Lesson Nine: THE COSMIC CONFLICT
Introduction: This week, we are studying how the cosmic conflict impacts every human being on a daily basis, and the universe at large. In addition, we are looking at how Satan attempts to usurp the worship that is due to God, but he will be defeated in the end.
Memory Text: Genesis 3:15 (NKJV)
And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”
SABBATH; All throughout Scripture, we see the idea of a cosmic conflict between God and the created creatures that have fallen and rebelled against God, regardless of the fact that many Christians have neglected this fact. Through the Gospels alone, we see quite a number of references that show devils and demons who oppose God. Deeper this week, we seek to know the Bible passages that shade more light on this conflict and it’s nature.
(READ Matthew 13:24-30, 37-39; Revelation 12:7-10)
SUNDAY; A parable told by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew 13 talks about a farmer who sows good seeds in the field. However, his servants notice tares growing among the wheat. This draws us to a similar question, being the presence of evil in a world that God created to be good. However, the farmer points to the act of planting tares as one that was done by an enemy. Likewise, it is the Devil that plants evil in this world because He opposes God. The act of uprooting the fruitful harvest and separating the wheat and tares for storage and being burnt respectively, shows us that the problem of evil will be put to a final end when Jesus returns.
(READ Matthew 13:24-30, 37-40; Mark 4:29)
MONDAY; Frequently asked is the question about how evil arose in a world full of goodness that was declared by God upon completing creation. In Genesis 3, we see how the Serpent, also known as the Devil, insinuates Eve to doubt what God had commanded and goes ahead to challenge that which God had said. Eve, is called to make a choice on who she will believe. In our times today as well, the nature of this cosmic conflict is basically over what or whom one will believe, either God or the Devil. Furthermore, believing an individual is related to love, in that, the belief that one has about another person directly impacts one’s ability to trust and listen to that same individual.
(READ Genesis 1:31; 3:1-7; Revelation 12:7-9 )
TUESDAY; Evil existed before the fall of Adam and Eve, given the existence of the serpent and his lies in Eden. The cosmic conflict started in heaven when Lucifer chose to exalt himself and make himself like God, despite the fact that he was perfect and was a covering cherub. His heart was lifted because of his beauty. Instead of honouring God, who had created him with such beauty, he became proud and decided to slander God, seeking to take up God’s place.
(READ Ezekiel 28:12-19; Exodus 25:19&20; Isaiah 14:12-15)
WEDNESDAY; The devil’s quest to take on God’s throne is evident when Jesus Christ is tempted three times by Satan. Despite Jesus’ extreme vulnerability after forty days and nights, he overcame each temptation with Scripture. At the third attempt in tempting Christ, Satan’s desire to usurp God’s throne is made evident when he commands Christ to worship him. However, despite all attempts, Jesus Christ is able to counter the temptations with Scripture and is able to defeat the enemy’s attacks.
(READ Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:6 )
THURSDAY; Unlike a conflict that is over strength and power, the cosmic conflict is a dispute over God’s character. The devil from the beginning has been trying to make creatures believe that God was not really just and loving, and that His law was oppressive and hurtful to them. Satan goes ahead to falsify the word of God, and it is for this that Jesus Christ calls him the Father of liars. Furthermore, Jesus Christ came to testify to the truth about who God truly is and to reveal to us His character as well, contrary to what the devil says about it.
(READ John 8:44&45: Revelation 12:7-10; John 18:37; 1 John 3:8; Hebrews 2:14)
FRIDAY; Sin is an intruder, for whose presence no reason can be given. It’s mysterious, unaccountable, for to excuse it is to defend it. If God had erased evil immediately, the world would have obeyed Him from a point of fear and not from one of love. The influence of the deceiver would not have been eradicated and the spirit of rebellion would not have been fully eradicated. By permitting evil to come to maturity, God’s justice would be fully seen since the creatures could understand the immutability of God’s law and fully understand His mercy, justice and love.
(READ “The Origin of Evil” pages 492-504 in the Great Controversy by Ellen G White)
CAPTIONS:
SUNDAY; An enemy has done this
MONDAY; The origin of the controversy on Earth
TUESDAY; The origin of controversy in heaven
WEDNESDAY; If You worship me
THURSDAY; The nature of the cosmic conflict
FRIDAY; Further thought
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS;
- Loving and trusting someone depends on the moral character of the person in question. In your own life, what virtues do you need to cultivate, by God’s grace, to reflect God’s character?
- When people become distant and stop being intimate with God, oftentimes something changes in their view of God’s character. To avoid this danger, in what ways can we be more intentional about experiencing God’s presence and exalting/expressing His attributes and loving character to others?
- How does understanding the nature of the conflict pull back the curtain, to speak, on ways in which your own life might be a microcosm of the cosmic conflict? In what ways are you even now experiencing the reality of this conflict? How should you respond in ways that show whose side you are truly on?
