“People Who Know their God” Daniel 11:29-32 07/23/2006 Dr. Dane Boyles

“People Who Know their God” 29 “At the appointed time he will invade the South again, but this time the outcome will be different from what it was before. 30 Ships of the western coastlands will oppose him, and he will lose heart. Then he will turn back and vent his fury against the holy covenant. He will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant. (Daniel 11:29-30)

“People Who Know their God” 31 “His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. 32 With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him. (Daniel 11:31-32)

“People Who Know their God” Daniel’s prophecy in chapter 11 speaks of the rule of the Gentiles over Israel which was to continue. These events came to pass just as Daniel had foretold. In v. 30 we have in view Antiochus Epiphanes, a wicked ruler who was a type of the anti-christ.

“People Who Know their God” In his anger he took out his frustrations against the nation of Israel. He tried to compel the Jews to forsake the worship of God and replace it with the worship of the Greek god Zeus. “...but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.” (v. 32, NIV) “...but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” (v. 32, ASV)

“People Who Know their God” Consider their Relationship: They know God. What does it mean to know God? It means more than just to know about Him. These people had spent time with God and had a personal relationship with Him.

“People Who Know their God” Consider also their Character: They were Strong. We are talking about their character here. Strength comes from preparation. Mothers tell their children to drink their milk. Popeye said to eat your spinach. An athlete who trains with weights.

“People Who Know their God” What was the resistance that these people faced? The enemy of God was trying to force them to change what they believed. They resisted it...they were strong. Because Christ gave him the strength! (Phil 4:13)

“People Who Know their God” Consider also their Action: Exploits. What are ‘Exploits’? Webster : a notable or heroic act. Big things....unusual things. The kind of things that were not expected of these people.

“People Who Know their God” God’s people are known for ‘Exploits’. Biblical examples: Joseph Moses Joshua David Nehemiah

“People Who Know their God” Great people of God in history. Founders Missionaries How about those who came together to build a work for God here in this place.

“People Who Know their God” Conclusion What does it take to do ‘Exploits’? It begins with vision. 18 Where there is no vision, the people perish. (Prov 29:18) It is accomplished by commitment.

“People Who Know their God” A vision will be nothing more than an empty dream, if we are not committed to giving of ourselves. May we accept that challenge today! Do you know God tonight?

“People Who Know their God” Daniel 11:29-32 07/23/2006 Dr. Dane Boyles