Unseen Battles: Hope and Resurrection in Daniel

As we reach the conclusion of our journey through the book of Daniel, we are confronted with profound truths about the unseen realities that shape our world and the ultimate hope that anchors our faith. Daniel’s visions, especially in chapter 12, pull back the curtain on the spiritual battles and cosmic forces at work behind the events of history and our own lives. Just as we only see the edited version of a film, so too are we often unaware of the spiritual “behind the scenes”—angelic and demonic forces influencing nations, individuals, and even the answers to our prayers. Scripture affirms that these realities are true, even if invisible to us.

We are reminded that the world is not simply a stage for human drama, but a battleground where spiritual beings contend. Daniel’s experience of delayed answers to prayer because of spiritual opposition reveals that our prayers matter and are heard, but there are often unseen struggles that affect the timing and outcome. The Bible warns us against two extremes: denying the existence of spiritual forces or attributing every misfortune to them. Instead, we are called to a balanced awareness—recognizing the reality of spiritual warfare without falling into superstition.

As Daniel’s vision unfolds, we see that the end of the age will be marked by unprecedented tribulation, persecution, and an increase in wickedness. Jesus himself echoed these warnings, teaching that the world will not improve but will grow darker, with false messiahs and prophets performing signs to deceive even the elect. Yet, in the midst of this, there is a promise: those whose names are written in the Book of Life will be delivered—not by being spared from suffering or death, but through resurrection.

This hope of resurrection is not a consolation prize, but the ultimate victory. God’s rescue is not always to spare us from pain or death, but to transform us through it, granting us new, imperishable bodies fit for the new creation He will bring. Jesus’ own tears at the tomb of Lazarus show us that He understands our grief and loss, but His power to call the dead to life assures us that death is not the end. Our inheritance is secure, not in this world, but in the life to come. In the face of tribulation, we are called to steadfast faith, knowing that our hope rests in the God who raises the dead.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Unseen Spiritual Realm Shapes Our Reality There are real spiritual forces—both angelic and demonic—actively working behind the scenes in our world and in our lives. While we may not perceive them, their influence is evident in both personal struggles and global events. Recognizing this reality calls us to humility and vigilance, understanding that our prayers and actions participate in a much larger spiritual conflict. [28:24]
• 2. Prayer Is Heard, But Answers May Be Delayed by Spiritual Opposition Daniel’s experience teaches us that God hears our prayers immediately, but sometimes the answers are delayed due to spiritual resistance. This delay is not a sign of God’s indifference, but a reminder that our prayers intersect with cosmic battles beyond our sight. Perseverance in prayer is essential, trusting that God is at work even when we do not see immediate results. [30:55]
• 3. Tribulation Is Inevitable, But Not the End Scripture does not promise believers exemption from suffering or persecution; in fact, it warns that tribulation will intensify as the end approaches. The world will grow darker, and the people of God may be broken and even killed. Yet, this is not a sign of defeat, but a prelude to God’s ultimate deliverance through resurrection. [45:28]
• 4. The True Rescue Is Resurrection, Not Escape God’s idea of rescue is not always to spare us from death or suffering, but to raise us from the dead and give us new, incorruptible bodies. The resurrection is the ultimate hope for believers, surpassing any temporary deliverance in this life. Our faith is anchored not in the avoidance of pain, but in the certainty of life beyond the grave. [66:20]
• 5. Jesus Understands Our Sorrow and Has Power Over Death Jesus’ tears at Lazarus’ tomb reveal His deep empathy for our grief and the tragedy of death. Yet, He also demonstrates His authority to call the dead to life, assuring us that our hope is not in this world, but in being raised to eternal life with Him. In our moments of loss and despair, we can trust that Jesus both weeps with us and will ultimately rescue us through resurrection. [66:20]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [26:26] - Daniel’s Context and Apocalyptic Visions
• [27:30] - The “Behind the Scenes” Spiritual Reality
• [28:24] - Temptation and Spiritual Warfare
• [30:55] - Delayed Answers to Prayer and Angelic Conflict
• [32:51] - The Divine Council and Rebellion of Angelic Beings
• [34:06] - Sons of God and the Heavenly Court
• [35:11] - Balancing Belief in Spiritual Forces
• [37:50] - Michael, Satan, and the Coming Spiritual War
• [41:28] - Tribulation and the Persecution of Believers
• [43:00] - Signs of the End: Wickedness and False Messiahs
• [45:28] - The World’s Decline and the Need for Vigilance
• [48:02] - The Book of Life and Assurance of Inheritance
• [50:29] - The Meaning of “Time, Times, and Half a Time”
• [66:20] - Jesus Wept: The Hope of Resurrection
• [73:00] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement

Bible Reading

Daniel 12:1-3 (ESV) — > “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”

Matthew 24:9-13 (ESV) — > “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

John 11:32-44 (ESV) — > (Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead; Jesus weeps with Mary and Martha.)

Observation Questions

1. In Daniel 12:1, who is Michael and what is his role during the time of trouble?
2. According to Daniel 12:2, what happens to “those who sleep in the dust of the earth”?
3. In Matthew 24:12, what does Jesus say will happen to the love of many as wickedness increases?
4. When Jesus arrives at Lazarus’ tomb in John 11, what is his emotional response to the grief of Mary and the others? ([01:06:20])

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon described spiritual forces working “behind the scenes” in our world. Why is it important for believers to be aware of this spiritual reality, and what dangers are there in ignoring or obsessing over it? ([28:24])
2. Daniel’s prayers were delayed because of spiritual opposition (Daniel 10). What does this teach about how God hears and answers our prayers? How might this change the way we pray? ([30:55])
3. The sermon said that tribulation and suffering are not signs of God’s absence or defeat, but part of the story for God’s people. How does this challenge common ideas about what it means to be “delivered” by God? ([45:28])
4. Jesus wept at Lazarus’ tomb even though he knew he would raise him. What does this show us about God’s heart toward our pain and loss? ([01:06:20])

Application Questions

1. The sermon warned against two extremes: denying spiritual realities or blaming everything on them. Which side do you tend to lean toward, and how can you move toward a more balanced, biblical view? ([36:35])
2. Daniel’s prayers were heard immediately, but the answer was delayed due to spiritual conflict. Have you ever experienced a time when you felt your prayers were delayed or unanswered? How did you respond, and what might perseverance in prayer look like for you now? ([30:55])
3. The Bible says tribulation and persecution will increase, not decrease, as the end approaches. How does this affect your expectations for the Christian life? Are there ways you need to adjust your hopes or plans in light of this reality? ([45:28])
4. The hope of resurrection is described as the ultimate rescue—not just being spared from suffering, but being given new life. How does this change the way you view suffering, loss, or even death? ([45:28])
5. Jesus both wept with those who grieved and had the power to raise the dead. In your own times of sorrow or loss, do you find it easier to believe that Jesus understands your pain, or that he has power to change your situation? Why? ([01:06:20])
6. The sermon said our inheritance is not in this world, but in the life to come. Are there things you are holding onto in this life that make it hard to hope for what’s next? What would it look like to loosen your grip on them? ([48:02])
7. Think about someone you know who is going through a time of suffering or loss. How can you come alongside them in a way that reflects both Jesus’ compassion and his hope of resurrection? ([01:06:20])