan of redemption? Ask class members to share which symbols mean the most to them and why.

❹ The role of the priests in the Old Testament was that of mediator. This role has now been superseded by the role of Christ in heaven. Discuss the similarities and differences between the role of the modern-day pastor and the priest. (See Mal. 3:7; 2 Cor. 5.) How does the individual’s role fit into this picture (1 Pet. 2:9)? 

STEP 4—Apply

Toward the end of World War II a photographer captured five marines and a Navy corpsman raising the American flag at the of Battle of Iwo Jima. The picture made the soldiers instant heroes and an emotive symbol that in time spawned a best selling book and blockbuster movie, Flags of Our Fathers. It was a symbol for a specific time. The symbols of the Old Testament sanctuary were appropriate for that time and people. Although we still appreciate them and can learn the lessons from them, they are not the kind of symbols that we would choose today. Challenge the class to think of new symbols that will help them explain Jesus’ sacrifice to people they meet. 
Ask the class to prayerfully consider Ellen White’s challenge on page 83 of The Desire of Ages during the week ahead: “It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ.”

TE-4Q-2008-08-The Lesson in Brief
	
Key Text: 1 John 3:5					

The Student Will:
		Know: Christ willingly lowered Himself and became human.
		Feel: The sense of assurance that Christ is Adam’s substitute.
		Do: Celebrate the reality of Christ’s being fully God and fully human.

Learning Outline:
	  I.	God Became Man (Matt. 26:38, Luke 2:40, Gal. 4:4)
As you study the incarnation of Christ, what part is the most difficult to understand? What is the easiest to accept?  

	 II.	The Cleansing Stream (Matt. 3:13–17)
A. We can see Christ identifying Himself with sinners in His baptism. How would you use His example to bring someone to a decision to follow Him? 
B. What is meant by Paul’s statement “ ‘The first man Adam became a living being’ ”; the last Adam, a life-giving Spirit (1 Cor. 15:45, NIV)? What are the implications of Christ’s being the second Adam? What hope does that offer us? Why is this idea important for us as Christians?

III. Seducing With Glitz and Glamour (Matt. 4:1–11; Mark 1:12, 13)
Satan launched a full frontal attack on Christ following His baptism. Describe the three temptations Christ faced. What are today’s equivalents? Using Christ’s response as our example, how can we overcome temptation?
							
Summary: While we may not completely understand the
		incarnation of Christ, we can identify with His
		example of baptism and overcoming temptation.
		Christ gave us examples to follow in our own
		lives.

TE-4Q-2008-08-Learning Cycle
	
STEP 1—Motivate		
				
	According to all the laws of aerodynamics, the bumble bee should not be able to fly, but it does anyway (apparently the bumblebee does not understand aerodynamics). It is one of nature’s mysteries. As humanity pushes the barriers of science, many of nature’s mysteries have been explained, only to be replaced by new mysteries—Phenomena that we see but cannot explain. It’s kind of ironic, but the more we learn, the more we explore: the more advances we make, the more mysteries we uncover, and the more we realize how little we really know!
The same is true in the spiritual realm. One mystery that we will not fully understand until we get to heaven is the Incarnation, that of Jesus, God Himself, coming down to earth and taking upon Himself humanity. Though He was fully God, He was also fully man.  How can we understand that?  
		It is important to help the class to understand, too, that although it is a mystery, the Incarnation is a key part of the plan of salvation. It was the only possible plan that would demonstrate the true character of God and at the same time save humanity.
Ask your class to think of everyday things that they cannot explain and that they accept by faith. How does this make them feel? How is this similar, or differ, from their feelings relating to spiritual things that they cannot explain? Why do we sometimes feel uncomfortable about things that we cannot understand?
Ask your class to try to envision: Could the plan of salvation have been possible if Jesus had not been willing to be incarnated and born as a baby? What would be left of the atonement? Why was it so important that He become a human being and live in human flesh as we do?  

STEP 2—Explore

	Bible Commentary
		The creative work of the Holy Spirit as seen in Matthew 1:18 and Luke 1:35. The Bible makes clear that Mary was with child by the Holy Spirit. His role is confirmed in John 1:14. Compare these three verses and consider what they tell you about the role of the Holy Spirit in the work of the atonement. 
		Because of the involvement of the Holy Spirit, the son of Mary could be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35). 
		Compare how John and Paul expand the Holy Spirit’s creative power from physical creation to spiritual rebirth in John 3:3–8 and Romans 8:11. 

		Consider This: Consider how the Holy Spirit’s creative power enables you to be called a child of God.

		The mystery and miracle of the atonement: The Incarnation lies at the core of the atonement. It is a mystery beyond our comprehension, while, at the same time it is a miracle that fills us with wonder.  Ask the class to dwell on the implications of the Incarnation. What does it tell us about our worth before God? What does it tell us about our importance in the universe? What does it tell us about how we should treat other human beings? 

		Let’s identify the constituent parts of the mystery and miracle:

•	The mystery of infinite wisdom that combines justice and mercy, fulfilling the requirements of the law while providing an escape from its penalties (Rom. 6:23).
•	

•	The miracle of being born-again (John 3:3–9). What does it mean to be born-again? How does it happen? Why it this so important for a person to experience for himself or herself?  
•	The miracle of a sinful person living in harmony with God’s law and having peace with God (Rom. 8:7, 5:1).
•	The miracle of being transformed into the image of God (Rom. 12:2). What does it mean to be transformed in the image of God? What changes should occur in our lives as this process takes place?
•	The miracle of becoming a son or daughter of God (John 1:12, 13; 1 John 3:1–3). 
•	The mystery of God’s love for sinners (John 3:16,  Rom. 5:8).

		Consider This: Ask the class to consider the personal implications of each of these verses.

		Christianity makes no excuse when it declares that the plan of salvation is a mystery and its outworking in an individual’s life is a miracle available to all, no matter who they are or what their sins or character is like. The greatest mystery is God’s love for sinners.

STEP 3—Practice

	❶ The Holy Sprit was active in the Incarnation and as the atonement unfolded in the life and ministry of Jesus. In Acts 1:4 Jesus promised to send His Holy Spirit to His disciples. Following their baptism by the Holy Spirit, these people were transformed by His creative power from cowards into courageous witnesses (Acts 2:1-13). What evidence of the creative power of the Holy Spirit do you see in your life?
 
❷ Consider the following quote from Ellen G. White in The Desire of Ages, pp. 19, 20:

“By coming to dwell with us, Jesus was to reveal God both to men and to angels. . . .But not alone for His earthborn children was this revelation given. Our little world is the lesson book of the universe. God’s wonderful purpose of grace, the mystery of redeeming love, is the theme into which “ ‘angels desire to look,’ ” and it will be their study throughout endless ages. Both the redeemed and the unfallen beings will find in the cross of Christ their science and their song.” 

❸ When you consider that the revelation of God’s redeeming love is to be the study of the ages, what impact should this have on how we prioritize how we spend our time here and now? 

	❹ Considering everything that Jesus has done for us, have we any excuse not to be ready to meet Him when He returns to this earth? Is there any area of our lives that the Holy Spirit cannot recreate and make whole again? 

STEP 4—Apply

	When Jesus came as a Baby, a light began to shine in a world darkened by sin—a light that could not be extinguished. Yet, many today still live in the darkness of despair and loneliness, trapped in failure and sin. The failure is not in God’s plan but in the choices people make. 

Ask the class to consider what their role is in sharing the light of God’s love as expressed in the Incarnation. Spend time brainstorming creative ideas to witness to others. Existing programs that are already in operation in your church do not count.  Challenge the class to prayerfully try to implement one of the ideas and be prepared to report back to the class next week. From experience we know that not all attempts will be successful. Take time to brainstorm what to do when someone does not respond positively.

Ask the class to reflect on how they prioritize their time. Challenge them to keep a diary during the week and note the amount of time they spend each day on the following activities:

•	sleeping
•	eating
•	working
•	Bible study 
•	household chores 
•	watching TV 

At the end of the week, total up the amount of time spent in each activity and prayerfully consider how this relates to the idea of studying the mystery of God’s redeeming love as expressed through the atonement throughout eternity. 

TE-4Q-2008-09-The Lesson in Brief

Key Text: Romans 3:25

The Student Will:
		Know: Christ chose to die in our place.
		Feel: He wasn’t coerced—He gave up His life of His own free will.
		Do: Joyfully embrace the reconciliation of a fractured relationship between us and God.

Learning Outline:
  I.	Redemption, Reconciliation, Justification: Priceless (Gal. 4:4, 5; Titus 2:14)
A. If Christ had come in the first advent as anything other than a baby in a manger, how would this have affected the people’s reaction to Him? Could He have reached the outcast and downtrodden? 
	B. After a relationship has been fractured, what is the best part of reconciliation? Explain your answer.
C. Christ made the choice to die in our place. Express your feelings about His choice, especially if you consider what our fate would be had He not made that choice. 
D. What is the definition of “justification”? Why, in spite of our assurance of justification if we claim Jesus by faith, do we so often struggle with assurance?
 
	 II.	Love Was the Motivating Force (1 John 4:8)
A. What image of salvation means the most to you?  Why? If you had three minutes to bring someone to Christ, how would you use this image? 
B. Are there some parts of the act of salvation that you struggle with accepting more than others? What creates this dilemma? 

Summary: Christ’s choice to die for us unites us with Him
		in ways no other heavenly beings can understand
		or experience.

TE-4Q-2008-09-Learning Cycle
	
STEP 1—Motivate		
				
How would you explain snow to someone who had never seen it? It could be described scientifically or by how it feels or looks covering everything. If you grew up in a climate where there was frequent snowfall, you might tell a story of your experience with snow. Your memories might be nostalgic; they may involve remembering difficulties associated with a significant snow event.

	In what ways might your attempts to describe atonement to a twelve year old be similar to explaining snow to someone from a tropical climate? In Scripture what description of atonement most impacts your understanding and compels you to respond?

Invite three members of your class to describe their experience with snow. Then as a group discuss how snow and sin are related in Scripture. (See Ps. 51:7, Isa. 1:18).

STEP 2—Explore
				
	Bible Commentary

	I. Communicating Salvation in the Language of the Lost
“Communication is a two way street,” states one individual. Another says, “Communication is an exchange of ideas.” Someone else might add their opinion to the discussion by saying, “Communication is building a relationship between two people.” Use a dictionary to look up the word communication. How does that definition compare with the above statements?

What was Jesus trying to communicate when He came to live out salvation in the midst of humanity? How does your answer to this question relate to dialogue about communication above?
		
Consider This: In order for instruction to take place or ideas to be exchanged, there has to be someone with credible information to share and another person that is willing to listen. When Christ came to this earth to share the salvation story, some received Him gladly, others heard and rejected Him, and still others waited to hear of His salvation later. As a group, read John 1:12. Those who received Him were given a priceless gift. Discuss the other two groups. As Christ’s current day disciples, how do we reach these two groups with the message?	

	II. The Languages of Salvation
Paul commends salvation to Timothy using these words: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst” (1 Tim. 1:15, NIV). Read 1 Timothy 1:1–17 together. Discuss how this relates to the saying “I would rather be a sermon than preach one any day” or “Don’t preach, reach”?

Compare and Contrast: On the North American continent, settlers from Europe encountered the American Indians. There were differences in culture and experience and language. These differences caused many challenges and injustices. Some of those barriers were overcome when the immigrants learned to understand the American Indians.
Someone once compared God’s attempt to communicate salvation to humanity to us trying to speak “ant language.” What would it take for us to “talk” to the ants and ask them not to spoil our picnics by climbing on the food? Consider Romans 3:19–26. In what ways can we “demonstrate” salvation to our families, neighbors, and work associates?
	
	III. Stories of Salvation: Bridging the Postmodern Gap
Scripture is made up of 66 books. The narratives of God’s Word represent His impact on individual lives.
We live in a world with its own mind–set and worldview. “Perhaps our most frequent mistake in evangelism is to begin where we are, with our interests, rather than where they are.”—George G. Hunter III, How to Reach Secular People (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1992), p. 102. This is a very important point. So often, in seeking to reach others, especially secular people, we have to be very careful not to assume that they are starting where we are. You are not going to get very far with someone if you say to them, “Well, the Word of God says such and such” if these people aren’t even sure that God exists. 
		  	The stories and metaphors of Scripture present 
examples of how our own personal experience with Christ can impact hearts. Our unique journey can be shared as God leads us to someone we are specifically gifted to reach.
	
Compare and Contrast: When Paul tried to win the Jews for Christ, he began his dialogue with a discussion of the law, the thing that formed their perception of why they existed (see Romans 2:1–19). When John spoke on behalf of Jesus, he used the concepts of light and love (see 1 John 1:5-7 and 1 John 4:7-11).

	Discuss the difference in each approach. What can we learn from their example? 

STEP 3—Practice

Thought Question: Scripture uses many metaphors to communicate what God seeks to offer His fallen children. In your class, make a list of some of those metaphors. Break into groups and choose one metaphor to explore more deeply. What does the concept of “the story of redemption” tell us about God? What do we learn about His character? His love? His patience? His wrath? 

	Life Applications:
❶ Children are the fount of much simple straightforward wisdom. When asked what she learned about Jesus in Sabbath School, one kindergartner said, “Jesus is like a hug.” This child came from a broken family. She had found out that Jesus could help her during the unsettled times at her house. What other kinds of images could you imagine people using to express what Jesus means to them?  

❷ Invite the members of your class to share what makes Jesus real and personal to them. Have them share a story from their life. Encourage them to share their testimony with a friend at work. 

Witnessing

Read 2 Corinthians 5:18–21 together. How does it look to live out this description of a disciple of Jesus Christ? “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us” 
(2 Cor. 5:20, NIV). Search out the Scriptures description of an ambassador. Build an action plan for your class that embodies tangible activities that you will do as ambassadors sharing God’s salvation with someone.		

STEP 4—Apply

Consider This: John compels Jesus’ disciples, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God” (1 John 4:7, NIV). What would it look like if we fully followed his admonition? Consider John 17:20, 21. As a group, choose one practical, doable outreach activity that would demonstrate love to someone in the community. Set a date.
After the event, evaluate how it was received. How did you communicate what you were trying to do? In what ways was the impact of your act of kindness bigger than what you had anticipated?
Prayerfully plan your next service outreach, employing what you learned from the first. Make a calendar for your Sabbath School class that schedules monthly acts of service. At the end of the year, discuss what impact your intentional outreach ministry has made on your class and on your community. Plan to multiply your impact by sharing your class’s testimony with your church.

TE-4Q-2008-10-The Lesson in Brief

Key Text: Colossians 1:13, 14

The Student Will:
	Know: We are not under Satan’s thumb, but rather, in Christ’s arms.
		Feel: The agony Christ felt as He became separated from His Father.
		Do: Live with assurance that Christ has defeated Satan.

Learning Outline:
 I.	Agony and Surrender in the Garden (Matt. 26:37, 38; Mark 14:33, 34)
A. How does the agony of Christ in Gethsemane impact your daily life? Have you ever been so overcome with sorrow that you felt you would not survive? Did you feel alone as you experienced this grief? As we begin to understand Christ’s agony, does this impact our view of His struggle in Gethsemane?
		B. Separation from God fills the soul with horror. Explore what God the Father and the Holy Spirit might have felt during Christ’s time in Gethsemane, on the cross, and in the tomb.

	 II.	His Death Secures Our Life (John 19:28–30)
A. On the cross Christ surrendered and rested in God’s perfect plan. Compare this to turning your life over to Him and resting in His salvation.
B. The cross was a dirty, messy, painful, and humiliating way to die. It’s easy for us to sanitize the crucifixion. How do we do that? What impact does this have on our understanding of how much Christ truly gave up for us?

Summary: After studying Christ’s decision to die for us,
		we can see how much He loves us. Let’s return
		that love to Him daily.

TE-4Q-2008-10-Learning Cycle
	
STEP 1—Motivate		

Goals can be as simple as a child taking a first step or someone who has been paralyzed for most of his or her life (see Luke 5:18–26) taking his or her first step. Think back to a specific life goal you pursued and completed. You may have completed an academic degree or planned or participated in a mission trip. What smaller steps did you have to accomplish in order to reach the larger goal? What support systems were available to you? Were you all alone in another country without family or friends? Take time to share in class. If there is a member of the class who is currently working toward a goal, circle that person for prayer. As a class consider practical ways you can help that person reach his or her objective.
		Ask your pastor about young people or adults who 		may be in the process of a major life goal. Invite class members to pray for one or all of them. Then send a note telling them you are supporting them in prayer.

STEP 2—Explore 

	Bible Commentary

	I. In Need of a Savior
Jesus came to earth on a profound rescue mission. He had to overcome the hurdle of reaching His lost children who didn’t have an inkling of their dire situation and need. Before going to the Scriptures, briefly outline the problem of sin and the barriers that prevent salvation and restoration.
Next, look up the word atonement in a dictionary and in a Bible dictionary. Based on this preliminary study, write a definition/description of what it means to be lost.

Compare and Contrast: Read in Romans 7, Paul’s personal account of his struggle with the sin problem. In what ways is Paul’s description similar to what your class wrote? How does Paul expand and deepen your understanding of humanity’s peril? 
	
Consider This: The story is told of two four-year-old friends that wandered away from their mothers and found their way into a lion habitat at a zoo. When their mothers found them, the children were gleefully enjoying their unhampered view of the great beasts. They didn’t recognize the dangerous situation they were in. In what ways does this story represent the human situation?
Read Matthew 26:36–44, Mark 14:32–41, and Luke 22:40–44. The power of our predicament is graphically described in Jesus’ words, “ ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death’ ” (Matt. 26:38, NIV). Yet despite their need of the Savior’s rescue, the disciples slept. In what ways are we “sleeping” while in danger? What is needed to wake us up?

	II. The Rescuer’s Mission
Jesus came to earth from a heavenly kingdom of perfect peace and harmony because He deeply loves us. With the capacity of divine foreknowledge, He recognized what it would cost to secure our release from sin. He came to reawaken our desire to be with Him now and in heaven soon to come.
“Jesus came to restore in man the image of his Maker. None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin. He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 37, 38.

Consider This: At the cross, Jesus became sin for us. He gave up His life to pay the penalty for our rebellion. His Father had to be totally separated from Him. (See Matthew 27:46.) What does that tell you about your Savior? In the context of the great controversy between good and evil, what does this tell you about the risks He was willing to take for you? What should this mean to us?

	III. The Rescue Mission Action Plan—Atonement
The heavenly Trinity met and developed a plan for our salvation. We describe it using the word atonement. As a class, take a few minutes to draw a time line of salvation representing the different steps in Jesus’ journey from heaven to the cross and resurrection. How do the words anguish, darkness, submission, enemy and eternal death fit on the time line? What about the words finished, sin-bearer, victory, and eternal life?

STEP 3—Practice

	Thought Question:
Isaiah 43:1–13 paints a picture of our value to God and His action on our behalf. Its context is set as a pronouncement from the eternal, all-powerful God, “This is what the Lord says—he who created you” (vs. 1, NIV). God spells out, with practical descriptions, how He will be involved in our life struggles. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you” (vs. 2, NIV). From The Message paraphrase: “When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.” Discuss what this means to you. What plans do your congregation have to get the word out, “ ‘I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior’ ” (Isa. 43:11, NIV)?

	Application Questions:
How would you describe atonement to a seven-year-old in such a way he or she would understand and ask Jesus to be his or her Friend? How would your description be different for a work associate or neighbor?
	
Witnessing

Jesus left heaven and came to actually walk on earth in order to serve us—we who are so unlovely.  Words like broken, apathetic or rebellious describe our condition in contrast with a holy Savior. Make a list of possible outreach activities your class could undertake. Discuss how far out of your normal comfort zone you might be willing to go in order to follow Jesus’ example. Your list of projects might include a short-term mission trip to a community member’s home to clean and do repairs. You might tutor children after school, feed the homeless, or adopt a community project such as cleaning local roads or providing clothing to a halfway house. 

STEP 4—Apply
		
Consider This: We come back to where we began—our desperate need to take the first step. The possibility of rescue exists. All we have to do is accept the atonement made in our behalf. What keeps you from choosing the salvation Jesus has made possible and now offers? Invite class members to share their personal testimony and current spiritual experience. Ask them, “How are you and Jesus getting along?” If they share specific challenges, covenant as a class to be prayer and accountability partners with your struggling classmate. You may find that each one of you has need for that kind of spiritual renewal, support and encouragement. At the same time, along with prayer, are there any other ways you can be of assistance to each other? That is, each has gifts and talents and resources that others don’t. How can we be more open to seeking to bear one another’s burdens? Why is that such an important part of what it means to be a follower of Christ?

TE-4Q-2008-11-The Lesson in Brief

Key Text: Hebrews 7:25

The Student Will:
		Know: Christ is our go–between with God the Father.
		Feel: God, through His Son, is actively involved in our daily existence.
		Do: Revel in God’s amazing grace.

Learning Outline:
    I. God’s Plan, Our Response (Rom. 8:34–39; 1 Pet.
 			3:21, 22)
A. God’s plan for salvation includes crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and mediation. When we come to Christ, our response should include belief, confession, baptism, and ministry. If we aren’t telling the story of Jesus to others, then is not something lacking in our experience? Defend your response.
	B. Why is the mediation of Christ in our behalf 		needed? Why is it comforting to know that Jesus is up there as our representative?

	 II.	The Advocate and Judge (Heb. 7:25)
A. After Christ’s death and resurrection, He ascended to His Father, where He mediates for us today. What does this mean? Why do we need mediation in our behalf? In light of Christ’s mediation, what should be our response to loving the church members who have wronged us?
B. What does it mean to be a mediator? How can we mediate in behalf of others? How does the idea of a mediator show our dependence upon the Lord for salvation?   

Summary: As we respond to Christ, we will have a desire to
		take action, telling others how He changed our
		lives.

TE-4Q-2008-11-Learning Cycle
							
STEP 1—Motivate								

When employers are interviewing perspective employees, they discuss the benefits package the employee will receive. Before choosing which job to take, the employee may compare the benefit package different employers offer, before choosing which job they will take. Ask class members to share one such benefit they have from their employer. In what ways are employee benefits seen as necessary? 
Read Philippians 3:7–12 together in class. Paul tells his friends, “ ‘Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ’ ” (vs. 7, NIV). What has Paul lost to follow Christ? What has he gained? Make a list of the benefits that God extends to His disciples; have class members share their testimony of a blessing they have received from having Jesus as Lord of their life.
 
STEP 2—Explore 
					
	Bible Commentary

	I. More Than Conquerors? 	
When children draw pictures of people, they tend to highlight specific features. One child might focus on how they draw the hair—curly or straight, dark or light. Others notice smiles and emphasize teeth.

Consider This: What adjectives would you use to describe yourself? Spend five minutes in class asking each member to list at least five words that depict their various qualities. Read Romans 8:34–39 out loud from at least two different translations. Have them notice what Paul calls Christians. Did anyone include the title conqueror in his or her list? Discuss what makes this description of God’s children possible.

Compare and Contrast: Paul describes why we are “more than conquerors” (Rom. 8:37, NIV). Reread Romans 8:38–39. What are the powers that war against God’s children? What does Paul mean by that? What have we been conquerors over? How should this reality be expressed in our lives? What victories can and should we be enjoying? 

	II. Abundant Provisions, Limitless Opportunities	
To make possible our victory, God sent His Son to be our Redeemer. Our faith is not futile (1 Cor. 15:16–18). Jesus gave up His life to pay the price for our sin. He is a risen Savior! Invite your class to consider this good news by reviewing the story about the two men on the road to Emmaus and their experience with Jesus (Luke 24:13–35). What did these disciples learn about the plan of salvation from the unrecognized Savior? Discuss what they may have said to the other disciples when they returned to Jerusalem.

Consider This: “Beginning at Moses, the very Alpha of Bible history, Christ expounded in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. . . . It was necessary for them to understand the witness borne to Him by the types and prophecies of the Old Testament. Upon these their faith must be established. . . . They had looked upon His death as the destruction of all their hopes. Now He showed from the prophets that this was the very strongest evidence for their faith.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 796–799.

Compare and Contrast: To the Corinthians, Paul makes an argument for faith by stating, “f Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile” (1 Cor. 15:17, NIV). When he writes to the Ephesians, he states the benefits of salvation in positive terms. God has blessed us “with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Eph. 1:3, NIV). Discuss why Paul used these two different approaches. What does it tell you about your Savior that He would empower the message of hope in ways that reach different hearts? 

Consider This: God has made abundant provisions for our salvation. He uses all the heavenly resources at His disposal to engage us in that faith journey (Col. 1:16, 17). What are the barriers between salvation and your faith? Your neighbor’s faith? A work associate’s faith? How does the Holy Spirit prepare the way and provide the means for each one’s salvation?

	III. He Who Is Able	
One author has called human good intentions “ropes of sand.”—Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 47. With our failures ever before us, we are destined to repeat them. Our Savior offers the possibility of a life change that is real, because He is able. Paul affirms the promise of new life in Jesus. “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because He always lives to intercede for them” (Heb. 7:25, NIV). Discuss what it means to be saved completely. How would you describe assurance of salvation to a friend or work associate who is struggling with doubt? How do we have assurance of salvation without falling into the trap of presumptuousness or spiritual self-deception?

Compare and Contrast This: In groups of two, share the testimony of when and how you met Jesus as a personal Savior. Describe what your life was like before this encounter took place. If your partner expresses uncertainty of his/her salvation, lead him or her to a favorite Scripture that confirms Jesus’ love for fallen humanity. (See Isa. 63:1, Jer. 31:3.)

STEP 3—Practice

Thought Question:
Part of the foundational blessings we have as Adventists is the glimpse of salvation we see through the sanctuary message and the important truths taught in the sanctuary service. Consider Paul’s description of Christ’s ministry of high priestly intercession found in the book of Hebrews. What does it mean to you that Jesus “always lives to make intercession” for you (Heb. 7:25, NKJV)? Consider Hebrews 4:14–16.

	Application Questions:
Many churchgoers memorize 1 John 1:9, but the familiarity with the words undermines a full understanding of the concepts. Read this passage from as many versions of Scripture that your Sabbath School class members have with them. What does it mean to “confess”? How is Jesus “faithful”? How does it feel to be “cleansed of all unrighteousness”? 

Witnessing
Ask class members to commit to sharing at least one of the definitions from your study of 1 John 1:9 with a family member or close friend this week. Use part of your class time next Sabbath to share what happened.

STEP 4—Apply

Consider This: Toddlers practice their first steps with the support of adoring parents, grandparents, or siblings. How do we, as spiritual children, learn to live in assurance of salvation? Consider the members of your congregation. Pray, asking the Holy Spirit to impress on your mind the names of two individuals who could function as spiritual mentors. 
Ask these people if they would covenant with you to meet once each week for three months for a time of Bible study on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. If you are uncertain of how to begin or what materials to use, ask your pastor to give you direction. 
As God grows you in your relationship to Him through your fellowship with these friends, make plans for each of you to duplicate this small group discipleship relationship, this time with some friends from work or neighbors or work associates.

TE-4Q-2008-12-The Lesson in Brief

Key Text: 2 Corinthians 5:17

The Student Will:
		Know: Accepting Christ binds us together as a new humanity.
		Feel: God’s invitation to feel united with Him and each other.
		Do: Discover ways to build up others.

Learning Outline:
	    I.	Walking a New Path (Rom. 6:4)
A. As we follow Christ we will experience the newness of life. What actions are necessary to keep this newness fresh and untarnished in our daily lives? What aspects of our lives become new?
B. Which aspects of unity in Christ do you find most appealing? Which are more of a struggle?
	C. God brought together Jews and Gentiles. What does this tell us about working to overcome differences and worship and work together? Unity can be experienced even though we may prefer different worship styles, Bible translations, and music. Explore why it is important to maintain unity even though we may choose to experience the worship of God in different forms.

	 II.	We Are the Body (1 Cor. 12:13)
What does it mean to be in the body of Christ? How can we show that we take this idea seriously? How should this impact how we live, and how we act toward those who are in need?
 
Summary: A new life requires new behavior. We can make
		these changes only with His power in our lives. 

TE-4Q-2008-12-Learning Cycle
									
STEP 1—Motivate		
	
Last week I went to the grocery store to purchase some items for a special meal I was to prepare for guests coming from out of town. I am familiar with this store, so I was going to run in and quickly pick up the items. For some reason the store had rearranged where they put what I was after, and had substituted a different brand. All my previous plans had to be changed.
God has plans that may surprise us, yet they are always infinitely better than we could have imagined 
(Eph. 3:17–20). Discuss the concept of substitution. If you are doing a project and don’t have all the right parts, what have you had to substitute?
Jesus substituted His sinless life for our broken, rebellious, fatally flawed one. Share what that means to you.

STEP 2—Explore

	Bible Commentary

	I. Origins of Separation: Disobedience	
Obedience presupposes respect and understanding of the requirements of parents or leaders and institutions. When Adam and Eve chose the serpent’s lies over God’s promises, their rebellion evidenced a lack of trust in their Creator. They had the clear statements of God and the clear statements of the serpent. They were totally in contrast to each other. Their choice revealed a lack of trust in God. 

Consider This: In one short verse of Scripture, Paul sums up the salvation initiative, “by One man’s obedience many will be made righteous” (Rom. 5:19, NKJV). What does that mean? What wonderful hope is found for us in those words. Whose obedience is being talked about here, and how does it benefit us?
“God's wonderful purpose of grace, the mystery of redeeming love, is the theme into which ‘angels desire to look,’ and it will be their study throughout endless ages. Both the redeemed and the unfallen beings will find in the cross of Christ their science and their song.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 19, 20. 
How do we begin that study now? Invite each class member to each find and share at least one other verse from Scripture that describes how Christ has come to overcome sin and restore fallen humanity.

	II. Reunion	
Consider This: In a dictionary, look up the words restoration, reunion and reconciliation. Discuss those definitions in light of the fall of man and Jesus’ saving activities.

Compare and Contrast: Now look up the words rebellion, disobedience, and alienation. How does the contrast between these words and those above describe the sons of man versus Christ? Which words would you like to have used to describe yourself?
	
Consider This: Have class members read Romans 6:3–6 and 8:9 aloud. How do they define what it means to be united to Christ? Consider your friends that have not made their commitment to Jesus through baptism. What steps is the Holy Spirit asking you to take to engage these friends in a wonderful commitment to the One who has already died for them, who has already borne the penalty of their sins, and who already offers them the hope of eternity?

	III. Recapturing Hope: United to Christ
Have class members take a mental walk through their house and share what new things they encounter. What is the difference between something that is “new” over something that is “old?” Why do we feel more positive toward the new items in our homes?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. How does it describe spiritual newness? 

Compare and Contrast: Both the Old Testament and the New Testament offer hope set in real-life stories. God seeks to reclaim His children. How does this invitation voiced through the writings of Paul in Galatians 4:5–7 compare or contrast with the invitation spoken for God by Moses? “See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you” (Deut. 30:15, 16, NIV).

STEP 3—Practice

	Thought Questions:
❶ What is the difference between being united in Christ or united to Christ?” In church and ministry relationships, does one precede the other? Why?

❷ Discuss the concept of two humanities. What does that mean to be either “in Adam” or “in Christ”? What is the difference? Are we born into Adam or Christ?  When we are born-again what happens to us? 

	Life Applications:
❶ Paul invites the Colossians, and each one of us, to “put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Col. 3:10, NIV). Read this passage in its context, Colossians 3:1–17. Make two lists; what does Paul invite us to “put to death” (vs. 5, NIV) and what does he encourage us to “clothe yourselves with” (vs. 12, NIV)? What does all this mean in a practical sense? How can these images be made real in our lives? Why must they be made real?

❷ Renew your commitment to spend time in His Word and  prayer each day; ask Him to renew you in His image.

Witnessing

Build a time line of activities that would lead someone from being like fallen Adam/fallen humanity to being like Christ. Engage in the life of a person to be the agent of invitation to Jesus in their lives. Your first step might be an invitation to a meal or shared activity. Pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to you the best time to share your conversion story and ask that individual to accept Jesus as a personal Savior. 

STEP 4—Apply

The printed page, airwaves and the Internet are full of invitations to try and to buy the “new and improved” or “superior” or “latest and greatest.” They offer counterfeit avenues to happiness. God offers us true peace, purpose, and possibility. We intellectually know that what He offers is truly all that we need, but sometimes we don’t take the step to claim His offered gift as personally ours.
Today—right now—Jesus invites you to become “new” in Him again. “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph. 4:22–24, NIV). In groups of two, recommit yourselves to Christ using these words, “Dear Jesus, I come to You today asking that You help me to put on the new self You have designed for me. Through Your Holy Spirit’s power that I invite to work in my life, make me like You in true righteousness and holiness. Amen.”
Covenant with each other and as a class to make this invitation to Jesus each morning. Allow Him to design your agenda for the day so that you are completely “in Christ” during every activity of your day.

TE-4Q-2008-13-The Lesson in Brief
			
Key Text: Revelation 21:3, 4

The Student Will:
		Know: God’s plan will ultimately wipe out sin.
		Feel: Assured that Satan will lose the war, and peace will be restored permanently to the universe.
		Do: Live daily with the hope of Christ’s return. 

Learning Outline:
	    I.	God Cleans House (Dan. 8:13, 14; Heb. 9:23–28)
A. When Lucifer fell, sin became a problem for both heaven and—after Adam’s fall—earth. Using the four-step process mentioned in the lesson, tell how, using these ideas, you would bring someone to Christ. Why would it be important for a non-Christian to understand how God is going to cleanse the sin problem from the universe?
		B. A Thousand Years to Judge:
	God will allow the redeemed all the time they
	need 	to see the choices of the lost. Why is this
	important to the entire universe? What does the 		process of sacrifice, mediation, and judgment  tell you about the patience and long-suffering of God? How can you use this to tell someone about Jesus?

	 II.	The Blessed Hope
		When Christ returns, His followers will rejoice. Historically we, as Adventists, have clung to this as the blessed hope. Why don’t we talk about this more today? What are things that may have dimmed our hope? How do we restore the hope and maintain it daily, even if Christ doesn’t return for another fifty years?

Summary: God’s plan is still in motion to wipe out sin.
		Our blessed hope will be realized.

TE-4Q-2008-13-Learning Cycle
									
STEP 1—Motivate		
				
Harmony. What came to mind when you heard that word? Did you think of a specific musical piece? Did a picture flash itself on your mind; a lion and a lamb lying down together, a picnic by a beautiful lake? Or was it a memory of some time in your family life that was special and joyful? 
Have class members share their thoughts about what the idea that harmony brings to mind. What different things did they present? Was there anything specific in common that the various images had? Invite them to imagine themselves in the picture of Jesus with a child asleep on His lap. Ask them to share what heavenly harmony will be like.

How can we experience “heavenly harmony” while we await Christ’s return to take us home? Is it even possible in this world?
STEP 2—Explore

	Bible Commentary			

	I. Universal Cleansing: Barriers to Harmony	
Daniel 8:14 presents a time line for hope; “Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” It also describes a world gone completely awry from God’s original plan, a world in need of divine intervention. Discuss the fall of humanity. What choices put us in such a desperate situation? How does our rebellion impact how we relate to God? Which words would you use to describe your relationship with God right now? What daily choices are you making? What do they reveal about your relationship to God? What changes might you need to make?
								
Consider This: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12, NKJV). Also see Revelation 12:7–12. How does reading these texts give us understanding of the origins of the turmoil and terror in our world? What insights does the great controversy theme give us about evil and suffering, insights that those who don’t understand the controversy might not be able to appreciate? Why is our obligation to tell others so important?

	II. God’s People, His Government Vindicated
In Daniel 9:4–19, Daniel prays a prayer of confession and total submission to God. Then in boldness he calls on God to act according to His will, “ ‘because your city and your people bear your Name’ ” (vs. 19, NIV). God’s response found in verses 20–24 indicates that He is attentive to our prayers of total surrender.

Compare and Contrast: How does Daniel’s attitude in prayer compare with the violent scenes in Revelation 12:7–12 or with our attitudes when we come before the God of the universe? How does Daniel’s life fit into the great controversy between Christ and Satan? 

Consider This: Revelation 20 (vs. 1–4 and 11–15) allows us to step into the throne of heaven to see the divine courtroom in session. The final verdict is announced in favor of God and His children. How does God’s disclosure of the details of the plan of salvation and its victorious conclusion impact your worldview? Your trust of your Savior? Your hope of the future?  

	III. “In a Little While We’re Going Home”	
Has anyone ever told you to “take a breather” and come back and look at a problem that had stymied you? When we are deeply wrapped up in the turmoil of a situation it is hard to have any objectivity. God invites us to see harmony renewed through the gift of atonement and His activity in the universe. He shows us this parable of divine possibility through the sanctuary services and through the lives of real human beings recorded as stories in the biblical narrative. We begin to understand God’s principles as we see those people make both positive and negative choices.

Consider This: Have someone read the memory text aloud (Rev. 21:3, 4). Then have someone else read Revelation 22:3–6 aloud. As a class, sing the Doxology or the chorus of “The Wonder of It All.”  God’s recreation plans, His triumph over sin, are as real as His authority to accomplish His purposes. See Hebrews 6:13–19. Discuss how God’s hope anchors your soul.

STEP 3—Practice

Thought Questions:
❶ Using a dictionary, look up the word vindication. Now study how the Scriptures deal with the concept of vindication. See Psalm 43:1. How do these two sources compare or contrast? What does God’s vindication of His children mean to you?

❷ How would you explain Jesus’ high priestly ministry to a twelve year old child or to a non-Christian? In what ways does your understanding of Christ’s ministry on your behalf color how you treat those who have sinned against you?

❸ One author has encouraged, “It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit. If we would be saved at last, we must learn the lesson of penitence and humiliation at the foot of the cross.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 83. Why is understanding the principle of infinite love so critical to our trust of our Savior?

	Life Application:
God invites us to claim His promises and anticipate His answers (Luke 21:36, 37). Consider your life situation, whether good or bad, in light of God’s promises. Make a daily agenda that includes steps or activities that match your desire to live out your assurance and trust in God.

Witnessing 
Read 1 Corinthians 4:5. God invites us to wait for His purposes to be revealed. Some of our friends, family members, and neighbors seem to be living in total rebellion of God’s purposes for their lives. Plan to live in light of Paul’s admonition to the Corinthians. Pray for the people in your life that have seemed to turn their backs on God. As the Holy Spirit impresses you with actions to take to win them back to a saving relationship with God, respond in His grace and gentle winsomeness. 

STEP 4—Apply

Consider This: Hebrews 9:23 allows us to pull back the curtain of the universe and see that heaven has been affected by humanity’s sin problem. In response, the Godhead sent a Savior. Read this passage in the context of Philippians 2:1–5 with a journal or notebook and pen at hand. What does it mean that Jesus came to serve you and that He invites you to serve others in the same way? Write a letter of response and commitment to God. Include practical ways you can live out the life of servanthood that Jesus modeled. Make a covenant with God to act on His call to serve others.