Lesson 10 Review: Rules of Engagement

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “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.” (1 John 3:8, NKJV).

There is only one God, other gods are false. But more than just been false gods, these false gods are demons. These demons were the objects of worship of the gentiles and anyone who commits idolatry is worshiping demons. Any texts dealing with idolatry or false worship are “cosmic conflict” texts, and these help us to understand the more the nature of the conflict.

How can we make much sense of the fact that the angel sent by God was delayed for twenty-one days by the prince of Persia?

God must not be exercising all of His power in this situation where the angel of God was delayed. There are parameters known to both parties which are not revealed to us, and that guides how both parties operate. We can say that whatever these parameters are, they emanate from God’s nature of love. God can only work from the principles emanating from love.

What does Revelation 13:1-8 reveal about the dragon’s jurisdiction?

The dragon (Satan) not only wars against God (Rev. 12:7-9) and His servants (for example, Rev. 12:1-6), but he is depicted as the ruler behind the earthly kingdoms who persecute God’s people throughout the ages.

What hope is there for God’s people being persecuted by the dragon?

The hope for God’s people being persecuted by the dragon is that the dragon’s time is short. Satan “knows that his time is short” (Rev. 12:12, ESV). Indeed, God triumphs.” ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away’ ” (Rev. 21:4, NKJV).

What are the significant details from the case of Job?

There appears to be some kind of heavenly council scene, with other celestial beings involved including Satan. Second, there is an existing dispute, signaled by the fact that God asks whether Satan has considered Job. Third, while God declares Job blameless, upright, and God-fearing, Satan claims that Job appears to fear God only because God protects him, thus indicating slander against God’s character and Job’s. Fourth, Satan alleges that God’s protection of Job (the hedge) is unfair and makes it impossible for Satan to prove his allegations, thus indicating some limits on Satan (rules of engagement), and that Satan has apparently tried to harm Job.

How does God respond to Satan’s allegations and how does it help us understand the rules of engagement in the cosmic conflict?

God responds to Satan’s allegations by first giving Satan power over “all that he has,” but prohibits personal harm to Job (Job 1:12, NKJV). Later, after Satan claims that Job cares only about himself, God allows Satan to afflict Job personally, but Satan must spare his life (Job 2:3-6). This response helps us to understand that there are the rules of engagement in the cosmic conflict, there are parameters in the heavenly court within which the allegations raised against God can be settled without violating the sacred principles inherent in love, the foundation of God’s principles and how He rules the universe and the intelligent beings in it.

What does the Bible teach about the rulership of the enemy of this world?

The New Testament sets forth a clash of kingdoms, the kingdoms of light and darkness, with the darkness coming from Satan and his rebellion. Satan and his cohorts have been temporarily granted significant jurisdiction in this world, limited according to some kind of rules of engagement. Part of Christ’s mission was to defeat the kingdom of Satan: “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8, NKJV).

What are some of the limits of the rules of engagements?

(1) the granting of free will to creatures and (2) the covenantal rules of engagement, which we are not privy to, at least now.

What are some limits or rules of engagement that seem to be in place in the narratives of Mark 6:5 and Mark 9:29?

The limits or rules of engagement that seem to be in place according to the narratives of Mark 6:5 and Mark 9:29 are dynamically related to such things as faith and prayer.

What lessons can we take for ourselves from the limits or rules of engagement that seem to be in place in Mark 6:5 and Mark 9:29?

Prayer makes a difference in this world, opening up avenues that would otherwise not be (morally) available. However, faith and prayer are not the only factors, there are other factors as well. There are factors or parameters that affect the rules of engagement and God’s actions are according to these rules.

In Conclusion,

There are rules of engagement in the cosmic conflict, although we may not know about them entirely we are sure that they are in accordance with God’s nature of love. May we all be faithful to Christ and rely on His strength to overcome, in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 9 Review: The Cosmic Conflict

Introduction

Memory Text: “ ‘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’ ” (Genesis 3:15, NKJV).

There is the great controversy between Christ and Satan. The study for this week focuses on where the Scripture teaches that there is a cosmic conflict between God and Satan and the nature of the conflict.

How do we understand the evil in our world from the parable of the wheat and tares in Matthew 13:24-27?

Jesus Christ, the land owner (Matt.  13:37), sowed good seed in His field which is our world (Matt. 13:38, NKJV), but the enemy the devil came in and sowed tares in the field (Matt. 13:39, NKJV). Evil in our world is the result of the enemy (the devil) who opposes the master (Matt. 13:28).

How is Jesus to deal with the problem of evil?

According to the parable of the wheat and tares, God will finally put an end to evil, the Son of Man will send out His angels who are the reapers (Matt. 13:41, 39) at the time of the harvest when wicked is no more, but uprooting them prematurely would result in irreversible damage that harms the good.

What was the state of creation when God finished creating?

According to Genesis 1:31, “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.”

How did evil get into God’s good creation?

The devil who was cast out of heaven deceived Eve by saying, “ ‘You will not surely die’ ” (Gen. 3:4, NKJV). Leaving Eve with the choice to make about whether she will believe what God told her or what the Serpent did. She chose to listen to the devil and this was how sin got into God’s good creation.

What does it mean when we obey someone?

When we obey someone it shows that we trust someone, when we trust someone it shows we love someone. At the point where you cease to obey someone, as in the case of Eve, it is because of a lack of trust.

What is the nature of the being’s fall in Ezekiel 8:12-19?

We are given a glimpse of the fall of Lucifer in Ezekiel 8:12-19. The origin of evil and the cosmic conflict began in heaven. Before he (the being) fell, he was identified as the cherub, he was “ ‘the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty’ ” and was “ ‘in Eden, the garden of God’ ” (Ezek. 28:12,13, NKJV).

How does Isaiah 14:12-15 shed more light on the origin of the great controversy?

Lucifer was the perfection of beauty till iniquity was found in Him. Isaiah 14:12-15 explains that he exalted himself and wanted to be like God.

How does the devil operate?

Slandering is the way the devil operates against God and against us, as well. The Hebrew term “trading” in Ezekiel 28:16 also means “slander.”

How is the reality of the great controversy between Christ and Satan revealed in the temptation of Jesus Christ?

The Spirit had “led” Jesus into the wilderness “to be tempted by the devil” (Matt. 4:1, NKJV) after He fasted for forty days and forty nights. Jesus was tempted by Satan to turn stones into bread but even with Jesus’ extreme hunger, He countered this temptation with Scripture, and Satan’s ploy failed. He tempted Jesus to act presumptuously by throwing himself down, stating that if Jesus was the Son of God, angels would protect Him. But with Scripture read rightly, Jesus again counters the temptation. The third temptation that reveals clearly Satan’s intentions was the temptation that wanted Jesus to worship Satan. Jesus counters this temptation with Scripture, and again Satan fails. In all these three cases, Jesus used Scripture to defend against the enemy’s attacks.

How does Revelation 12:9, 10 identify Satan?

Revelation 12:9,10 identifies Satan (1) as the “serpent of old” (NKJV), (2) as the one who in the heavenly courts accuses God’s people, and (3) as the dragon ruler who deceives the world.

What is the nature of the cosmic conflict?

The nature of the cosmic conflict is over God’s character. Satan’s claims are that God is not fully good and loving, this has been his plan from the beginning to make creatures believe that God was not really just and loving. Such claims can be countered only through righteousness and truth. God does not lie but the devil employs lies and all schemes to make God’s creatures see God as not just and loving.

In Conclusion,

The cosmic conflict is over God’s character, who we choose to obey determines whose side we are on. May God help us to stand for Him, in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 8 Review: Free Will, Love, and Divine Providence

Introduction

Memory Text: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NKJV).

God grants humans free will even to the point where they (and angels) can choose to act directly against His will. This is the reason for many events turn out the way they do.

What does the Bible say about the question of whether God’s will is always done?

In many instances in the Bible such as with the people of Jerusalem in Luke 13:34, God often states that what is happening is the opposite of what He wants. He willed one outcome for His people but they choose another instead.

What does Pantokrator mean?

Pantokrator literally means “all-powerful.”

Does God do everything?

To say that God is all-powerful does not mean that God can do everything. God has the power to do anything that does not involve a contradiction—that is, anything that is logically possible and consistent with God’s nature. That some things are not possible for God is apparent in God’s prayer in Gethsamane. Although Christ affirmed that “with God all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26), He also prayed to the Father as the crucifixion neared, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matt. 26:39, NKJV).

When is love love?

Love is love when it is freely. We must choose to love God for love to be love.

What does Hebrews 6:17-18 and Titus 1:2 teach about God?

God always keeps His word and never breaks His promise. God has committed to granting humans freewill and they can exercise it to please God.

What is the distinction between what we might call God’s “ideal will” and God’s “remedial will?”

God’s “ideal will” refers to what God actually prefers to occur and which would occur if everyone always did exactly what God desires. God’s “remedial will,” on the other hand, is God’s will that has already taken into account every other factor, including the free decisions of creatures, which sometimes depart from what God prefers.

Which of the wills does Ephesians 1:11 appear to refer to?

Ephesians 1:11 appears to be referring to God’s “remedial will.”

Why does Ephesians 1:9-11 say “predestined according to the purpose...”?

Ephesians 1:9-11 refers to what God plans for the future after taking into account what God foreknows about the free decisions of His creatures. God can guide history to His desired good ends for all, even while respecting the choices of His creatures that are required for a genuine love relationship.

Is divine providence unilateral?

Some things in this world are caused by God, but other occurrences are the result of the free decisions of His creatures. Therefore divine providence is not unilateral.

What hope do we have even amid tribulations?

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NKJV).

In Conclusion,

God causes some things to happen, we cause things to happen by the choices we make, and there is a desired good end for all. May we remain faithful amid the challenges of life and tribulation that may come from loving God, knowing that Jesus has overcome the world, in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 7 Review: The Problem of Evil

Introduction

Memory Text: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4, NKJV).

The God of the Bible is entirely good and we can trust Him—even despite the evil that so infects this fallen world.

How can we know that God indeed is touched by evil?

God indeed is touched by evil, an amazing truth powerfully highlighted in the suffering and death of Christ on the cross, where all the evil of the world fell on Him. Jesus raised the question on the cross, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:14, NKJV), this shows that God abhors evil and also wants us to be saved. No matter, how much the wicked seem to prosper, God is not pleased with sin, and we should be sure not to trivialize evil. What Christ did on the cross defeated the source of evil, Satan, and will eventually undo evil entirely.

What lesson is contained in Monday’s lesson for us?

Like Job after God had responded to him that there are many things beyond his understanding, we should humbly recognize that there are many things going on in the world, behind the scenes that we may not know about. We are to trust in the goodness of God, which has been revealed to us in so many ways knowing that there are good answers and everything will be resolved.

Who is a sceptical theist?

A sceptical theist is one who believes God has good reasons for acting as He does, but given our limited knowledge, should not be in a position to know just what those reasons are.

How does the Psalmist in Psalms 73 approach the evil and injustice around him?

Though the evil and wicked people seemed to be prospering, he looked into the sanctuary that provides part of the key to the problem of evil—namely, recognizing there is a righteous Judge who will bring justice and judgment in His own time.

What is the freewill defense?

The freewill defense is the view that evil is the misuse of creaturely free will—the freewill given to us by God.

Why is freewill defense one logical way of addressing the issue of evil and why is freewill important?

It is because we have freewill to choose what to do that there is the risk to choose to do what is wrong and this is what leads to evil and the bad results that come from evil. Freewill is important because it is only in the freedom to choose that we can love, and be recognizably human.

How does Romans 8:18 and Revelation 21:3-4 give us confidence to trust in God’s goodness, despite all the evil in the world?

God can see the end from the beginning. According to Romans 8:18, “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (NKJV). “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”” (Revelation 21:3-4, NKJV). We can have confidence, faith and trust in God’s goodness. The foundation of God’s government is love and He gave us that freewill that makes love possible even when He knew that it could lead God to the cross.

In Conclusion,

The problem of evil is the problem caused by going against God’s government. God has given us freewill to choose and I pray that we choose to love God with all our hearts in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 6 Review: God’s Love of Justice

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “ ‘But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight says the Lord” (Jer. 9:24, NKJV).

Yahweh is perfectly good and His character changeless. Yahweh is deeply concerned about evil, suffering, injustice, and oppression, He constantly and unequivocally condemns them and will one day eradicate them all.

What are the foundation of God’s government?

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of God’s government.

What does God expect from us?

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8, NKJV).

What does Monday’s lesson teach about God?

God is entirely holy, faithful, righteous, and just. He always does what is right. He knows what is best and always wants what is best for everyone.

What does Tuesday’s lesson teach us about God?

Tuesday’s lesson teaches us that God never changes. God can go on back-and-forth relationships with His creation, but through all such back-and-forth relationships, and through everything else, God’s character is constant. God cannot deny Himself, God never lies; and God’s promises are unbreakable.

Does God repent, and how does He repent?

God repents in the sense that He changes the course of action in response to human repentance, precisely because His character is good, righteous, loving, and merciful. God does not repent in the way that humans do.

What does Matthew 5:43-48 teach about God’s love?

God’s love is perfect; it extends even to those who position themselves as God’s enemies. Though God’s love and mercy far exceed any reasonable expectation, it never overrides or contravenes justice.

In Conclusion,

God loves justice and He loves mercy and He requires this from us. May God help us to do justly, to love mercy and walk humbly with Him, in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 5 Review: The Wrath of Divine Love

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath” (Psalm 78:38, NKJV).

God’s anger is always His righteous and loving response against evil and injustice. It is righteous indignation motivated by perfect goodness and love, and it seeks the flourishing of all creation which includes those who are victims of evil and injustice. Divine wrath is an expression of divine love.

What is Divine anger?

Divine anger is the proper response of love against evil, evil hurts someone whom God loves. And while God’s people repeatedly forsook and betrayed Him, over the centuries God continued to bestow compassion beyond all reasonable expectations, thus demonstrating the depth of His longsuffering compassion and merciful love.

What are the lessons from Jonah 4:1-4?

This passage displays Jonah’s hardheartedness. He hated the Assyrians, and did not want them to obtain mercy from God. We are not to act that way; we have freely received God’s mercies, we should freely give. Secondly, Jonah’s reaction reinforces how central God’s compassion and grace is to His character. God is slow to anger and abundant in mercy. God Himself makes atonement for sin and evil via the cross so we can be both just and the justifier of those who believe in Him.

How can righteous indignation be understood?

Righteous indignation is a proper response of love to evil. In the instance where the temple of God was used as a place of merchandise, Jesus displayed the “godly zeal” of righteous indignation against those who were treating God’s temple as common and who had turned it into a “den of robbers” in order to take advantage of widows, orphans and the poor. Indeed, Jesus should have been angry at this abomination. Jesus was indignant when the disciples rebuked those who brought the children to Him, He was also grieved at the Pharisees because of their hardness of hearts.

How can we know that God does not afflict willingly?

God does not afflict willingly, but love finally requires justice. It was after the people persistently and unrepentantly provoked God to anger that God eventually withdrew and “gave” them over to their enemies. God’s anger against evil stems from His love.

What does Thursday’s lesson teach us?

The lesson is for us to show compassion to others, even as God has shown us. We are to leave vengeance to God. Only evil brings about wrath.

In Conclusion,

When there is no evil or injustice, there is no wrath. The wrath of divine love is a prosper response to evil and injustice that even affects the objects of God’s love. May God help us to show compassion and love to others, and leave vengeance for Him, in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 4 Review: God Is Passionate and Compassionate

Introduction

Memory Text: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you” (Isa. 49:15, NKJV).

God’s love for us is a deeply emotional love and is perfect, it should not be thought of as emotions as humans experience them.

What does the Bible reveal about the nature and depth of God’s love?

God relates to us as His beloved children, loving us as a good father and mother would love his children, but even more. A human mother may even “forget her nursing child” or “not have compassion on the son of her womb” (NKJV) but God never forgets His children, His compassion never fails (Lam. 3:22). God’s heart yearns for us according to Jeremiah 31:20, He continues to bestow His abundant compassion and mercy on His people and does so beyond all reasonable expectations.

How does the imagery in Hosea 11:1-9 bring to life the way God loves and cares for His people?

God’s love for His people is likened to the tender affection of a parent for a child. In contrast to God’s unwavering faithfulness, His people were repeatedly unfaithful, ultimately pushing God away and bringing judgment upon themselves and deeply grieving Him. God is compassionate, but never to the exclusion of justice.

How do the gospels shed more light on how Jesus was moved by the plight of His people?

Over and over in the Gospels, Christ was said to be moved with compassion by people in distress or in need. And He not only felt compassion, He addressed the people’s needs, as well. Jesus wept over Jerusalem — “How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Matt. 23:37, NKJV).

How could it be that God is a “jealous God”?

Divine jealousy has no negative connotations. It is the righteous passion of a loving husband for an exclusive relationship with his wife. God’s jealousy is only and always the righteous kind and may be better spoken of as God’s passionate love for His people.

How can such love as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 that bears all things be exemplified in our lives?

Such love that “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things,” and “never fails” (1 Cor. 13:7, 8, NKJV) can be exemplified in our lives only as the fruit of the Holy Spirit. And praise God that the Holy Spirit pours the love of God into the hearts of those who, by faith, are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 5:5).

How can we respond to God’s love by the grace of God and power of the Holy Spirit?

Worship to God Who is love. Response to God’s love by actively showing compassion and benevolent love to others. Recognition that we cannot change our hearts, but that only God can.

In Conclusion,

God is passionate and compassionate about us and we can respond to this love by actively showing compassion and benevolent love to others. We are not to be discouraged by our unworthiness, because we are presented before the Father by Jesus Christ in the white raiment of Christ’s own character. May God help us to exemplify His love, in Jesus’ name.