Sabbath School Summary

By Elder Dr Masimba Mavaza

Rules of Engagement

Lesson 10

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).

Introduction
A powerful narrative that reveals the nature of the cosmic conflict can be found in 1 Kings 18:19-40, Elijah on Mount Carmel, where the Lord exposes the so-called “gods of the nations.” Yet, there is more behind the scenes about these “gods” than that they are mere figments of pagan imagination. Behind the “gods” that the nations surrounding Israel thought they were worshiping was, actually, something else.
“ ‘They sacrificed to demons, not to God, to gods they did not know, to new gods, new arrivals that your fathers did not fear’ ” (Deut. 32:17, NKJV). Paul adds, “The things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons” (1 Cor. 10:20, NKJV).
Behind the false “gods” of the nations, then, were actually demons in disguise. This means, then, that all of the texts of Scripture dealing with idolatry and the foreign gods are “cosmic conflict” texts.
With this background, the cosmic conflict theme is better understood. And this truth has massive implications for understanding more about the nature of this conflict and how it sheds light on the problem of evil.

SABBATH:
The showdown at Mt. Carmel between Elijah & the prophets of Baal & the goddess Asherah is one of the most graphic images of the cosmic conflict. It was one man against 850. Behind the scenes, it was God (Yahweh) on Elijah’s side & Satan (demons) behind the Baal worshippers (1 Kings 18:19-40). That’s, behind false gods are actually demons in disguise (1 Cor. 10:20). All texts then on idolatry are “cosmic conflict texts”.

An Angel Delayed

SUNDAY:
A human king left by himself cannot greatly oppose a heavenly being. Behind some earthly rulers are demonic celestial agents. These demons tried to make King Cyrus stop the Jews from rebuilding the temple. The demons held an angel of God for 3 weeks who was sent in response to Daniel’s call for help. There’d be no conflict if God used His full power. Demons are allowed room to operate to some extent (Dan. 10:1-14, PK, p. 572). God doesn’t use force.

The Dragon of Revelation

MONDAY:
Revelation tells us of a great dragon (Satan) who wars against God & His people & also is the force behind earthly rulers who persecute the saints of God (Rev. 12:7-9, 13:1-8, 17:13, 14). The dragon gave power to the sea beast (Papal Rome), an earthly kingdom, to usurp the worship due to God. Satan’s power to Papal Rome made the kingdom overcome God’s holy ones for a time (Rev. 12:12, 14, 13:5). Yet, God will finally triumph; wipe away all tears (Rev. 21:4).

The Case of Job

TUESDAY:
Job’s case shows the cosmic conflict between two supreme powers (Job 1:1-12, 2:1-7). First, Satan attends a meeting of Celestial beings. Second, God’s question to Satan about Job reveals an existing conflict. Third, God calls Job upright & Satan opposes; he cites Job fears God because He protects him; a slander against God & Job (Rev. 12:10, Zech. 3). Fourth, Satan’s claim shows that he has limits/rules to operate on Job (Job 1:2, 20-22, 2:9, 10).

The (Temporary) Ruler of This World

WEDNESDAY:
The rules of engagement suggest that there are limits to which God can exercise His power. It also tells that Satan is a temporary earthly ruler. God agreed to the rules of engagement. In the NT is the clash between the kingdom of light (God) & darkness (Satan). Christ came to defeat the kingdom of Satan (John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11, 2 Cor. 4:4, Luke 4:6, 1 John 3:8). Yet, God gives free will to all. This reduces His moral ability to destroy evil until the final day.

Limits and Rules

THURSDAY:
Satan’s slander against God can’t be defeated by sheer power (by God), it needs demonstration. Satan must have time to reveal his character. The best way to tackle a serious claim or allegation is to allow a free, fair, open investigation, especially when the claim centers on love. God will not break His promise to use force in dealing with evil. Prayer & faith & others open a door for God to deal with evil which otherwise might not be (morally) available (Mark 6:5, 9:29).

Further Thought

FRIDAY:
Fallen man is a lawful captive of Satan, and Christ’s mission is to rescue him from Satan’s power. Without Christ dwelling within, man is naturally inclined to follow Satan’s suggestions & cannot resist effectively. God alone can limit Satan, who is constantly seeking ways to destroy souls, often disguising to deceive God’s people. The weakest soul, relying on Christ, can successfully repel Satan’s cunning attacks when they humbly seek the Almighty God’s help.

—Ellen G. White, “The Power of Satan,” pp. 341–347, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1.

Keywords

PK- Prophets and Kings

Rules of engagement- There are parameters in the cosmic conflict that even God’s angels operate within. There are limitations for God (e.g., He does not force love & gives free will to creatures) and Satan (e.g., there are clear and temporal limits to Satan’s power to persecute God’s people as seen in the case of Job).

NT- New Testament

Discussion Questions

📌 What does it mean to be “Satan’s lawful captive”? Does that mean the devil can do whatever he wants with people? If not, why not? How does this relate to what we might call the “rules of engagement” in the cosmic conflict?

📌 Why would God grant Satan any jurisdiction in the cosmic conflict, even if only temporarily? What does this tell us about how God seeks to answer Satan’s accusations?

📌 How do you respond to those, even Christians, who deny the existence of Satan as a real, personal being? Though we cannot prove Satan’s existence, what evidence can you marshal that might help someone who is so greatly deceived?