Lesson 10: Rules of Engagement

[Chief]

Lesson 9: Rules of Engagement

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).

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[Chief]

1 John 3:8 highlights Christ’s mission to destroy Satan’s works, framing the cosmic conflict between divine love and evil.

Key Themes:​

1. Spiritual Warfare Dynamics:
   • Sunday (Daniel 10:1-14): Answers to prayers may be delayed due to unseen spiritual battles, as seen in Daniel’s three-week fast. Heavenly forces (like Gabriel) wrestle with demonic powers, revealing God’s sovereignty even amid delays.
   • Monday (Revelation 13): Satan’s power is time-bound (e.g., 42 months for the beast). His influence is temporary, and God sets limits to protect His people (Revelation 12:12; 21:4).
2. Divine Boundaries:
   • Tuesday (Job 1-2): God permits Satan to test Job but restricts his actions (e.g., sparing Job’s life). This illustrates God’s control over evil’s reach and His commitment to human free will.
   • Wednesday (John 12:31, 16:11): Satan is the “ruler of this world” temporarily, but his defeat is certain. Christ’s victory ensures evil’s ultimate demise.
3. God’s Character Over Power:

• Thursday (Mark 6:5, Romans 8:18): Jesus refrained from using coercive power to prioritize trust in His love. God wins allegiance through His character, not fear, ensuring a relationship built on mutual love.

1. Deception and Vigilance:
   • Final Thoughts (Ellen White): Satan masquerades as an “angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14), targeting even the faithful. Discerning truth requires reliance on God’s Word and His promises of eternal restoration (Revelation 21:3-4).

The cosmic conflict operates under divine rules: Satan’s power is limited, God prioritizes love over force, and believers must trust God’s timing and character. Understanding these “rules of engagement” equips believers to withstand deception and await Christ’s final victory.