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.