I hope all of you are doing well. As we end the year 2021, I pray for everyone’s health and safety. May God grant your wishes and continue to be a blessing to others.
As a continuation of last week’s lesson, we will be studying this week about the deceptions that Satan ensnares us with.
With the earliest history of man, Satan began his efforts to deceive our race. He who had incited rebellion in heaven desired to bring the inhabitants of the earth to unite with him in his warfare against the government of God. Adam and Eve had been perfectly happy in obedience to the law of God, and this fact was a constant testimony against the claim which Satan had urged in heaven, that God’s law was oppressive and opposed to the good of His creatures. And furthermore, Satan’s envy was excited as he looked upon the beautiful home prepared for the sinless pair. He determined to cause their fall, that, having separated them from God and brought them under his own power, he might gain possession of the earth and here establish his kingdom in opposition to the Most High.
Discussion Questions:
WHY IS IMMEDIATE, UNYIELDING OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S WILL ESSENTIAL?
WHAT GREAT DECEPTION DID ADAM AND EVE CHOOSE TO BELIEVE?
WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE RESULT OF SIN?
WHAT IS MAN’S ONLY HOPE OF REGAINING IMMORTALITY?
HOW DID GOD PREVENT THE IMMORTALIZATION OF SIN AND SINNERS?
HOW DOES THE LORD FEEL ABOUT THE DESTRUCTION OF THOSE WHO REJECT SALVATION?
WHAT ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET BEFORE SALVATION IS ASSURED?
HOW CAN THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST REDEEM ALL REPENTANT SINNERS?
WHAT DETERMINES THE MEASURE OF PUNISHMENT THE WICKED WILL RECEIVE?
WHY IS IT NOT LOGICAL FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED TO GO TO HEAVEN OR HELL BEFORE THE DAY CHRIST RETURNS?
Instruction:
Write in a sheet of paper the questions above and roll the paper and place in a jar. Group the church congregation into groups or according to classes, and ask team leaders to select 3 pieces of paper with questions. Allot time for all groups to have their discussion and share them to the rest.
Points to highlight:
Had Satan revealed himself in his real character, he would have been repulsed at once, for Adam and Eve had been warned against this dangerous foe; but he worked in the dark, concealing his purpose, that he might more effectually accomplish his object.
Immortality, promised to man on condition of obedience, had been forfeited by transgression.
Satan is seeking to overcome men today, as he overcame our first parents, by shaking their confidence in their Creator and leading them to doubt the wisdom of His government and the justice of His laws.
Before any can enter the mansions of the blessed, their cases must be investigated, and their characters and their deeds must pass in review before God. All are to be judged according to the things written in the books and to be rewarded as their works have been.
Happy New Year.
Be a blessing even if it may seem little, it is not.
I hope all of you are doing well by the grace of God.
For our Sabbath afternoon A.Y. program idea for this week, I have decided to write into one program two lessons from the Great Controversy Bible Study Guide.
Materials to prepare: Manila Papers and Pens, Tacks/Tape for posting results after the program.
Instructions:
Group congregation according to sitting arrangement or by class. It is advisable that the youth will form a group of their own.
Assign a group leader and secretary. Note that group will members shall take turns in presenting their group discussion results after the allotted time.
Questions:
Group 1:
In a piece of Manila paper, write down facts about the “Angels before the war in heaven” and the “Angels after the war in heaven”.
Read into the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy the nature of the angels, their population, their tasks and roles before and after the war in heaven. Take into account the differences of the angels from the fallen angels after the war in heaven.
Group 2:
In a piece of Manila paper, write down the things that angels can do for us personally and how Satan uses his throng of evil spirits against God and man.
Group 3:
In a piece of Manila paper, write down the ways we can hold fast to God and avoid the snares of Satan.
Group 4:
In a piece of Manila paper, write down the ways we can hold fast to God and avoid the snares of Satan.
The A.Y leader can highlight the following points:
We are informed in Scripture as to the number, and the power and glory, of the heavenly beings, of their connection with the government of God, and also of their relation to the work of redemption.
Angels are sent on missions of mercy to the children of God.
A guardian angel is appointed to every follower of Christ. These heavenly watchers shield the righteous from the power of the wicked one.
Evil spirits, in the beginning created sinless, were equal in nature, power, and glory with the holy beings that are now God’s messengers. But fallen through sin, they are leagued together for the dishonor of God and the destruction of men. United with Satan in his rebellion, and with him cast out from heaven, they have, through all succeeding ages, cooperate with him in his warfare against the divine authority.
There is nothing that the great deceiver fears so much as that we shall become acquainted with his devices. The better to disguise his real character and purposes, he has caused himself to be so represented as to excite no stronger emotion than ridicule or contempt.
And it is because Satan can most readily control the minds of those who are unconscious of his influence, that the word of God gives us so many examples of his malignant work, unveiling before us his secret forces, and thus placing us on our guard against his assaults.
Fearful is the condition of those who resist the divine claims and yield to Satan’s temptations, until God gives them up to the control of evil spirits. But those who follow Christ are ever safe under His watch of care. Angels that excel in strength are sent from heaven to protect them. The wicked one cannot break through the guard which God has stationed about His people.
The great controversy between Christ and Satan, that has been carried forward for nearly six thousand years, is soon to close; and the wicked one redoubles his efforts to defeat the work of Christ in man’s behalf and to fasten souls in his snares.
When there is no special effort made to resist his power, when indifference prevails in the church and the world, Satan is not concerned; for he is in no danger of losing those whom he is leading captive at his will. But when the attention is called to eternal things, and souls are inquiring, “What must I do to be saved?” he is on the ground, seeking to match his power against the power of Christ and to counteract the influence of the Holy Spirit.
Satan well knows that all whom he can lead to neglect prayer and the searching of the Scriptures, will be overcome by his attacks. Therefore, he invents every possible device to engross the mind.
The great deceiver has many agents ready to present any and every kind of error to ensnare souls—heresies prepared to suit the varied tastes and capacities of those whom he would ruin. It is his plan to bring into the church insincere, unregenerate elements that will encourage doubt and unbelief, and hinder all who desire to see the work of God advance and to advance with it. Many who have no real faith in God or in His word assent to some principles of truth and pass as Christians, and thus they are enabled to introduce their errors as Scriptural doctrines.
Whenever the study of the Scriptures is entered upon without a prayerful, humble, teachable spirit, the plainest and simplest as well as the most difficult passages will be wrested from their true meaning.
The Bible was designed to be a guide to all who wish to become acquainted with the will of their Maker. God gave to men the sure word of prophecy; angels and even Christ Himself came to make known to Daniel and John the things that must shortly come to pass.
It is a masterpiece of Satan’s deceptions to keep the minds of men searching and conjecturing in regard to that which God has not made known and which He does not intend that we shall understand.
And this is the object which Satan seeks to accomplish. There is nothing that he desires more than to destroy confidence in God and in His word.
God has given in His word sufficient evidence of its divine character. The great truths which concern our redemption are clearly presented. By the aid of the Holy Spirit, which is promised to all who seek it in sincerity, every man may understand these truths for himself. God has granted to men a strong foundation upon which to rest their faith.
Distrust of God is the natural outgrowth of the unrenewed heart, which is at enmity with Him. But faith is inspired by the Holy Spirit, and it will flourish only as it is cherished. No man can become strong in faith without a determined effort.
Neither wicked men nor devils can hinder the work of God, or shut out His presence from His people, if they will, with subdued, contrite hearts, confess and put away their sins, and in faith claim His promises. Every temptation, every opposing influence, whether open or secret, may be successfully resisted . . .
No man is safe for a day or an hour without prayer. Especially should we entreat the Lord for wisdom to understand His word. Satan is an expert in quoting Scripture, placing his own interpretation upon passages, by which he hopes to cause us to stumble. We should study the Bible with humility of heart, never losing sight of our dependence upon God. While we must constantly guard against the devices of Satan, we should pray in faith continually: “Lead us not into temptation.”
This an AY Bible Study Program Idea that I wish to share with all of you. Based on a Book The Great Controversy by Sis. EG White.
This program idea in a group dynamic setup aims to strengthen groups in the church, especially the youth to review and study the Bible in relation to the events of these last days.
Program Suggestion:
Start your AY Program with songs and prayer. AY Secretary can report on the activities done the previous Sabbath afternoon. A special song is most welcome.
Materials to prepare:
A set of Manila Papers, tape and some Pentel Pens (Prepare 1 set for each group)
Instructions:
After dividing congregation into different groups, (a group where number of members can still actively participate is recommended), instruct groups to answer the following questions:
For the 1st and 2nd Groups: The Evil Side
On the first Manila Paper, divide space into three columns . On one column write “MAN” and on the other side write ‘”GOD” and on the last column write “SATAN”. On this paper write down under MAN’s column the things that man did and will do to not glorify God or the things that we do to dishonor God. Then on GOD’s column write down what God do every time we displease Him or HIS punishments or promises. On SATAN’s column write down what Satan is up to every time we sin or fall into temptation. Citing Bible texts would help.
For the 3rd and 4th Groups: The Good Side
On the first Manila Paper, divide space into three columns . On one column write “MAN” and on the other side write ‘”GOD” and on the last column write “SATAN”. On this paper write down under MAN’s column the things that man can do to obey and show our love to GOD. Then on GOD’s column write down what God do every time we follow His will. On SATAN’s column write down what Satan is up to every time we get closer to God. Citing Bible texts would help.
After giving an allotted time for all groups to finish the activity. Allow a representative to share tot he rest of the group what their output is. You can also request for all group members to render a special song first.
Points to add to the discussion:
Satans’s motive in tempting man and the angels. Satan desires to thwart the plan of Salvation for man.
Great Promise given by God to the fallen man. And the grace that He gives in our hearts that we may be able to put an enmity between Satan and us.
The world who are under Satan’s grasp may treat us differently for being followers of Christ. We have to hold on to our faith and continue to pledge allegiance to our creator.
Some of us who have a weak connection to Jesus may not be able to discern Satan’s temptation and may walk straight into Satan’s traps.
It is very important that we can call Sin by its right name. No compromise. No excuses.
That only through God can we overcome Satan. Through constant beholding with God we can resist the devil.
It is our prayer that you will go through these lessons and draw closer to Christ; the One who offers you friendship, peace, and eternal life.
You may have been a Christian all your life, or this may be your first opportunity to learn about the wonderful love of Jesus; in either case, this time you spend in the Word of God will be a rich blessing. May the Lord fill you with peace as you seek to know Him better.
PRAY FOR GUIDANCE
Each time you study, pray for discernment and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Approach your study with an open mind. Avoid preconceived ideas that may have a negative influence on your search for truth.
READ THE QUESTION
Read each question slowly, taking extra time to contemplate and understand it. This will result in the greatest benefit from your study.
FIND THE ANSWER
Use any Bible to look up the reference text listed below the answer space. Read the reference and surrounding texts to gain an understanding of their context. Use a concordance, column references, and a dictionary to look up unfamiliar words and search for other related texts.
CONTEMPLATE THE RESULTS
Reread the question and answer. Contemplate the significance of what you have just studied and ask for wisdom from the Lord to help you know how to apply it to your life.
CONTINUE TO STUDY
It is our prayer that you will continue to study God’s Word. We encourage you to contact your source for this guide and obtain other inspirational materials that will aid in your spiritual growth.
SUGGESTIONS FOR ADVENTIST YOUTH PROGRAM
Start the AY Program with Songs, Prayers, reports on previous youth program and some special songs.
(1) Group the congregation into different clusters and assign a leader. (2) Read the questions. The group leader can ask for volunteers to give the answer and related commentary. When time allows, ask for answers derived from various translations to increase participation and understanding. (3) Initiate discussion. The most benefit will be gained if the leader does not lecture the group, but rather leads it. Each member of the group should be encouraged to participate in the capacity he/she is comfortable with. One member of the group should not dominate the discussion. Encourage sensitivity to the feelings and opinions of others, even in disagreement. (4) Have a time at the beginning or end of your session for brief testimonies. This can be general or limited to the subject being studied.
Group Questions:
(1) IS GOD NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SIN? WHY? James 1:13
(2) WHAT IS THE BIBLICAL DEFINITION OF SIN? 1 John 3:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:7
(3) WHAT FOUR FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES CHARACTERIZE THE GOVERNMENT OF GOD? Psalms 89:14
(4) HOW DID LUCIFER BECAME THE AUTHOR OF SIN? Ezekiel 28:15-17
(5) WHAT IS THE RESULT OF REBELLION AGAINST GOD’S LAW? Romans 6:23
(6) WHAT TRAITS OF CHARACTER DID GOD EXHIBIT IN DEALING WITH LUCIFER? Romans 2:4
(7) WHY DID GOD IN HIS INFINITE WISDOM ALLOW SATAN TO FULLY REVEAL HIS TRUE CHARACTER? Proverbs 10:9; Numbers 32:23
(8) WHY DIDN’T GOD DESTROY SATAN AT THE ONSET OF HIS REBELLION? Job 37:23
(9) HOW DID EVIL MEN VERBALIZE SATAN’S MALICIOUS INTENT TO DESTROY JESUS DURING HIS EARTHLY MINISTRY? Mark 15:13
(10) WHAT DID GOD ACCOMPLISH BY THE SACRIFICE OF HIS SON THAT REVEALED HIS CHARACTER TO THE UNIVERSE? 2 Corinthians 5:18
(11) WHAT WAS THE SPECIFIC MISSION OF CHRIST? Matthew 5:17
(12) AT THE CLOSE OF THE GREAT CONTROVERSY, WHAT WILL BE THE CONFESSION OF EVERY CREATED BEING? Philippians 2:10,11
(13) WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE FATE OF SATAN, AND ALL WHO CLING TO PRIDE AND WICKEDNESS ? Malachi 4:1
(14) AT THE CLOSE OF THE GREAT CONTROVERSY, WHAT PROMISE WILL THE UNIVERSE CLAIM? Nahum1:9
Additional Points:
Nothing is more plainly taught in Scripture than that God was in no wise responsible for the entrance of sin.
Sin is an intruder, for whose presence no reason can be given. It is mysterious, unaccountable; to excuse it is to defend it. Could excuse for it be found, or cause be shown for its existence, it would cease to be sin.
The law of love being the foundation of the government of God. He takes no pleasure in a forced allegiance, and to all He grants freedom of will, that they may render Him voluntary service.
Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of His creatures, it was Lucifer’s endeavor to win their service and homage to himself.
Additional references can be found in the book The Great Controversy by EG White.
HeavenwardYouth 