Sermon Central
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What Is God Saying? Part 2 Series
Contributed by Tiger Gullett on Apr 12, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: This series of messages takes a look into the book of Daniel and what God has to say to us through this prophetic book.
What Is God Saying?
Daniel Chapter 2
6 THINGS THAT GOD IS SAYING THROUGH DANIEL CHAPTER 2
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1. “My Wisdom Disgraces The Wisdom Of Man.”
v.1-27, 30 (Key Verses: 1-10, 19, 27, 30)
a) These WISE MEN could not interpret what God was doing, or saying to the king.
b) You see, this dream was not of man, but was from God to Nebuchadnezzar.
c) God in His wisdom, spoke to Daniel, and Daniel told the King what God was saying, IN HIS WISDOM.
d) Today we must realize that God’s wisdom disgraces the wisdom of man.
e) We ask, why is God doing this? Why do bad things happen to good people?
f) God’s not on man’s time line, or man’s thinking.
g) READ - JOB 40 - GOD TELLS JOB SINCE HE IS SO WISE TELL HIM ABOUT A FEW THINGS
h) READ - 1 COR 1:20-25 WHERE IS THE WISE MAN?
i) IT IS NOT MAN’S JOB TO QUESTION GOD, BUT TO ACKNOWLEDGE HIS WISDOM IS GREATER THAN MAN
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2. “I Desire To Reveal The Mysteries Of The World And My Word.” v.27-30
a) God didn’t trouble the King for troubles sake, He wanted to reveal the mystery of His Will.
b) There is a popular belief today that Spiritual things are shrouded in mystery.
c) Some believe that you have to be in this euphoric state of mind for God to reveal His mysteries.
d) We need to understand that God doesn’t wish to keep Spiritual things secret. He wants to reveal them.
e) How can we know God’s mysteries? How can we unravel them? READ HIS WORD, PRAY FOR WISDOM, OPEN YOUR MIND, PURGE THE TRASH AND GET READY
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3. “I Am The God Of Yesterday, Today, And Tomorrow.” v.31-33, 36-43
a) We have to take a look at this statue that God showed the King BUT
b) Don’t get too caught up in the image of the statue and forget what God is saying:
c) LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT THIS STATUE
I. HEAD OF GOLD - BABYLONIAN EMPIRE 636-539 BC
II. CHEST/ARMS OF SILVER - PERSIAN EMPIRE 539-330 BC
III. BELLY/THIGHS BRONZE - THE GRECIAN EMPIRE 330-63 BC
IV. LEGS OF IRON - THE ROMAN EMPIRE 63 BC - 475 AD
V. FEET OF IRON AND CLAY - MANY SCHOLARS INCLUDE ROME IN THIS, I BELIEVE WITH ALL MY HEART THIS IS A PICTURE OF AMERICA, IT’S DIVERSITY BECOMES IT’S WEAKNESS
d) The vision of this statue shows that God is not limited to power of today. He’s in control of all times - Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow.
e) Child of God, remember as you petition God that He is already in tomorrow, so trust Him with the results.
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4. “I Will Strike Down Earthly Kingdoms, And Rule From An Eternal Throne.” v.34-35, 44-45
a) God is showing us that a time is coming when earthly rule will be no more.
b) He has established an eternal Kingdom, that is soon coming, that He will Reign. He will rule for eternity.
c) This is a blessed hope and reminder that we are pilgrims in this land. We’re just passing through.
d) Problems hit? Rejoice! You’re only passing through!
e) Death? Rejoice! This isn’t our home! We’re passing through.
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5. “I Will Use Simple Men To Exalt My Name And My Kingdom.” v.46-47
a) Check it out! This young little nobody who was plucked from Jerusalem has a pagan king on his face worshiping God
b) God is reminding us here that he uses simple people to accomplish huge tasks.
c) Remember David?
d) Remember Moses?
e) Remember Peter?
f) Remember Paul?
g) None of these men were BORN royalty! But God radically used them to transform the world as we know it!
h) God created you to do more than exist. He wants to use you to radically transform your world.
i) You ask, “who am I?” NOBODY! That’s who God uses!
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6. “I Will Bless Those Who Serve Me From The Heart.” v.48-49
a) These young Jewish boys are now being placed in positions.
b) Look here in verse 48 LAVISHED GIFTS - POURING LIKE RAIN
c) People who serve God from the heart get blessed.
d) Not necessarily with gifts, but blessings!
e) People who live in defeat all the time - SOMETHING’S WRONG
f) Either you ain’t serving, or it ain’t from the heart.