Key Thought: The great controversy has cosmic consequences, but is also a battle for each human mind and heart. Our destiny rests on whose side we are on.

The Seen and Unseen War – April 23 – 29, 2016

1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 11:11,12.

Image © Lars Justinen Goodsalt.com

a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. How does Jesus introduce the great controversy here? If Christians are to be peace-loving, why is there so much war, anger, bitterness, and fighting?
c. Personal Application : Have you ever gotten angry over religion or religious teachings? What was the cause and how did you resolve it? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your relatives states: “What did Jesus mean when He said that John the Baptist was greater than any man ever born, but then says that the least in the kingdom is greater than John?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Matthew 12:25-30.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. How does Satan “bind” us so that he can spoil our goods?
c. Personal Application : How do you see this war played out in your own life? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your friends states, “What does it mean when Jesus says, ‘He who is not with me is against me’? Christians aren’t united right now – they are sniping at one another. Aren’t we supposed to unite together in Christ?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

3. Have a volunteer read Matthew 11:2-6.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Why are personal experiences a powerful witness in keeping our faith? How important are the Scriptures in growing our faith?
c. Personal Application: How has God enabled us to fight against the powers of evil and live a life of victory? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your neighbors states, “Why would John, who proclaimed that Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, now doubt (because he is in prison?) whether Jesus is the Messiah or not?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Revelation 12:12.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What are the signs we see now that shows the devil exerting his power, and that his time is short? Share your thoughts.
c. Personal Application : In what ways has the devil attacked you personally lately? Share your thoughts.
d. 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.

(Note : “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.” MH p. 149.

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