Theme: Living Out Our Faith-A Study of The Life of Daniel
Topic: Is your name in the book of Life
Main Text: Daniel 12:1-13
Key Verse: Daniel 12:2 – And many of these who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Introduction:
In Daniel 12, the prophetic encounter that began in chapter 10 shifts focus to the very end of history. We get a glimpse of the unseen warfare in the heavenlies and learn of a great persecution to come which our Lord Jesus warned about (e.g., Mt 24:21-22, Mk 13:19-20). Out of that suffering will come a purifying and a separation of the godly and the godless. The joyous destiny of the godly is affirmed as is the terrible future of those who refuse to believe in Jesus. A recurring theme in the book of Daniel is that God is always in control even when it appears that all is lost in chaos and confusion under the rule of godless despots. There will be great darkness and unparalleled suffering in the end times, but God’s people need not fear if we keep in step with the Holy Spirit following Jesus.
Q1. Read Dan 12:1, Jer 30:7, Mt 24:21-22 (1a)What is the time of trouble and how will it be different from any other in history? (1b) What are two themes common to these passages? (1c) Why can believers face trials and tribulations with confidence?
Paragraph 2:
In verse two we see a picture of the resurrection of the dead; this corresponds to the scene in Rev 20:11-15. Many believe that this life is all there is and that nothing happens after we die. The Bible is emphatic that there is a judgment after death for all without exception (e.g. Hebrews 9:27). “All are destined to rise again into a body that will endure for all time. The only difference is whether they will experience the joy of God’s presence in heaven for eternity or the torment of eternal damnation in hell” (Amir Tsafarti). Knowing the certainty of judgment should make us live wisely.
Q2. Read Daniel 12:3; 1 Cor 15:58, Eph 5:15-16 (2a) How does knowledge of the future resurrection influence your life now? (2b) What is the danger of not believing in a bodily resurrection followed by judgement? (2c)How can we, as believers, shine like stars in our families, neighborhoods, our culture, and our nation?(see also Prov 11:30).
Paragraph 3:
Two groups of people will emerge from the end times. Those who are wise, realize the truth, repent and believe (“…purified, made white, and refined” v10), and the wicked who will not understand and will keep doing wickedly. Daniel was a captive prince who chose to be faithful to God by serving his captors with a spirit of excellence while refusing to compromise on his relationship with God. He is among the great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us urging us to “run with endurance the race set forth before us”(Heb 12:1). Let us follow his example.
Q3. (3a) What do you think is meant by “seal the book” in verse 4? (3b) What do you understand by the phrase “many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall increase”? (3c) what is the most important thing you will take away from the study of Daniel?
Prayer:- Lord help me to re-examine my life and work out my salvation with fear and trembling bearing in mind that we are in the last days. Amen.