Revealed by Jesus Christ

Background Scripture: Galatians 1; Acts 9:1-18
Lesson Scripture: Galatians 1:10-19, 23-24; Luke 10:21-22

Introduction

The apostle John, as author of the Gospel of John, typically avoids naming himself; he instead remains veiled under “the disciple Jesus loved,” “the other disciple,” or other forms of obscurity. His humility disguises his presence at the Passover, the high priest’s courtyard, and the crucifixion. On the shores of Galilee after the resurrection, he is “the disciple which testifieth of these things” (John 21:24). Nevertheless, John reveals his passion for God and the gospel by how he wrote. Maybe Christ Himself noticed his fervor and devotion early on and because of this nicknamed John and his brother the “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17).

The truth of God in like manner often remains veiled or disguised and does not often flaunt itself as something catchy, out in front, or unmistakable. It is not loud, unavoidable, and in-your-face. Because of its humble nature, it remains in the background, waiting to be sought for and discovered by the honest seeker. Having a zeal for the things of God will lead one to want God’s will so badly that nothing else matters, not even to be completely wrong, misunderstood, or deeply hurt. When a desire for being in the clear with God motivates a person, its sincerity will begin to testify of itself in so many ways. There is not a place it does not touch—it tempers decisions, attitudes, and spirits.

Seeking truth is one of the most important aspects of Bible study. We approach the Word of God and truth in one of two ways: the right way is to seek for what is right no matter what; the other is to vindicate a position. Seeking truth for this purpose only establishes who is right, which in the end is not nearly as important as what is right. Eternal destiny hangs on what is right, not who is right among men.

This set of lessons is taken primarily from the books of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and 1, 2, and 3 John. As we take this book and begin another quarter of Sunday school, let us seek for the hidden wisdom, hid from the wise and learned yet revealed to little children (Matt. 11:25). “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it” (Matt. 13:45-46).

Revealed by Jesus Christ

Lesson 1

June 1, 2025

Background Scripture: Galatians 1; Acts 9:1-18

Lesson Scripture: Galatians 1:10-19, 23-24; Luke 10:21-22

Introduction

Our lesson today is focused on the foundation of living a Christian life. A new birth experience is the only way to obtain salvation after we have been made accountable to God. God, through the Holy Ghost, convicts us of our sinful condition. We are estranged from God by our self-driven nature. To remedy our lost state will require us to relinquish our self and accept Jesus as our Savior. This experience will make a notable difference in our walk of life and is available to all people regardless of location, family background, or station in life.

Key Verse

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven (Matt. 16:17).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

The established Jewish religious leaders did not accept Jesus as the promised Redeemer. Therefore, as they observed a new dispensation beginning to grow, they tried to hinder it. The church that grew from what happened on the day of Pentecost became the target of this persecution.

Saul was a devout Jew who was very involved in trying to stop this new religion. He described himself as very zealous of the Jewish way of religious life (Acts 22:1-5). He was on his way to Damascus to apprehend the believers when he was struck down with a bright light from heaven. Jesus revealed to Saul that he was working for the wrong side. The Lord asked him why he was persecuting Him. Saul had to ask who was speaking, showing that he did not really know God. Instead of a powerful person zealously doing what he thought was a service to God, he became blind and had to be led by the hands of others. When Saul realized the truth, he did not stick to his own thinking but accepted the fact that he was in error. What a conversion! The experience brought out a completely different man than he had been. Saul’s new birth and conversion were very dramatic and resulted in a completely different life purpose. Even his name changed.

Paul’s conversion is an example of what it takes to see the kingdom of God. He was a highly educated man and no doubt was highly thought of among the rulers of Israel, but God saw talent in him and gave him the opportunity to change into a useful person to help spread the gospel. A very important part of his conversion was that he “conferred not with flesh and blood” but acknowledged Jesus when he was confronted with the truth. Paul was willing to be led, and he followed the instructions given him. This turnabout led him to become a useful vessel in preaching the gospel. He was perhaps the most useful man in the early church in evangelizing the world in his day. Many books of the New Testament were written by him and continue to bless mankind with the truths that are contained in them.

Jesus rejoiced that his Father hid spiritual truth from the wise and prudent. The mystery and wonder of the gospel is only seen by those who realize they are sinners in need of the Savior and are willing to become as a little child, ready to receive instructions from God and their fellow brethren. Those who think they know better are still going the way Saul was on the Damascus road. The “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Ps. 111:10).

Practical Truths for Today

God is continually calling people to repentance today. We may never see as dramatic a scene as took place with Saul on the road to Damascus, but the call to repentance is just as real today as it was then. Just how God calls each individual is a great mystery, but the call will come as the all-knowing God sees fit.

The account of Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3:3-8 is a good lesson on God’s call and the new birth. Individuals may be called at an early age before serious sins have taken hold in their life and may not initially recognize a call from God. However, a new birth experience is necessary regardless of whether we are good or bad. Jesus told Nicodemus that the new birth is like the wind; we feel its effects but are not able to directly comprehend its source.

When we become aware God is calling us to repentance, we are faced with the most important choice we will make while we are on this earth. We are all born with the seed of sin, and all are in need of the blood of Jesus for atonement (Rom. 5:12). Without being born again, we cannot see the kingdom of Christ (John 3:3). It is the first and foremost requirement to being a part of the kingdom of God here on this earth. While Jesus may have been referring to being saved and being right with God, his words also apply to being able to recognize God’s kingdom. We will not be able to comprehend God’s kingdom and church with a carnal mind because it is a spiritual kingdom and can only be discerned spiritually.

Growing up in a Christian home and being taught since childhood about God, his love, and how to dwell together as a family is a great blessing. However, no matter how nice we have been, we all have a serious problem. We all need the sanctifying blood of Jesus. Although we may have never told a lie or been willfully disobedient, we still are left with a sinful, proud nature. There is no such a thing as living good enough to merit salvation; we are only able to obtain salvation by faith in Jesus’s blood. When we receive the new birth, a thankful and gracious spirit, together with living and applying the Bible teachings to our lives, will show to the world how a Christian should be.

We often encounter uncertainty in knowing how to deal with the things we face, and we may find it difficult at times to know what God’s way really is. Daily prayer and being obedient to the “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12-13) will enable us to receive divine direction. We will need to be familiar with God’s laws and judgments, recognize the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ, and know the Holy Spirit’s comfort and reproof in order to receive the answers we need to successfully live Christian life. If we are in tune with our spiritual brethren we can safely share our thoughts and questions with them. This is also one of the great blessings of being a member of God’s visible church.

Questions

1. How should we respond if someone says they are living as good as some of those who have been born again and are members of the church?
2. The voice that came to Saul when he was struck down was heard by those who were with him. Is God’s call to repentance heard in this way today?
3. Discuss: Saul was on his way to persecute Christians. Does Jesus tell us what to do even if we are not on the right road?
4. There are many sources of direction today. How can we be sure that the voice we are hearing is from a godly source?

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).