Trusting God Amidst Uncertainty and Prophetic Mysteries

Summary

Today, we gathered to honor fathers and celebrate the significant milestones in the lives of our graduates, from kindergarten to college and beyond. We recognized the vital role that dads play in the lives of their children, especially in shaping their emotional and spiritual well-being. We also took time to acknowledge the hard work and faithfulness of our young people who have completed their studies and, in some cases, have boldly defended their faith before their peers and leaders. These moments remind us of the importance of family, community, and the ongoing journey of faith.

Turning to the Word, we continued our study in Daniel chapter 7, focusing on the vision of the four beasts, particularly the final beast representing the Roman Empire. This vision is unique because, unlike the previous empires, the Roman Empire’s influence stretches into the future, culminating in a revived form during the end times. Daniel’s vision, paralleled by John’s vision in Revelation, reveals a mysterious and terrifying beast with ten horns, symbolizing a future alliance of ten kings. While history allows us to look back and see the accuracy of Daniel’s prophecies regarding Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece, the final phase of the Roman Empire remains shrouded in mystery, with only glimpses provided through prophecy.

We explored the connections between Daniel’s and John’s visions, noting how the final beast is a composite of all previous empires, embodying their strength, swiftness, and cruelty. The identity of the Antichrist, who will arise from this alliance, remains uncertain, with much speculation but little concrete information. The Bible gives us clues but not a full picture, reminding us that God alone knows the future in perfect clarity.

In light of these mysteries, we are called not to be consumed by speculation or fear, but to trust in God’s sovereignty and the reliability of His Word. The accuracy of past prophecies assures us that God’s promises for the future will also come to pass. Our focus should be on living out the clear teachings of Scripture, trusting God with the unknowns, and being faithful in the present. As we face uncertainties in our world and in our personal lives, we can rest in the knowledge that God is in control, working all things for His glory and our good.

Key Takeaways

- The Influence of Fathers and Spiritual Mentors
Fathers and spiritual mentors play a crucial role in shaping the emotional and spiritual health of the next generation. Their involvement can be the difference between despair and hope, especially in the lives of young people. The legacy of faith and character passed down through families and church communities is a powerful testimony to God’s design for nurturing His people. Let us honor and support those who invest in the lives of others, recognizing their impact extends far beyond what is seen. [23:47]

- The Mystery and Certainty of Prophecy
Prophetic visions, like those in Daniel and Revelation, often leave us with more questions than answers. God gives us glimpses of the future, but not the full picture, teaching us humility and dependence on Him. The accuracy of fulfilled prophecies assures us that what remains unfulfilled will also come to pass in God’s perfect timing. Our faith is strengthened not by knowing every detail, but by trusting the One who holds the future. [50:40]

- The Danger of Speculation and the Call to Trust
It is tempting to speculate about the identity of the Antichrist or the specifics of end-time events, but such speculation can distract us from what is truly important. The Bible gives us enough light to trust God, but not enough to satisfy every curiosity. Instead of being consumed by uncertainty, we are called to focus on living out the clear commands of Scripture and trusting God with the unknowns. This posture of trust brings peace and keeps us grounded in our daily walk. [01:05:46]

- The Reliability of God’s Word
The fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecies regarding past empires demonstrates the reliability and authority of Scripture. Even when we do not fully understand the details of future events, we can have confidence that God’s Word is true and trustworthy. This assurance should lead us to deeper gratitude for the Bible and a greater commitment to study and obey it. God’s Word is our guide through the uncertainties of life and history. [01:12:39]

- Living Faithfully in the Present
While it is fascinating to study prophecy and consider future events, our primary calling is to live faithfully in the present. The challenges of loving our enemies, being consistent in prayer, and walking in obedience are more pressing than unraveling every mystery of the end times. God calls us to trust Him, to do what we know is right, and to leave the unknowns in His capable hands. In doing so, we bring glory to God and become a light to those around us. [01:13:28]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Honoring Fathers and Their Impact
[03:45] - Announcements and Ministry Opportunities
[07:30] - Graduation Recognitions
[23:47] - Celebrating Academic and Spiritual Milestones
[25:03] - Defending the Faith: Checkpoints Program
[26:15] - Prayer for Graduates and Families
[28:00] - Introduction to Daniel 7 and the Four Beasts
[32:10] - The Roman Empire: History and Prophecy
[46:51] - The Fall of Rome and Its Lasting Influence
[50:40] - The Ten Horns and Future Prophecy
[55:06] - The Antichrist: Speculation and Biblical Clues
[59:07] - The Tribe of Dan and Prophetic Mysteries
[01:05:46] - What We Know and Don’t Know About the End Times
[01:12:39] - Trusting God with the Unknown
[01:13:28] - Living Out Clear Truths in Uncertain Times
[01:15:27] - Invitation to Trust and Praise God

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Trusting God with the Unknown (Daniel 7 & Prophecy)

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### Bible Reading

- Daniel 7:7-8, 23-28
(Daniel’s vision of the fourth beast and the ten horns)
- Revelation 13:1-2
(John’s vision of the beast from the sea)
- Revelation 17:7, 12
(Explanation of the beast’s ten horns as ten kings)

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### Observation Questions

1. In Daniel’s vision, what made the fourth beast different and more frightening than the previous beasts? (Daniel 7:7-8; [32:10])
2. According to the sermon, what are the ten horns on the beast in Daniel 7 and Revelation 13/17 believed to represent? ([50:40])
3. How does John’s vision in Revelation 13 connect to Daniel’s vision in Daniel 7? What similarities are mentioned? ([50:40])
4. What does the sermon say about the accuracy of Daniel’s prophecies regarding past empires? ([01:05:46])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God gives us only glimpses of the future through prophecy, rather than a full picture? How does this affect our faith? ([01:05:46])
2. The sermon mentions that speculation about the Antichrist’s identity is common but not helpful. Why might God want us to avoid focusing on speculation? ([01:05:46])
3. How does the fulfillment of past prophecies (like those about Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece) help us trust God with the future, even when we don’t understand all the details? ([01:05:46])
4. The pastor said that living out the clear teachings of Scripture is more important than unraveling every mystery of the end times. Why is this emphasis important for Christians today? ([01:13:28])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon highlighted the influence of fathers and spiritual mentors. Who has played a key role in shaping your faith or emotional health? How can you honor or thank them this week? ([23:47])
2. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to worry or speculate about the future? What would it look like to trust God with those unknowns instead? ([01:15:27])
3. The pastor mentioned that it’s easy to get caught up in “fun” speculation about prophecy, but that doesn’t help us love our enemies or be better parents. Are there spiritual “mysteries” or controversies that distract you from living out clear biblical commands? ([01:13:28])
4. The reliability of God’s Word was emphasized. What is one way you can deepen your commitment to reading, studying, or obeying the Bible this month? ([01:12:39])
5. The sermon called us to live faithfully in the present. What is one clear teaching of Scripture you know you need to obey more consistently right now? What step can you take this week? ([01:13:28])
6. The pastor prayed for graduates and young people to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. What is one area of your life where you want to grow in loving God more fully? ([26:15])
7. When you face uncertainty or challenges, what practical steps help you remember that God is in control and working for your good? ([01:15:27])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Thank God for His sovereignty, the reliability of His Word, and the people who have shaped your faith. Ask for help to trust Him with the unknown and to live out His clear commands each day.

Devotional

Day 1: God Knows the Future and We Can Trust Him
Even when the future seems uncertain or confusing, God knows exactly what will happen and invites us to trust in His perfect knowledge and timing. God’s understanding of history and prophecy is complete, even when ours is limited. The visions given to Daniel and John about future kingdoms and the final beast remind us that while we may not grasp every detail, God’s plan is unfolding exactly as He intends. We can rest in the assurance that nothing surprises Him, and He is sovereign over all events—past, present, and future. When we face uncertainty or worry about what’s to come, we can find comfort in the truth that God is in control and His Word is trustworthy. [01:05:46]

Daniel 7:28 (ESV)
“Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel anxious about the future? Take a moment today to pray and intentionally entrust that specific concern to God, believing that He already knows the outcome.


Day 2: The Word of God Is Reliable and True
The accuracy of God’s Word in predicting past empires and events gives us confidence that His promises and prophecies about the future are also true and reliable. Daniel’s visions, given centuries before their fulfillment, were proven true as history unfolded with the rise and fall of empires just as God revealed. This reliability is not just for ancient times; it assures us today that every promise and instruction in Scripture can be trusted. Even when we don’t understand every detail, we can hold fast to the truth that God’s Word is our sure foundation, guiding us through life’s uncertainties and challenges. [01:07:55]

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Reflection: Think of a promise or command from Scripture that you sometimes struggle to believe or obey. How can you take a practical step today to trust and act on God’s Word in that area?


Day 3: Avoid Speculation—Focus on Living Out Clear Truths
While it can be interesting to speculate about prophecy and the end times, God calls us to focus on living out the clear teachings of His Word—loving others, being faithful, and trusting Him daily. The allure of unraveling mysteries about the Antichrist or future events can distract us from the practical, everyday obedience God desires. Instead of getting lost in speculation, we are encouraged to invest our energy in prayer, Bible reading, loving our enemies, and being faithful in the responsibilities God has given us. This is where real spiritual growth and impact happen. [01:13:28]

James 1:22 (ESV)
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

Reflection: What is one clear command from God’s Word that you know but have not been consistently living out? What is one concrete action you can take today to begin practicing it?


Day 4: God’s Patience and Mercy Are Evident Throughout History
God’s dealings with Israel and the world reveal His incredible patience and mercy, giving every opportunity for repentance and relationship with Him. Throughout history, God has shown Himself to be slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, not willing that any should perish. He gave Israel chance after chance, and He extends the same mercy to us today. This patience is not a sign of weakness but of His deep desire for all people to come to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. As recipients of such mercy, we are called to reflect His patience and compassion to others. [01:09:30]

2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience God’s patience and mercy through you? How can you intentionally show them grace today, even if it’s difficult?


Day 5: Trust God in Uncertainty and Praise Him for His Sovereignty
When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, we are invited to trust God’s sovereignty and praise Him, knowing He is working all things together for His glory and our good. The world may seem chaotic, and our personal circumstances may be confusing, but God remains steadfast and in control. He invites us to bring our worries and trials to Him, to rest in His promises, and to worship Him for who He is—a wonderful, kind, and patient God. As we wait for His plans to unfold, our calling is to trust, obey, and praise Him, confident that He holds the future. [01:15:27]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Reflection: What is one trial or challenge you are currently facing? Take a few moments today to praise God for His sovereignty and ask Him to help you trust Him more deeply in the midst of your uncertainty.

Quotes

Among the many destructions of the Roman Empire that we have to mention was the crucifixion of the Son of God, of Jesus Christ. It was under Rome's supervision and by their hand that the Jews were able to crucify the Lord. And from that point, ten Roman Caesars from Nero to Diocletian persecuted the early church. No doubt, the Roman Empire was a frightening and terrible beast and very strong. [00:48:33] (00:00:30 seconds) Edit Clip

The final beast was a composite of all the previous beasts. It is a representative of the previous Gentile empires that have ruled over Israel. It will embody all the ferocity, the cruelty, the swiftness, and the strength of all the previous empires. [00:52:32] (00:00:20 seconds) Edit Clip

We don't know what the future Roman Empire is going to look like exactly.Except for a couple details. We know how we don't know much about the Antichrist or little horn as it's called in Daniel 7. But the great thing is God does know. God knows exactly who he is. God knows exactly what's going to happen. [01:05:42] (00:00:17 seconds) Edit Clip

Until the time comes we shouldn't spend a whole lot of time speculating on all these things. The reality of it is you can read 10 different commentaries or hear 10 different messages from 10 different people and get 10 different opinions about all of these things. There's no conclusive answer to many aspects of this future empire ruled by the Antichrist. [01:06:40] (00:00:21 seconds) Edit Clip

We know that they're going to rule over the land of Israel like the previous empires did. We know that it's going to be made up of 10 different nations that form a loose alliance. We know that the Antichrist will merge from the middle of the alliance and establish himself.as a leader but that's basically what we know for certain and we're not even sure how all that's going to happen we're left with a lot more questions than we are with answers. [01:07:04] (00:00:25 seconds) Edit Clip

We don't know the who the when or the how or the where God has given us some light but not a lot of light and that helps us to understand what Daniel said at the end of chapter number seven in verse number 28 hitherto is the end of the matter as for me Daniel my cogitations much troubled me my countenance changed to me but I kept the matter in my heart basically says my thoughts troubled me about this and my face changed he was just confused and as we read through the book of revelation that's how we end a lot of times what in the world does all of this mean and we have very little understanding of it we try to speculate because that's fun to do we try to take bits and pieces and make them fit oh this is obvious is what's happening here when October 7th happened with Israel and when Iran with everything that's happening now you'll see people all across the internet speculating well that's the bible right here that's what these verses are referencing and can I say could be but it might not be we don't know we're not certain about all of that we can't understand we do know what's going to happen because we have a God who knows all things. [01:07:29] (00:01:13 seconds) Edit Clip

We have a God who knows all things so what should we take from this what are some truths what's some practical things we should take from this real quickly this type of lesson is always fun to think about it's always fun to consider what's for us in the future and there's a reason one book of that every Christian wants to read commentary on and and learn lessons from is the book of revelation but it's unfortunate that we can't say with much certainty what's to come in we're left with trying to fill in gaps and interpret strange visions. [01:08:40] (00:00:28 seconds) Edit Clip

As we look back at history of Daniel's vision and we see the accuracy of the Babylonians of the Medo -Persians and other Grecians and we go he was dead on and so we can know with confidence that what he wrote about the final beast about the Roman Empire and its power and its strength and everything that's come we can know that what he wrote is true. [01:10:09] (00:00:20 seconds) Edit Clip

Let us be thankful that our God knows what lies ahead let us be thankful that God is patient and he's merciful we see in the word of God that he gave Israel every opportunity he's also patient with us Gentiles not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance and put their trust in Jesus Christ. [01:10:51] (00:00:19 seconds) Edit Clip

Maybe you're going through something difficult in your life. Maybe you're facing a challenge. Maybe you're facing a challenge.a trial, a situation in your life where you don't know how it's going to end and you're a little fretting, you're a little worried about it.Be reminded this morning that God does know and trust him and have confidence in him that he is in control and that he's working all things together for his good and his glory. [01:15:27] (00:00:24 seconds) Edit Clip