Series: The Book Of Daniel — Integrity

Message Outline

Series Message 10
Go your way till the end!
Text: Daniel 11:36-12:13

Introduction

I can't believe our journey in Daniel is coming to an end! We have learned so much together in the past ten weeks. We have covered some major themes in the adventure of living with and for God. We have seen:

1. God's sovereignty over world events and kingdoms (and so his ability to lead us through life!)
2. God's reliability, even when appearances (furnace, lion's den) seem otherwise - he is faithful!
3. Powerful stories of real faith under pressure and the power of prayer for God's followers.
4. Detailed prophecies, many already fulfilled, proving the Bible's authority and accuracy.
5. The reality of spiritual warfare and the confidence Christ-followers can have in the battle.
6. Daniel's trust of God and confidence with men as a model of integrity for us to follow.

Throughout we have seen the character and presence of the pre-incarnate Jesus:

1. In the uncut Rock of the coming Kingdom of God (2:45)
2. In the fire of the blazing furnace, rescuing his followers (3:25)
3. In the form of an angel who shut the lions' mouths (6:22)
4. In the heavenly throne room, receiving His endless Kingdom (7:13-14)
5. In the white linen gown Jesus wears in Revelation 1, giving visions (8:15, 10:5, 12:6)

Today's Theme

The book ends with a wonderful, powerful, and reassuring "commission" that is relevant to every one of us today as we seek to make the most of our lives - to be today's Daniels in today's Babylons:

Daniel 12:13 "And you? Go about your business without fretting or worrying. Relax. When it's all over, you will be on your feet to receive your reward." (MSG) Jesus would later add a lot of specificity to this,  in the Sermon on the Mount, the Great Commandment, and the Great Commission!

1. In distress God gives Daniel the great promise of resurrection (v. 1-4)

- At that time from verse 1 refers to "the time of the end" from 11:40
- This is a time when the king who exalts himself will arise
- This ungodly king's fate is certain - see 11:45
- When is this to take place? - The concept of multiple fulfillment
- Michael: the archangel of the Jewish people (see Jude 9, Rev 12:7, 1 Thess 4:16)
- bodily resurrection - verse 2 - some to life, some to shame and contempt
- verse 3 - teachers (the wise) and witnesses (lead many to righteousness) - see Phil 2:15
- verse 4 - "seal the words"

2. Jesus answers the same questions that are often on our minds (v. 5-12)

- this scene finishes the vision begun in chapter 10 - all one unit
- like the apostles in Matthew 24:3, we want to know when and what - same in 12:6 and 8
- the man in linen raises both hands in an oath - see Deuteronomy 32:40
- he declares three and a half years, 1260 days, until the power of the holy people has been broken
- note the possible preterist or futurist interpretations from last week's study
- also note the times in verses 11 and 12 - this can fit events of 70 AD and/or a time yet to come
- 1290 days (30 for judgment) and 1335 days (45 more days for setting up Jesus' government)

- note verse 10 - what a critical question - what is the book of Daniel doing to you?
- are you being changed, purified, and growing in understanding?
- what will you do to grow in understanding? Adult education options.

3. The mission of every believer and the church is fore-shadowed (v. 13)

- we have seen so far that Daniel is "highly esteemed" (9:23, 10:11, 19) by God
- we have also seen that "those who know their God" (11:32) will resist the enemy
- every believer is highly esteemed because Jesus gave His life for us
- every believer is given access to know their God intimately
- this is our call and our destiny - don't stay on the outside looking in!
- go about the King's business, which is discipleship and domain expansion!
- relax! use his power, not your own
- be always confident of your destiny as you walk in his authority and intimacy!

Personal Application- Communion and Summer Reflection Questions:

1. OK, it's decision and commitment time! Being a Daniel in My Babylon:
   I want to become a disciple of Jesus! Please help me find a disciplemaker who can help me.There is a clear call throughout the New Testament for us to become like Jesus. See Galatians 2:20, 4:19, Colossians 1:28, and Matthew 28:19-20. Have you made the personal commitment to become an apprentice (disciple) of Jesus? Have you sought out someone further along the journey to show you? Until you make a deliberate decision to learn and live what Jesus taught, you will not experience the blessings of the Christian journey. It is never too late to start! We have people ready to walk with you. Yes, it will take some work and it will change your priorities, but it is the way of life you have been called to. Will you follow Jesus? Fill in the confidential insert in today's bulletin.
   
2. My home, family, neighborhood, church, workplace, hobbies, travel and extended families are my personal "domain". The goal of my life as a Christ-follower is to bring that domain under the authority of King Jesus and thereby build the Kingdom of God. Looking at each area of your life, ask God to help you set some simple goals. Pray for those goals daily. Ask your disciple-maker to help you find the ways that you can bring more of your life and domain under Jesus' control - and encourage you to success!