The End of God’s Mission

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The End of God’s Mission

OVERVIEW

Overview of the Week’s Lesson: “The End of God’s Mission”

In this lessons, we’re exploring the final parts of the Bible in Revelation. Revelation tells us about the very last things that will happen, like a big fight between Jesus and the bad guy, Satan. It’s not just a bunch of stories; Revelation is like a mission book, showing that God wants us to share good news with everyone until they decide if they want to be on Jesus’ side or not.

We’ll talk about the Three Angels’ Messages, which are like special news about Jesus that Seventh-day Adventists are supposed to tell people worldwide. It’s all about sharing the love of God with everyone, no matter where they come from. And we’ll see that success in God’s mission means following Him and helping others follow too.

Towards the end of the lesson, we’ll read about a new earth without any bad stuff, and it will be our job to help everyone become followers of Jesus so they can be part of this amazing new world. The lessons remind us how important it is to share the special message about Jesus and look forward to a world made better by God.

SATURDAY – Introduction

Lesson

The book of Revelation tells us about the very last things that will happen and a big fight between Jesus and Satan. It shows Jesus coming back to save all his followers, those who are alive and even those who lived a long time ago like Adam and Eve. In the end, Satan and the bad guys [wicked] lose, and Jesus makes a forever [eternal] happy place on a brand new earth.

This lesson is like a special ending to Revelation. Instead of just talking about old stories [history], it tells us that Revelation is also like a book about sharing good news. God wants us to tell everyone about Him until they decide if they want to be on Jesus’ side or not.

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen G. White’s insights on the pre-advent judgment highlight the urgency of preparation. She encourages believers to engage in self-examination, ensuring their lives align with God’s righteousness in anticipation of Christ’s return.

SUNDAY – Revelation: God’s Last-Day Mission

Lesson

Read Revelation 1:1-7

KJV 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. 4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

CEV 1 This is what God showed to Jesus Christ, so that he could tell his servants what must happen soon. Christ then sent his angel with the message to his servant John. 2 And John told everything he had seen about God's message and about what Jesus Christ had said and done. 3 God will bless everyone who reads this prophecy to others, and he will bless everyone who hears and obeys it. The time is almost here. 4 From John to the seven churches in Asia. I pray that you will be blessed with kindness and peace from God, who is and was and is coming. May you receive kindness and peace from the seven spirits before the throne of God. 5 May kindness and peace be yours from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness. Jesus was the first to conquer death, and he is the ruler of all earthly kings. Christ loves us, and by his blood he set us free from our sins. 6 He lets us rule as kings and serve God his Father as priests. To him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen. 7 Look! He is coming with the clouds. Everyone will see him, even the ones who stuck a sword through him. All people on earth will weep because of him. Yes, it will happen! Amen.

This passage explains that Revelation is all about God’s important mission. We learn how Jesus is a key part of this mission, and God, the Father, and the Holy Spirit work together to save people. It’s like an important [essential] mission, and guess what? Jesus is coming back soon to finish what needs to be done!

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen G. White’s reflections on the Day of Atonement underscore the solemnity of this event. She challenges believers to examine their lives, repent, and seek God’s forgiveness, emphasizing the role of Christ as our High Priest in this process.

MONDAY – The Three Angels’ Messages and Mission

Lesson

Read Revelation 14:6-12

KJV 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. 9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. 12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

CEV 6 I saw another angel. This one was flying across the sky and had the eternal good news to announce to the people of every race, tribe, language, and nation on earth. 7 The angel shouted, “Worship and honor God! The time has come for him to judge everyone. Kneel down before the one who created heaven and earth, the oceans, and every stream.” 8 A second angel followed and said, “The great city of Babylon has fallen! This is the city that made all nations drunk and immoral. Now God is angry, and Babylon has fallen.” 9 Finally, a third angel came and shouted: Here is what will happen if you worship the beast and the idol and have the mark of the beast on your hand or forehead. 10 You will have to drink the wine that God gives to everyone who makes him angry. You will feel his mighty anger, and you will be tortured with fire and burning sulfur, while the holy angels and the Lamb look on. 11 If you worship the beast and the idol and accept the mark of its name, you will be tortured day and night. The smoke from your torture will go up forever and ever, and you will never be able to rest. 12 God's people must learn to endure. They must also obey his commands and have faith in Jesus.

This passage introduces three important messages for everyone, called the Three Angels’ Messages. They’re like special news about Jesus and why we should be close with God. As Seventh-day Adventists, we have an important job to share these messages and let people know about good things and some terrible things that might happen.

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White emphasizes God’s watchful care over His people, urging us to live in constant awareness of His presence. She highlights the importance of aligning our actions with God’s will.

TUESDAY – The Final Crisis

Lesson

Read Matthew 28:19-20

KJV 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

CEV 19 Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 20 and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.

In this passage we learn that Jesus gave an important job to His followers. He told them to help people from all around the world become His followers too.

Read again Revelation 14:6

KJV 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

CEV 6 I saw another angel. This one was flying across the sky and had the eternal good news to announce to the people of every race, tribe, language, and nation on earth.

It’s like the job to help people around the world is given to everyone who follows Jesus, no matter where they come from. The Bible talks a lot about how much God loves everyone and is demonstrated by how Jesus sacrificed Himself for everyone. Read some examples in the following verses:

1 John 4:8

KJV 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

CEV 8 God is love, and anyone who doesn't love others has never known him.

2 Peter 3:9

KJV 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

CEV 9 The Lord isn't slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.

1 Timothy 2:4

KJV 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

CEV 4 God wants everyone to be saved and to know the whole truth, which is,

Genesis 12:3

KJV 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

CEV 3 I will bless those who bless you, but I will put a curse on anyone who puts a curse on you. Everyone on earth will be blessed because of you.

In Revelation 13 and 17, it talks about the last choices people make: either following Satan or choosing to follow Jesus. This is why it’s really important to share the good news about Jesus with everyone.

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White warns about Satan’s relentless efforts to distort our understanding of the heavenly sanctuary. She underscores the significance of Christ’s ministry in the heavenly sanctuary and the need for a clear understanding of this truth.

WEDNESDAY – Success in Mission

Lesson

Read 1 Corinthians 3:6

KJV 6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

CEV 6 I planted the seeds, Apollos watered them, but God made them sprout and grow.

This verse is a bit like a reminder that God is the one who helps things grow in our mission. When we talk about being followers of Jesus, we can learn more about how God helps in missionary work from passages like the following:

2 Corinthians 11:2

KJV 2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

CEV 2 I am as concerned about you as God is. You were like a virgin bride I had chosen only for Christ.

Isaiah 30:21

KJV 21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

CEV 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice saying, “This is the road! Now follow it.”

John 10:27

KJV 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

CEV 27 My sheep know my voice, and I know them. They follow me,

John 16:12-13

KJV 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

CEV 12 I have much more to say to you, but right now it would be more than you could understand. 13 The Spirit shows what is true and will come and guide you into the full truth. The Spirit doesn't speak on his own. He will tell you only what he has heard from me, and he will let you know what is going to happen.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-11

KJV 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

CEV 9 When the wicked one appears, Satan will pretend to work all kinds of miracles, wonders, and signs. 10 Lost people will be fooled by his evil deeds. They could be saved, but they will refuse to love the truth and accept it. 11 So God will make sure they are fooled into believing a lie.

Hebrews 3:12-13

KJV 12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

CEV 12 My friends, watch out! Don't let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God. 13 You must encourage one another each day. And you must keep on while there is still a time that can be called “today.” If you don't, then sin may fool some of you and make you stubborn.

1 John 1:8-9

KJV 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

CEV 8 If we say we have not sinned, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth isn't in our hearts. 9 But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.

Revelation 7:14

KJV 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

CEV 14 “Sir,” I answered, “you must know.” Then he told me: “These are the ones who have gone through the great suffering. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and have made them white.

Revelation 19:8

KJV 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

CEV 8 She will be given a wedding dress made of pure and shining linen. This linen stands for the good things God's people have done.”

Success means having followers who stay true to what’s good, stay loyal to Jesus, and are open to God’s kindness. This is shown in how they help with missionary work, which is like telling others about Jesus.

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Reflecting on Eden, Ellen White emphasizes the connection between worship and the sanctuary. She encourages us to approach God with reverence, acknowledging His holiness and seeking His presence.

THURSDAY – Mission Complete

Lesson

Revelation 21 talks about a new world with no more bad things. Read some examples in the following passages:

Revelation 21:1-4

KJV 1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

CEV 1 I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth had disappeared, and so had the sea. 2 Then I saw New Jerusalem, the holy city, coming down from God in heaven. It was like a bride dressed in her wedding gown and ready to meet her husband. 3 I heard a loud voice shout from the throne: God's home is now with his people. He will live with them, and they will be his own. Yes, God will make his home among his people. 4 He will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain. These things of the past are gone forever.

Revelation 21:22

KJV 22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

CEV 22 I did not see a temple there. The Lord God All-Powerful and the Lamb were its temple.

Revelation 22:5

KJV 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

CEV 5 Never again will night appear, and no one who lives there will ever need a lamp or the sun. The Lord God will be their light, and they will rule forever.

God wants us to help everyone become followers of Jesus so they can be part of this wonderful new world. Now is the time to tell others about Jesus and help them be His followers.

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White elaborates on the heavenly sanctuary’s role in the plan of redemption. She stresses the ongoing work of Christ as our High Priest and the importance of understanding this truth for our faith.

FRIDAY – Further Thought

Lesson

In a quote from a book called Patriarchs and Prophets (p. 342), Ellen G. White talks about how exciting it is that God’s plan of salvation [redemption] will make the world all better again. Our job is to work together with God in His mission, telling everyone a special message so they can choose to be a part of God’s promise to make everything new. Ellen G. White’s Letter 390, written in 1907, encourages people who believe in God to share the important three angels’ messages with everyone in the world. It reminds us how important [crucial] it is to give a final warning and how happy we can be when we look forward to the world becoming better.

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

In her writings, Ellen White explores Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice. She points to the significance of Christ’s atonement, inviting believers to appreciate the depth of His love and sacrifice on our behalf.

LESSON SUMMARY

Saturday – Introduction The book of Revelation reveals the ultimate battle between Jesus and Satan, concluding with Jesus creating a joyful place on a new earth. Ellen G. White stresses the urgency of preparation for Christ’s return, urging believers to align their lives with God’s righteousness and share the good news.

Sunday – Revelation: God’s Important Mission Revelation unveils God’s mission, emphasizing Jesus’ role and the collaborative work of the Father and Holy Spirit. Ellen G. White underscores the solemnity of the Day of Atonement, urging believers to repent and recognize Christ as our High Priest.

Monday – Three Angels’ Messages and Our Job Revelation introduces Three Angels’ Messages, revealing important news about Jesus. Believers, like Seventh-day Adventists, have the crucial task of sharing these messages globally. Ellen White emphasizes God’s watchful care and the need to align actions with His will.

Tuesday – Sharing Jesus Worldwide Jesus assigns His followers the task of helping people worldwide become His disciples. Ellen G. White warns against Satan’s distortions of the heavenly sanctuary, emphasizing the importance of a clear understanding of Christ’s ministry.

Wednesday – Success in Telling Others Success in mission involves followers staying true to goodness, loyal to Jesus, and open to God’s kindness. Ellen G. White links worship and the sanctuary, encouraging reverence and acknowledging God’s holiness in missionary work.

Thursday – New World, No More Bad Things Revelation 21 envisions a world without sorrow, emphasizing the importance of sharing Jesus for everyone to be part of this new world. Ellen G. White elaborates on the heavenly sanctuary’s role, stressing the ongoing work of Christ as our High Priest.

Friday – Working Together for a Better World Ellen G. White’s quote highlights the excitement of God’s plan to make the world better. Believers are called to work with God, sharing a special message globally for others to join in God’s promise. Ellen G. White explores Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice, inviting believers to appreciate His profound love and sacrifice.