6: The Prophetic Writings-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan
Prepared for Sabbath School Class on November 7,
Photograph by William Earnhardt
Key Text: “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4, NKJV).
Read in Class: Exodus 17:14.
Study: What is the first mention of writing in the Bible?
Apply: How do you know that you can trust the Bible, even though none of the translations we use today, including the KJV, are the original manuscripts? How would you answer someone who told you that you can’t understand Scripture without knowing both Greek and Hebrew?
Share: What writings or letters do you have in your own family that are preserved as memorials? We text so much today, and so little is saved. How might future generations in your family benefit from saving some of what you write today?
Read in Class: Isaiah 13:1, Jeremiah 36:17-18, and Romans 16:22.
Study: How does the Bible here refer to the message Isaiah is giving? What do these verses tell us about the Bible writers’ use of literary assistants?
Apply: Some scholars focus too much on the human side of the Bible writers and ignore the Bible’s divine origin. Why is this a sure way to ruin your spiritual life?
Share: Are there some Bible authors you resonate with more than others? If so, which ones, and why?
Read in Class: 1 Kings 11:41; Luke 1:1-4; and Jude 14, 15.
Study: What do these verses tell us about how the inspired writers at times used non-biblical sources?
Apply: Though the biblical writers were often guided by direct revelation through visions and dreams, this did not exclude the Holy Spirit from also inspiring these messengers to select material from other sources. Why is this an important concept for us to remember?
Share: Share how modern-day authors, though maybe not necessarily inspired, have helped you understand Scripture better, and how you balance their writings with Scripture itself.
Read in Class: 2 Corinthians 4:7.
Study: What does Paul say about God’s treasure?
Apply: Why do you think that God chose to use fallible human beings rather than sinless angels as His primary messengers?
Share: Who are some earthly vessels in whom you have seen God’s goodness?
Mission: Knowing how God inspired human beings with weaknesses to write Scripture, can you find a Bible author with a weakness similar to yours and observe how that author connected that weakness to God’s strength?
