Hope Sabbath School Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Series on God's love and justice.
• Today's topic: the cosmic conflict and its relation to God's character.
• Importance of understanding the lies of darkness about God's feelings towards creation.

Participation and Engagement

• Audience encouraged to interact through writing to SSHope at hopetv.org.
• Testimonies from viewers:
  • Bothmok from Ethiopia: Grateful for the program during university studies; requests prayers for his region.
  • Valerie from Trinidad and Tobago: Enjoys watching Hope Sabbath School and coordinates small group Bible studies.
  • Donor from Texas: Appreciates the program's impact on biblical knowledge and donates $100.
  • Charney from the Philippines: Shares transformation story from party lifestyle to faith in God through Hope Sabbath School.

Theme Song

• "Oh God, You Are My God" emphasizes seeking God early.

Prayer

• Invoking God's presence and guidance for understanding the cosmic conflict.

Discussion on the Cosmic Conflict

• Addressed a church member's skepticism about evil forces.
• Testimony of a Native American woman who found Jesus amidst traditional practices.

Key Concepts

• God and the Enemy:
  • God plants good seeds (Matthew 13:24-30).
  • An enemy sows tares; represents evil in the world.
• Jesus' Explanation: (Matthew 13:36-43)
  • Good seed: sons of the kingdom; tares: sons of the evil one.
  • Harvest: end of the age; angels as reapers.
• God's Character:
  • God is loving and good; evil is not part of His intention.
  • The existence of an enemy emphasizes the need for patience and trust in God's timing for justice.

Insights from Scripture

• Revelation 12:7-8: War broke out in heaven; Michael and angels fought against the dragon (Satan).
• Ezekiel 28:12-19: Description of Lucifer's fall and corruption due to pride and desire for power.
• Isaiah 14:12-14: Lucifer's desire to be like the Most High; the beginning of pride and rebellion.
• Luke 4:5-8: Satan offers Jesus the kingdoms of the world, highlighting his authority and desire for worship.

The Fall of Humanity

• Genesis 1:31: Everything created by God was very good.
• Genesis 3:1-7: The serpent (identified as Satan) deceives Eve, leading to sin entering the world.
• John 8:44: Satan is identified as the father of lies, emphasizing the nature of deception in spiritual conflict.

Protections Against Evil

• Ephesians 6:10-12: Christians should understand their battle is against spiritual forces, not flesh and blood.
• Ephesians 6:13-17: Armor of God includes:
  • Belt of Truth
  • Breastplate of Righteousness
  • Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
  • Shield of Faith
  • Helmet of Salvation
  • Sword of the Spirit (Word of God)
• Importance of prayer (Ephesians 6:18) to maintain spiritual strength.

Conclusion

• God provides protection and victory through faith in Jesus.
• Emphasis on the necessity of prayer and trust in God's plan amidst conflict.
• Encouragement to share testimonies of God's deliverance and to remain steadfast in faith.