Lesson Ten: RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
Introduction: In the cosmic conflict between good and evil, there are rules of war that are involved. This week, we are studying some Biblical passages that help us understand some of these rules and furthermore, show us the limited power that the devil has. In addition, the devil is an illegitimate ruler, especially from the standpoint of his character.
Memory Text: 1 John 3:8 (NKJV)
He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil.
SABBATH; The narrative of Prophet Elijah at Mount Carmel is one where the Lord points out the fact that the gods that Israel’s neighbouring nations worshipped, had something else behind them. These non-Jews sacrificed to demons that even their forefathers knew nothing about. Hence, the apostle Paul advises against having fellowship with these demons through worshipping of idols. Throughout Scripture, we see that the texts about idolatry and foreign gods are texts about the world war between good and evil. This further helps us to understand the problem of evil.
(READ1 Kings 18:19-40; Deuteronomy 32:17; 1 Corinthians10:20)
SUNDAY; Scripture has evidence that, sometimes, earthly rulers have demonic rulers behind them and angelic agents sent by God can be opposed by the forces of Satan. A case in point is the angel that was sent to reveal to Daniel the meaning of the vision he had received. This angel was delayed by three weeks because he was fighting with the powers of darkness that were having influence on the mind of Cyrus, the ruler, but this later ended in victory on the side of good. The fact that God does not use His entire power identifies that this conflict has rules involved, that God’s angels as well operate within. These rules also state what Satan can and cannot do. Furthermore, understanding that God is love and uses no force, helps us understand the great controversy.
(READ Daniel 10:1-14)
MONDAY; The devil is depicted as the dragon in Revelation 13 and he is known to be the opposer and deceiver of this world. He wars against God and His servants and persecutes them as seen during the Dark Ages. This dragon, known as the ruler of this world, gives authority to a beast(an earthly religious political power) that seeks to steal the worship of God. However, amidst this, we see that the devil is aware that he is limited by the short time that he has on earth, and we are assured of God’s victory and triumph that will be when this death, evil, crying and sorrow is wiped away at the end of the age.
(READ Revelation 12:9, 12, 14; 13:1-8; 21:4)
TUESDAY; Moving on with understanding the great controversy, in the Book of Job, we see a heavenly meeting comprising of God, Satan and other celestial beings. God declares Job as one who is upright, blameless and God-fearing. The devil claims that Job is with this character because of God’s protection over him and that this protection limits Satan from proving his allegations. He slanders both God’s character and that of Job. God responds by allowing the devil to test Job, first by having power over his wealth and by harming Job as well. However, despite all this, Job never ceases to worship God and blesses the Lord’s name.
(READ Job 1:1-12, 20-22; 2:1-7, 9&10; Revelation 12:10; Zechariah 3)
WEDNESDAY; In the great controversy, in as much as Satan has limits, God has limits too, in that His love limits what He may do to show that He is innocent and to show that Satan is guilty. Christ came to destroy Satan’s kingdom of darkness. Furthermore, the free will that God’s creatures have and the rules of war(which remain a secret for now) that govern the cosmic conflict, limit what God can do to eliminate evil and suffering in this world. This further may lead one to question God’s existence and goodness. However, considering this background of the great controversy and these limits on how God deals with evil, we can better understand why things are the way they are until God’s final triumph over evil.
(READ John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Luke 4:6; 1 John 3:8)
THURSDAY The cosmic conflict(the world war between good and evil) is about the devil’s allegations about God’s character. This kind of conflict cannot be settled by might or strength, but rather by demonstration. God does not break His promise, therefore, His agreement to the rules of this war would limit His future actions. Furthermore, some limits of this engagement are related to aspects such as faith and prayer. Abundant prayer makes a difference because it brings change in an instance where it wouldn’t be the same if it were not offered. But we should remember that faith and prayer are not the only factors in play and that there are more rules that we may be unaware of for now.
(READ Mark 6:5; 9:29)
FRIDAY; Sinners broke the law of God and are Satan’s prisoners. Man is naturally inclined to do evil. It is for this reason that Jesus Christ came to die for our sins and rescue sinners from the bondage of Satan. It is only by Jesus’ strength that we are saved. Satan never wants to lose an opportunity to destroy God’s people. And with him getting his lies ready, he is preparing to trick people into not knowing who he really is. Seeking to convince people of his non-existence, the devil gets many to work for him. He uses the Christians who don’t obey God to mislead their brethren. However, when we ask Jesus for help, He is willing to help us fight the devil and say no to him.
(READ 2 Corinthians 11:14; “The Power of Satan” pages 341-347 in Testimonies for the Church, vol.1 by Ellen G White)
CAPTIONS:
SUNDAY; An angel delayed
MONDAY; The dragon of Revelation
TUESDAY; The case of Job
WEDNESDAY; The (temporary) ruler of this world
THURSDAY; Limits and rules
FRIDAY; Further thought
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS;
- However hard it is for us to see it now, in the end, good will eternally triumph over evil. Why is it so important that we never forget this wonderful promise?
- How does the fact that Jesus calls Satan the “ruler” of this world help, at least somewhat, our understanding of the evil that exists in the world now? How comforting to know that it is, indeed, only a temporary rule!
- Why would God grant Satan any jurisdiction in the cosmic conflict, even if temporarily? What does this tell us about how God seeks to answer Satan’s accusations?
- How do you respond to those, even Christians, who deny the existence of Satan as a real, personal being? Though we cannot prove Satan’s existence, what evidence can you marshal that might help someone who is so greatly deceived?
