MEMORY VERSE: ‘And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.’ Daniel 12:1.
LESSON AIM: To study the time of trouble, which comes when the period of probation ends and after Jesus has concluded the work of judgement.
‘The “time of trouble, such as never was,” is soon to open upon us; and we shall need an experience which we do not now possess and which many are too indolent to obtain. It is often the case that trouble is greater in anticipation than in reality; but this is not true of the crisis before us. The most vivid presentation cannot reach the magnitude of the ordeal. In that time of trial, every soul must stand for himself before God.’ Great Controversy, page 622.
1. What threat will be made against those who refuse to worship the image of the beast? Revelation 13:15.
NOTE: ‘Satan will excite the indignation of apostate Christendom against the humble remnant who conscientiously refuse to accept false customs and traditions. The church and the world will unite, and the world will lend to the church power to crush out the right of the people to worship according to His Word. The decree that is to go forth against the people of God in the near future is in some respects similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews in the time of Esther. The Persian edict sprang from the malice of Haman toward Mordecai. The king’s decision against the Jews was secured under false pretences, through a misrepresentation of that peculiar people. Satan instigated this scheme in order to rid the earth of those who preserved the knowledge of the true God. History repeats itself. The same masterful mind that plotted against the faithful in ages past is now at work to gain control of the fallen churches, that through them he may condemn and put to death all who will not worship the idol sabbath. We have not to battle with mortals, as it may appear. We war not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against wicked spirits in high places. [Ephesians 6:12.] But if the people of God will put their trust in Him and by faith rely upon His power, the devices of Satan will be defeated in our time as signally as in the days of Mordecai.’ Christ Triumphant, page 366.
2. What divine promise will reassure God’s people during the time of trouble? Psalm 91:11.
NOTE: ‘Fearful tests and trials await the people of God. The spirit of war is stirring the nations from one end of the earth to the other. But in the midst of the time of trouble that is coming, a time of trouble such as has not been since there was a nation, God’s chosen people will stand unmoved. Satan and his host cannot destroy them, for angels that excel in strength will protect them.’ Counsels for the Church, page 40.