Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class on April 4, 2026.
Photograph by William Earnhardt
Central Theme: This week, let’s consider the current state of our relationship with God and what the Bible advises us. Indeed, we can’t move from where we are to some place better until we take an honest reality check of ourselves and listen to the solution that Jesus describes.
Read in Class: Revelation 3:14-19. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.
Study: where Jesus describes the spiritual condition of His people today. How well do these texts describe you personally? What solution does Jesus have for us?
Apply: If you find it painful to look at yourself and your own spiritual condition, what hope is offered you in these verses for today?
Share: Your friend says that we are children of the King and should always feel good about ourselves. We should never feel bad about ourselves, because we are God’s special people. What do you tell your friend? For a hint, see: Negative Feelings Play a Positive Role in Our Salvation.
Read in Class: Revelation 3:20-22. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.
Study: What are we promised here? But what must we do to receive that promise?
Apply: Right now, Jesus is knocking. He is calling. You, though, have to make the conscious choice to open your heart to Him. How can viewing the Cross and thinking about what it means inspire you to make that choice?
Share: Your friend suggests that the cares of this life and our accomplishments in life may keep us from “hearing” Jesus knocking at our heart’s door. How can we make sure we hear, actually open the door, and let Him in? What do you tell your friend?
Read in Class: John 15:1-11. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.
Study: What did Jesus say here, and what does it mean?
Apply: Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. Branches don’t feed off one another. They feed off the vine. How do you know that you are being fed from the Vine (Jesus), and not just feeding off the other branches?
Share: Your friend asks, “What does it mean for God to prune us?” How does he do that? What do you tell your friend?
Read in Class: John 14:16-18, John 15:26, John 16:7-8, and John 16:13.
Study: What are various ways in which the Holy Spirit impacts our relationship with God?
Apply: In specific ways or areas of your life, have you seen the Holy Spirit leading you into a closer relationship with God lately?
Share: Your friend asks, if it is the Holy Spirit that leads people into all truth, what role do we play? What do you tell your friend?
Mission: Can you find a nice, quiet place to be alone with God this week and journal about your relationship with Him?
