Tuesday: The Conflict on Earth
The book of Job pulls back a veil and reveals a dimension of existence that our eyes and ears and worldly philosophies could never show us. (If anything, these verses should show us just how limited our eyes and ears and worldly philosophies are when it comes to understanding the big picture!)
Image © Lars Justinen from GoodSalt.com
And what these few verses show, too, is a conflict between God and this other being, Satan. And though the controversy is first introduced in the book of Job as taking place in heaven, it quickly shifts to the earth. All through the Bible we find texts that point to this ongoing conflict, one that involves us, as well.
Read the following texts. How do they reveal the reality of a conflict being fought here on earth with evil supernatural powers?
Gen. 3:1-4, Zech. 3:2, Matt. 4:1, 1 Pet. 5:8, 1 John 3:8, Rev. 12:9
These texts are just a small sampling of numerous texts that point, either explicitly or implicitly, to a literal devil, a supernatural being with malicious intentions. Though many people view the idea of Satan as a primitive myth, with such clear Bible testimony we should not fall for this deception.
What are ways that, even now, you see the reality of Satan’s work in our world? What is our only protection?
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We must seek protection by jesus that's the only way
That is a great idea, but how do we do that? Is Jesus like a lucky charm to ward off the evil eye?
Further, what do you mean by protection? Was Job protected? What about his children? Were they protected?
Coming to terms with the dilemmas of evil is more than just passing on an acceptable religious phrase. It is worth thinking through how we live the "protection of Jesus".
Question: How do you talk to someone who feels they have not been protected by Jesus? Do you tell them they need to pray more, or work harder on their faith? I suggest that we sometimes sound like Job's friends when we talk to or about those who have experienced multiple calamities. Hopefully this series of lessons may help us to make our support more meaningful.
Ah Maurice,
It is always encouraging to read from someone who wants to understand practical living and processes. After attending 50 churches over 50 years, I am challenging clichés, platitudes,and ambiguous, abstract, obscure, superficial and , vague religious lingo that is heard in Christianity. Neh 8:8 is a bible clue as to how the teachers understood the importance of doing that in their time as well.
Hi Maurice,
I really appreciate your comments and I strongly agree with you. I always tell people that theory and something playing out in practice are two different things. I would class many of our religious phrases under theory. For example, I recently lost a loved one and a relative of mine responded by saying "it is darkest before dawn/joy comes in the morining". Really!Needeless to say, those words did nothing to take away the pain that has been beyond words and further to that I have experienced more tragedies (healthwise)after my loss. I appreciate the effort to comfort me but we really need to stop being cliche/vague/ theoretical and become more practical with our faith.
Excellent work....the Seventh-Day Adventist Church is unique in Christianity with the belief and message about the Great Controversy or Great War between Good and Evil....between the LORD and Satan.
I think most Christian churches have an understanding of a battle between Good and Evil. We are not unique in that respect. We should be careful about using the word unique to describe ourselves; others see that as arrogant and self-centred.
There are some Christians who dismiss the notion of Satan as a literal being; ascribing Evil to ourselves. While I don't agree with that position, I have learned from my discussion with them that we sometimes blame Satan, when really we need to take responsibility for our own decisions.
There is nothing we has humans can do on our own to protect ourselves from falling. Through the blood of our Savoir, Jesus Christ we have protection to overcome such evil. My brothers and sisters let us thrive to remain in the arms of our King to be able to fight this war which surely will end? Hold on my family, our reward is greater than what this life on earth has to offer.
One thing I discovered about the great controversy is that no matter how we can give our opinions concerning it in our life one thing that's clear we need to give our heart and all to JESUS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER of our faith
That is fine, but how do we move beyond reciting the words about giving our hearts to Jesus. I have heard those words for over 60 years now and we need to tell one another what these words really mean. What does it mean when you are facing the tough decisions of life, when you feel abandoned by your church, or ignored by your fellow Christians? What does it mean when you feel all alone? What does it mean when you are given a position of responsibility in the church or community?
Christianity has to move beyond words! Perhaps the answer lies in the notion of giving our hearts to Jesus is really about acting in love to those around us - even the people we don't like.
Maurice, last quarter's lessons "The Role of the Church in the Community" ought to answer the questions you pose about the practical things we should do as Christians. I have learnt in my years as a Christian to turn to Christ and ask Him for help and comfort because if I depend on other Christians, I would be most disappointed and abandoned. The fact that our brothers and sisters do not act as Jesus would act is not an excuse for losing faith or becoming critical. Remember Christ's experience when He was on earth and take courage.
I would say that moving beyond is trusting every promise God has for every believer in His word The Bible for example in John 14:18 Jesus said, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." Here Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit. The entire chapter 14 starts of with Jesus' words to, "Let not your hearts be troubled..." etc. For every specific problem in life there is a specific promise in the Bible for its solution.
I like the illustration in the picture above. Jesus nearer and closer to us. While it might not be the ideal, the fact remains that He is always within reach and will protect us from the evil one all the time. He is indeed at His best trying to destroy the works of the devil. May the spirit practically open these truths to us as we journey in this difficult world.
Knowing and understanding evil exists is not enough. We need to understand where it comes from just like we need to know where love originates in our hearts. We cannot love on our own without the presence of Christ in our lives because He is the originator of love. Recognizing the author of evil and understanding that we cannot fight this foe, but turning our battles over to the One who can, is the protection we need each day.
God knows it all, all to Him I give, He is working for our complete salvation. Our work here on earth is to give it all to Jesus daily in trusting and obeying all of God's commandments and stand on His promises.Live for loving Him and our fellow men. We are limited, He is Limitless. We just can't understand it all, but we will understand it better if we are faithful to the end.
You are quite right, Maurice, most people try to encourage you with their glib sayings. This is why I believe that it is not about the church, it is about your relationship with God. I remember many nights spent crying and praying to God. I felt alone and hopeless. I thought my prayers were just reaching the housetop. But I kept praying. God showed me that He was hearing me, by saving me from death.
I live in California and was on the freeway, a five lane highway in one direction, when a car lost control from the first lane and crossover four lanes to the fifth right in front of me. I was travelling at 75-80mph. No time to brake, or pull away. I hit the car, but something turned my car in the opposite direction. We both walked away from the accident with very minor injuries. I knew then that however bad things get God is looking after me. I do not worry if people are not kind to me, I try to be kind to every one I meet.
Praise the Lord. That's the attitude we ought to have. Even though others may not be loving to us, by God's grace, let's be loving to them.
Praise the Lord, I enjoyed reading your testimony - there are times when you are in a situation, and when you look back you realise that if it was not for God you would be hurt badly or dead.
This is easier said than done. I too was saved from a traffic accident going about 70 miles on the freeway. I blacked out and rolled over 100 yards with only one scratch on my nose where I hit the windshield as I rolled. My vehicle was totaled. I know God kept me from being killed. I inherited a quick temper from my father. I still struggle with this in spite of God's miraculous intervention in my auto accident. but I am making progress daily with my temper with God's help and His Promises.
As we study these lessons they are just as the first sentence states "they are pulling back the veil and revealing a dimension that our eyes and ears and worldly philosophies could never show us". If we could see the supernatural work that goes on to protect us from Satan, the devil, who wants to destroy us simply because he hates God, and anyone who loves God. God protected Job. He only allowed him to go so far. He Satan touched Job's stuff, but couldn't touch his body. He touched Job's body but couldn't take his life. Until the end of Job's life he served God. Those times when we think we are alone, He is always with us. That's God's promise. Matt.28:20.
We are living in the very last days of earth history. As righteous as Job was even he/us are not exempt from the experiences of living on a "planet of rebellion" because of the fall of the first family. I know the experiences of life may be hard for some. But I thank God that He allowed me to be born, to live, no matter what the good or bad experiences, to have the opportunity to live with Him in eternity. Peace!
John the Baptist was protected from doubt, but not from beheading. The same can be said about millions of Christian martyrs.
Satan is not considered a myth by many for he has followers who are very open with their worship to him nowadays
There are many signs of allegiance especially in the entertainment world
Many TV shows have messages of spiritualism that they convey to adults and children
We have to keep away from these distractions and keep in the word of God
Sometimes when we comfort others we can be silent in their presence
No words are better than cliches and we can pray for direction
Another wonderful study for us to put into action in our daily lives as we mingle
"What are ways that, even now, you see the reality of Satan’s work in our world? What is our only protection?"
The work of Satan is evidenced in the world AND even in our church. We need to pray to God daily, take an ongoing spiritual inventory and NOT settle for a self-serving church when we are called to serve others for Jesus.
As an aspiring Christian, I noticed that alot of people misunderstand me, it's like they are bent on provoking me, I can usually see the pleasure on their face when obstacles come my way. And when I prevail they don't share my joy! But this lesson explains situations like this. I use to say to my mom
"mom I love God and I try my best to be a good person, and a Christian, but seems like people are against me, mean while, I know people who behave terribly, and they seem go through life smoothly"
These pepole, these obstacles are just evil forces, that our naked eyes can't see. That is why we have to stick close to jesus, and pray! This is bigger than us, it is a SPIRITUAL WARFARE!
Ruschell, the comment that this is a SPIRITUAL WARFARE, is what Ephesians 6:2-20 is talking about. There is another question when discussing the Great Controversy. It is the "mystery of godliness" referred to in 1 Timothy 3:16.
The other question is, does the conflict under discussion involve the entire universe, and if so why?
On of the insidious things about evil is that it warps our perspective as well as tilting the table. The book of Job exposes the futility of explanations and challenges our notions of cause and effect. It does however provide the assurance that God is with us no matter what happens.
That assurance should be more than just confidence in an "invisible friend", but a way of life, believing and living salvation. A loving caring Christian community where we are supported and can provide support is one way of living the presence of God and sharing in that assurance.
We can understand Job's struggle through our own tragedies. Because of our love for and trust in God, we experience (feel) His loving care for us; somehow He conveys to us, in the midst of the storm, that "underneath are the everlasting arms" (and that is not meant to be a platitude but a true expression of gratitude) and thru the tears and stresses, we find comfort and peace. How blessed are we tho to know what this conflict is really about. Do I feel like a "Guinea pig". Indeed not - I am simply grateful for the God who cares beyond measure!