Allusions, Images, Symbols – Lesson 1.Some Principles of Prophecy | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series ALLUSIONS, IMAGES, SYMBOLS with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 1.Some Principles of Prophecy |
Why Prophecy Is More Important Than Ever Today |
Biblical prophecy both fascinates and confuses—it raises questions while also offering answers full of hope. In the midst of many interpretations and opinions, this lesson reminds us that God desires to speak clearly through prophecy. It is not a book of riddles for experts, but a love letter from God to humanity pointing us to Jesus. Yet, to understand it properly, we must be willing to let the Bible teach us. This lesson introduces fundamental principles that help us distinguish between symbolism and literal language. Those who engage with it will come to see that prophecy is God’s way of preparing us for what is to come—and for the One who is coming.
Memory Text: Jeremiah 9:24 – “ ‘But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,’ says the Lord.”
Content:
1.1 Whoever Reads, Let Him Understand
A Call to Attentive Listening and Humble Understanding
In a world full of conflicting interpretations, the Bible invites us to read with an open and reverent heart. God does not speak in riddles, but in a language meant to be understood by those willing to listen. The Bible is not a book of myths or a collection of moral tales, but the living Word of God. Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit and a willingness to submit to God, the true meaning often remains hidden. Those who only seek faults will hardly ever find truth—because the heart plays a central role in understanding. Prophecy is not meant to confuse but to reveal and bring hope.
1.2 God Wants to Be Understood
A Clear God in a Confused World
God is not a distant, silent observer—He is a speaking, loving Father who longs to be understood. Even though His thoughts far surpass our own, He reveals to us what we must know for our salvation. The Bible—especially prophecy—is a means by which God makes His plan of salvation visible. At its center is always Jesus: the Lamb of God who fulfilled ancient promises. Instead of harping on unresolved questions, God invites us to act in trust on what is clear. For those who respond to the light given to them will receive even more of it.
1.3 Daniel—Shut Up the Words
When Knowledge Blossoms at the End of Time
God commanded Daniel to seal the words because their full meaning was to be understood only at “the end of time.” This points to a special increase in understanding of the Book of Daniel itself—not merely scientific or technological progress. In contrast, Revelation was not sealed, since its message was meant to be accessible to all generations. Since the end of the 1260 prophetic years around 1798, the understanding of biblical prophecy—especially concerning Daniel—has deepened significantly. Movements such as the great Advent revival demonstrate that this prediction is being fulfilled. This insight is both a gift and a commission—a call to gratefully pass on the light.
1.4 Studying the Word
Understanding Prophecy Means Letting the Whole Bible Speak
Studying the Bible is like assembling a puzzle—only when many pieces come together does the full picture emerge. Although William Miller was not right about everything, his method of comparing Scripture with Scripture was groundbreaking. The Bible teaches us that every word counts (Matt 5:18) and that a thorough study, guided by the Holy Spirit, is necessary to discern truth (2 Tim 3:15–17). Picking out only individual verses risks receiving a distorted message—especially in prophecy. The best way to counter such misunderstandings is with patience, love, and by emphasizing the context of the entire Scripture. True understanding grows in the light of the whole biblical testimony—not from isolated snippets.
1.5 Figurative or Literal?
Divine Images with Clear Meaning
The Bible contains many symbols, especially in prophecy, yet it does not leave us in darkness about their meaning. The most reliable way to interpret them is not by our modern symbolism but by following the principle that the Bible interprets itself. For instance, we learn that horns stand for kingdoms, swords symbolize the Word of God, and women represent God’s people. God speaks in symbols to convey profound truths—and often to protect His people in times of persecution. Even if not every detail is immediately clear, our faith is strengthened when we accept with an open heart what is understandable. For what we do grasp is sufficient to recognize Jesus and trust in His Word.
1.6 Summary
Foundations for a Clear Understanding of Biblical Prophecy
Lesson 1 lays out important principles for correctly understanding biblical prophecy. The Bible invites us to read with an open and trusting heart, confident that God communicates clearly. Prophecy is not meant to confuse but to reveal the plan of salvation and bring us closer to Jesus. It is essential to study the Bible as a whole, interpret symbols within their biblical context, and view God’s Word as a unified whole. History shows that understanding of prophecy increases especially “in the last days.” Those who read the Bible in this way are taught by God—and find hope and guidance in a confusing world.
The God of Love and Justice – Lesson 13.Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series THE GOD OF LOVE AND JUSTICE with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 13.Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law |
Law of Love – From Obedience to a Heart-to-Heart Relationship |
Lesson 13 leads us to the core of what Christian life is about: the connection between God’s law and His love. Often, the law is perceived as something strict and burdensome – but in truth, it is an expression of God’s character and care. Jesus himself showed that love is the deepest fulfillment of the law. Whoever loves God will gladly do His will and honor their neighbor. This lesson invites us to view law and grace not as opposites, but as two sides of the same divine truth. For where true love exists, the law is not only kept – it is lived.
Memory Text: Romans 13:8 – “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
Content:
13.1 The Law of Love
The Ten Commandments – An Expression of Lived Love
God’s law is not a list of abstract rules, but an expression of His love and His desire for relationship. The Ten Commandments reflect the two great commandments of love: love for God and love for one’s neighbor. Even in the Garden of Eden, these principles were fundamental. Jesus shows that the entire law rests on these two pillars. True love is demonstrated through obedience – not as compulsion, but as a response to redemption. Whoever loves God and their neighbor will not bypass God’s commandments but will recognize in them the practical form of love.
13.2 The Law Is Holy and Righteous and Good
The Law – A Reflection of God’s Love and Holiness
God’s law is not only a moral guideline, but also an expression of His perfect character – holy, just, and good. It remains central even after the Cross, for it reveals sin and our dependence on Christ. Through the death of Jesus, the law was not abolished, but confirmed and honored. Grace and law are not in contradiction – on the contrary, grace highlights the significance of the law. Whoever loves Christ will observe His law, not out of obligation, but as a response to His love. In this light, Jesus’ words “If you love me, keep my commandments” become an invitation to a lived relationship.
13.3 Law and Grace
Grace and Law – Two Paths, One Goal: Salvation in Love
Law and grace do not contradict each other – they complement one another in God’s plan of salvation. The law shows us God’s will and our condition, but only grace can save us and transform the heart. The rebirth through the Holy Spirit does not inscribe God’s law on stone tablets, but upon the heart. We obey not to earn love, but because we are already loved and redeemed. The law remains our moral compass, while grace is the engine that moves us. Our hope lies not in our lawfulness, but in the righteousness of Christ that covers us.
13.4 Love is the Fulfillment of the Law
Love that Acts – The Law Lived in the Heart
Love is not only the goal of the law – it is its very essence. Paul makes it clear that the law finds its full fulfillment in love for one’s neighbor. Yet true love does not remain theoretical; it becomes practical – in mercy, justice, and faithfulness. Particularly, the Sabbath commandment shows how closely God’s law is linked with liberation and care. Whoever wishes to fulfill the law not only refrains from doing evil but actively seeks the good for others. Loving according to God’s standard means turning away from oneself and seeking the well-being of one’s neighbor – thus, the law is made alive.
13.5 Above All, Love One Another
Love that Changes the World – Christianity in Action
True love, as defined by the law, goes far beyond merely avoiding evil – it demands active goodness. James calls for justice and a lived love for one’s neighbor, especially toward the weak and disadvantaged. Jesus himself makes love the hallmark of His disciples: a love that shows itself in everyday life, not just in words, but in deeds. Ellen White reminds us that this love prepares us for heaven, for it already brings heaven into our hearts. The love with which Christ loved the world is both the measure and the goal. Only those who love in this way are truly ready for eternal life – for they partake in the nature of God.
13.6 Summary
Divine Love as the Heart of the Law
Lesson 13 makes it clear that God’s law is founded on love – love for God and for one’s neighbor. The Ten Commandments are not mere rules but the expression of a living relationship. Christ did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it in its depth and write it on our hearts. Grace does not abolish the law; it empowers us to live it out of love. True love is shown in actively doing good – not merely by refraining from evil. Whoever loves as Christ does fulfills the law and reflects God’s character in the world.
The God of Love and Justice – Lesson 12.Love and Justice: The Two Greatest Commandments | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series THE GOD OF LOVE AND JUSTICE with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 12.Love and Justice: The Two Greatest Commandments |
Love and Justice – God’s Highest Calling |
Lesson 12 focuses on the two greatest commandments: love for God and love for one’s neighbor. Jesus teaches that all other commandments are based on these two principles. Justice is not an abstract idea but an expression of lived-out love, especially for the weak and oppressed. At the same time, the Bible warns against the greatest sins—idolatry and lovelessness—which go against God’s will. Through the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus demonstrates that true neighborly love knows no boundaries. This lesson challenges us to make our faith visible through concrete acts of love and justice.
Memory Text: 1.John 4:20 – “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?”
Content:
12.1 The Two Greatest Commandments
Love for God and People as the Foundation of Our Lives
Jesus summarizes the entire law in two commandments: love for God and love for one’s neighbor. These two principles are inseparable—true love for God is reflected in genuine love for others. The rich young man sought eternal life, but his heart was attached to worldly possessions. Jesus called him to let go and find true fulfillment in God. This encounter reminds us that our greatest treasure is not material wealth but a living relationship with God. What holds us back from following this divine love with an undivided heart?
12.2 The Two Greatest Sins
Idolatry and Lovelessness – The Two Greatest Sins
If love for God and one’s neighbor are the highest commandments, then their opposites—idolatry and lovelessness—are the gravest sins. Idolatry means putting something else above God, which destroys our relationship with Him. Lovelessness toward others directly contradicts God’s nature and His will for human relationships. Zechariah emphasizes that injustice and hardness of heart toward others are as serious as breaking the first commandment. These two greatest sins separate us from God’s love and from one another. True discipleship means recognizing these obstacles and intentionally choosing to live in love.
12.3 God Loves Justice
God’s Heart Beats for Justice
God loves justice and calls His followers to actively support the oppressed. Psalm 82 shows that true justice is not just an ideal but a divine mandate, which must be made visible in our treatment of the weak. The Bible makes it clear that injustice is not just a social issue but also a spiritual one. Those who love God cannot remain indifferent to suffering and wrongdoing. Micah 6:8 reminds us that true piety is expressed through mercy and humility. Our faith comes alive when we make God’s justice visible in our daily lives.
12.4 Called to Establish Justice
Justice as a Lived-Out Faith
God continuously calls His people to actively pursue justice rather than merely fulfilling outward religious duties. The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah strongly emphasize that true knowledge of God is inseparable from standing up for the weak. Jesus reaffirms this call by rebuking the Pharisees for focusing on minor details while neglecting what truly matters—justice, mercy, and faith. Even today, the question remains: Are we putting our faith into action by striving for justice, or are we caught up in outward forms? True discipleship means actively making God’s justice visible in our lives. Only then does our faith become authentic and alive.
12.5 Who Is My Neighbor?
True Neighborly Love in Action
The Parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates that true neighborly love knows no boundaries—our neighbor is anyone in need, regardless of origin or status. Jesus makes it clear that mercy is not just a commandment but a heart attitude that must be actively lived out. His own life serves as an example—He came to bring justice and stand with the oppressed. The Psalms testify that God cares for the needy and calls us to do the same. While our help may not be miraculous like Jesus’, it can still be a sign of God’s love and care for others. Every act of justice and kindness makes God’s kingdom more visible in this world.
12.6 Summary
Love and Justice – The Heart of God’s Commandments
Lesson 12 emphasizes that love for God and one’s neighbor is at the core of all commandments. Jesus shows that true justice flows from lived-out love rather than from mere religious obligations. Idolatry and lovelessness are the greatest sins because they separate people from God and from each other. God calls us to actively seek justice, especially for the weak and oppressed. The Parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us that neighborly love has no boundaries. Those who truly receive God’s love will reflect it through acts of mercy and justice in everyday life.
The God of Love and Justice – Lesson 11.What More Could I Have Done? | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
