1. DANIEL CHAPTER 2 An Awesome Predicament

2. What we learn about God from Chapter 2 The Lord can reveal things in visions (v18)God has power and wisdom (v20-23)He controls time (v20-23)He removes & establishes kings (v20-23)He gives wisdom to wise men (v20-23)He reveals profound & hidden things (v20-23)The light dwells in Him (v20-23)He knows what is hidden (v20-23)God gave Daniel knowledge when he asked for it (v18 &23)God gave even Nebuchadnezzar his power (v37)God is the “God of gods” and “Lord of kings”(v47)

3. What we learn about Daniel from Chapter 2 When Daniel needed help from God, he asked his friends to help him (v17) He praised God after He revealed the meaning of the dream (v20-23) Daniel acknowledged that God gave him the interpretation (v28)Daniel told the king he had been given his power by God (v37)Daniel was promoted after his interpretation (v48)

4. What we learn about others in Daniel Chapter 2  Nebuchadnezzar was very cruel and dictatorial (v5)  Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged God after Daniel revealed the interpretation to him (v47)  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego helped Daniel to pray (v17)

5. So what’s in a dream?

6. The dreams interpretation: The head of gold; Nebuchadnezzar, King of BabylonSilver breast and arms; the kingdom after Babylon (Medo-Persia)Bronze belly and thighs; third kingdom (Greece)Iron legs; 4 th kingdom that will crush all like iron (Rome)Feet of part iron, part clay; a future world kingdomThe stone that destroys the statue; God’s coming kingdom, lead by CHRIST!!

7. Who is the stone?  Psalm 118:22  The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;  Isaiah 28:16  So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.  1 Peter 2:4-8  As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.“ Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, and, "A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.“ They stumble because they disobey the message— which is also what they were destined for.

8. Why did God give this dream and its interpretation?  Verse 30 gives us part of the reason:  As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than other living men, but so that you, O king, may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind.  Verse 45b reveals the rest of the reason:  “The great God has shown the king what will take place in the future. The dream is true and the interpretation is trustworthy."

9. Our witness to unbelievers  2 Timothy 1:7-11  7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.  8So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.  2 Timothy 1:7-11  7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.  8So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.

10. How does this apply to us?  This chapter shows us that we can trust in God for our future.  How does this affect you or how could it change your outlook?  This chapter also shows us that God even establishes the kings and powers put in place.  What does this say about your life? About your trust?  We are enabled by the Holy Spirit to witness.  Does this help you overcome your fear to tell others about Christ?