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

Since the beginning of time, an invisible yet very real conflict has raged between good and evil, between God and Satan. This struggle is not simply a dispute between two opposing forces – it is about much more: truth, trust, justice, and worship. The origin of this conflict does not lie on Earth but in Heaven, when Lucifer, a glorious angel, rebelled against God’s sovereignty out of pride and selfishness.

But why did God allow this conflict to develop? Why does He tolerate evil? The answer does not lie in a battle for power – for God is almighty – but in God’s love and patience. True love cannot be forced; it requires trust and a free choice. That is why God grants time for all creatures to recognize the true nature of Satan and the destructive consequences of his rebellion.

This lesson takes us through decisive biblical scenes of the cosmic conflict – from the Fall in the Garden of Eden to Jesus’ temptation in the desert. We see how Satan operates with deception, lies, and accusations, while God responds with truth, justice, and selfless love. Most importantly, the question remains: whose side do we stand on? To whom do we give our trust and worship?

As we study Lesson 9, we will not only gain a better understanding of the background of the conflict but also discover practical ways to hold fast to God’s truth in our daily lives and resist Satan’s lies. One thing is certain: victory has already been won through Jesus – and we are invited to be part of that triumph.

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

Read Matthew 13:24–27. How does this parable help us understand the evil in our world?

The parable of the weeds among the wheat helps us understand the reality of evil in our world from a spiritual perspective. Jesus describes how an enemy secretly sows weeds among the good seeds. This action symbolically explains the origin of evil: it is not God who creates or promotes evil, but an enemy – Satan – who actively works against God’s good creation.

The question posed by the servants in the parable, “Lord, did you not sow good seed? Where then did the weeds come from?” reflects the ancient question of humanity: if God is good, why is there so much suffering and evil? Jesus answers clearly: “An enemy has done this.” Evil is not a product of God’s creation, but the result of rebellion and sin introduced into the world by the enemy.

The parable also reveals God’s patience and wisdom. Instead of uprooting the weeds immediately – which might harm the wheat – God allows both to grow together until the harvest. This illustrates that while God could put a stop to evil, He grants time for ripening and repentance, while also respecting human free will.

For us, this means that even though evil is present, God is in control. Judgment will come at the proper time, and evil will ultimately be eradicated. Our task is to remain patient, trust in God’s plan, do good, and be confident that justice will prevail in the end.

Concluding Thought:
The parable teaches us not only why evil exists but also how we should live in a world intermingled with good and evil: with patience, hope, and steadfast trust in God’s just actions.

Read Matthew 13:28–30 against the backdrop of Christ’s explanation in verses 37–40. In what way does this also shed light on the nature of the cosmic conflict?

The parable of the weeds among the wheat unveils a deeper spiritual reality: the cosmic conflict between Christ and Satan. Jesus identifies Himself as the “Son of Man,” who sows the good seed, while the enemy, the devil, secretly sows the weeds. This makes it clear that evil does not originate from God’s creation itself, but is the result of deliberate destruction by the adversary. Satan works against God’s plan by sowing confusion and attempting to mix evil with good.

Particularly illuminating is the reaction of the servants: “Do you want us to go and gather them?” This question expresses a widespread human desire: Why does God allow evil to persist? Why doesn’t He immediately eliminate it? Jesus’ response, “No, lest while you gather the weeds you also uproot the wheat,” reveals God’s patience and care. A hasty intervention would not only destroy evil but also endanger the innocent. In this cosmic conflict, it is not only a matter of eradicating evil but also of preserving justice, mercy, and the possibility of repentance.

Waiting until harvest time symbolizes God’s final judgment at the end of time. Until then, He allows good and evil to coexist, giving everyone the opportunity for ripening and decision. This process demonstrates God’s justice and love: He does not wish to condemn anyone prematurely but to offer each person the chance for repentance (cf. 2 Peter 3:9).

Concluding Thought:
The parable casts a strong light on the cosmic conflict: God is neither indifferent nor powerless against evil. Instead, He acts wisely and patiently, to completely and justly eradicate evil at the proper time – without harming the good. Our task is to remain faithful during this period of waiting, to exercise patience, and to trust in God’s perfect plan.

What Dangers Arise from Attempting to Separate the Weeds from the Wheat Now?

What Dangers Arise from Trying to Separate the Weeds from the Wheat Now?

Attempting to separate the weeds (evil) from the wheat (the righteous) before the time set by God carries several dangers:

1. False Judgments and Missteps:

   People often cannot distinguish absolutely between good and evil. What appears outwardly as weeds might be a young or weak believer still growing and maturing. A hasty judgment can lead to wrongful conclusions and hurt souls that God is still shaping.

2. Harming the Good:

   Jesus warns that in uprooting the weeds, the wheat might also be harmed. A harsh approach against the seemingly evil may result in discouraging, condemning, or excluding believers. This contradicts God’s patience and mercy.

3. Self-Righteousness and Pride:

   Those who feel called to judge others risk becoming self-righteous. The attitude “We are the wheat, you are the weeds” fosters division, arrogance, and an unmerciful stance towards others.

4. Loss of Patience and Love:

   God’s character is marked by patience and love. Those who rush to “clean up” miss the opportunity that God gives people for repentance. His long-suffering is not to be seen as weakness but as an expression of His saving love.

Why Does This Not Mean Ignoring the Evil We Encounter?

Although Jesus advises against hastily uprooting the weeds, this does not mean that we should simply overlook or tolerate evil:

1. Watchfulness and Spiritual Discernment:

   Christians are called to recognize and avoid evil (Romans 12:9). Watchfulness does not mean condemning people, but rather avoiding false teachings, sinful actions, and temptations.

2. Confrontation in Love:

   Jesus taught us to lovingly correct brothers and sisters who err (Matthew 18:15). It is not about condemnation but about restoration and helping them turn back.

3. Protecting the Community:

   In cases where evil harms others, action is necessary. Paul encouraged churches to maintain order within the community (1 Corinthians 5). In doing so, the motivation must always be love, not revenge or pride.

4. Being a Model and Letting Your Light Shine:

   Instead of focusing on eradicating evil, God calls us to live as the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14–16). By doing good, we combat evil in a manner that reflects the nature of Jesus.

Concluding Thought:
The parable teaches us to be patient and merciful, leaving final judgment to God. At the same time, it calls us not to tolerate or ignore evil, but to confront it with truth, love, and wisdom. Our focus should not be on “uprooting” but on strengthening our own faith, helping others to turn back, and mirroring God’s patience.

The parable of the weeds among the wheat holds profound significance for our daily lives and our faith. It challenges us to adopt a balanced approach in dealing with both evil and fellow human beings, guided by God’s wisdom.

1. Developing Patience in Difficult Situations:

   In everyday life, we encounter injustice, conflicts, and evil deeds. We may be tempted to intervene quickly, seek revenge, or pass harsh judgments. However, the parable reminds us to be patient and to trust in God’s timing. Instead of letting anger overwhelm us, we are called to remain calm in difficult situations and leave control in God’s hands.

   Practical Example: When a colleague acts unfairly, we might feel compelled to confront them immediately or speak ill of them. Yet sometimes it is better to wait, pray for them, and trust that God will bring the truth to light.

2. Resisting the Urge to Judge Others Prematurely:

   We tend to judge people based on their outward behavior or first impressions. The parable warns against quickly labeling someone as “weeds.” God sees the heart, and what we consider hopeless can change through God’s work.

   Practical Example: We may know someone caught in a cycle of poor decisions. Instead of writing them off, we should be there for them, show love, and refrain from judgment – hopeful that God’s grace will work in their life.

3. Taking Responsibility for Our Own Spiritual Growth:

   While God takes care of final judgment, it is up to us to grow as “wheat” and bear fruit. We should not fixate on the evil around us but focus on our relationship with God.

   Practical Example: Concentrate on prayer, Bible reading, and good deeds instead of constantly getting upset about the “weeds” in society. Your positive example can inspire others.

4. Actively Doing Good Without Ignoring Evil:

   The parable does not teach passivity. We are not to trivialize evil but to handle it wisely. Whether in personal conflicts or societal issues, we must actively stand up for what is right – with love rather than hatred.

   Practical Example: Stand against injustice (such as bullying or discrimination), but do so respectfully and without bitterness. Your behavior can be a powerful testimony of your faith.

5. Appreciating God’s Patience in Our Own Lives:

   Often we expect God to be patient with others while forgetting how much we ourselves benefit from His long-suffering. The parable invites us to humbly recognize that we all need God’s grace.

   Practical Example: Reflect on times when you made mistakes. God’s patience allowed you to grow. This experience should encourage you to be forgiving and patient with others.

Concluding Thought:
In everyday life, it is easy to become frustrated with evil or to judge others harshly. However, the parable of the weeds among the wheat calls us to patience, love, and trust. God is the righteous judge, and we are called to be the light and salt in a world mixed with good and evil. Let us focus on growing in our faith, treating others with mercy, and trusting in God’s perfect timing.

God sees it all – trust in His timing and act today with patience and love.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-9-the-cosmic-conflict-9-1-an-enemy-has-done-this-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

February 23, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Hebrews Chapter 4

¹ Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

² For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

³ For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

⁴ For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.

⁵ And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.

⁶ Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:

⁷ Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

⁸ For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

⁹ There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

¹⁰ For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

¹¹ Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

¹² For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

¹³ Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

¹⁴ Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

¹⁵ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

Hebrews chapter 4 invites us to reflect on the “promised rest of God”—a state of spiritual peace and complete redemption that God has promised to His people. The text reminds us that faith grants access to this rest but also contains a warning about unbelief and disobedience. At the same time, Christ is presented as our true High Priest, who empathizes with human weaknesses yet opens the way to the throne of grace, where we can receive mercy and grace.

Commentary

1.The Promised Rest of God (verses 1–11)

• Invitation and Warning (verses 1–3):

  The author urges us not to miss out on entering the rest that God has promised. Faith is depicted as the key that grants access to this rest. The phrase “as He says” refers to God’s original creation and the institution of the seventh day as a day of rest.

• Historical Context and Warning against Unbelief (verses 4–7):

  Through the creation account and the reminder of the seventh day, we see that God’s rest is an already established concept. It is emphasized that many who first received this promise did not enter that rest—primarily due to their unbelief.

• The Ongoing Nature of Rest (verses 8–11):

  It is highlighted that, despite the failure of the first generation, the promise of an ongoing rest still stands. The call to “be diligent” aims to prevent us from following the same pattern of unbelief. In this context, the word of God is portrayed as living and penetrating, capable of judging both spirit and heart.

2.Christ the True High Priest (verses 14–16)

• Introduction to the High Priesthood (verses 14–15):

  Christ is introduced as the great High Priest who has experienced all human weaknesses yet remains without sin. This sets Him at the center as the mediator between God and humanity—someone who not only represents us but also comforts us.

• Access to the Throne of Grace (verse 16):

  The text closes with an encouraging invitation to come boldly and joyfully before God’s throne of grace. There, we can receive mercy and find grace, especially in times of need.

Summary

Hebrews chapter 4 underscores that God’s rest—a state of spiritual fulfillment and peace—is available to all believers who remain faithful to Him. The text warns against forfeiting this promise through unbelief and calls for diligence in entering that rest. At the same time, Christ is presented as our perfectly empathetic High Priest, who provides steadfast access to God’s grace. Taken together, these verses urge us to grow in our faith and to take responsibility in our relationship with God and with one another.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 6—Faith and Acceptance
Read online here

Commentary

Introduction

Chapter 6 shows us the path from the awakening of the conscience to the acceptance of divine gifts of grace. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we recognize the destructive power and misery of sin, which separates us from God. This realization arouses in us a deep desire for forgiveness, cleansing, and freedom—yet we cannot obtain these graces through our own efforts, but only through steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, who bestows them upon us as a free gift from God.

Commentary

1.Awakening of the Conscience and Recognition of Sinfulness

• Stirring by the Holy Spirit:

  The conscience is awakened by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to perceive the malice, power, guilt, and misery of sin.

• Realization of Separation:

  We come to understand that sin has separated us from God and that we ourselves are trapped in a state of helplessness and selfishness.

2.God’s Gifts of Grace and Promises

• Free Gift of Grace:

  God offers us forgiveness, cleansing, peace, and love as gifts of grace—things that cannot be bought with money or human wisdom (see Isaiah 55:1).

• Biblical Promises:

  Promises such as “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18) and “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you” (Ezekiel 36:26) show that God is able to free us from our sinfulness.

• Jesus as an Example:

  Jesus’ healing of the paralyzed man (Matthew 9:6) demonstrates that faith in His words and miracles brings immediate deliverance and healing.

3.Faith and Acceptance of the Divine Promise

• Necessity of Faith:

  The text calls us to confess our sins and yield ourselves to God. Only through steadfast faith, not through feelings, can we receive God’s promises.

• Daily Surrender:

  It is emphasized that we should daily acknowledge our belonging to Christ and live in His Spirit, thus remaining continually in His grace and mercy.

• Condition of Prayer:

  Our requests must be in harmony with God’s will, who wants to cleanse us of our failings and make us His children.

4.The Universal Power of Grace

• Unlimited Forgiveness:

  No one is so sinful that they cannot be touched by God’s infinite mercy. God wants to fill us with His blessings—strength, righteousness, and purity.

• The Father-Heart of God:

  God’s love is so great that He has accepted us even in our weakness. His immeasurable love and mercy express His eternal desire to redeem and renew us.

Summary

Chapter 6, “Faith and Acceptance,” calls us to acknowledge our own sinfulness and awaken within ourselves a deep longing for divine forgiveness and renewal. It stresses that we cannot achieve sanctification through our own power, but that God’s grace—given freely through Jesus Christ—covers all our shortcomings. By confessing our sins and holding firmly to faith in Jesus’ words and miracles, we become children of God who live in His Spirit and are healed by His mercy. Ultimately, it is unwavering faith and daily surrender that lead us into the fullness of God’s blessings and empower us to live a renewed, holy life.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/23-02-2025-hebrews-chapter-4-believe-his-prophets/