Revelation: God's Kingdom, His Plan for History. Daniel 1–2; 6–7 Lesson 8

Lesson 8: God's Kingdom: His Plan for History, Daniel 1–2; 6–7 The world has always known kingdoms in conflict. The Bible describes kingdoms of mankind in the form of rapacious beasts ferocious in their exploitation and abuse of all that God has made, destructive and unheeding to repentance or submission to God. What is God's plan then for humanity and what puts an end to all the evil we see in human forms of government? Focus Verse “But the holy people of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever—yes, for ever and ever.” (Daniel 7:18) Aim_CATL We can be assured that God’s kingdom reigns now and forever. I. God makes us His witnesses in various worldly opportunities and appointments – Daniel 1-2 a.) God allowed Daniel to be taken to Babylon – 1:1-2 b.) God empowered resolve to remain faithful in Babylon – 1:3-21 c.) God orchestrated Daniel's rise to fame in the Babylonian Kingdom– 2:1-49 PRINCIPLE: God as ruler ordains the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms, but His kingdom endures forever II. God gives courage and protection, wonder and life-changing witness through His People– Daniel 6 a.) God supplied strength and courage – 6:1-10 b.) God protected Daniel in danger – 6:11-24 c.) God honored and recognized by King Darius – 6:25-28 PRINCIPLE: God transforms the world now through His faithful kingdom citizens. III. God gives vision of His judgment over the Empires of Man – Daniel 7 a.) Daniel’s dream of four predatory animals – 7:1-8 b.) Daniel’s vision of God’s court, book of Records – 7:9-14; 23-28 c.) Daniel’s troubled spirit – 7:15-17; 26-27 PRINCIPLE: Citizens of God’s kingdom can live with total confidence in God’s absolute reign in every circumstance Doctrine: Fait Attribute: Omnipresent