Sabbath School Lesson for March 1-7, 2025
Introduction of Lesson 10, 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
We know that a great conflict between Christ and Satan is affecting our world and universe. Knowing the parameters or rules that determine how the fighting takes place is helpful to those engaged in the warfare.
God has repeatedly warned the human family about worshiping idols, for instance, informing them that they are actually worshiping demons and having fellowship with the devil himself (Deuteronomy 32:17 and 1 Corinthians 10:20). Satan used alluring pagan practices to force people to commit atrocities that are against God’s character of love and justice.
Even today, Satan uses tools of war that allure us, but later entrap us. He is capable of slander, lying, deceit, and even murder. God, of course, always keeps His promises without the use of such trickery and deceit. He will always do what is best for all involved, loving us as much as we’ll allow Him to.
- Sunday: An Angel Delayed–Gabriel wrestled with the powers of darkness as he attempted to answer Daniel’s prayer.
- Monday: The Dragon of Revelation–The dragon’s beast of the sea is given time limits for how long he can persecute God’s people.
- Tuesday: The Case of Job–God tells Satan what areas of Job’s life he can control.
- Wednesday: The (Temporary) Ruler of This World–Satan’s rulership of this earth will come to an end at some point of God’s choosing.
- Thursday: Limits and Rules–God demonstrates His character, rather than manifesting His power, in order to secure our worship.
Sunday: An Angel Delayed
There are several reasons why the answers to our prayers are delayed or even denied. There are unseen forces working for and against our petitions. One such incident happened to Daniel and is recorded in Daniel 10:1-14.
Daniel had been fasting and praying to God for three weeks during the reign of Cyrus, and was finally given a vision in which he saw heavenly beings wrestling with the powers of darkness. Supernatural forces on both sides had been trying to influence the Persian king Cyrus to do their will. Daniel was shown their battle with each other over how Cyrus would treat God’s people.
Although God had the power to answer Daniel’s prayer immediately, He chose to wait until more conclusive results of the cosmic wrestling match were over. We, too, should take heart that God hears our prayers and answers them as He is able, even though we aren’t aware of the process going on behind the scenes.
Verses to discuss:
Daniel 10:1-14
- Why did Daniel have to wait for an answer to his prayer, and how does that make us more patient in waiting for God to answer ours?
- What kind of difference do you think Daniel’s prayer made to the outcome of this story?
Monday: The Dragon of Revelation
Although Satan is given limited jurisdiction over earthly kingdoms (especially those who have religious and political power), he also has time allotments that determine how long he can be in control.
In the case of the beast of the sea in Revelation 13, for example, the beastly kingdom could only persecute God’s people for forty-two months (Revelation 13:5), or 1,260 days, or prophetic years. Satan understands these time periods and works even more furiously when he knows they’re about to end (Revelation 12:12).
The thing Christians look forward to the most is when Satan’s time limit is over for good. God has revealed that He will be the ultimate victor over evil forces, and that some day there will be no more tears, suffering, or death for us to endure (Revelation 21:4).
Verses to discuss:
Revelation 13:1-8
- What do we know about this earthly kingdom, as it pertains to time?
Matthew 24:22
- What is one reason we know that God feels a need to limit the amount of time given to Satan?
Tuesday: The Case of Job
The book of Job provides us with valuable insights into the great controversy being played out between God and Satan. The story starts with a heavenly council meeting and a dialogue between God and His enemy Satan. Satan attacked Job’s character by charging that he was only obedient to God because of the many ways God had blessed him. This assertion also reflected on God’s character, implying that His treatment of Job was unfair and done only to secure his allegiance.
We also learn from the dialogue that God placed restrictions on how much control he had over Job’s life. At first, Satan was only permitted to take away those blessings, but not harm Job himself. When that doesn’t work as expected for Satan, God gave him permission to attack Job’s body, but to spare his life.
Therefore, we learn that there are rules of engagement in this cosmic struggle that include restrictions on what Satan can and cannot do to God’s creatures here on earth, especially those faithful ones like Job.
Verses to discuss:
Job 1:1-12 and 2:1-7
- Whose character was being questioned in this story of Job, and what were the charges?
Wednesday: The (Temporary) Ruler of This World
Although we know that Satan’s rule over our planet is temporary, and that he has certain restrictions he must comply with, God also has placed restrictions on Himself. There are rules God adheres to, such as assuring that we have the opportunity to exercise our free will. We can choose whether to serve Him or not.
There may be other “rules” under which God places Himself that we are not aware of, but overall, we know that the clash of kingdoms will finally lead to the Son of God destroying the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). The “ruler of this world”, we are told, will be cast out at the final judgment (John 12:31).
How reassuring it is to know that the devil’s rulership will fail in the end. Its unpleasant hold over our lives is only temporary, and a glorious future awaits all who are loyal to God.
Verses to discuss:
John 12:31, 14:30, and 16:11
- What kind of rulership does Satan hold over this world, and how can we withstand and survive his cruel authority?
Thursday: Limits and Rules
God could force our compliance with His rules, but that would not secure our love. Showing us His power, in order to make us loyal subjects, would cause us to be obedient out of fear, rather than mutually-felt love for our Creator.
God, therefore, chooses to show us His character, in hopes that its beauty and attractiveness will cause us to obey Him for a more lasting reason. Witnessing and experiencing His loving character, rather than His overwhelming power, is what is needed for us to have a mutually-beneficial, loving relationship with God.
In order to counter Satan’s false charges, God allows us to fully and openly investigate His government of love and free will. Therefore, demonstrations of God’s love are preferable to demonstrations of His power. These are part of God’s self-determined rules of engagement.
Verses to discuss:
Mark 6:5 and 9:28-29
- How, when, and why did Jesus refrain from using all His Father’s power?
Romans 8:18 and Revelation 21:3-4
- What will make our trials worth all the pain and suffering we now experience?
- How can we learn to trust God more, especially when things get ugly in our lives?
Friday: Final Thoughts
Here are some points about the cosmic conflict that should enable us to make a stronger stand for God. It’s helpful to know the rules of engagement for the intense, spiritual warfare going on in the universe.
“Fallen man is Satan’s lawful captive. The mission of Christ was to rescue him from the power of his great adversary. Man is naturally inclined to follow Satan’s suggestions…God alone can limit the power of Satan…[Satan is] in his last campaign against the people of God…he comes in unperceived, and works in disguise through the children of disobedience who profess godliness.” ~Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 341.
Recognizing Satan’s disguise will be very difficult, because 2 Corinthians 11:14 informs us that Satan can be transformed into an angel of light. And Matthew 24:24 claims that His adversary will attempt to deceive the very elect of God. No one is beyond this powerful deception at the end of time.
Next Week: What More Could I Have Done?
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