"Evalúate" | Panel de Escuela Sabática de 3ABN | Lección 1 | 2do Trim. 2026

Growing in Our Relationship with God

Introduction to the Lesson

• John Lomacán introduces the new lesson titled "Growing in Our Relationship with God," emphasizing the importance of evaluating one's spiritual growth rather than mere church membership.

• Viewers are encouraged to download lesson materials from 3abnschoolpanel.com or visit a local Seventh-day Adventist Church for resources.

Panelists and Their Contributions

• The panel consists of several members, including Pastor John Dinszy, Sister Jill, and Shelly, each contributing insights on different aspects of the lesson.

• Each panelist shares their focus areas: Monday's theme is about admonition and repentance; Tuesday discusses eternal love; Wednesday focuses on permanence through John 15:1-11; Thursday covers wisdom.

Opening Prayer and Context

• A prayer is offered by one of the panelists, thanking God for the opportunity to study His word together.

• The main contributor to this lesson is Nina Achison, who previously spoke at a general conference. The lesson emphasizes relationships and reality checks in faith.

Key Scripture Reference

• The memory verse for this session is John 15:9, where Jesus expresses His love for believers and encourages them to remain in that love.

• Lomacán highlights that true growth in faith involves more than just being part of a church; it requires personal development through the Holy Spirit's influence.

Evaluation Through Revelation

• The discussion shifts towards an evaluation based on Revelation 3:14–17, which addresses spiritual lukewarmness among believers.

• Key points include recognizing one's spiritual state—being rich yet unaware of true poverty—and understanding that genuine faith leads to character transformation through Christ.

Spiritual Condition and Self-Reflection

The Importance of Heart Over Activity

• The speaker emphasizes that being spiritually "lukewarm" is not about rebellion but rather a lack of spiritual fervor, referencing Matthew 15:8 to illustrate the disconnect between outward actions and inner heart condition.

Personal Conviction vs. Indifference

• Questions are posed regarding personal motivations: Are individuals moved by truth or merely familiar with it? The speaker highlights the danger of responding to sin and justice with indifference instead of conviction.

Comfort in Spiritual Satisfaction

• A warning is given about spiritual comfort without genuine fire; some individuals attend church for sermons but neglect deeper engagement like Bible study or prayer meetings, indicating a complacent faith.

Dependence on God vs. Self-Sufficiency

• The speaker discusses how self-satisfaction can lead to forgetting God, citing Hosea 13:6. Many Christians may feel secure in their faith due to their history but risk losing connection with God through complacency.

Awareness of Internal Condition

• There’s an emphasis on the need for self-analysis; failing to recognize one's true spiritual state can lead to a false sense of security. The importance of personal prayer and recognizing one’s need for Christ is highlighted.

The Danger of Spiritual Blindness

Recognizing True Spiritual Needs

• The speaker warns against being unaware of one's miserable state (Revelation 3:17). This blindness can prevent individuals from feeling the urgency to change or grow spiritually.

Conviction vs. Conversion

• A distinction is made between feeling convicted by messages versus undergoing true conversion. It’s noted that many may be informed yet fail to experience transformation in their lives.

External Success vs. Internal Richness

God's Perspective on Our Hearts

• Reference is made to 1 Samuel 16:7, emphasizing that while humans judge based on external appearances, God looks at the heart—highlighting the importance of internal spiritual health over outward success.

Trials as Refinement Tools

• The necessity for trials in life is discussed as a means to refine faith and remove worldly distractions, suggesting that true richness comes from reliance on Christ rather than self-respect or external validation.

Urgent Call for Self-Evaluation

Embracing Correction from God

• Proverbs 3:11–12 serves as a reminder not to despise divine correction; acknowledging one’s flaws and seeking improvement is crucial for spiritual growth.

Dios nos está corrigiendo

La Corrección de Dios

• Dios no condena, sino que corrige; su corrección es redentora y busca guiarnos hacia el arrepentimiento.

• La condenación del pecado ya existe, pero la invitación de Cristo a arrepentirse muestra que aún le importa nuestra salvación.

• La condición laodiciana refleja un cristianismo sin desesperación, lo que plantea la pregunta: ¿dependo actualmente de Dios?

• Es crucial autoevaluarse antes de que el Señor lo haga; esto se relaciona con el tema de amonestación, arrepentimiento y recompensa.

Amonestación y Arrepentimiento

• Apocalipsis 3:19 destaca que a quienes Dios ama, reprende y castiga; esto debe motivar al creyente a ser celoso y arrepentirse.

• Jesús es descrito como el testigo fiel; su mensaje es una dosis de realidad que debemos escuchar atentamente.

El Amor de Dios en la Corrección

• Las dificultades pueden ser pruebas permitidas por Dios para enseñarnos a depender más de Él en lugar de nosotros mismos.

• Gálatas 4:4–5 menciona cómo Jesús vino para redimirnos después de siglos de pecado, trayendo luz al mundo oscurecido.

Reflexiones sobre Nuestra Relación con Cristo

• Es importante cuestionar cuán cerca estamos realmente de Jesús y reconocer las tentaciones diarias que intentan separarnos del amor divino.

Significado del Castigo Divino

• La reprensión divina tiene un propósito educativo; nos ayuda a entender nuestros errores mediante su gracia.

• La palabra griega para "reprender" implica advertir sobre un camino equivocado, similar a cuando alguien señala nuestras faltas sin darnos cuenta.

• El término "castigar" también se asocia con educar; así como Moisés fue instruido en sabiduría, la corrección divina busca formarnos adecuadamente.

Understanding the Call to Repentance

The Importance of Sobriety and Zeal

• The speaker emphasizes living soberly, justly, and piously in the present age, urging fervor and repentance.

• A comparison is made between the Laodiceans' lukewarmness and today's Christians, highlighting discomfort with mediocrity in faith.

• The term "zealous" is explored; it signifies enthusiasm and a passionate commitment to God, contrasting with spiritual lukewarmness.

• The call to acquire "gold tried in the fire" symbolizes seeking true faith and righteousness through Jesus Christ.

Jesus' Desire for Relationship

• Revelation 3:19 states that Jesus rebukes those He loves, indicating His deep care for humanity's spiritual state.

• The speaker reflects on how easy it would have been for Jesus to abandon humanity but emphasizes His desire for a stronger relationship with us.

• Revelation 3:20 illustrates Jesus standing at the door, inviting individuals into fellowship; He respects personal choice in accepting Him.

Personal Anecdotes and Testimonies

• An analogy is drawn about respect for boundaries; unlike an unexpected visitor, Jesus calls gently without forcing entry into our lives.

• Emphasizing the importance of opening one's heart to receive blessings from a close relationship with Christ.

The Journey of Faith Through Personal Stories

Shirley's Transformation Through Faith

• Introduction of Greg Moriconi sharing a mission moment about Shirley's skepticism towards satellite TV due to perceived negativity.

• After being convinced by her family to try satellite TV, Shirley discovers unexpected blessings among channels related to her faith journey.

Growing Spiritual Hunger

• Initially reading one page of the Bible daily led Shirley to develop a deeper hunger for spiritual truth as she engaged more deeply with scripture.

• Her encounter with sermons on channel 3ABN significantly impacted her life spiritually, particularly regarding understanding Sabbath observance.

Exploring Self-Awareness in Faith

Understanding Our Condition Before God

• Gil Moriconi continues discussing eternal love while reflecting on human hearts' condition before God during their study session.

• The focus shifts back to Revelation 3:21 as they explore God's promises while addressing self-awareness issues within the Laodicean church.

Self-Awareness and Spiritual Condition

The Illusion of Self-Awareness

• A website claims that while 95% of people believe they are self-aware, only 10-15% actually are. This statistic raises questions about the true understanding of one's spiritual condition.

Biblical Reflection on Self-Deception

• Reference to Matthew 7:21 highlights that not everyone who claims to follow Jesus will enter the kingdom of heaven; true followers do the will of God.

• Jesus warns that many may perform religious acts but still be unknown to Him, emphasizing the importance of genuine faith over mere actions.

The Need for Heart Examination

• Emphasizes the necessity for personal introspection and seeking God's guidance in understanding one’s heart, referencing Psalm 139:23-24.

Overcoming Spiritual Complacency

• Discusses overcoming self-sufficiency and recognizing our weaknesses as a crucial step towards repentance and receiving God's love.

God's Relationship with Humanity

Creation and Intimacy

• Genesis 2:7 describes how God formed man from dust and breathed life into him, illustrating a deep intimacy in creation.

Divine Invitation for Intimacy

• God desires an intimate relationship with humanity, akin to feeling His breath; this closeness is available to all individuals despite their number.

The Impact of Sin on Relationship

• Genesis 3 introduces sin which causes separation from God; however, He seeks out humanity even after this disconnection.

God's Pursuit Amidst Human Failure

Initiation of Relationship by God

• Despite human sinfulness, God actively seeks a relationship with us first, demonstrating His unconditional love.

Limitations on Divine Proximity

• Our closeness to God is contingent upon our willingness; He approaches as closely as we allow Him.

Warnings Before Judgment

Mercy Before Consequences

• In Genesis 6:13, God's warning before judgment illustrates His mercy; Noah preached for 120 years urging repentance before the flood.

The Call of Abraham and the Nature of God's Relationships

The Call of Abraham

• The discussion begins with Genesis 12:1-4, highlighting God's call to Abraham from Ur of the Chaldeans, promising a sevenfold blessing.

• Emphasizes that relationships with God are reciprocal; God desires a relationship and calls us into a covenant, requiring our obedience in response.

Transformative Nature of Relationships with God

• Refers to Exodus 34:29, where Moses' face shines after speaking with God, illustrating that true encounters with God lead to transformation.

• Cites Jeremiah 31:3, emphasizing God's unconditional love and His invitation for us to enter into a relationship regardless of our flaws.

Understanding Abiding in Christ

The Concept of Abiding

• Shelly Queen introduces the theme of "abiding" based on John 15:1-11, noting it as essential for spiritual success.

• Jesus uses the term "abide" ten times in this passage, indicating its significance for holiness and salvation.

Definition and Importance

• The Greek word "meno" means to remain or dwell continuously; abiding is not just a weekly church visit but an ongoing union with Christ.

• John 15:4 emphasizes mutual indwelling—believers must remain in Christ to bear fruit.

Assurance of Christ's Presence

Recognizing Christ Within Us

• Addresses common doubts among believers about knowing if they are truly abiding in Christ; assurance comes from faith rather than feelings or circumstances.

• References Ephesians 3:16–17 about being strengthened by the Holy Spirit so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith.

Transformation Through Connection

• Highlights how being connected to Jesus empowers believers through the Holy Spirit, leading to personal transformation.

The Role of Prayer and Spiritual Growth

Seeking the Holy Spirit

• Encourages continual prayer for filling with the Holy Spirit as per Luke 11:9–13; emphasizes God's willingness to give good gifts.

Assurance Through Presence

• Stresses that having Christ within us guarantees character development and eternal life (Colossians 1:27).

Bearing Fruit as Evidence of Abiding

Understanding Spiritual Fruitfulness

• John 15:5 states that apart from Jesus we can do nothing valuable spiritually; true fruitfulness stems from connection to Him.

Characteristics of Spiritual Fruit

• Clarifies that spiritual fruit refers not merely to activity but includes qualities like love, joy, peace—fruits produced by the Holy Spirit.

The Role of the Spirit in Christian Life

Understanding Our Connection to the Spirit

• The presence of the Spirit empowers believers, emphasizing that it is not through willpower or self-improvement but through divine connection.

• The essence of Christian life is about deepening one's ability to remain connected to Christ rather than striving harder; this involves trusting in His power.

• A warning from John 15:6 highlights the consequences of not remaining in Christ, linking it to eschatological themes and spiritual destruction.

Daily Devotional Practices

• Engaging in daily devotionals—spending time in prayer and scripture—is essential for maintaining a strong connection with God (Colossians 3:16).

• Jesus emphasizes love and obedience as key components of remaining in Him, suggesting that true joy comes from this relationship (John 15:9-10).

The Importance of Obedience

• Obedience is framed as a natural outcome of remaining connected to Christ; delayed responses to God's conviction are equated with disobedience.

• Daily surrendering to God's will, as exemplified by Jesus' prayer (Luke 22:42), is crucial for living a life aligned with His purpose.

Joy Through Connection

• Remaining in Christ leads to complete joy, supported by Psalm 16:11 which states that joy exists in God's presence.

The Significance of "Remaining" in Scripture

Insights on Spiritual Growth

• Pastor Ryan Johnson introduces the concept of "remaining," connecting it with biblical references and emphasizing its active nature rather than passive existence.

Biblical References

• In John 15, Jesus identifies Himself as the true vine and God as the gardener, illustrating their roles within spiritual growth.

Scriptural Foundations

• Jesus’ metaphorical language draws from Old Testament imagery where Israel is depicted as a vineyard (Psalm 80), reinforcing His identity as the true vine.

Cultivated vs. Wild Vines

• The distinction between cultivated vines (representing Israel's chosen people) versus wild ones underscores God's intentionality in nurturing His followers.

The Importance of Abiding in Christ

The Analogy of the Vine and Branches

• Jesus emphasizes the necessity of remaining in Him to bear fruit, stating that without Him, nothing can be accomplished. This highlights the centrality of Christ for spiritual vitality.

• Reference to John 14:16-17 illustrates that the Holy Spirit is given as a constant companion, reinforcing the idea that believers are never alone in their spiritual journey.

• Romans 8:10 discusses how if Christ is within us, our bodies may be dead due to sin, but our spirits are alive because of righteousness. This duality underscores the transformative power of faith.

Understanding Trinitarian Life

• The analogy of the vine represents a Trinitarian relationship: God the Father as the gardener, Jesus as the vine, and the Holy Spirit providing life. This interconnectedness is essential for understanding Christian doctrine.

• The speaker shares personal experience affirming that while full comprehension may elude us, experiencing life through the Spirit is undeniable and vital for spiritual health.

Botanical Metaphor and Spiritual Life

• A personal anecdote about McIntosh apples serves as a metaphor for diversity in creation; just like apple seeds produce varied offspring, believers must remain connected to Christ to thrive spiritually.

• The concept of grafting branches onto vines illustrates how believers can receive life from Christ. If they are not connected (grafted), they cannot bear fruit or live spiritually.

Spiritual Vitality Through Connection

• Emphasizing that when believers allow God's Spirit (the sap) to flow through them, they become alive and fruitful. Without this connection, they risk spiritual death.

• Acknowledgment of feeling spiritually dead resonates with many; however, allowing the Holy Spirit's influence can lead to revival and renewed life in faith.

Reflection on Modern Distractions

• Discussion on "Excited to Death" reveals how modern distractions (like social media) can replace time spent with God, leading individuals to feel spiritually empty or disconnected from their faith.

• The importance of making space for God amidst worldly distractions is emphasized; true revival comes when individuals prioritize their relationship with God over secular engagements.

Final Thoughts on Spiritual Growth

• Encouragement towards self-evaluation regarding one's spiritual condition—acknowledging areas needing repentance or growth leads toward eternal love and connection with God’s spirit.

• Quoting Hebrews 12:11 reinforces that discipline may not seem joyful at first but ultimately yields peaceful fruits of righteousness for those trained by it.

Understanding Our Spiritual Journey

Embracing God's Acceptance

• The speaker addresses feelings of unworthiness stemming from past actions, emphasizing that God welcomes everyone. A reference to John 6:37 highlights the assurance that those who come to Jesus will not be rejected.

• The concept of "remaining" in Christ is introduced as essential for spiritual growth. The speaker asserts that one must first remain in Christ to walk as He did, indicating a direct relationship between faith and action.

Walking in Christ's Footsteps

• The idea of walking like Christ is presented as a natural outcome of remaining in Him. This connection suggests that true discipleship involves both belief and practice, leading to a life reflective of Christ’s righteousness.

• The speaker encourages acceptance of one's spiritual diagnosis rather than arguing against it. Revelation 3:18 is cited, advising listeners to seek clarity about their spiritual condition through divine guidance.

Moving Forward in Faith

• As the session concludes, the speaker hints at future lessons focused on knowing God more deeply. This sets the stage for continued exploration and growth within the faith community.