GOD OF THE MYSTERIES OF LIFE II A Contest & A Contrast –Daniel 2:19-45

 Who you follow and how you choose to live will determine how you respond to and proceed through the mysteries of life.

A CONTEST & CONTRAST  Sides are drawn (Intentionally by God) God vs worldly wisdom & the gods  Characters are in place Nebuchanezzar, Babylonian wise men & Arioch, Daniel and his 3 friends.

 Things are not always as they seem or appear.  For Daniel & Friends it looked like: Their God was powerless Their people were helpless Their cause was hopeless

 For us today it may seem to the world that: God is powerless to deal with the changing culture Christians are helpless against the tide of worldliness being captive to a hostile environment Our mission & cause is diminished

 Reality is: gods of this world are powerless Isaiah 46:6-7

 Some pour out gold from their bags and weigh out silver on the scales they hire a goldsmith to make it into a god, and they bow down and worship it. They lift it to their shoulders and carry it; they set it up in its place, and there it stands. From that spot it cannot move. Though one cries out to it, it does not answer; it cannot save him from his troubles.

 Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.

 We may face the same dangers as the world, but with a different response.  Navigating a hostile world demands a heart of dependency on God.

 Daniel’s vision came in the night.  God does give “night vision”

 Daniel did not just get an answer. He received insight into the character and ways of God.  Daniel was not just interested in what God could give him. He wanted God!

 When God answered your prayers, what did it reveal to you about his character and his ways?  Once he answered you what was the condition of your heart? Daniels was praise for God is!

 Daniels heart of humility and compassion was still intact. “Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon” Contrast Daniel with Arioch –Looking for credit Daniel was looking to glorify God!

 Daniel’s desire for & love of God kept him from falling into the “trap”. Trap of taking credit for what God did. Trap of drawing attention to himself  You can benefit from what God has done but cannot take credit for what God has done.

 Daniel leaves an example for us to make sure we help others understand mans limitations and Gods limitlessness.  When Daniel mentions himself it’s to ensure he is not the focus of attention.

 Daniels explanation of the dream: God is greater than you & the world God is wiser than you & world God is in control over you & the world That same God is informing you & his people

 God wants us to see that the gods of the world, the idols they erect leave them disillusioned and wondering about the meaning of life’s mysteries.  Those that trust him have an answer for the world but are not the answers themselves.