Lesson 5: The Nations, Part 2

5.7 – Questions

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Bible Study – Answers to the Questions

1. Why is it important to remember that all earthly achievements will pass away?
1 John 2:17 says, “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” Keeping this perspective helps us set true priorities—not fleeting fame, but eternal fellowship with God. When we focus on heavenly things, we invest our time, energy, and resources in what really lasts.

2. In what way is the sea beast the natural outgrowth of Babylon’s mindset?
The sea beast of Revelation 13:1–10 mirrors Babylonian pride—human power raised against God. Each of those empires—Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome—was marked by arrogance, oppression, self-deification, and persecution of God’s people. Today’s materialism, human pride, and religious intolerance continue the same patterns birthed in ancient Babylon and Rome.

3. How do we find the right balance between obeying God and obeying the government?
Romans 13 urges submission to governing authorities—so long as they don’t conflict with God’s commandments. If human laws demand that we break God’s commands, then, as Acts 5:29 says, “We must obey God rather than men.” Adventists strive to be good citizens—honest, peaceable, respectful—yet are ready to suffer rather than violate God’s law.

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Spiritual Principles

• Recognize impermanence: Everything earthly fades away—only God’s kingdom endures.

• God’s Word over human systems: Obedience to God always takes precedence.

• Faithful even under pressure: True loyalty shows itself in trials.

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Everyday Application

• Regularly measure your goals against eternity.

• Train your character to be faithful in small things, so you can stand firm in greater challenges.

• Live simply and bear witness to God’s kingdom through your lifestyle, words, and priorities.

• Pray daily for wisdom to know when to submit quietly and when to resist courageously.

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Conclusion

The world hastens toward an end long foretold by God. Kingdoms rise and fall, leaders ascend and collapse, but God’s Word remains. For those who trust Christ, the end of human empires is not fear but hope: the eternal, unshakeable kingdom of our God awaits.

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Thought of the Day

“Build your life not on the shifting sand of human greatness, but on the rock that endures forever—Jesus Christ.”

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Illustration – “The Sound of the Bells”

It was a cold autumn morning in Prague. The sun barely pierced the dense fog cloaking the ancient city. Tourists on the Old Town Square snapped photos of centuries-old buildings—witnesses to kingdoms long vanished. The Astronomical Clock struck nine, and somewhere in the narrow lanes a church bell began to toll.

Amid this scene, Marta Dvorak hurried over the cobblestones. In her backpack she carried no guidebooks, only a well-worn Bible. She belonged to a small fellowship that met weekly in a hidden wine cellar beneath an unused church. Not by choice—but because a new decree had banned public preaching without state approval.

Marta remembered how it all began. The government claimed the restrictions were for “public order.” But she knew the real motive ran deeper—a fear of independent truth, a dread of a message that couldn’t be controlled.

“You must prophesy again,” Pastor Josef had read to them from Revelation 10 at one of their last daylight gatherings. “To many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.”

Now, weeks later, the group met in secret to do just that.

May 2, 2025

DAILY BIBLE READING

Genesis 16 – When Human Plans Fail, God’s Grace Speaks

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Bible Text – Genesis 16 (KJV)

1 Now Sarai Abram’s wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.
2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
3 And Sarai Abram’s wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.
4 And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.
5 And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the Lord judge between me and thee.
6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thine hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
7 And the angel of the Lord found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.
8 And he said, Hagar, Sarai’s maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.
9 And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.
10 And the angel of the Lord said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
11 And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Behold, thou art with child and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the Lord hath heard thy affliction.
12 And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.
13 And she called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?
14 Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.
15 And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son’s name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.
16 And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.

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Introduction

Genesis 16 shows how human impatience and self-made solutions often lead to conflict and suffering. Sarai and Abram try to fulfill God’s promise by their own device, which brings tension. Yet in the midst of distress, God meets Hagar with mercy, speaks to her, and gives her a promise.

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Commentary

1. Human Impatience and Self-Help (vv. 1–4)

   • Sarai, childless, urges Abram to conceive by Hagar.

   • Their attempt to “help” God’s plan reveals lack of trust.

   • Hagar’s pregnancy brings pride and conflict.

2. Consequences of Human Initiative (vv. 5–6)

   • Sarai complains of Hagar’s contempt.

   • Abram leaves Hagar to Sarai’s harsh treatment.

   • Hagar flees to the wilderness—an image of human failure.

3. God’s Encounter with the Despised (vv. 7–12)

   • The Angel of the Lord finds Hagar by a spring.

   • God calls her by name and speaks to her—an act of dignity.

   • He commands her to return but promises great offspring.

   • Ishmael is named: “God hears.”

4. Hagar’s Recognition of God (vv. 13–14)

   • Hagar exclaims, “You are the God who sees me.”

   • A personal revelation: God sees the outcast.

5. The Birth of Ishmael (vv. 15–16)

   • Hagar returns and bears Abram a son, Ishmael.

   • Abram acknowledges him.

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Summary

Genesis 16 reveals that human detours cannot thwart God’s promises, though they cause pain. Yet God’s grace prevails: Hagar, a lowly servant, becomes the bearer of a special promise. God sees, hears, and acts where human efforts falter.

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Message for Today

• God’s plans unfold not by our haste or scheming, but by trust.

• He sees the suffering and the outcast.

• Even in your wilderness moments, God meets you with comfort and hope.

• Ishmael reminds us: God hears. Hagar teaches: God sees.

Trust that God watches over your journey—even in the desert.

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April 27 – May 3, 2025

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING

Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 2

The Creation

Read online here

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Introduction

Chapter 2 unfolds the wonder of Creation in all its beauty:
The earth was formed in perfect harmony, and humanity is God’s crowning work—created in the image of the Creator.
This chapter not only describes the origin of the earth and of Adam and Eve, but also emphasizes the special blessing of the Sabbath and God’s institution of marriage.

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Commentary

1. The Beauty of the Created World

• The earth came from God’s hand without swamps, deserts, or jagged mountains.

• Every plant, animal, and landscape reflected God’s love and wisdom in harmonious unity.

2. Humanity as the Crown of Creation

• Adam and Eve were made in God’s image, endowed with high intelligence, free will, and noble character.

• There was no process of evolution—humanity sprang directly from God’s creative act.

• Humans were appointed stewards of creation, embodying God’s glory in both form and function.

3. The Institution of Marriage

• Eve was given to Adam as an equal helper—not subordinate, but a partner of equal worth.

• Marriage was instituted by God Himself as a sacred, lifelong union.

4. The Garden of Eden

• Eden was a specially prepared dwelling place—a glorious natural sanctuary.

• At its center stood the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

5. The Institution of the Sabbath

• After six days of creation, God rested on the seventh day, blessing and sanctifying it.

• The Sabbath was given to humanity as an eternal memorial of Creation.

• This day of rest was meant for reflecting on God’s work and renewing our relationship with Him.

6. Humanity as a Moral Being

• God tested Adam and Eve’s loyalty with the command regarding the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

• Obedience was to be voluntary and motivated by love, not compulsion.

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Summary

Chapter 2 reveals how perfect and beautiful God’s original creation was:
Adam and Eve lived in a world without death, pain, or suffering, surrounded by divine abundance.
The Sabbath and marriage were instituted as special gifts for humanity.
God sought a voluntary, loving relationship with His creatures, founded on trust, obedience, and shared delight in His work.

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Application for Today

What can we learn from Chapter 2 for our lives?

• Stewardship of Creation: The world around us testifies to God’s love—we are called to preserve it.

• Our Identity in God: We are not accidents; we are intentionally created and deeply loved by our Maker.

• Value of Work and Community: Labor, marriage, and Sabbath rest are divine gifts intended for our well-being.

• Freedom through Obedience: True life and joy are found in willingly following God’s good commands.

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8)

Today God invites us to marvel at His works, honor His wisdom, and find true fulfillment in communion with Him.

Lesson 5: The Nations, Part 2

5.5 Prophesy Again
The Final Message to a Dying World

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Introduction

God’s plan moves relentlessly toward its goal. Despite the chaos of human empires and the failures of the church, God continually gathers a faithful people. In this lesson, we see that in the New World God raised up a movement to carry the last warning to humanity. Seventh-day Adventists understand themselves as part of this prophetic commission: to “proclaim again”—to every nation, tribe, language, and people.

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Bible Study

Question 1: What insights do we find in Revelation 10:1–11?
Revelation 10 portrays a mighty angel standing with one foot on the sea and one on the land. This posture symbolizes that God’s message extends over both the old and the new territories—the whole earth. The little scroll that he opens points back to Daniel’s prophecies, especially about the end of earthly kingdoms. The movement that follows is global and urgent. The commission is to prophesy again—now clearly, loudly, and worldwide.

Question 2: Why should the accuracy of Daniel’s prophecies strengthen our trust in God?
The precise sequence of empires that Daniel forecast—from Babylon to the divided kingdoms—demonstrates that God’s Word is utterly reliable. If earlier prophecies were fulfilled in such detail, we can be fully confident that His promise of an ultimate, eternal kingdom will also come true. That assurance gives us stability and hope in a chaotic world.

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Spiritual Principles

• God works through history: He guides nations and peoples to fulfill His plan of redemption.

• Prophetic fulfillment builds faith: Seeing Scripture come true bolsters our confidence in God’s Word.

• “Proclaim again” is for every generation: Each generation must share the gospel with all peoples.

• God’s kingdom will replace all earthly realms: We serve not for a temporary triumph but for an eternal crown.

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Practical Application

• Study prophecy regularly to grasp God’s overarching plan more fully.

• Live as living witnesses: Let your lifestyle, decisions, and words point people to God’s coming kingdom.

• Trust the promises: Even when circumstances are bleak, rely on what God has revealed in His Word.

• Proclaim boldly: Today more than ever, we must speak of Christ and His return with courage and love.

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Conclusion

We live in a time when ancient prophecies are coming to pass. The “remnant church” is called to be a clear voice for truth. As the world increasingly pursues its own paths, we are commissioned to point people to God’s coming, eternal kingdom. Studying prophecy isn’t mere theory—it’s preparation for eternity.

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Thought of the Day

“God’s Word has always been fulfilled. Why should it be different now? The final chapter of history is already written—and it ends in victory.”

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Illustration – “The Little Lighthouse”

In 2025, on a storm-tossed stretch of America’s East Coast, stood a small, weather-beaten lighthouse. Scoured by salt and battered by wind, every night it bravely cast its beam across dark, rolling seas.

Ella, a young doctor who grew up there, loved that lighthouse. Her grandfather often told her, “If you ever feel lost, look for the light. It reminds you you’re not alone.”

Over the years, so much changed: new technologies, new wars, new promises of peace that quickly broke. Ella traveled the world, encountering turmoil, a hunger for truth, and despair everywhere. One evening back home, she walked the beach and saw the familiar beam cutting through the darkness. Tears filled her eyes.

“That,” she thought, “is our task as God’s people.” In a world full of darkness and deception, we must keep the light of God’s kingdom shining—clear, unwavering, unbowed by any storm.

Ella resolved to devote her life to that “ministry of light”: bringing hope, guiding people to Christ—the only safe harbor.

For no matter how stormy the sea of nations becomes—God’s light will never go out.