Drew Mathews Associate Pastor

“Sovereign Over All” The Book of Daniel

What is the Lesson of Daniel?

God is sovereignGod is sovereign

–God is the main character in the story What is the Lesson of Daniel?

“Everyone loves a story and children are first on the list. Children see the world as very small with them in the very center. One of the roles of the Christian parent is to train our children to shift from self-centeredness to others- centeredness and especially God- centeredness. God’s story, as told in his word, is a bigger story. He is the main character and we are his supporting cast. We are privileged to be a part.” From LCF “Transit” Newsletter, “Parents’ Corner”

God is sovereignGod is sovereign –God is the main character in the story –God is the hero of the story What is the Lesson of Daniel?

God is sovereignGod is sovereign –God is the main character in the story –God is the hero of the story Summary Statement: God is sovereign over the past, the present, and the future of people and of nations What is the Lesson of Daniel?

Daniel Background

Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar first took exiles from Judah in 605 B.C.Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar first took exiles from Judah in 605 B.C.

Daniel Background Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar first took exiles from Judah in 605 B.C.Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar first took exiles from Judah in 605 B.C. Daniel and his friends were among the first group of exilesDaniel and his friends were among the first group of exiles

Daniel Background Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar first took exiles from Judah in 605 B.C.Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar first took exiles from Judah in 605 B.C. Daniel and his friends were among the first group of exilesDaniel and his friends were among the first group of exiles Daniel remained in Babylon until 536 B.C.Daniel remained in Babylon until 536 B.C.

An Overview of Daniel Chapters 1-6: stories about Daniel and his friends living faith-filled lives in a hostile culture; God uses them to reveal himself to foreigners and exalt himself above their godsChapters 1-6: stories about Daniel and his friends living faith-filled lives in a hostile culture; God uses them to reveal himself to foreigners and exalt himself above their gods

An Overview of Daniel Chapters 1-6: stories about Daniel and his friends living faith-filled lives in a hostile culture; God uses them to reveal himself to foreigners and exalt himself above their godsChapters 1-6: stories about Daniel and his friends living faith-filled lives in a hostile culture; God uses them to reveal himself to foreigners and exalt himself above their gods Chapters 7-12: a series of dreams and visions detailing present and future political situations and the ultimate triumph of the kingdom of the MessiahChapters 7-12: a series of dreams and visions detailing present and future political situations and the ultimate triumph of the kingdom of the Messiah

God’s Sovereignty

“The sovereignty of God! What do we mean by this expression? To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the Most High, doing according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, so that no one can stay His hand or say unto Him, What doest Thou? (Dan. 4:35). To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the Possessor of all power in heaven and earth, so that none can defeat His counsels, thwart His purposes, or resist His will (Ps. 115:3).”

God’s Sovereignty “To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is ‘The Governor among the nations’ (Ps. 22:28), setting up kingdoms, over throwing empires, and determining the course of dynasties as pleaseth Him best. To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the ‘Only Potentate, the Kings of kings, and Lord of lords’ (1 Tim. 6:15). Such is the God of the Bible.” A. W. Pink, The Sovereignty of God

God’s Sovereignty 1.He has the authority to do whatever he wills with his creation

God’s Sovereignty 1.He has the authority to do whatever he wills with his creation 2.He is powerful enough to accomplish his will

God’s Sovereignty 1.He has the authority to do whatever he wills with his creation 2.He is powerful enough to accomplish his will 3.He governs all the details of the Universe

God’s Sovereignty “When we say that God is sovereign, we affirm His right to govern the universe, which He has made for His own glory, just as He pleases. We affirm that His right is the right of the Potter over the clay, that He may mould that clay into whatsoever form He chooses.... We affirm that He is under no rule or law outside His own will and nature, that God is a law unto Himself, and that He is under no obligation to give account of His matters to any.” A. W. Pink, The Sovereignty of God

God is sovereign over the past, the present, and the future of people and of nations The Lesson of Daniel

Pray

Pray The way to tune in to the Sovereign God and support him in what he is doing is, first of all, to pray.

Pray 1.Acknowledge God and his attributes in prayer

Pray 2.Repeat the Gospel repetitively

Pray 1.Acknowledge God and his attributes in prayer 2.Repeat the Gospel repetitively 3.Focus on God’s fame

Pray 1.Acknowledge God and his attributes in prayer 2.Repeat the Gospel repetitively 3.Focus on God’s fame “When we ask that God’s name be hallowed, we must then have no consideration for our own benefit but must set before ourselves his glory, to gaze with eyes intent upon this one thing... and in the remaining petitions.. to be affected in precisely the same way.” John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion

Video hereVideo here

Pray 1.Acknowledge God and his attributes in prayer 2.Repeat the Gospel repetitively 3.Focus on God’s fame