Theme: Living Out Our Faith – A Study of The Life of Daniel
Topic: Final Victory of The Saints In His Coming Kingdom.
Main Text: Daniel 7: 1-28
Key verse: Daniel 7: 18 ‘But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.’ (NKJV).
Introduction:
The sovereignty of God over all creation and the universe is one of the central themes of the book of Daniel (See Daniel 4:17,5:21). The book showcases Daniel as an example of a godly man who lived obediently and courageously for God to the respect and admiration of even the pagan and corrupt culture in which he lived. Interestingly, before Chapter 7, Daniel was narrating and interpreting the dreams of others. Now, he narrates his own dreams and the interpretation he received. Whether it was the dreams of others or his own, the same theme runs through – God’s triumph over world powers throughout history.
Q1. (1a) Of the four, Daniel was more interested in the fourth beast, particularly the little horn with eyes. Let participants list the damage that the fourth beast’s little horn did or tried to do. How does that compare with world events today, if at all? See Daniel 7:7-8, 19-26. (1b) Compare the power of the four beasts described in Daniel 7:2-8 with that of God in Jeremiah 27:4-6 and Daniel 7: 9-12. How does it make you feel when you read about the ease with which God stripped the beasts of their power and authority? See Daniel 7:4, 11-12. (1c) Let participants attempt to frame a statement of faith (what they believe) regarding happenings in our country, and the world at large, as a result (a) and (b) above.
Paragraph 2:
According to Daniel 7:25 (ESV), the little horn on the fourth beast “… shall speak words against the Most High and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time.” This is exactly what is happening in the world today: Governments, spurred by rights groups, are wearying believers with their legitimization of indecencies. Science and scientists are pursuing ideas that portend grave danger for mankind without regard to moral boundaries. But as the Scriptures say in Psalm 37:12-13, God’s Day is coming. So, He laughs at the defiance of the wicked and all their plots and schemes because, on His appointed Day, God will destroy the beast’s kingdom!
Q2. Read Daniel 7:9-14, 21-22. (2a) What do you find encouraging from these verses, and why? (2b) Daniel 7: 21-22 speaks of the war waged against the saints until God passed judgment in favor of His chosen ones. How does it make you feel? (2c) Given (a) and (b) above, what should the believer’s attitude be towards all the happenings in our country and in the world today?
Paragraph 3:
The enemies of the Church will receive their due recompense for their proud boasting and cruel persecution of the saints. And all will happen in time (Daniel 7:11-12). As Matthew Henry said in his commentary, ‘…there is a judgment to come, and God is the Judge. Now men have their day, and every pretender thinks he should have his day, and struggles for it. But He that sits in heaven laughs at them, for He sees that his day is coming…’ But then, that is not the end of the story! Not only will God judge the beast and all it represents, He will also establish Christ’s reign over all creation. For God, the Father has promised His Son, “Sit at My right hand Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet [subjugating them into complete submission].” (Psalm 110:1 AMP). And that subjugation will be for all eternity. Hallelujah!!
Q3. Read Psalm 2:6-9, Matthew 19:28, 1 Corinthians 15:24-26. What does the coming reign of Christ represent for (3a) the enemies of the saints? (3b) all believers? See Daniel 7:18,22, 27. (3c) How should this affect the way we live and our priorities?
Prayer: God Almighty, the increasing wickedness in the world is getting more wearisome. But thank YOU for reminding me today that I and fellow believers will have the last laugh when YOUR Day comes. May this hope strengthen my heart. In Christ’s Name. Amen