Lesson 39: The Time of Trouble
Episode of the persecution against the Waldensians in 1686, painting of 1875 by Silvio Allason
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Psalm 91
Introduction
When was the last time you had trouble in your life? What did it lead to? Were you a stronger person? Did you blame God for it? In the time of the end, which we are also living in now, God's people are going to face trouble such as never has been seen on earth. Satan is angry because he knows his time is short. He plans on taking us down with him. God's people will have to have a faith that will endure trouble just like that of someone who is expecting to be destroyed, but how does one obtain that faith?
What are the elements of this chapter?
Event: THE CLOSE OF PROBATION (Future)
(Revelation 22:11)
Several events describe the close of probation.
God's people sealed
Jesus ceases intercession: No more mercy, Sins blotted out
Jesus Departs the Heavenly Sanctuary
The righteous have to live without an intercessor
God's Spirit is at last withdrawn
All restraint on the wicked is removed giving Satan full control on their minds.
Darkness covers the inhabitants of earth.
Concept: THE TIME OF TROUBLE
(Jeremiah 30:5-7, Daniel 12:1, John 11:50)
The time of trouble is a time of affliction and distress for God’s commandment keeping people as they endure persecution.
The Sabbath at the Center
The Sabbath is at the center of the trouble because it defies the Sunday enforcement law which will bring hatred toward God’s people.
Sabbath keepers will be considered the cause for strife similar to what Jesus was accused of in His earthly ministry which will eventually lead to a death decree.
Jacob Faced a Time of Trouble and Overcame
(Genesis 32:24-30)
He was under threat of death from his brother Esau and was filled with terror.
He reproached self and made confession of his sins.
He sought God's mercy
He claimed God’s promises and humbled himself before God.
God Answers Jacob’s Prayer
God Answers Jacob’s prayer by sending the Angel of the Covenant but Jacob’s response is to fight him.
The Angel renders Jacob helpless and he falls on the neck of the Angel.
Jacob clings to the angel pleading for a blessing which the angel grants changing Jacob’s name from deceiver to overcomer.
Satan's Methods
(1 Peter 5:8 )
Satan will insinuate himself into the lives of God’s people with all subtlety to cause them to fail by:
Forcing a sense of guilt on the minds of God’s people, he will cause many to be discouraged into let go of God.
Claims the right to destroy sinners, keeping record of sin against God’s people to accuse
Stirring up wicked against God's people
Severely trying God's people (With God's permission) using terror tactics such as telling you that “you are hopeless"
Destroying faith, and getting God’s people to yield to temptation.
Unprepared to Face the Time of Trouble.
Professed "Christians" are overcome by Satan because they have an un-contrite heart.
They do not abhor evil.
They acknowledge their sins only because they fear punishment from God.
They’re hearts are hardened and when given the opportunity, they eventually return to their sins.
Getting Through the Distress
(Ezekiel 14:20, John 14:30)
God’s people in the time of trouble need to have a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger. (GC 621.2)
Exercise Your Faith NOW While its Easy
Work on your piety by proving God’s promises in your life.
End selfish gratification
Pray often pray always i.e. for power to prevail.
Cease all worldly distraction
Seek perfection in Christ
Don’t give the devil a foothold
Separate Yourself from Sin
Join yourself with Christ
Cooperate with heaven’s agencies
Concept: DECEPTION
Satan will deceive God’s people with spiritualism and worldliness.
Satan will manifest supernatural sights in the heavens caused by demons.
False Christs will appear and perform miracles by healing the sick and professing revelations.
The Final Woe
Satan’s last great deception will be to personate Christ and make it appear that Christ has come.
Satan will utter truth while claiming Sabbath has changed to Sunday. and declare that Sabbath keepers are blasphemers.
Satan will attempt to entangle mankind with cares of the world:
Money, Ambition, Amusements, Relationships …etc.
Concept: THE REMNANT
(Matthew 24:24-27; Matthew 24:15-16)
The remnant are not fooled by Satan’s tactics.
They make the scriptures a safeguard against false doctrine. They are diligent Bible students.
They know that Satan is not permitted to counterfeit Christ's return.
They love the truth.
They will flee from cities into desolate places to preserve the faith.
God’s People Are the Apple of His Eye
God watched over His faithful ones in the past who were committed to Him. (Isaiah 49:14-16; Zechariah 2:8)
Followers of Christ are too.
Concept: GOD’S WRATH
(Isaiah 28:21, Ezekiel 33:11, Exodus 34:6-7, Nahum 1:3, Revelation 14:9-10, Revelation 16:2-6,8-9)
God’s wrath is shown against the oppressors of His people.
God performs His strange act of punishment vindicating His law by bringing the seven last plagues.
God Promises to Protect His People
(Luke 18:7-8, Isaiah 33:15-16, Isaiah 41:17, Habakkuk 3:17-18, Psalm 121: 5-7; 91:3-10, Psalm 34:7, Isaiah 51:11-16; 21-23, Malachi 3:17, Psalm 27:5, Isaiah 26:20-21)
God will avenge His elect who will need patience to endure to the end.
God gives promises of protection, even including the aid of angels who await God’s command to defend the righteous.
Be filled With Courage
Joshua 1:7; 23:6
What does this have to do with me today?
What will happen during the Time of Trouble if we have un-confessed sins?
Will God overlook unfaithfulness in minor affairs of life?
Why does God allow trouble and conflict to come to His people?
How are we able to overcome in the time of trouble?