9: The Cosmic Conflict — Teaching Plan
Key Thought: The cosmic conflict impacts every human being on a daily basis and the universe at large. Satan attempts to usurp the worship that is due God, but he will be defeated in the end.
March 1, 2025
1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 13:24-27.
- Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
- How does this parable help us understand evil in this world?
- Personal Application: In what ways are you even now experiencing the reality of the conflict between good and evil in your life? Share your thoughts.
- Case Study: One of your relatives states, “I don’t think we should be critical or concerned about evil or wrong-doing by anyone, lest we make a mistake and uproot wheat with the tares. We should just ignore wrong-doing in and out of the church, so that we are not condemned as judgmental.” How would you respond to your relative?
2. Have a volunteer read Ezekiel 28:12-19. Isaiah 14:12-15.
- Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
- What is the nature of Lucifer’s fall?
- Personal Application: How does building relationships of trust with others in the church show God’s loving character? Share your thoughts.
- Case Study: One of your friends states, “How can a perfect being fall from heaven? How could God allow this to happen? Why didn’t He stop it before it got out of control?” How would you respond to your friend?
3. Have a volunteer read Matthew 4:1-11.
- Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
- How is the reality of the great controversy between Christ and Satan revealed here?
- Personal Application: Moral character is vital in loving and trusting someone. What virtues do you need to cultivate in order to reflect God’s character? Share your thoughts.
- Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “How do we live without fear and apprehension here on the earth knowing that there are wicked spirits and evil everywhere we turn because this is the devil’s world?” How would you respond to your neighbor?
4. Have a volunteer read John 8:44,45; Revelation 12:7-9.
- Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
- What does this reveal about the character of the devil and his strategy?
- Personal Application: How often do you think about the fact that God is grieved by suffering as well? Share your thoughts.
- Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.
(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared. ”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).
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