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

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

3. 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.

4.  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

5.  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

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

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.

8.  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.

9.  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.

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

11.  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!

12.  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!

13.  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!

14.  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.

15.  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.

16.  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

18.  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.