Trusting God's Sovereignty: Embracing His Future and Salvation

 

Summary

Today, we gathered to explore the profound themes found in the final chapters of the Book of Daniel, focusing on how God rules history, reveals the future, and rescues those who trust in Him. As we delved into Daniel chapters 8 through 12, we were reminded of the timeless fascination humanity has with the future. From horoscopes to time travel fantasies, people have always sought to know what lies ahead. However, only God truly knows the future because He exists beyond the constraints of time. He is present in the past, the present, and the future simultaneously. This understanding should shift our prayers from asking God to reveal the future to asking Him to reveal Himself to us. Knowing the One who holds the future is far more valuable than knowing the future itself.

In Daniel's visions, we see God's sovereignty over history. The visions of the ram and the goat symbolize the rise and fall of empires, demonstrating that God orchestrates world events. This sovereignty extends to our personal lives, inviting us to trust Him with our own stories. Daniel's prayer in chapter 9 serves as a model for us, emphasizing adoration, confession, acknowledgment of God's justice, and a plea for mercy and restoration. God responded to Daniel with a prophecy that pointed to the coming Messiah, affirming that His plans have always been in place.

The spiritual realm is another key theme, as Daniel's experiences reveal the unseen battles between angels and demons. This reminds us that our struggles are not merely physical or emotional but are part of a larger spiritual conflict. Yet, we find hope in knowing that Jesus has already won the ultimate victory through the cross, disarming the powers of darkness.

Finally, Daniel 12 assures us that God rescues those who trust in Him. The end will come, and the separation will be based on whether our names are written in the Book of Life. This decision is made in this life, and it is not about our intentions or good deeds but about our faith in Jesus Christ. Today is the day of salvation, and we are invited to place our trust in Him, ensuring our eternal destiny.

Key Takeaways:

- God's sovereignty over history is evident in Daniel's visions, reminding us that He orchestrates world events and our personal lives. Trusting in His sovereignty allows us to rest in His plans, knowing that He is in control of all things. [14:14]

- The spiritual realm is real, and our struggles are part of a larger spiritual battle. While we may not see it, we can feel its effects. Yet, we find hope in knowing that Jesus has already won the ultimate victory, and our safety is found in Him. [21:25]

- Our prayers should focus on knowing God rather than knowing the future. By seeking to understand who God is, we align ourselves with His will and find peace in His presence, regardless of what the future holds. [07:51]

- The cross of Jesus Christ was a victory over shame and guilt, disarming the powers of darkness. It serves as a reminder that our identity and worth are found in Christ, not in our past mistakes or the enemy's accusations. [24:07]

- Salvation is not based on our intentions or good deeds but on our faith in Jesus Christ. The decision to trust Him is made in this life, and it determines our eternal destiny. Today is the day to ensure our names are written in the Book of Life. [27:17]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:54] - Fascination with the Future
- [07:51] - Knowing God vs. Knowing the Future
- [10:18] - Daniel's Vision of the Ram and the Goat
- [14:14] - God's Sovereignty Over History
- [17:36] - Spiritual Battles and Angelic Encounters
- [21:25] - The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
- [24:07] - Victory Through the Cross
- [27:17] - The Book of Life and Eternal Destiny
- [31:47] - Assurance of Salvation
- [36:51] - Invitation to Salvation
- [40:00] - Closing Prayer and Offering

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Daniel 8:3-5
- Daniel 9:1-4
- Daniel 12:1-2

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Observation Questions:

1. In Daniel 8:3-5, what do the ram and the goat symbolize, and how do these symbols relate to the rise and fall of empires? [10:18]

2. How does Daniel's prayer in Daniel 9:1-4 serve as a model for us in terms of structure and content? What are the key elements of his prayer? [14:14]

3. According to Daniel 12:1-2, what is the significance of the Book of Life, and how does it relate to the concept of eternal destiny? [27:17]

4. How does the sermon describe the spiritual battles that Daniel experienced, and what does this reveal about the unseen spiritual realm? [17:36]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the vision of the ram and the goat in Daniel 8 teach us about God's sovereignty over history and world events? How does this understanding impact our view of current global events? [14:14]

2. In what ways does Daniel's prayer in chapter 9 reflect a deep understanding of God's justice and mercy? How can this influence our own prayer life? [14:14]

3. How does the sermon explain the reality of spiritual warfare, and what practical implications does this have for our daily lives? [21:25]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of knowing God versus knowing the future, and how can this perspective change our approach to decision-making? [07:51]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you were anxious about the future. How can shifting your focus from knowing the future to knowing God bring you peace in similar situations? [07:51]

2. Daniel's prayer included adoration, confession, and a plea for mercy. How can you incorporate these elements into your daily prayer routine to deepen your relationship with God? [14:14]

3. The sermon highlights the reality of spiritual warfare. What are some practical steps you can take to be more aware of and prepared for spiritual battles in your life? [21:25]

4. Consider the concept of the Book of Life mentioned in Daniel 12. How does this understanding of eternal destiny influence your daily choices and priorities? [27:17]

5. The sermon emphasizes that salvation is based on faith in Jesus Christ, not on good deeds. How does this truth affect your view of your own worth and identity? [27:17]

6. How can you actively trust in God's sovereignty over your personal life, especially in areas where you feel out of control or uncertain? [14:14]

7. Reflect on the victory of the cross as described in the sermon. How can this understanding of Jesus' triumph over shame and guilt empower you to live more freely and confidently? [24:07]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God's Sovereignty in Our Lives
In the final chapters of the Book of Daniel, we see a powerful depiction of God's sovereignty over history. Daniel's visions of the ram and the goat symbolize the rise and fall of empires, illustrating that God orchestrates world events. This sovereignty is not limited to the grand scale of history but extends to our personal lives as well. Trusting in God's sovereignty allows us to rest in His plans, knowing that He is in control of all things. When we acknowledge His rule over our lives, we can find peace and assurance, even amidst uncertainty. [14:14]

Daniel 2:21-22 (ESV): "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's sovereignty? How can you begin to surrender this area to Him today?


Day 2: Engaging in Spiritual Warfare with Hope
The spiritual realm is a significant theme in Daniel's experiences, revealing the unseen battles between angels and demons. Our struggles are not merely physical or emotional but are part of a larger spiritual conflict. However, we find hope in knowing that Jesus has already won the ultimate victory through the cross, disarming the powers of darkness. This victory assures us that our safety is found in Him, and we can engage in spiritual warfare with confidence and hope. [21:25]

Ephesians 6:12-13 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."

Reflection: Identify a current struggle in your life. How can you approach it as a spiritual battle, and what steps can you take to rely on Jesus' victory in this situation?


Day 3: Seeking to Know God More Deeply
Our prayers should focus on knowing God rather than knowing the future. While humanity has always been fascinated with what lies ahead, only God truly knows the future because He exists beyond time. By seeking to understand who God is, we align ourselves with His will and find peace in His presence, regardless of what the future holds. Knowing the One who holds the future is far more valuable than knowing the future itself. [07:51]

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"

Reflection: How can you intentionally seek to know God more deeply this week? What specific practices or habits can you incorporate into your daily routine to foster this relationship?


Day 4: Embracing Our Identity in Christ
The cross of Jesus Christ was a victory over shame and guilt, disarming the powers of darkness. It serves as a reminder that our identity and worth are found in Christ, not in our past mistakes or the enemy's accusations. Embracing this truth allows us to live in freedom and confidence, knowing that we are loved and accepted by God. Our past does not define us; our identity in Christ does. [24:07]

Colossians 2:13-15 (ESV): "And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."

Reflection: What past mistake or accusation from the enemy do you need to release today? How can you remind yourself of your true identity in Christ?


Day 5: Ensuring Our Eternal Destiny
Salvation is not based on our intentions or good deeds but on our faith in Jesus Christ. The decision to trust Him is made in this life, and it determines our eternal destiny. Daniel 12 assures us that God rescues those who trust in Him, and the separation at the end will be based on whether our names are written in the Book of Life. Today is the day of salvation, and we are invited to place our trust in Him, ensuring our eternal destiny. [27:17]

Revelation 20:12-15 (ESV): "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."

Reflection: Have you placed your trust in Jesus Christ for your salvation? If not, what is holding you back from making this decision today? If you have, how can you share this assurance with someone else this week?

Quotes

"Only God knows the future because the future is where God is. This might blow your mind, but the future is not a place that God can see. He doesn't have this really big telescope and he's like, okay, you know, dial it in. Okay, boom, there it is. I can see the future. No, the future is not a place that God can see. The future is a place that God currently is." [00:05:45] (25 seconds)


"God did not give Daniel all of these visions of the future just so we could create charts and try to break down what year the tribulation was going to start, that we could try to figure out who is the Antichrist? Where does he come from? When's it going to happen? God did not give Daniel all of these visions because the end times were a math problem he was just waiting for us to solve." [00:09:08] (28 seconds)


"Daniel prays for 21 days, and then this angelic being shows up. And you think that you're just going through life struggling with your emotions and your doubts and your fears and your mental health and your failing marriage and your hard work and your disobedient kids. Listen, you are dealing with all of those things, and there's a spiritual battle for your soul being fought by spiritual principalities that we can't even see." [00:19:08] (33 seconds)


"Two big pieces of good news. Number one, the enemy doesn't fight for something he already has. Why would he? That would be foolish. That's a waste of resources. The enemy's not going to fight against himself. And so if you're in life, and you're like, man, I am in a cage match to the death fight every single day, it feels like you're right where you need to be." [00:21:49] (26 seconds)


"The cross of Jesus Christ was the greatest bait and switch ever. Satan meant for the cross to be a mockery of the Son of God. He meant to humiliate Jesus by causing them to die this humiliating and excruciating death and thought, I've won. I've beaten him. And Jesus used the cross to make a mockery of our enemy, to make a mockery of the shame and the guilt that we feel, which by the way is the only power the enemy has over us, to make us feel shame and guilty over the things that we already know we did." [00:24:36] (44 seconds)


"Because a popular understanding of faith today is people think that God rewards intention the same way that he rewards submission. We think this. We do. We may not say it with those words, but we think that. We think that when it's all said and done and we die and we go wherever and we're standing right there and Jesus is like, hey, tell me why we ought to let you in. And we're like, well, you know. I mean, you know me. Like, you know my intentions. You know what I tried to do." [00:25:40] (31 seconds)


"The separation that Jesus will make in that moment is, is your name written in the book of life or is it not? That's it. That's the separation. It won't matter how good you were at your job, how many promotions you got at your job, how many people were under you at your job, whether you stayed home and watched the kids and had the hardest job of everybody, whether you got raised after raised, how many times you came to church, how good you were to your wife or to your husband." [00:30:32] (34 seconds)


"Daniel saw empires rise and fall. Angels battle demons. A coming Messiah. I like throwing money away. And I'm just rowing your head. pedals slide cards. And I like how much... ultimate victory and the resurrection of the dead but the most important thing he saw in my opinion is he saw that those who place their faith in the lord will shine like stars forever." [00:33:01] (20 seconds)


"Jesus said in John chapter 5 verse 24 I tell you the truth whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned he has crossed over from death to life you say how do we know how do we know that we can know Jesus just told us three ways I'm gonna take his word for it and by the way when he says whoever hears my word what he means is this whoever hears my word and does my word." [00:33:22] (37 seconds)


"Guys, I want you to know none of us are promised tomorrow. None of us. I hope you're right. I hope you have a lot of time left. But I can't guarantee that. And so if that's you, and you'd like to make sure that your name is written in the book of life, then just say this prayer in your heart. Say this prayer and mean it. You can address it to God. You can address it to Jesus. I think it works either way." [00:35:46] (35 seconds)


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Transcript
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