Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary

SS25-Q1-L2-Covenantal Love

January 4-10, 2024

Sabbath Afternoon–January 4, 2025

Scripture Reading for the Week:

2 Pet. 3:9, Deut. 7:6-9, Rom. 11:22, 1 John 4:7-20, John 15:12, 1 John 3:16.

Thought for Meditation

In times of sudden difficulty or peril the heart may send up its cry for help to One who has pledged Himself to come to the aid of His faithful, believing ones whenever they call upon Him. In every circumstance, under every condition, the soul weighed down with grief and care, or fiercely assailed by temptation, may find assurance, support, and succor in the unfailing love and power of a covenant-keeping God. {CC 262.6} Conflict and Courage, 1970

Memory Verse

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. {John 14:23}

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"This week's Sabbath School lesson will explore and deepen understanding of God’s unconditional love, the reason and conditions of His covenant, and our response to His mercy and grace, supported by biblical insights, and the inspirations (EGW & VTH).

Outline of the Study

God’s Unconditional Love

Sunday-January 5, 2025

God wants everyone to be saved - The Everlasting Love of God

John 3:16; Psalm 33:5; 145:9; 2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:4; Ezekiel 33:11; Jeremiah 31:3.

Monday-January 6, 2025

The Reason for the Covenant - Covenantal Love

Deuteronomy 7:6-9; 2 Sam. 22:26, 1 Kings 8:23, Ps. 25:10, Ps. 32:10, 2 Chron. 6:14; John 15:13; Phil. 2:8.

The Conditions of God's Love:

Tuesday-January 7, 2025

The Conditions of the Covenant - Conditional Relationship

Matt. 22:1-14; Matt. 22:37-39; Hosea 9:15, Jeremiah 16:5, Romans 11:22, John 14:21; 16:27, Jude 21.

Wednesday-January 8, 2025

Respond to God's Love - Mercy Forfeited

Jer. 31:3; 1 John 4:7-20; Matt. 18:23-35; Matt. 20:2.

Our Response to God's Love

Thursday-January 9, 2025

You Have Freely Received: Freely Give - Transmitters of God's Love

Rom. 5:8; 1 John 3:1; John 15:12; 1 John 3:16; 1 John 4:7-12; Luke 7:47

Friday-January 10, 2024

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration

Points to Ponder Upon

God’s Unconditional Love

Sunday-January 5, 2025

God wants everyone to be saved - The Everlasting Love of God

John 3:16; Psalm 33:5; 145:9; 2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:4; Ezekiel 33:11; Jeremiah 31:3.

“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4)

Biblical Insights:

God’s love is universal, offering salvation to all through Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
His mercy extends to all creation (Psalm 145:9).
God’s patience reflects His desire for repentance rather than destruction (2 Peter 3:9).
His everlasting love is a call to covenant relationship (Jeremiah 31:3).

From Inspiration:

Steps to Christ, p. 68: “It is not earthly rank, nor birth, nor nationality, nor religious privilege, which proves that we are members of the family of God; it is love, a love that embraces all humanity.”
"The plan of redemption reveals the immeasurable love of God. God is love. The infinite Father, the unchangeable One, gave His only begotten Son, tore from His bosom Him who was made in the express image of His person, and sent Him down to earth to reveal how greatly He loved mankind." (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 200.)

God’s everlasting love underpins the message of present truth, calling for His people to seek repentance and salvation.
Emphasizes that God's love is both tender and corrective: "God’s love encompasses the entire human race, yet it does not disregard justice. His warnings and judgments are as much a part of His love as are His blessings and promises." (Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 2, p. 141.)

Commentary:
God’s love is universal and redemptive, stretching beyond human comprehension. The foundation of salvation lies in His everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3) and desire for all to be saved (2 Peter 3:9). This unchanging love is demonstrated in the giving of His Son (John 3:16).

Consider the Following

God wants everyone to be saved.

— God loves us so much that He made an immense sacrifice (His own life) so that all may be saved from sin (Jn. 3:16.)

— There is no one who, in the eyes of God, can be considered unworthy of attaining the salvation offered. God's love embraces all (Ps. 145:9.)

— If salvation depended only on the will of God, we would all be saved (1 Tim. 2:3-4.)

— But He has given us freedom to decide whether or not we want to be saved; whether or not we want to respond to His love. We can imagine Him crying out with tears in His eyes, “Please accept my invitation… LIVE!” (Ezek. 33:11.)

Monday-January 6, 2025

The Reason for the Covenant - Covenantal Love

Deuteronomy 7:6-9; 2 Sam. 22:26, 1 Kings 8:23, Ps. 25:10, Ps. 32:10, 2 Chron. 6:14; John 15:13; Phil. 2:8.

“But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt” Deuteronomy 7:8

Biblical Insights:

God’s covenant stems from His steadfast love and faithfulness (Deuteronomy 7:6-9).
His covenant assures mercy to those who walk in His commandments (Psalm 25:10).
Jesus’ sacrificial love is the ultimate demonstration of covenantal love (John 15:13).

From Inspiration:

Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 372: “The covenant was not based on human merit; it was God’s initiative to save mankind from sin.”
"The covenant of grace was first made with man in Eden... It pointed forward to redemption, and through faith, they could lay hold upon the merits of the Savior." (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 370.)

Covenant love is central to the harvest message, reminding God’s people of their special calling and responsibilities.
"The covenant is not merely a formal agreement but a living connection between God and His people. Those who obey are His treasured possession, and they experience His love and protection." (Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 1, p. 110.)

Commentary:
God’s covenantal love stems from His desire to establish a sacred relationship with His people. His covenant with Israel highlights His faithfulness and steadfast mercy (Deut. 7:6-9). Christ’s ultimate act of covenantal love was His sacrificial death (Phil. 2:8; John 15:13).

Consider the Following

The reason for the covenant

— When God brought Israel out of Egypt to renew the covenant he had made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, “it was because the Lord loved you” (Deut. 7:8)

— The word used to define the reason why God makes a covenant with us is hesed, which means:

(1) The mercy, kindness and love of God

(2) Loving-kindness or loyal love for another person within a relationship of reciprocal love

(3) Love shown with the intention that the other person manifests that same kindness and love in return

— God’s love is reliable, constant, and enduring. But the benefits we can receive from that love are conditional, depending on our response (Ps. 25:10)

The Conditions of God's Love:

Tuesday-January 7, 2025

The Conditions of the Covenant - Conditional Relationship

Matt. 22:1-14; Matt. 22:37-39; Hosea 9:15, Jeremiah 16:5, Romans 11:22, John 14:21; 16:27, Jude 21.

“keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life” (Jude 21)

Biblical Insights:

God’s love invites all to His kingdom, but only those who accept the conditions will partake (Matthew 22:1-14).
Love for God and neighbor summarizes the covenant’s conditions (Matthew 22:37-39).
Obedience to His commandments is a reflection of true love (John 14:21).

From Inspiration:

Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 312: “The condition of eternal life is now just what it always has been—just what it was in Paradise before the fall of our first parents—perfect obedience to the law of God.”
"Christ does not release us from the necessity of obedience; we are commanded to obey the law of God. The condition of eternal life is now just what it always has been—perfect obedience." (Steps to Christ, p. 62.)

Conditions of the covenant emphasize the importance of present truth and adherence to God’s commandments.
"The conditions of the covenant demand loyalty and faithfulness. Only those who possess the garment of Christ’s righteousness can partake in the feast of eternal joy." (Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 2, p. 219.)

Commentary:
While God’s love is unconditional, participation in His covenant is conditional. The parable of the wedding feast (Matt. 22:1-14) illustrates the need for preparation and obedience. Those who reject God’s love forfeit the blessings of His covenant (Rom. 11:22).

Consider the Following

The conditions of the covenant.

— Some Bible verses may give us the impression that God stops loving us when we turn away from Him (Jer. 16:5)

— However, let us look at the example in the book of Hosea, where God says categorically: “I will love them no more” (Hos. 9:15.) Shortly after, God will say: “I will love them freely” (Hos. 14:4.)

— God's love is eternal, He never stops loving us (Ps. 136:1). But He has set conditions so that we can receive the benefits of that love:

(1) Love Him (Jn. 16:27)

(2) Continue to love Him (Jn. 15:9; Jude 21)

(3) Keep His commandments (Jn. 14:21; 1Jn. 5:3)

(4) Loving one another (Jn. 15:17; 1Jn. 4:12)

Wednesday-January 8, 2025

Respond to God's Love - Mercy Forfeited

Jer. 31:3; 1 John 4:7-20; Matt. 18:23-35; Matt. 20:2.

“We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19)

Biblical Insights:

God’s mercy calls for a heartfelt response of love and forgiveness (1 John 4:7-20).
The parable of the unforgiving servant highlights the consequences of forfeiting mercy (Matthew 18:23-35).

From Inspiration:

Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 251: “God’s mercy is conditional upon our willingness to extend mercy to others.”
"He who is unforgiving cuts off the very channel through which alone he can receive mercy from God." (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 251.)

God’s mercy can be withdrawn when His people reject His love and truth.
"The story of the unmerciful servant illustrates the principle that we cannot receive God's mercy while we refuse to extend it to others." (Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 1, p. 72.)

Commentary:
Our response to God’s love reflects our spiritual state. Love must manifest in forgiveness (Matt. 18:23-35) and service. Rejecting His love and failing to extend it forfeits divine mercy.

Consider the Following

Respond to God's love.

— God always makes the first move. He loves us before we can do anything about it (Jer. 31:3.)

— When we perceive God's love and the great sacrifice He made for us, our natural reaction is to love Him and to love one another (1 Jn. 4:9-10, 19.)

— Unfortunately, not everyone reacts the same way. Sometimes, we can forget how much God loves us. Jesus exemplified this with a parable (Mt. 18:23-35.)

— A man's debt to his lord was the equivalent of 200,000 years of work! But his lord, out of love, forgave him.

— Forgetting the love he had received, this servant demanded from his fellow servant the equivalent of just over three months of work. What ingratitude! “Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” (Mt. 18:33.)

Our Response to God's Love

Thursday-January 9, 2025

You Have Freely Received: Freely Give - Transmitters of God's Love

Rom. 5:8; 1 John 3:1; John 15:12; 1 John 3:16; 1 John 4:7-12; Luke 7:47

“…Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8b)

Biblical Insights:

God’s love demonstrated through Christ calls for selfless love toward others (1 John 4:7-12).
Those who are forgiven much will love much (Luke 7:47).

From Inspiration:

The Desire of Ages, p. 500: “Freely you have received, freely give. Only as you give of yourself can you hope to be a blessing to others.”
"The completeness of Christian character is attained when the impulse to help and bless others springs constantly from within." (Steps to Christ, p. 77.)

Freely sharing the message of present truth fulfills the law of love.
"True love is revealed in action. When we serve others, we reflect the character of Christ and fulfill the law of love." (Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 2, p. 123.)

Commentary:
God’s love, freely given, calls us to love others sacrificially (1 John 3:16). As we experience forgiveness and grace, we are moved to extend these gifts to others (Luke 7:47).

Consider the Following

Transmitters of God's love.

— How can we compensate God for what He has done for us? Can we repay Him in any way?

— God does not ask us to pay or compensate him for the love we have received. He is content that we be transmitters of that which we have received freely (1 John 4:11; Matthew 10:8b.)

— We cannot repay what God has done, but we can thank Him by behaving toward others as He has behaved toward us.

— If loving God means loving others, we must urgently share the message of God's love with everyone.

Friday-January 10, 2024

Insights and Further Study

Through this study, believers are invited to experience God’s love personally, understand the depth of His covenantal promises, and respond through obedience, love, and sharing His message of salvation with others.

Inspiration's Reflection:
"We can never, by any effort of our own, secure the blessing of God’s love. But all who yield themselves to God with a simple faith as children of His family, He will bestow His richest blessing." (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 57.)
"The final harvest will reveal those who have fully accepted and lived out the principles of God’s love. These are they who keep His covenant and reflect His character to the world." (Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 2, p. 143.)

From the Pen of Inspiration

“God has a deep and earnest love for every member of the human family; not one is forgotten, not one is left helpless and deceived to be overcome by the enemy. […] I can trust God; for He so loved me that He gave His only-begotten Son to die for me.” EGW (Fundamentals of Christian Education, pg. 299)

“When Christ dwells in the heart, the soul will be so filled with His love, with the joy of communion with Him, that it will cleave to Him; and in the contemplation of Him, self will be forgotten. Love to Christ will be the spring of action. Those who feel the constraining love of God, do not ask how little may be given to meet the requirements of God; they do not ask for the lowest standard, but aim at perfect conformity to the will of their Redeemer. With earnest desire they yield all and manifest an interest proportionate to the value of the object which they seek.” EGW (Steps to Christ, pg. 44)

Reflection Questions:

How does Christ's sacrificial love (John 15:13; Phil. 2:8) fulfill the covenant's purpose?
What lessons can we learn from the parable of the wedding feast (Matthew 22:1-14) about God’s expectations?
In what ways can we show our love for God as outlined in Matthew 22:37-39 and John 14:21?
How does the story of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:23-35) challenge our response to God’s mercy?
According to 1 John 4:7-20, how is love both the evidence and the fruit of our relationship with God?
What are the consequences of rejecting God’s love and mercy, as described in Jeremiah 31:3 and Matthew 20:2?
Reflecting on the week’s study, what is the most significant truth about God’s love that you’ve learned?
How has your understanding of God’s covenantal love deepened through this study?
What practical steps can you take to respond more faithfully to God’s love in your daily life?
How can we prepare to share the message of God’s love with others in a way that reflects its transformative power?

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