Daily Lesson for Monday 3rd of March 2025

The overarching perspective of celestial rulers in the cosmic conflict is encapsulated in the book of Revelation, where the devil is depicted as “the great dragon” who opposes God and “deceives the whole world” (Revelation 12:9, NKJV).

The dragon (Satan) not only wars against God (Revelation 12:7-9) and His servants (for example, Revelation 12:1-6), but he is depicted as the ruler behind the earthly kingdoms who persecute God’s people throughout the ages.

Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com

The dragon “gave . . . his power, his throne, and great authority” to the beast from the sea (Revelation 13:2, NKJV; compare with Revelation 13:5; Revelation 17:13-14). This beast from the sea is “given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months” (Revelation 13:5, NKJV).

So, Satan (the dragon) gives power and ruling authority to a beast (an earthly religious-political power). This power is exercised in order to usurp the worship due to God. The beast blasphemes God’s name; it also wars against, and even overcomes, God’s holy ones (saints), at least for a period of time. This worldwide authority and jurisdiction is given to him by the dragon, the usurping ruler of this world.

Yet, there are clear limits on Satan and his agencies, as well, including temporal limits. “ ‘Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time’ ” (Revelation 12:12, NKJV).

Satan “knows that his time is short” (Revelation 12:12, ESV), and the events described in Revelation proceed along prophetic time lines, which show specific limits (see Revelation 12:14, Revelation 13:5) to the reign of these evil forces.

Indeed, God finally triumphs. “ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away’ ” (Revelation 21:4, NKJV).

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25a-10-the-dragon-of-revelation/

The studies in this quarter’s pamphlet encourage us to see God’s Love and Justice, just as we may sing in
Hymn 79 – O Love of God, How Strong and True! which is a beautiful theme hymn for our studies.

Rather than the fake gods that we read a lot about this week while studying, it is wonderful to be able worship our Creator God by singing 
Hymn 6 – O Worship The Lord and 
Hymn 83 – O Worship The King.

A part of a sentence in Sunday’s study caught my eye, “God works only by love”, and brings us several hymns that echo throughout the week:
Hymn 77 – O Love Of God Most Full,
Hymn 78 – For God So Loved The World,
Hymn 79 – O Love Of God, How Strong And True!,
Hymn 354 – Thy Love, O God, and
Hymn 641 – God In His Love For Us.

Later in the week, we are encouraged to look at just two of the many factors to open “up avenues for divine action that otherwise might not be (morally) available”:
Hymn 517 – My Faith Looks Up To Thee,
Hymn 523 – My Faith Has Found A Resting Place,
Hymn 533 – O For a Faith,
Hymn 602 – O Brother, Be Faithful, and
Hymn 608 – Faith Is The Victory.

Please continue to search the scriptures this week to be blessed, and to bless 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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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/10-rules-of-engagement-singing-with-inspiration/

Key Thought : Satan is limited hby God in his rulership. He is an illegitimate ruler, especially from the standpoint of his character..
March 8, 2025

1. Have a volunteer read Daniel 10:1-14.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What do these verses teach about the cosmic conflict?
3. Personal Application: Have you experienced trying to work through principles of love and not coercion? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, Why did the angel get withstood 21 days? Why didn’t God’s angel immediately get the king of Persia to begin the process of delivering God’s people? How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Revelation 13:1-8.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What does this reveal about the extent of the dragon’s jurisdiction?
3. Personal Application: Why is it important that we never forget that good will triumph over evil in the end? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “If a person is Satan’s lawful captive, does that mean he can do whatever he wants with that person? Does he have complete control? If not, why not?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Job 1:1-12. 2:1-7.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What principles of the great controversy do we see here?
3. Personal Application: How does Jesus calling Satan the ruler of this world help us understand the evil that is in the world? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “Why was Satan included in this counsel meeting of the sons of God? Why did God ask Satan where he came from?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Mark 6:5, 9:29.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. How do these verses show even God’s action might be related to things like faith and prayer?
3. Personal Application: How do you respond to those who deny the existence of Satan as a real, personal being? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of 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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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/10-rules-of-engagement-teaching-plan/