Daily Lesson for Monday 10th of June 2024

The mark of the beast prophecy in Revelation 13:1-18 tells us about the fiercest and very worst stage of Satan’s war against God. Ever since Jesus died on the cross, the enemy has known he was defeated, but he is determined to take as many as possible down with him. His first strategy in this campaign is deception. When deception does not work, he resorts to force. He is ultimately behind the decree that anyone who refuses to worship the beast or receive his mark will be put to death.

Image © Krieg Barrie at Goodsalt.com

Religious persecution, of course, is not new. It has been around ever since Cain killed Abel for obeying God’s command. Jesus said it would happen even among believers.

Throughout Christian history, persecution was common. It happened in pagan Rome but was especially evident in the vicious persecution of Bible-believing Christians by the medieval church. The mark of the beast is the final link in this hellish chain. Like past persecutions, it is designed to force everyone to conform to a certain set of beliefs and an approved system of worship.

The prophecy indicates that persecution will start with economic sanctions: no one can buy or sell unless they have the mark. Anyone who refuses to receive the mark will eventually be placed under a death decree (Revelation 13:15,17).

The devil already is preparing professed Christians to receive the mark of the beast when the final test comes by encouraging them to make compromises in their lives. When it appears that the whole world is following the beast in wondering admiration (Revelation 13:3), suddenly the scene changes, and the prophetic camera focuses on God’s people. Revelation 14:12 gives us this picture. “Here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (NKJV). God’s people live lives of godly obedience. By His grace, they stand firm when everything is shaking all around them. While the world is following the beast, they “follow the Lamb wherever He goes” (Revelation 14:4, NKJV). By the power of Christ, they triumph over the powers of hell arrayed against them.

As we saw in lesson 9, the central conflict between good and evil is over worship. The beast uses deception and, when that fails, force and coercion.

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Our learning this quarter will show us that 
God Is Working His Purpose Out – Hymn 225 so that we will Lift Up The Trumpet because 
Jesus Is Coming Again – Hymn 213. You may have two hymns from which to choose for your theme hymn this quarter.

Our greatest encouragement this week comes from 
Hymn 506 – A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, a God who goes on to teach us 
Don’t Forget The Sabbath – Hymn 388.

We continue to learn to keep 
Standing On The Promises – Hymn 518 so that we can raise our voices in 
I Sing The Mighty Power Of God – Hymn 88.

Sunday shows us who to worship: 
O, Worship The Lord – Hymn 6 and 
O, Worship The King – Hymn 83, concluding with 
We Love Thy Sabbath, Lord – Hymn 390 due to our deep faith.

With “The Coming Crisis” (Monday), it is best to 
Stand Up! Stand Up For Jesus – Hymn 618.

All these hymns spring up throughout each day of our study this week. May we continue to search the scriptures this week to be blessed and to bless many others.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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Key Thought: The coming conflict is over worship. Satan will challenge God’s authority by attempting to undermine God’s law. He hates the Sabbath because he hates the Creator.
June 15, 2024

1. Have a volunteer read John 16:2, Matt. 10:22; 2 Tim 3:12; I Peter 4:12.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on the most important point in this passage.
2. What did the New Testament church experience and how does that apply to Christ’s end-time church?
3. Personal Application: How quickly do you allow economic considerations to compromise your Sabbath-keeping? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “How can we help ourselves and others face the future with confidence and not with fear – knowing things are going to get worse in government, society, and the economy?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Revelation 13:1-6.

1. Ask class members to share the most important point in this text.
2. Where does the beast rise from and who gives it authority?
3. Personal Application: How do we live in expectation of the second coming without becoming alarmists every time something happens? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “What keyword is used to identify the beast power? How is this word described in Scripture?.” How would you respond to your friend?
   (Note – Blasphemy – Jesus was accused of blasphemy by forgiving sin and claiming to be God)

3. Have a volunteer read Revelation 13:11-18.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. How does this second beast differ from the first beast in Revelation 13?
3. Personal Application: What practical difference does understanding last-day events make in our lives today? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “With the political instability in America today, and in many other parts of the world, how might that one day lead to fulfilling this prophecy? Do we see signs that it could could happen?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Revelation 13:11,12.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What changes do you see in this beast, and how does it speak? Why are both important?
3. Personal Application: What does our daily life, and our daily routine tell us about who or what we worship? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Consider 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.

(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.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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