May 26, 2024
SERMON SERIES: STANDING STRONG IN AN UNSTABLE WORLD
Book of Daniel
SERMON # 2: GOD WANTS US TO WITNESS TO THE LOST
Daniel 2:19-49
Nebuchadnezzar ---The Confused King.
1. His forgotten dream had frustrated him to the point of murder.
2. The lives of his advisors were in jeopardy.
3. God reveal the dream and its meaning to Daniel.
Daniel Brought the Good News to the King.
1. “There is a God in heaven that revealed secrets.”
2. We must seize opportunities to tell others about our Lord.
3. We’re commanded to share God’s good news continually.
God WANTS US TO WITNESS TO THE LOST!
I. PROPHECY PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR WITNESSING v. 27-29
A. The king wanted to know about the future.
1. Many share his curiosity about what lies ahead.
2. Daniel had the king’s attention and drove his message home. (v. 27-28).
a. Daniel’s witness: The LORD alone has the knowledge to reveal the dream (v. 27).
b. The God in heaven is the only One who can truly reveal mysteries (v. 28).
c. The LORD had shown the King what would happen in the latter days (v. 28).
d. The LORD had given the dream about coming events while the king was sleeping (v. 29).
B. Nebuchadnezzar’s eyes were opened to God’s prophetic plan.
1. Daniel was fulfilling his responsibility to God and the king.
2. How long has it been since you dared to be like Daniel?
C. Great rewards await those who care enough to share this good news.
II. HUMILITY ADDS EFFECTIVENESS TO WITNESSING v. 30
The credit for revealing this mystery of future events is God’s alone not Daniel’s.
· Daniel was not wiser than other people.
· God Himself revealed the dream to help the king.
A. Daniel gave all the glory for his wisdom to God.
1. He claimed no special intelligence of his own.
2. He pointed out this interpretation was to benefit others.
B. Wise Daniel even explained this to help the king understand.
a. God was at work in this dream and the interpretation.
b. The world would be changed by understanding it.
C. Future students of prophecy would be amazed at its accuracy.
III. COURAGEOUS WITNESSING BRINGS REWARDS v. 31-49
A. God’s explanation of the dream ---The Description of the Statue (v. 31-36).
B. The interpretation of the four kingdoms:
1. Head of Fine Gold---Nebuchadnezzar & the Babylonian Empire
*His kingdom & life---his very power, strength & honor---were a gift from God (v. 37).
*His rule was a responsibility place into his hands by God 9v. 38).
2. Chest & Arms of Silver----Medo-Persian Empire
3. Middle & Thighs of Brass---Greek Empire
4. Legs of Iron---Roman Empire
*Will crush all opposing powers (v. 40).
*Will be a divided empire (v. 41).
5. The last kingdom: God’s eternal kingdom will surely come; Is
Guaranteed by God (v. 44-45).
C. The overwhelming response of Nebuchadnezzar.
1. He felled prostrate: Honored Daniel & treated him like a god (v. 46).
2. He acknowledged Daniel’s God to be above all gods (v. 47)
3. He promoted Daniel (v. 48).
a. Made him ruler over the province of Babylon.
b. Made him the chief counsel over all king’s advisors
c. He promoted Daniel’s three friends (at Daniel’s request) v. 49
Rewards await all faithful servants of the Lord!
Responsive Reading: Daniel 2:19-49
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