Sabbath Afternoon - March 30, 2024

Scripture Reading for the Week:
Isaiah 14:12-14; Genesis 3:15; John 17:24-26. 


Thought for Meditation:
The great controversy between the Prince of life and the prince of darkness has been going forward, strengthening with each successive generation. Severe indeed has been the conflict waged between right and wrong, between truth and error, between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. Truth has fought against error and error against truth. The conflict has existed for thousands of years. . . . {CTr 93.2} 

The truth as it is in Jesus will gain the victory that the prophecy assured to it; but to all human appearance, error will overwhelm truth. The larger number of the human race will be swept into idolatry. They will lift up that which Christ has not lifted up and strive to tear down God’s great standard of righteousness. . . . {CTr 93.3} 


Memory Text:

"And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. {Rev. 12:7, 8}


This week's SSLesson will dig deeper into the mine of truth and describe the real issue of struggle or conflict between good and evil. This includes the origin, development, and result of the self-destructive plan against the Author of Creation.


Study Outline:

Sunday - March 31, 2024

War in Heaven - The Beginning of the Conflict

Isaiah 14:12-14. 


Monday - April 1, 2024

Lucifers Deceives, Christ Prevails - Rebellion in Heaven

Genesis 2:15-17; Exodus 32:26; Joshua 24:15; 1 Kings 18:20-21.


Tuesday - April 2, 2024

Planet Earth Becomes Involved - Rebellion On Earth

Genesis 3:4-5; Genesis 3:1-3; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12; Genesis 3:15; Leviticus 5:5-6; John 1:29.  


Wednesday - April 3, 2024

Love Finds a Way - Love Strikes Back

Genesis 3:15; Galatians 3:16;  Hebrews 2:9; Galatians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21;  John 1:3; Isaiah 53:1-5.


Thursday - April 4, 2024

Our High Priest - The Conflict Today

Hebrews 4:15-16; Hebrews 7:25;  John 17:24-26;  Hebrews 1:6.  


Friday - April 5. 2024

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration


Sunday - March 31, 2024

War in Heaven - The Beginning of the Conflict

Isaiah 14:12-14. 

“You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created,   till wickedness was found in you” (Ezekiel 28:15)


Self-Exaltation, Causes Satan to Rebel against God

Good angels wept to hear the words of Satan, and his exulting boasts. God declared that the rebellious should remain in heaven no longer. Their high and happy state had been held upon condition of obedience to the law which God had given to govern the high order of intelligences. But no provision had been made to save those who should venture to transgress his law. Satan grew bold in his rebellion, and expressed his contempt of the Creator's law. This Satan could not bear. He claimed that angels needed no law; but should be left free to follow their own will, which would ever guide them right; that law was a restriction of their liberty, and that to abolish law was one great object of his standing as he did. The condition of the angels he thought needed improvement. Not so the mind of God, who had made laws and exalted them equal to himself. The happiness of the angelic host consisted in their perfect obedience to law. Each had his special work assigned him; and until Satan rebelled, there had been perfect order and harmony among the angels in heaven. Then there was war in heaven. The Son of God, the Prince of heaven, and his loyal angels, engaged in conflict with the arch-rebel and those who united with him. The Son of God and true, loyal angels prevailed; and Satan and his sympathizers were expelled from heaven. All the heavenly host acknowledged and adored the God of justice. Not a taint of rebellion was left. All was again peaceful and harmonious as before.  {ST, January 9, 1879 par. 10} 


An Attempt to Change the Government of God and Fix His Own Seal to the Rules of God's Kingdom

Satan wished to change the government of God, to fix his own seal to the rules of God's kingdom. Christ would not be brought into this desire, and here the warfare against Christ commenced and waxed strong. Working in secrecy but known to God, Lucifer became a deceiving character. He told falsehood for truth.  {16MR 180.2}  

He was expelled from heaven, and apparently Christ was alone with him in the wilderness of temptation. Yet He was not alone, for angels were round Him just as angels of God are commissioned to minister unto those who are under the fearful assaults of the enemy. Christ was in the wilderness with the one with whom there was war in heaven, and the one whom He overcome; and Satan was defeated.  {16MR 180.3}  

Now Satan meets Him under different circumstances, as the glory that was round about Him is no longer visible. He has humbled Himself, taken upon Himself our nature. And He came into the world to stand at the head of humanity whom Satan had deceived, and to fight His battles in behalf of the race whom Satan has deceived through his lying power. This whole effort was to draw Christ away from His allegiance to God, to undermine in a deceptive way His principles and His allegiance to the Lord God.  {16MR 180.4}  


The Woman, the Dragon, and the Child of Rev. 12

We all somewhat agree, I know, that this woman of Revelation 12 is symbolical of the Church; that the Dragon is symbolical of Satan; and that the child represents Christ.  But since we may not agree as to whether the woman is symbolical of the Old Testament church or the New or both, we must study to see eye to eye.

 Now, the questions naturally arise, If Christ is the One Who brought forth the Christian church, then how can she be His mother?  And was not Christ born at least thirty years before the Christian church came into being?  Is not the egg laid before the chicken is hatched?  And finally, is it not true that if we blunder forth on an erroneous premise we shall find ourselves further and further from the truth on the subject? -- Most assuredly.  Let us, then, make certain of the foundation upon which we build.

For a deeper study please visit the following sites:

Meat In Due Season - 14. Rev 12: The Woman and the Dragon (google.com)   

Present Truth Lessons 2020 - Lesson 13: The Woman and the Dragon (google.com)  


Consider the Following

Rebellion against God existed before humanity existed (Gen. 3:1). Jesus called this being that sows distrust between God and his creatures “an enemy,” which he identified as the devil (Mt. 13:39). Did God create the devil, that is, did God create an evil being?

The Bible tells us that the devil is an angel called Lucifer (Is. 14:12). This angel was created perfect and beautiful (Ez. 28:12). He was exalted to the highest position an angel could aspire to: protective cherub (Ez. 28:13-14).

God granted him, like all his created beings, freedom of choice and, inexplicably, Lucifer decided to rebel, and aspired to occupy the throne of God (Ez. 28:15; Is. 14:13-14).

Monday - April 1, 2024

Lucifers Deceives, Christ Prevails - Rebellion in Heaven

Genesis 2:15-17; Exodus 32:26; Joshua 24:15; 1 Kings 18:20-21.

“Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth…” (Revelation 12:4a)


The Prince of Evil and the Promise Redeemer

The announcement that there should be enmity between Satan and the seed of the woman was very unwelcome to the prince of evil; for it was the promise of a Redeemer. Satan thought to induce men, as he had angels, to stand on his side, and join in rebellion against God; and, with men as his allies, he planned to control the earth, and wage war against the King of heaven.  {ST, November 26, 1894 par. 9}  


Principles of Deception Used by Satan Before, Today, and Tomorrow

The principles of Satan's working in heaven are the same principles by which he works through human agents in this world. It is through these corrupting principles that every earthly empire and the churches have been increasingly corrupted. It is by working out of these principles that Satan deceives and corrupts the whole world from the beginning to the end. He is continuing this same policy-working, originally begun in the heavenly universe. He is energizing the whole world with the violence with which he corrupted the world in the days of Noah (Letter 156, 1897).  {4BC 1163.8} 


The Enemy Cannot Prevail Against Christ by 'Thus Saith the Lord'

The enemy is actively at work, as you will see as you travel on his territory opening the Word of God to the people. As the last message of mercy is proclaimed by human lips, Satan will try to storm his way to the front, but he cannot prevail against Christ. As we present the truth that shows the people the evil of his delusions, his anger will be aroused, and he will do all in his power to hinder our efforts. But continue to present a "Thus saith the Lord," remembering that God is your helper. Do not give the enemy the right of way.  {19MR 393.5}  

Satan would fill the world with commercialism, and he has succeeded in inducing some of our leading men to turn away from the light given by God. Several who were once our ministers are working out the devising of the fallen angel.  {19MR 394.1}  


Justice Will not be Set Aside Against Plausible Theory of Satan

Satan deceives many with the plausible theory that since God’s love for His people is so great, He will excuse sin in them; that while the threatenings of God’s Word are to serve a certain purpose in His moral government, they are never to be literally fulfilled. But in His dealings with His creatures, God has maintained the principles of righteousness by revealing sin in its true character—by demonstrating that its sure result is misery and death. The unconditional pardon of sin never has been and never will be. Such pardon would show the abandonment of the principles of righteousness that are the very foundation of the government of God. . . . {CTr 139.4} 

God has faithfully pointed out the results of sin, and if these warnings are not true, how can we be sure that His promises will be fulfilled? That so-called benevolence, which would set aside justice, is not benevolence, but weakness. . . . {CTr 139.5} 


Spiritualism Deceive the World even the Church Today

Like the Jews, who offered their useless sacrifices, they offer up their useless prayers to the apartment which Jesus has left; and Satan, pleased with the deception, assumes a religious character, and leads the minds of these professed Christians to himself, working with his power, his signs and lying wonders, to fasten them in his snare. Some he deceives in one way, and some in another. He has different delusions prepared to affect different minds. Some look with horror upon one deception, while they readily receive another. Satan deceives some with Spiritualism. He also comes as an angel of light and spreads his influence over the land by means of false reformations. The churches are elated, and consider that God is working marvelously for them, when it is the work of another spirit. The excitement will die away and leave the world and the church in a worse condition than before.  {EW 260.1}  


SATAN DECEIVES THOSE WHO DO NOT PRAY

All who do not earnestly search the Scriptures and submit every desire and purpose of life to that unerring test, all who do not seek God in prayer for a knowledge of His will, will surely wander from the right path and fall under the deception of Satan.—{Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, 192.}


TEMPTATION MAKES PRAYER A NECESSITY

The strength acquired in prayer to God, united with individual effort in training the mind to thoughtfulness and caretaking, prepares the person for daily duties and keeps the spirit in peace under all circumstances, however trying. The temptations to which we are daily exposed make prayer a necessity. In order that we may be kept by the power of God through faith, the desires of the mind should be continually ascending in silent prayer for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge. But thought and prayer cannot take the place of earnest, faithful improvement of the time. Work and prayer are both required in perfecting Christian character.  {Pr 25.3} 


Christ is the Believer's Hope and Consolation

Satan deceives the soul with false pretensions. He perverts the judgment, and misleads the mind, so that the very best motives of those who believe in God are misinterpreted by unbelievers, and the disloyal are led to think that they are badly used and treated unkindly by those who have placed their trust in God. Christ is the believer's hope and consolation, the one about whom he weaves the best affections. The Christian confesses Christ in word and deed, in spirit and actions, and the enmity that is created in the unbelieving heart against the children of God is not against men simply, but against Christ.  {ST, November 26, 1894 par. 2}  


Consider the Following

In his desire to usurp the throne of Heaven, Lucifer raised doubts in the angels about the justice of the divine government. Weren't they all free? Why submit to severe and, perhaps, unjust or capricious laws?

Lucifer rejected all of God's loving calls to change his ways.

The rebellion became an open conflict, a war where each angel had to make their decision. 1/3 of the angels followed Satan, while the rest remained faithful to God (Rev. 12:4a).

Today the war continues. Satan is still active. He tries to drag every person to rebel against God. There are only two sides. Those who want to obey God's Law, or those who reject it. The decision is ours (Deut. 30:11, 16, 19; Josh. 24:15).

Tuesday - April 2, 2024

Planet Earth Becomes Involved - Rebellion on Earth

Genesis 3:4-5; Genesis 3:1-3; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12; Genesis 3:15; Leviticus 5:5-6; John 1:29.  

“And he said, ‘Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?’ ” (Genesis 3:11)


False Religion Careless of Human Needs, Sufferings, and Rights.

Every religion that wars against the sovereignty of God defrauds man of the glory which was his at the creation, and which is to be restored to him in Christ. Every false religion teaches its adherents to be careless of human needs, sufferings, and rights. The gospel places a high value upon humanity as the purchase of the blood of Christ, and it teaches a tender regard for the wants and woes of man. The Lord says, "I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir." Isaiah 13:12.  {DA 286.4}  


Evidence of Curse on Earth - Eating the Flesh of Dead Animals 

Eating the flesh of dead animals was permitted by God because men were determined to break down every rule or regulation in order to gratify perverted taste. But if an appetite for this diet is cultivated, serious diseases will be the result. The evidences of the curse that came upon the earth because of sin, abound everywhere. The whole creation was involved, and today animals languish under this curse. Disease prevails among them to an alarming extent. Cancers and tumors are very often seen. The tissues of the swine are peopled with living creatures; and yet this living mass is eaten and relished by men and women. Tubercular consumption is communicated by the practice of meat eating, and thus disease is extended.  {14MR 297.4}  


Woe to the Inhabiters of the Earth and of the Sea

The apostle John in vision heard a loud voice in Heaven exclaiming, "Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time." Fearful are the scenes which call forth this exclamation from the heavenly voice. The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and his work of deceit and destruction reaches its culmination in the time of trouble. God's long-suffering has ended. The world has rejected His mercy, despised His love, and trampled upon His law. The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation, and the Lord withdraws His protection, and leaves them to the mercy of the leader they have chosen. Satan will have power over those who have yielded themselves to his control, and he will plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble. As the angels of God cease to hold in check the fierce winds of human passion, all the elements of strife will be let loose. The whole world will be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old.  {Mar 275.3}  

In the midst of the time of trouble--trouble such as has not been since there was a nation--His [God's] chosen ones will stand unmoved. Satan with all the hosts of evil cannot destroy the weakest of God's saints.  {Mar 275.4} 


Consider the Following

God created us in a sinless, perfect environment, just like the angels (Gen. 1:31).

God also created us with the power to choose freely. And he gave Adam a simple order: “You shall not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Gen. 2:17).

Satan deviously got Adam and Eve to doubt God and disobey him (Gen. 3:6, 9-13, 19). Adam opened the door for sin to enter, and thus death passed to all men (Rom. 5:12). Are we all paying for Adam's sin?

We each pay for our own sin: “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23).

Wednesday - April 3, 2024

Love Finds a Way - Love Counters

Genesis 3:15; Galatians 3:16;  Hebrews 2:9; Galatians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21;  John 1:3; Isaiah 53:1-5.

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1Jn. 4:10)


Christ, the Originator, the Author and Finisher of our faith

David was pardoned of his transgression because he humbled his heart before God in repentance and contrition of soul and believed that God’s promise to forgive would be fulfilled. He confessed his sin, repented, and was reconverted. In the rapture of the assurance of forgiveness he exclaimed, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.” The blessing comes because of pardon; pardon comes through faith that the sin, confessed and repented of, is borne by the great Sin-bearer. Thus from Christ cometh all our blessings. His death is an atoning sacrifice for our sins. He is the great medium through whom we receive the mercy and favor of God. He, then, is indeed the Originator, the Author, as well as the Finisher, of our faith.—Manuscript 21, 1891 (Manuscript Releases, vol. 9, pp. 300, 301). {CTr 150.5} 


David’s Experiences Were Like Ours, He is the Representative of Human Being

Unto thee will I cry, O Lord my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit. Psalm 28:1. {CTr 151.1} 

David was a representative human being. His history is of interest to every soul who is striving for eternal victories. In his life two powers struggled for the mastery. Unbelief marshaled its forces, and tried to eclipse the light shining upon him from the throne of God. Day by day the battle went on in his heart, Satan disputing every step of advance made by the forces of righteousness. David understood what it meant to fight against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world. At times it seemed that the enemy must gain the victory. But in the end, faith conquered, and David rejoiced in the saving power of Jehovah. {CTr 151.2} 

The struggle that David went through, every other follower of Christ must go through. Satan has come down with great power, knowing that his time is short. The controversy is being waged in full view of the heavenly universe, and angels stand ready to lift up for God’s hard-pressed soldiers a standard against the enemy, and to put into their lips songs of victory and rejoicing.—Manuscript 38, 1905 (The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Ellen G. White Comments, vol. 3, pp. 1142, 1143). {CTr 151.3} 


No Martyrs After Probation Closes - Winners in Christ

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. Psalm 91:15.  {Mar 277.1} 

The people of God will not be free from suffering; but while persecuted and distressed, while they endure privation and suffer for want of food they will not be left to perish. . . .  {Mar 277.2} 

Whenever a soul falls in love with Jesus, every other affection is placed is subservience to this pure, refining principle of heavenly love. Pride, passion, and ambition, which have held sway over the natural heart, are surrendered to Jesus Christ. With Paul, the converted soul can say: "But what things were gain to me those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ."  {ST, November 26, 1894 par. 10}  


Consider the Following

Even before announcing the consequences of disobedience, God communicated to Adam and Eve that there was a plan for their redemption (Gen. 3:15).

Humanity had voluntarily separated itself from the Creator. But far from abandoning his ungrateful children, God revealed his character by loving them infinitely (John 3:16).

Death did not have to be the eternal destiny for the sinner. Jesus showed his love by paying the price of sin with his life (Rom. 5:8).

There is nothing in us that makes us worthy of God's love. However, with every drop of blood that Jesus shed at Calvary, God tells us: “I love you.”

Thursday - April 4, 2024

Our High Priest - The Conflict Today

Hebrews 4:15-16; Hebrews 7:25;  John 17:24-26;  Hebrews 1:6.  

“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25)


Merciful and Faithful High Priest 

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in every time of need." "In all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted."  {RH, August 19, 1902 par. 6} 

 

Hold Fast to Christ, Every Trial will Work Out for our Good

Wonderful indeed is God's work in behalf of man. Let the tempted soul remember that he is a representative of Christ. It is only by coming in contact with obstacles and difficulties and overcoming them that we become strong. Our necessity is God's opportunity. If we will hold fast to Christ, every trial will work out for our good.  {ST, October 17, 1900 par. 14}  

"We have not an High Priest which can not be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." "In all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted." Mrs. E. G. White.{ST, October 17, 1900 par. 15}  


Jesus Our Advocate, Our High Priest, Our Intercessor

And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1.  {LHU 319.1}  

Jesus is our Advocate, our High Priest, our Intercessor. Our position is like that of the Israelites on the Day of Atonement. When the high priest entered the Most Holy Place, representing the place where our High Priest is now pleading, and sprinkled the atoning blood upon the mercy seat, no propitiatory sacrifices were offered without. While the priest was interceding with God, every heart was to be bowed in contrition, pleading for the pardon of transgression.  {LHU 319.2} 

Type met antitype in the death of Christ, the Lamb slain for the sins of the world. Our great High Priest has made the only sacrifice that is of any value in our salvation. When He offered Himself on the cross, a perfect atonement was made for the sins of the people. We are now standing in the outer court, waiting and looking for that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. No sacrifices are to be offered without, for the great High Priest is performing His work in the Most Holy Place. In His intercession as our advocate, Christ needs no man's virtue, no man's intercession. He is the only sin-bearer, the only sin-offering. Prayer and confession are to be offered only to Him who has entered once for all into the Most Holy Place. He will save to the uttermost all who come to Him in faith. He ever liveth to make intercession for us. . . .  {LHU 319.3}  

                                        -

Consider the Following

Today, Jesus is interceding for us in the Heavenly Sanctuary (Heb. 9:24; 7:25).

By virtue of his blood shed on the cross, Jesus presents us before the Father – and before all the inhabitants of the Universe – as just, perfect people, worthy of being in Heaven.

Therefore, we are invited to approach God with confidence through Jesus (Heb. 4:15-16).

Jesus wants us to count on him for every need in our lives (John 14:13-14). Where there is fear, he brings peace; where there is guilt, he brings forgiveness; where there is weakness, he brings strength.

Jesus' greatest desire is to live with us eternally (John 17:24). Is this also your greatest desire?

Friday - April 6. 2024

Insights and Further Study

 "The cross speaks life and not death to the soul that believes in Jesus. Welcome the precious, life-giving rays that shine from the cross of Calvary. God would not deprive his people of blessings. It is Satan that interposes his shadow of darkness and creates misgiving and doubts, in order that we may not discern the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness shining from the cross of Calvary. Reach up for the blessing, believe for the blessing. Your Saviour who died upon the cross is God's gift to a fallen world, and that gift embraces all heaven. Walk not in the shadow of the cross. Do not give expression to weeping, lamentation, and woe; but encourage your soul to hope and joy. The cross points you upward to a living Saviour, who, as your advocate, is pleading in your behalf."  {ST, July 25, 1895 par. 3}  


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“When temptations assail you, when care, perplexity, and darkness seem to surround your soul, look to the place where you last saw the light. Rest in Christ's love and under His protecting care. When sin struggles for the mastery in the heart, when guilt oppresses the soul and burdens the conscience, when unbelief clouds the mind, remember that Christ's grace is sufficient to subdue sin and banish the darkness. Entering into communion with the Saviour, we enter the region of peace." EGW (The Ministry of Healing, pg. 193)


SS-Q2-L1-The-War-Behind-All-Wars-March-30-April-5-2024.pdf