The God of Love and Justice – Lesson 9.The Cosmic Conflict | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

Series THE GOD OF LOVE AND JUSTICE with Pastor Mark Finley  |

Lesson 9.The Cosmic Conflict  |
Origin, Nature, and Hope |

The cosmic conflict is an invisible but real battle between good and evil, which began in heaven and now affects all humanity. This lesson highlights how Satan, through pride and rebellion against God, sowed doubt about God’s character. The conflict revolves around trust, worship, and the question of whether God’s rule is just and loving. Despite Satan’s deceptions, the Bible reveals God’s patience and His plan to ultimately overcome evil. We are invited to trust God’s truth and remain steadfast in this spiritual battle.

Memory Text: Genesis 3,15 – “ ‘And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel’ ”

Content:
9.1 An Enemy Has Done This
An Enemy Has Sown Evil – God’s Patience in the Cosmic Conflict

The parable of the weeds among the wheat clearly shows that evil does not come from God but is the work of an enemy—the devil. In a world originally created good by God, Satan sowed discord and suffering. God’s decision not to immediately eliminate evil demonstrates His patience and desire to avoid harming the righteous. Prematurely uprooting the “weeds” could endanger the “wheat,” representing people still on their way to the truth. However, this patience does not mean tolerating evil but shows that God will judge justly in His time. For us, this means staying vigilant while approaching others with mercy and patience.

9.2 The Origin of the Controversy on Earth
The Origin of Evil – A Conflict Over Trust and Truth

God created the world as “very good” (Genesis 1:31), but evil entered through the serpent’s deception, twisting God’s Word and sowing doubt. The cosmic conflict began with the question of whom to believe—God or the enemy’s temptation. Eve’s choice shows how distrust leads to sin and separation from God. Yet, amid this fall, God gives hope: the promised “seed of the woman” (Genesis 3:15)—a reference to the Messiah—will ultimately triumph over evil. This conflict reminds us how vital trust in God is and that He has a plan of salvation.

9.3 The Origin of the Controversy in Heaven
The Fall of Lucifer – Pride as the Source of the Heavenly Conflict

The cosmic conflict did not begin on Earth but in heaven, when Lucifer, a perfect and beautiful angel, became proud and sought to exalt himself above God. Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14 describe how this once-honored cherub fell through self-exaltation and envy. His moral freedom allowed him to choose rebellion, explaining the origin of evil. Lucifer’s pride turned admiration into rebellion, sowing distrust against God. Yet this story shows that love and freedom are inseparable—without free will, true love isn’t possible. God permits the conflict to dispel doubts throughout the universe and reveal His justice.

9.4 If You Worship Me
The Battle for Worship – Jesus’ Victory Over Temptation and Deception

The cosmic conflict between Christ and Satan becomes particularly clear in the wilderness. Satan tried to manipulate Jesus’ hunger, trust, and worship, but Jesus resisted every temptation through God’s Word. The third temptation reveals Satan’s true goal: he desires the worship due to God alone. Jesus’ resolute response shows that true worship belongs only to the Creator. This battle affects us too—we face daily temptations pulling us away from God. Like Jesus, we can stand firm using Scripture as a weapon in spiritual warfare. Being aware of this unseen conflict helps us remain vigilant and strong in faith.

9.5 The Nature of the Cosmic Conflict
A Battle for Trust – God’s Truth Against Satan’s Lies

The cosmic conflict is not a battle of power but of character and truth. Satan questions God’s love and justice, spreading lies to sow mistrust. Jesus calls him the “father of lies” (John 8:44), whose strategy is deception and slander. God, in contrast, responds not with force but by revealing His just character through truth and love. The conflict revolves around whom creation trusts—Satan’s accusations or God’s self-revelation in Christ. Ultimately, God’s patience exposes Satan’s deceptions and reveals the goodness of His law and character to the entire universe.

9.6 Summary
The Cosmic Conflict – A Battle Over Truth, Trust, and Worship

Lesson nine explores the cosmic conflict between God and Satan, which began in heaven and expanded to Earth. Satan questioned God’s character and sowed doubt about His love and justice. The fall in Eden and Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness show how this conflict centers on trust, worship, and obedience. While Satan operates through deception and lies, God reveals His truth through patience, love, and justice. Ultimately, God’s character is fully vindicated, and evil is defeated. This lesson encourages us to hold firmly to God’s Word and trust Him in this spiritual battle.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-god-of-love-and-justice-lesson-9-the-cosmic-conflict-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/