Bible Reflections: 10/23/14

October 23, 2014

From Mark Copeland... The Preacher's Advice To The Young (Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:7)

                       "THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES"

             The Preacher's Advice To The Young (11:9-12:7)

INTRODUCTION

1. As a result of his search for meaning in life "under the sun"...
   a. The Preacher's concluded that "all is vanity" - e.g., 1:2,14;
      2:1,11
   b. Even one who lives many joyful years can still anticipate days of
      darkness - 11:8

2. While life "under the sun" (viewed purely from an earthly 
   perspective) is vanity...
   a. That does not mean one should simply give up in despair
   b. Throughout, the Preacher has counseled his readers to enjoy what
      good God has given one - e.g., 2:24; 3:12,13,22; 5:18-20; 7:14;
      9:7-10

3. The lessons gleaned through the Preacher's own experience need to be
   learned by everyone, especially the young, otherwise they may...
   a. Waste years running after things that really don't satisfy
   b. Miss out on the true enjoyment of life available to them in their
      youth

[To make sure that young people do not miss the lessons he has learned,
the Preacher directs his attention towards them as he prepares to draw
his book to a close.  In 11:9-12:7, we find "The Preacher's Advice To
The Young", the first of which is...]

I. REJOICE IN YOUR YOUTH (11:9)

   A. GOD WANTS YOU TO HAVE A GOOD TIME...
      1. He wants you to be joyful, to do things that are pleasing
      2. Just as the Preacher had counseled earlier - 9:7-10
      -- Therefore take advantage of the youthful capacity to enjoy
         life!

   B. DON'T LOSE SIGHT OF THE JUDGMENT...
      1. You will have to give an account for what you do
      2. God will judge both the righteous and the wicked - cf. 3:17;
         12:14
      -- Therefore be selective in what you do to have fun!

[God has created man with the energy to enjoy life, especially when we
are young.  As long as that energy is directed in the right channels,
youth is to be a time of great joy!  Along the same vein, the Preacher
advises the young to...]

II. REMOVE SORROW AND EVIL FROM YOUR YOUTH (11:10)

   A. REMOVE SORROW FROM YOUR HEART...
      1. Sorrow deprives one of the joy they should have in their youth
      2. Enough sorrow comes without our help...make sure that we do
         does not add to it through youthful indiscretions (which leads
         to the next point)

   B. REMOVE EVIL FROM YOUR FLESH...
      1. Youthful indiscretions contribute to much sorrow
         a. Such as the wrong kind of companions - e.g., Pr 1:10-19
         b. Such as succumbing to the enticements of the wicked - e.g.,
            Pr 5:1-14
      2. Childhood and youth are fleeting...don't waste them on things
         that only bring much grief and sorrow in life

[Youth, while short, can be a wonderful time of life.  The key is to
heed the next admonition, which has already been alluded in references
concerning the judgment, and that is to...]

III. REMEMBER GOD IN YOUR YOUTH (12:1)

   A. SERVING GOD IS NOT JUST FOR THE ELDERLY...
      1. Great men of God served Him from their youth (e.g., Joseph,
         Samuel, David, Solomon, Josiah, Daniel)
      2. Jesus provided the proper example as well - Lk 2:41-52
      3. Timothy, who had known the Scriptures from childhood, was to
         be an example to others - cf. 2Ti 3:15; 1Ti 4:12

   B. SERVING GOD WILL HELP YOU MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES...
      1. Even as it helped Joseph - e.g., Gen 39:7-12
      2. And as it helped Daniel - e.g., Dan 1:8

[Serving God in your youth will help avoid many of the things that
bring sorrow, and prepare you for the "days of darkness" (11:8) that
will come.  This leads us to the final point in "The Preacher's Advice
To The Young"...]

IV. REFLECT UPON WHAT IS COMING (12:1-7)

   A. DIFFICULT DAYS ARE AHEAD...
      1. Presuming you live long enough
      2. As already stated, these days will be many - 11:8
         a. They will be days in which little pleasure will be found 
            - 12:1
         b. The darkening of the lights of heaven denoting a time of
            affliction and sadness (Barnes) - 12:2

   B. A TIME WHERE AGE AND DEATH CATCHES UP TO US...
      1. The Preacher uses various figures to depict the body in old
         age and death - 12:3-7
      2. What the figures of verses 3-6 possibly represent:
         a. The keepers of the house tremble (the arms weaken)
         b. The strong men bow down (the legs become frail) 
         c. The grinders cease because they are few (the teeth fall
            out)
         d. Those that look through the windows grow dim (the eyes lose
            their sight)
         e. The doors are shut in the streets (the ears become hard of
            hearing)
         f. The sound of the grinding is low (the mouth and speech
            become unintelligible)
         g. When one rises up at the sound of a bird (the elderly
            easily awakened)
         h. And all the daughters of music are brought low (the voice
            no longer able to produce music)
         i. They are afraid of height (their fear of falling)
         j. And of terrors in the way (no longer feeling invincible)
         k. When the almond tree blossoms (the wakefulness of old age
            setting in)
         l. The grasshopper is a burden (an old man, bowed like the
            insect, able to move only with some difficulty)
         m. And desire fails (fleshly desires wane)
         n. For man goes to his eternal home, And the mourners go about
            the streets (an obvious reference to death)
         o. The remaining figures, alluding to decay of the body
            1) Before the silver cord (the spinal cord) is loosed 
            2) The golden bowl (the skull) is broken 
            3) The pitcher (the heart) shattered at the fountain 
            4) The wheel (the pelvis) broken at the well 
      3. Finally, the body returns to the dust, and the spirit returns
         to God - 12:7
      -- The purpose of such a description is not to depress the young,
         but to instill the proper degree of sobriety (seriousness), a
         trait becoming the young - cf. Tit 2:6

CONCLUSION

1. The challenges our youth face are great...
   a. The temptations before them are many
   b. The allurements of the world promise much, but deliver little
   c. The young are very susceptible to depression and despair
   -- In a world in which life "under the sun" is vanity, they need all
      the help they can get

2. There is much in life that can be enjoyed, provided one heeds the
   Preacher's admonition:
   a. Rejoice in our youth
   b. Remove sorrow and evil
   c. Remember God in your youth
   d. Reflect upon the days ahead

As the apostle Paul wrote to Christians in Galatia, which certainly
applies to the young:

   "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows,
   that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the
   flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the
   Spirit reap everlasting life.  And let us not grow weary while
   doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose
   heart."  (Ga 6:7-9)

Do we wish to reap everlasting life?  Then let us sow to the Spirit by
walking after the Spirit (cf. Ga 5:16-23) and allowing the fruit of the
Spirit in our lives to produce the good things that we shall reap!

From Mark Copeland.... Epilogue & Conclusion (Ecclesiastes 12:8-14)

"THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES"

Epilogue & Conclusion (12:8-14)

INTRODUCTION

1. With advice given to the young (11:9-12:7), Ecclesiastes then draws
to a close - 12:8-14

2. The book has often been misunderstood and abused...
a. By taking passages out of context
b. By drawing conclusions which ignore the author's own conclusion

3. But in the last seven verses, we find...
a. A restatement of the result of the Preacher's search for meaning
- 12:8
b. An epilogue that describes the Preacher's continuing work, the
value of wisdom, and a warning against the wrong kind of study
- 12:9-12
c. The grand conclusion drawn from the Preacher's search for meaning
and purpose in life - 12:13-14

[With the "Epilogue And Conclusion" before us, we can guard against the
misapplications some have made of this book. Therefore let's begin
with...]

I. THE THEME RESTATED (8)

A. A THEME REPEATED THROUGHOUT THE BOOK...
1. In the Prologue - 1:2
2. Prior to describing his search for meaning - 1:14
3. Throughout the course of his search:
a. The vanity of pleasure - 2:1
b. The vanity of industry (labor) - 2:11,22-23; 4:4
c. The vanity of human wisdom - 2:15
d. The vanity of all life - 2:17
e. The vanity of leaving an inheritance - 2:18-21
4. Throughout his words of counsel and wisdom:
a. The vanity of earthly existence - 3:19-21
b. The vanity of acquiring riches over family - 4:7-8
c. The vanity of political popularity - 4:16
d. The vanity of many dreams and many words - 5:7
e. The vanity of loving abundance - 5:10
f. The vanity of wealth without the gift of God to enjoy it
- 6:2
g. The vanity of wandering desire - 6:9
h. The vanity of foolish laughter - 7:6
i. The vanity of injustice in this life - 8:14
j. The vanity of the days of darkness - 11:8
k. The vanity of childhood and youth - 11:10

B. WHICH MUST BE REMEMBERED IN ITS CONTEXT...
1. He is referring to the vanity of life "under the sun"
a. As stated in the prologue - 1:3,9,14
b. In describing the vanity of his labor - 2:11,17-20,22
c. In relating the evil that he saw - 3:16; 4:1,3,7,15; 5:13;
6:1; 8:9; 9:3,6,11; 10:5
d. In giving his counsel - 5:18; 6:12; 8:15,17; 9:9,13
2. I.e., when life is viewed solely from an earthly perspective
a. Examining life solely on its own merits
b. When God and the afterlife are not taken into the equation
3. When viewed from this perspective...
a. There is no advantage of wisdom over folly - 2:15-16
b. Man is no different than animals - 3:19-21
c. The dead know nothing and they have no more reward - 9:5-6
-- But it would be a misapplication to use these passages to
deny life after death, or that there is no value in seeking
after true wisdom

[If life "under the sun" is all there is, then truly, "Vanity of
vanities, all is vanity." But we have seen throughout the book that the
Preacher gave wise counsel for dealing with the vanity of life. That he
continued such work is evident from the next four verses...]

II. THE EPILOGUE (9-12)

A. THE PREACHER'S ONGOING WORK...
1. He continued to teach others, and to seek for knowledge, truth
and righteousness - 12:9-10
2. This certainly sounds like Solomon - 1Ki 4:30-34; 10:4-8;
cf. Ec 1:1,12,16; 2:9
-- Note that his conclusion about life's vanity did not lead him
to despair or inactivity!

B. THE VALUE OF THE RIGHT KIND OF STUDY...
1. The words of the wise are of great value - 12:11-12a
a. They are like "goads", prodding our thinking, moving us
along in the right direction
b. They are like "nails", that which can provide stability and
steadfastness in our lives
-- Especially those "given by One Shepherd" (i.e., inspired by
God)
2. But not all knowledge is beneficial - 12:12b
a. There is no end to the making of books (with the printing
press and the Internet, this is even more so!)
b. Much study is wearisome to the flesh (cf. 1:18)
-- Since one can't study every book, one must be selective as
to which "shepherd(s)" they will follow!

[Since life "under the sun" is filled with so much vanity, we are
admonished by the Preacher by both example and precept to seek out the
right kind of wisdom to guide our short sojourn here on earth. That
leads us finally to...]

III. THE GRAND CONCLUSION (13-14)

A. FEAR GOD AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS...
1. This is "the whole duty of man" (KJV, RSV) - 12:13
a. This summarizes the answer to his own question - cf. 2:3
b. This is man's reason for being, his "prime directive" for
his existence
2. To "fear God"
a. That is, to revere God, to hold Him in awe
b. This is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge - Pr 1:7;
9:10
c. This reverence will help prolong life, and protect one from
much evil - Pr 10:27; 14:26,27
3. To "keep His commandments"
a. A charge given to the nation of Israel - Deut 13:4; 30:16
b. A charge given to the disciples of Jesus - Jn 14:15
c. The basis by which we know that we know and love God - 1Jn 2:3-4; 5:3
-- To reverently obey God, "walking in the fear of the Lord" (Ac 9:31), this is the purpose of life and the key to true
happiness! - Pr 22:4

B. THE BASIS FOR THIS CONCLUSION...
1. Having taken "everything" into consideration
a. Not just from what may be observed in life "under the sun"
b. But from wisdom given by revelation as well (cf. Ec 2:3,9;
1Ki 4:29)
-- I.e., the conclusion of the "whole" matter!
2. In view of the coming Judgment - cf. 3:17; 11:9; Ac 17:30-31
a. In which every work will be judged - Ro 2:16
b. Whether it be good or evil - 2Co 5:10

CONCLUSION

1. People have often searched for the meaning of life...
a. From philosopher to the common man
b. Asking questions like:
1) "Why am I here?"
2) "What is my purpose for life?"
-- Many have concluded that there is no purpose, and fallen into
despair

2. But a search that begins with the wrong assumptions invariably leads
to the wrong conclusion...
a. Such as assuming that there is no God, nor life after death
b. If what we see in this life is all there is, then truly "vanity
of vanities, all is vanity!"

3. The Preacher with his own experiences, and his God-given wisdom...
a. Has demonstrated that, yes, life from an earthly perspective
alone is truly vanity!
b. Has taught us that by fearing God and keeping His commandments,
one can endure the vanities and perplexities of life, while
enjoying the good things in life!
c. As penned by the Psalmist:

PSALM 112
The Blessed State of the Righteous

Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
Who delights greatly in His commandments.

His descendants will be mighty on earth;
The generation of the upright will be blessed.

Wealth and riches will be in his house,
And his righteousness endures forever.

Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness;
He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

A good man deals graciously and lends;
He will guide his affairs with discretion.

Surely he will never be shaken;
The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.

He will not be afraid of evil tidings;
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

His heart is established;
He will not be afraid,
Until he sees his desire upon his enemies.

He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever;
His horn will be exalted with honor.

The wicked will see it and be grieved;
He will gnash his teeth and melt away;
The desire of the wicked shall perish.

May we be like the Preacher, then, and continue to seek out "acceptable
words", "words of truth" (12:10), especially those from the words of
Jesus:

"in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
(Col 2:3)

From Mark Copeland... Introduction To Daniel

                          "THE BOOK OF DANIEL"

                         Introduction To Daniel

INTRODUCTION

1. One of the more fascinating books of the Bible is the book of 
   Daniel...
   a. The first six chapters contain accounts of faith that inspire
      both young and old
   b. The last six chapters are filled with apocalyptic visions that
      challenge even the most advanced Bible students and scholars

2. It is a book that has often been attacked and abused...
   a. Attacked by liberals who deny its inspiration
   b. Abused by many who have taken its visions out of context to
      support all kinds of wild theories concerning the second coming
      of Christ

3. But when properly read and understood, the book of Daniel can...
   a. Inspire us to greater faithfulness in our service to God
   b. Strengthen our faith in the inspiration of the Bible

[In this lesson, we shall introduce the book and look at it as whole,
beginning with what we know of ...]

I. DANIEL AND HIS TIMES

   A. THE MAN...
      1. The name "Daniel" means "God is my judge"
      2. He was a person of deep and abiding faith
         a. As a youth, he purposed not to defile himself - Dan 1:8
         b. When old, he persisted in serving God despite threats
            against his life - Dan 6:10
      3. God blessed Daniel because of his faith
         a. He rose to great heights in the kingdoms of Babylon and
            Persia - Dan 2:48; 6:1-3
         b. He served as a statesman, a counselor to kings, and a
            prophet of God
      4. Daniel was contemporary with Jeremiah and Ezekiel
         a. Jeremiah prophesied in Jerusalem before and during the
            Babylonian exile (626-528 B.C.)
         b. Ezekiel prophesied in Babylon among the exiles (592-570 
            B.C.)
         c. Daniel prophesied in the capital of Babylon (605-586 B.C.)
      5. Nothing is known of his personal life outside of the book
         a. He descended from one of Judah's prominent families, if not
            from royal blood - Dan 1:3
         b. At an early age (12-18) he was taken from his family to be
            trained in the courts of Babylon - Dan 1:3-4
         c. Whether he ever married is uncertain

   B. THE TIME IN WHICH HE LIVED...
      1. Some key dates to remember
         a. 612 B.C. - Fall of Nineveh, capital of Assyria
            1) Assyria had ruled the world since the days of Tiglath-
               Pileser (845 B.C.)
            2) Nabopolassar came to the throne in Babylon and rebelled
               against the Assyrians in 625 B.C.
            3) Nebuchadnezzar, son of Nabopolassar, was the general who
               led the Babylonian army against Nineveh, defeating it in
               612 B.C.
         b. 605 B.C. - Battle of Carchemish, establishing Babylonian
            domination
            1) Pharaoh-Necho of Egypt came to fight the Babylonians at
               Carchemish
            2) Nebuchadnezzar defeated the Egyptians, chasing them
               south through Judah
            3) At Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar heard of his father's 
               death; he returned to assume the throne in Babylon
            4) The first group of Jewish captives were taken, along
               with Daniel and his friends - Dan 1:1-4
         c. 597 B.C. - A second remnant taken to Babylon
            1) Jehoiachin (Jeconiah, Coniah) followed the reign of his
               father, Jehoiakim
            2) He lasted just three months, when Nebuchadnezzar took
               him and 10,000 Jews to Babylon - 2Ki 24:8-16
            3) This second group of captives included Ezekiel - Eze 1:1-3
         d. 586 B.C. - Fall of Jerusalem and the temple destroyed
            1) Zedekiah was installed as king in Jerusalem, but was
               weak and vacillating
            2) Eleven years later, Jerusalem was totally devastated by
               Babylonian forces - 2Ki 25:1-10
            3) A third group was taken into Babylonian captivity, but
               Jeremiah was among those who stayed behind - 2Ki 25:
               11-12,22; Jer 39:11-14; 40:1-6
         e. 536 B.C. - The first remnant returns to Jerusalem
            1) Babylon falls in 539 B.C.
            2) Cyrus, king of Persia, sends the first remnant back
               under the leadership of Zerubbabel - Ezra 1:1-5; 2:1-2
            3) The foundation of the temple was soon started, but the
               temple was not completed until 516 B.C. - Ezra 3:8-13;
               6:14-16
         f. 457 B.C. - A second remnant returns to Jerusalem
            1) Ezra the priest returns with this group - Ezra 7:1-8:36
            2) He leads a much-needed revival - Ezra 9:1-10:44
         g. 444 B.C. - A third remnant returns to Jerusalem
            1) This group is led by Nehemiah - Neh 1:1-2:20
            2) Under his leadership, the walls of Jerusalem are rebuilt
               - Neh 3:1-7:73
            3) Together with Ezra, they restore much of the religion 
               - Neh 8:1-13:31
      2. Daniel lived through much of these times (605-534 B.C.)
         a. He was among the first group of captives taken to Babylon
            - Dan 1:1-4
         b. He continued there over the entire 70 years of captivity
            - Dan 1:21; 10:1; cf. Dan 9:1-2; Jer 25:11; 29:10

[Daniel was certainly a remarkable man. His greatness was recognized by
his contemporary, Ezekiel (Ezek 14:14,20; 28:3). Now let's take a brief
look at...]

II. THE BOOK OF DANIEL

   A. THE THEME...
      1. "God Rules In The Kingdoms Of Men" - cf. Dan 2:21; 4:17,25,32,
         34-35; 5:21
      2. In this book, we see the rule of God is...
         a. Manifested in the days of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar,
            Darius, and Cyrus, kings of the Babylonians, Medes, and
            Persians
         b. Foretold to occur in the days of the Persians, Greeks, and
            Romans
      3. In this book, we learn the rule of God would be especially
         manifested...
         a. With the establishment of God's kingdom - Dan 2:44
         b. With the vindication of the cause of His saints - Dan 7:27

   B. A BRIEF OUTLINE...
      1. God's Providence In History - 1:1-6:28
         a. Daniel and his determination to be pure - 1:1-21
         b. Nebuchadnezzar's dream and Daniel's promotion - 2:1-49
         c. Faith in the face of fire by Daniel's friends - 3:1-30
         d. Nebuchadnezzar's second dream and temporary insanity - 4:
            1-37
         e. The writing on the wall and fall of Belshazzar - 5:1-31
         f. Darius and his den of lions - 6:1-28
      2. God's Purpose In History - 7:1-12:13
         a. Daniel's dream of the four beasts - 7:1-28
         b. Daniel's dream of the ram and the goat - 8:1-27
         c. Daniel's prayer, and the vision of the seventy weeks - 9:
            1-27
         d. Daniel's vision of the time of the end - 10:1-12:13

CONCLUSION

1. As with all of Scripture, the book of Daniel is profitable for our
   study - 2Ti 3:16-17
   a. From Daniel and his three friends, we will learn the power of
      faith and commitment
   b. By studying this book, we can better understand our Lord's
      references to it - cf. Mk 1:14-15; Mt 24:15-16

2. Despite some of its more difficult and challenging passages, we can
   benefit from them as well, as long as we interpret them...
   a. In the context of the book itself
   b. Consistent with all else the Bible may say on the subject
   c. With the humility and openness that is incumbent upon all who
      would study and teach God' word - cf. 2Ti 2:24-25

In our next study, then, we will begin by taking a look at "The Faith
Of A Fifteen-Year-Old"...

From Mark Copeland... The Faith Of A Fifteen Year Old (Daniel 1:1-21)

                          "THE BOOK OF DANIEL"

                The Faith Of A Fifteen Year Old (1:1-21)

INTRODUCTION

1. The Old Testament is filled with examples worthy of our study and
   emulation...
   a. Such as Joseph, with his stand for God in the house of Potiphar
   b. Such as Joshua, a great man of faith and conviction in his
      service to God

2. Another example that ought to inspire us all is that of Daniel...
   a. As a young man, his faith gave him the courage to remain true to
      his convictions
   b. As an old man, his faith sustained him the threat of persecution

[We first read of Daniel and his great faith, in the first chapter of
the book of Daniel...]

I. DANIEL'S FAITH AS A "FIFTEEN YEAR OLD"

   A. IT WAS A BLEAK DAY IN THE HISTORY OF ISRAEL...
      1. The beginning of Babylonian domination - Dan 1:1-2
         a. In  the third year of Jehoiakim (ca. 605 B.C.)
         b. Jerusalem besieged by Nebuchadnezzar
         c. Jehoiakim taken into captivity, and precious items taken
            from the temple
      2. This was the first of three times that Nebuchadnezzar came
         against Jerusalem (605, 597, 586 B.C.)

   B. DANIEL AND OTHERS SELECTED FOR SPECIAL TRAINING...
      1. Young men taken to serve Nebuchadnezzar - Dan 1:3-7
         a. They were truly the "cream of the crop" among the captives
            1) Good looking with no blemish
            2) Gifted with wisdom, knowledge, and the ability to learn
               quickly
         b. To serve in the king's palace, and be taught the language
            and literature of the Chaldeans (Babylonians)
            1) Given special provisions of the king's food and drink
            2) With three years of special training
         c. Among those selected, four are named, and apparently
            renamed to honor Babylonian gods
            1) Daniel (God is my judge) - Belteshazzar (a servant of
               Bel)
            2) Hananiah (the Lord is gracious) - Shadrach (inspired by
               the sun god)
            3) Mishael (who is what God is?) - Meshach (who is what the
               moon god is?)
            4) Azariah (the Lord helps) - Abed-Nego (servant of Nebo)
      2. How would these young men respond?
         a. Would they submit to the temptations placed before them?
         b. Would they give in, excusing themselves due to youth and
            inexperience?
         -- How would you have reacted if you were in their place?

   C. DANIEL MAKES A DECISION...
      1. He "purposed in his heart" - Dan 1:8
         a. I.e., he made a commitment
         b. Something too rarely heard of today, in both young and old
      2. His commitment was to "not defile himself" with the king's
         food
         a. Possibly unclean food according to Levitical restrictions
         b. Or food used in idol worship which would cause one to be a
            participant with such worship - cf. 1Co 10:20-22

   D. HOW DANIEL REMAINED TRUE TO HIS COMMITMENT...
      1. He did it with politeness - Dan 1:8b
         a. Note that "he requested"
         b. He did not "demand", but respected the authority of those
            over him
      2. He did it with God's help - Dan 1:9
         a. God gave him favor in the eyes of the chief of eunuchs
         b. Similar to how Joseph found favor in prison - cf. Gen 39:21
      3. He did it through persistence - Dan 1:10-11
         a. He did not give up after the refusal by the chief of the
            eunuchs
         b. He tried something else, going to the steward directly over
            them
      4. He did it through willingness to test his faith - Dan 1:12-15
         a. He was confident that God's way was the right way
         b. He was willing to demonstrate the superiority of God's way
         c. So he asked the steward to give him and his three friends
            just water and vegetables for ten days

   E. THE VALUE OF SUCH FAITH SEEN IN ITS RESULTS...
      1. It affected the lives of others! - Dan 1:15-16
         a. It had blessed the countenance of Daniel and his friends
         b. It then blessed the rest of the young men under the care of
            the steward
      2. God blessed Daniel and his three friends even more! - Dan 1:
         17-20
         a. God gave them knowledge, skill, and wisdom, and to Daniel
            He gave understanding in visions and dreams
         b. They became the best of the young men who had been trained,
            and served in the presence of Nebuchadnezzar
         c. The king found them better than all his magicians and
            astrologers
      3. Daniel continued in the court of Babylon nearly seventy years!
         - Dan 1:21
         a. Even to the first year of Cyrus of Persia (539 B.C.)
         b. Eventually becoming provincial ruler and chief
            administrator over all others - Dan 2:48

[What a wonderful example of faith and commitment, and of God's
providence to care for His people!  Now let's consider some...]

II. LESSONS AND APPLICATIONS FROM DANIEL'S FAITH

   A. HOW TO SUCCEED IN KEEPING OUR COMMITMENT TO THE LORD...
      1. Be polite
         a. There is never any reason to be rude or arrogant
         b. Impoliteness just aggravates a situation rather than helps
            it - cf. Pr 15:1
      2. Seek God's help
         a. Without God, any effort is more likely to fall - cf. Psa 127:1-2
         b. God seeks to help those who are loyal to Him - cf. 2 Chr 16:9
      3. Be persistent
         a. Don't give up trying after meeting the first obstacle
         b. Remember what Jesus taught about persistence:
            1) Those who keep on "asking, seeking, knocking" will
               receive, find, have doors opened to them - Mt 7:7-11
            2) The parable of the persistent widow - Lk 18:1-8
      4. Be willing to test your faith
         a. If not willing, how committed are you to trusting God?
         b. Yet God often invited people to test His promises - cf. Mal 3:10
         c. And so does Jesus - cf. Jn 7:16-17; Mt 6:31-34

   B. SOME APPLICATIONS...
      1. School-age children
         a. Out from underneath their mother's apron for the first time
         b. They will be faced with making decisions
         -- Will they have the faith of Daniel?
      2. College-bound students
         a. Moving away from home for the first time
         b. Leaving a spiritual environment at home, for one that is
            likely very worldly
         -- Will they live and act with the same sort of commitment
            found in Daniel?
      3. Adults in the workplace
         a. Tempted to accept jobs which may require one to compromise
            convictions
         b. Called upon to lie for the boss, show loyalty to the
            company though illegal or unethical
         -- Will they have "the faith of a fifteen year old"?
      4. Those with unbelieving spouses
         a. Having to serve God and raise their children in the ways of
            the Lord on their own
         b. With little or no moral and religious support from their
            life mate
         -- Will they have the "purpose of heart" that Daniel had?

CONCLUSION

1. Many other applications could be made, but what have we learned from
   "The Faith Of A Fifteen Year Old" like Daniel?
   a. Even those who are young need to make a personal commitment to
      serve the Lord
   b. One can be steadfast in their purpose to serve the Lord without
      arrogance
   c. We should look to the Lord for help, and be willing to trust in
      His providence
   d. God will bless and provide for those who put their trust in Him
      and His will

2. Daniel is not the only person to demonstrate such faith in his
   youth...
   a. We made mention of Joseph earlier
   b. We have other examples in the O.T., such as David and Josiah
   c. And of course, let's not forget the example of Mary (the mother
      of Jesus), and that of Timothy

May the example of their dedication to the service of the Lord inspire
us all to "purpose in our heart" not to defile ourselves by the things
of the world!

From Mark Copeland... The Kingdom That Shall Never Be Destroyed (Daniel 2:1-49)

"THE BOOK OF DANIEL"

The Kingdom That Shall Never Be Destroyed (2:1-49)

INTRODUCTION

1. In Dan 2, we read about Nebuchadnezzar's dream and Daniel's
interpretation...
a. Nebuchadnezzar challenges his magicians, sorcerers, et al, to
tell him both the dream and its interpretation, and they are
unable - Dan 2:1-13
b. God reveals the secret of the dream to Daniel in a night vision
- Dan 2:14-23
c. Daniel approaches the king and explains that God has made known
to him both the dream and its interpretation - Dan 2:24-30
d. Daniel then tells the dream, and gives the interpretation of it,
to the amazement of Nebuchadnezzar - Dan 2:31-49 (read)
1) The king had seen a great image
a) With head of gold
b) With chest and arms of silver
c) With belly and thighs of bronze
d) With legs of iron, and feet mixed with iron and clay
2) The great image was destroyed by a small stone made without
hands
a) The image representing the rise and fall of four world
empires
b) The stone representing a kingdom that God would set up
3) The king praises God, and exalts Daniel along with his three
friends

2. There are certainly two key thoughts expressed in this chapter...
a. God is a revealer of secrets - Dan 2:19,22,28-29,47
b. God can make known the future and bring it pass - Dan 2:28-29,21

3. But of particular interest to us ought to be the "kingdom" in verse
44...
a. Which the God of heaven Himself shall set up
b. Which shall never be destroyed, but consume other kingdoms and
stand forever

4. Several questions naturally come to mind concerning this
"kingdom"...
a. When would God set it up?
b. Has it been set up as foretold?
c. If it has, and if it shall never be destroyed...
1) Where is it now?
2) What is the future of this kingdom?
3) Can we be a part of this indestructible kingdom?

[In this lesson, we shall endeavor to provide the answers to these
questions. Let's start with the first: When would this "kingdom" be
set up...?]

I. THE PREPARATION FOR THE INDESTRUCTIBLE KINGDOM

A. "IN THE DAYS OF THESE KINGS..." (44)
1. Daniel describes the image as depicting four kingdoms which
shall rise and fall
2. The first one is definitely Babylon - Dan 2:37-38
3. With Babylon as the starting point, world history confirms
that the next three kingdoms would be:
a. The Medo-Persian empire, represented by the chest and arms
of silver
b. The Grecian empire, represented by the belly and thighs of
bronze
c. The Roman empire, represented by the legs of iron, with
feet mixed with iron and clay
4. Thus one could look for the establishment of the
"indestructible kingdom" in the days of the Roman empire

B. WHEN "THE TIME IS FULFILLED"...
1. Notice what John the Baptist began preaching during the days
of the Roman empire ("the kingdom of heaven is at hand")
- Mt 3:1-2
2. Jesus proclaimed this also, adding "the time is fulfilled"
- Mk 1:14-15
a. What "time" was fulfilled?
b. The time described by Daniel!

[So the "indestructible kingdom" was to be set up in the days of the
Roman empire. During Roman empire both John and Jesus anticipated its
establishment. This leads to our next question: Has it been set up as
foretold...?]

II. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INDESTRUCTIBLE KINGDOM

A. DURING JESUS' EARTHLY MINISTRY, IT WAS "AT HAND"...
1. This is what both John and Jesus proclaimed - Mt 3:1-2; Mk 1:
14-15
2. Yet after Jesus' death, there were those who were still
waiting for the kingdom - e.g., Joseph of Arimathea, Lk 23:
50-51

B. BUT FOLLOWING THE ASCENSION OF JESUS...
1. He is far above all principality, power, might, dominion - Ep 1:20-21
2. All has been made subject to Him - 1Pe 3:22
3. He is ruler over the kings of the earth - Re 1:5
4. He rules the nations with a rod of iron - Re 2:26-27
-- He truly has all authority in heaven and on earth! - cf. Mt 28:18

C. THIS SUPPORTS WHAT IS REVEALED LATER IN DANIEL...
1. Consider Dan 7:13-14
a. Where one like the Son of Man approaches the Ancient of
Days (God)
b. And is given dominion, glory, and a kingdom which shall not
be destroyed
2. Compare this with Ac 1:9
a. Daniel describes the ascension from a heavenly perspective
b. Whereas Luke describes it from an earthly perspective!

[It is clear, then, that the King (Jesus) has received a kingdom, that
the indestructible kingdom was set up when He returned to heaven! But
one might naturally ask: Where is it now? The answer is found when we
consider...]

III. THE NATURE OF THE INDESTRUCTIBLE KINGDOM

A. THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT THIS KINGDOM...
1. It was described by Daniel as a "stone cut...without hands
which became a great mountain and filled the whole earth"
- Dan 2:34-35
a. "without hands" suggests it is not your ordinary kingdom
b. Also, it would start small and then grow larger
2. Compare this with what Jesus taught about the nature of His
kingdom
a. His kingdom is not of this world - Jn 18:36; cf. Ro 14:17
b. It would start small, and grow to encompass the earth - Mt 13:31-33
-- Thus this "indestructible kingdom" would start small, and be
spiritual in nature

B. THIS KINGDOM THEREFORE INVOLVES THOSE IN THE CHURCH...
1. The Christians at Colosse were in the kingdom - Col 1:12-13
2. Those at Thessalonica likewise - 1Th 2:12
3. Along with the seven churches in Asia - Re 1:6,9
4. Indeed, all Christians receive their part in this
"indestructible kingdom" - He 12:28
a. Including us gathered here this day!
b. Fulfilling the statement that this kingdom would fill the
whole earth!
c. For here we are, on the other side of the planet from
Jerusalem, yet citizens of this kingdom foretold by Daniel!

[Whoever is willing to "repent and believe in the gospel" (Mk 1:15) can
be a part of the kingdom Jesus established when He sat down at the
right hand of God following His ascension to heaven. This leads us to
yet another question: What is the future of this kingdom...?]

IV. THE FUTURE OF THIS INDESTRUCTIBLE KINGDOM

A. IT WILL LAST FOREVER...
1. As Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar - Dan 2:44
a. "which shall never be destroyed"
b. "it shall stand forever"
2. As the writer to the Hebrews stated: "a kingdom which cannot
be shaken" - He 12:28
3. As the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary: "of His kingdom there
will be no end" - Lk 1:31-33

B. AT CHRIST'S COMING, IT WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE FATHER...
1. As taught by Paul to the Corinthians - 1Co 15:23-26
a. When Christ comes, He shall deliver the kingdom to God the
Father, having put an end to all rule, authority and power
b. Until then, Christ shall reign until all enemies are placed
under His feet, the last enemy being death
2. As Jesus taught in the parable of the tares - Mt 13:40-43
a. At the end of the age, His angels will gather out of the
kingdom those that offend and practice lawlessness
b. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the
kingdom of their Father

CONCLUSION

1. And so this kingdom...
a. Foretold by Daniel, proclaimed by John the Baptist and Jesus
Himself
b. Was begun in the days of the Roman empire, with Christ as its
king and His disciples as its citizens

2. It is an indestructible kingdom...
a. That continues on, ever growing
b. With the hope of a glorious future in eternity

3. But let us not forget the last question raised in our introduction:
Can we be a part of this indestructible kingdom?
a. Yes! For Jesus and His apostles tell us how
1) We must be born again of water and the Spirit - Jn 3:5; cf.
Tit 3:5
2) An allusion to baptism, commanded of penitent believers - Mt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Ac 2:38
b. But beware, some in the kingdom may one day be cast out!
1) As Jesus warned in the parable of the tares - Mt 13:41-43
2) Telling us later of the necessity of an enduring faith - Re 2:10

Therefore, once we have been obedient to the gospel (cf. Ro 6:17-18) we
must remain diligent in our faith, if we wish to experience the future
glories of "The Kingdom That Shall Never Be Destroyed"!

From Mark Copeland... Faith In The Face Of Fire (3:1-30)

                          "THE BOOK OF DANIEL"

                   Faith In The Face Of Fire (3:1-30)

INTRODUCTION

1. In Dan 1, we were introduced to three companions of Daniel:
   Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego...
   a. Like Daniel, they were young men taken from Judah into captivity
      and trained to serve before the king - Dan 1:6-7
   b. Like Daniel, they were blessed by God and impressed the king
      after their period of training - Dan 1:17-20

2. Dan 3 reveals more about the character of these three young men...
   a. In recounting an incident that has fascinated many, both young
      and old
   b. Like Dan 1, it illustrates the power of a strong faith in those
      who are young

[This inspiring story, which I like to call "Faith In The Face Of
Fire", begins by describing...]

I. THEIR TRIAL

   A. THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO IT...
      1. Nebuchadnezzar's image, and his command to worship it - Dan 3:
         1-7
      2. The accusation against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego - Dan 3:8-12
      3. The king's threat of the fiery furnace - Dan 3:13-15

   B. THE NATURE OF THEIR TRIAL...
      1. To save their situation
         a. They had been promoted over the affairs of Babylon - Dan 3:12
         b. They would lose their position as well as their lives
      2. To sacrifice their conscience
         a. All they needed to do was to conform outwardly
         b. Of course, that would have meant disobedience to God - Exo 20:4-5

   C. WE MAY FACE SIMILAR TRIALS TODAY...
      1. To save our situation, such as:
         a. Our popularity at school, by doing things our peers or
            teacher do not see wrong
         b. Our position at work, by doing that which our boss or
            company requires which may be illegal, unethical or immoral
      2. To sacrifice our conscience
         a. It would be easy to conform outwardly, to "go along with
            the crowd"
         b. But our conscience would condemn us, and so would God

[Likely we all have been tempted in some way like this.  How did we
react?  How should we have reacted?  How did Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abed-Nego react?  Let's consider...]

II. THEIR TESTIMONY

   A. THEY DEMONSTRATED FAITH...
      1. In the power of God - Dan 3:16-17
         a. That God was able to deliver them from the fiery furnace
         b. If it was His will
      2. In the will of God - Dan 3:18
         a. If it was God's will not to deliver it, so be it!
         b. They would still not worship other gods, nor the gold
            image!

   B. THEY DETERMINED TO SERVE GOD NO MATTER WHAT...
      1. Like Job in the midst of his affliction - Job 1:20-21; 13:15
      2. Like Habakkuk who would praise God even in suffering - Hab 3:
         17-19
      3. Like the apostles who rejoiced to suffer in His name - Ac 5:
         27-29
      4. Like Polycarp who offered this prayer as he was being burned
         at the stake:

        "O Lord God Almighty, the Father of Thy beloved and blessed
         Son Jesus Christ, through whom we have received the knowledge
         of Thee, the God of angels and powers and of all creation and
         of the whole race of the righteous, who live in Thy presence;

        "I bless Thee for that Thou hast granted me this day and hour,
         that I might receive a portion amongst the number of martyrs
         in the cup of Thy Christ unto resurrection of eternal life,
         both of soul and of body, in the incorruptibility of the Holy
         Spirit.

        "May I be received among these in Thy presence this day, as a
         rich and acceptable sacrifice, as Thou didst prepare and
         reveal it beforehand, and hast accomplished it, Thou that art
         the faithful and true God.

        "For this cause, yea and for all things, I praise Thee, I bless
         Thee, I glorify Thee, through the eternal and heavenly High
         Priest, Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son, through whom with Him
         and the Holy Spirit be glory both now and for the ages to
         come. Amen.'
                                      - From The Martyrdom Of Polycarp

[Such examples are truly "Faith In The Face Of Fire"!  This is what it
means to have faith, trust, and commitment to the Lord.  What about our
own personal trials at school or work?  Have we been true to God, no
matter the cost?  Finally, consider...]

III. THEIR TRIUMPH

   A. THE REST OF THE CHAPTER REVEALS...
      1. How they were saved in the fiery furnace - Dan 3:19-25
      2. How Nebuchadnezzar was led to bless the true God - Dan 3:26-39

   B. CONSIDER WHAT THEIR TRIALS BROUGHT THEM...
      1. A new sense of freedom!
         a. They entered bound, but were soon seen "loose, walking" 
            - Dan 3:23-25
         b. The very thing presumed to destroy them, enabled them to
            walk freely!
         c. So our own trials can be used to set us truly free! - Jm 1:
            2-4; Ro 5:3-5
      2. A new source of fellowship!
         a. Note:  There was a fourth person in the fire! - Dan 3:25
         b. The identity of this fourth person is not certain
            1) Some think it was an angel
            2) Others believe it was a Christophany (a preincarnate
               appearance of Christ)
         c. Whichever, it suggested a closer communion and fellowship
            with God!
         d. So our trials can bring us closer to God
            1) As explained by the author of Hebrews - He 12:5-11
            2) As promised by Jesus Himself - Re 3:12,21; 7:13-17
      3. A new opportunity for service!
         a. They were promoted to even higher positions! - Dan 3:30
         b. Just as Joseph, who in his trials went:
            1) From slave to steward
            2) From prisoner to Pharaoh's second hand man!
         c. So our faithfulness in trials will lead to greater things!
            - Mt 25:21; Re 2:25-27

CONCLUSION

1. What a wonderful example of faith in these three young men!
   a. Committed to serving God, no matter the consequence
   b. Believing that God can bring deliverance, willing to accept death
      if He doesn't
   c. Demonstrating that faith in the face of fire can lead to greater
      things

2. Let's not overlook perhaps the most important outcome of this
   incident:  glory to God!
   a. Note the praise rendered by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon - Dan 3:28-29
   b. So our faith (and works) should be to the praise of God - Mt 5:16

3. What kind of faith do we have?  Is it like a....
   a. Spare tire, used only in the case of an emergency?
   b. Wheelbarrow, easily upset and must be pushed?
   c. Bus, ridden only when it goes our way?

May our faith be like that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego,
committed to serving the Lord and demonstrating "Faith In The Face Of
Fire"!

From Mark Copeland... The Most High Rules In Kingdom Of Men (Daniel 4:1-37)

                          "THE BOOK OF DANIEL"

             The Most High Rules In Kingdom Of Men (4:1-37)

INTRODUCTION

1. In Dan 2, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had a dream...
   a. Involving a large image with head of gold, chest and arms of
      silver, belly and thighs of bronze, legs of iron with feet of
      iron mixed with clay - Dan 2:36-43
      1) Representing four world empires
      2) I.e., Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome
   b. In which the image was destroyed by a small stone made without
      hands - Dan 2:44-45
      1) Representing the establishment of a kingdom by the God of
         heaven
      2) A kingdom that would never be destroyed, and would consume the
         other kingdoms
   -- Prompting the king to praise the God of Daniel - Dan 2:47

2. In Dan 3, Nebuchadnezzar made a large image of gold...
   a. He required all to worship it, under threat of death - Dan 3:4-6
   b. Three young men did not, yet survived the fiery furnace - Dan 3:
      23-27
   -- Prompting the king to bless the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and
      Abed-Nego - Dan 3:28-29

3. From Dan 4, it appears that Nebuchadnezzar had more to learn about
   God...
   a. He knew that God was Lord of kings and a revealer of secrets 
      - Dan 2:47
   b. He knew that God can deliver His servants - Dan 3:28-29
   -- But now it was time for him to learn that God, the Most High and
      King of heaven, rules in the kingdoms of men, including his own!

[It was through a second dream and succeeding events that led
Nebuchadnezzar to this conclusion.  In his own words, the king of 
Babylon relates how it happened...]

I. THE DREAM, INTERPRETATION, AND FULFILLMENT

   A. NEBUCHADNEZZAR'S FOREWORD...
      1. Addressed to all who dwell on the earth - Dan 4:1
      2. To declare the signs and wonders of the Most High God - Dan 4:
         2-3a
      3. Proclaiming God's kingdom to be everlasting, His dominion from
         generation to generation - Dan 4:3b

   B. NEBUCHADNEZZAR'S DREAM...
      1. A dream which troubled him and made him afraid - Dan 4:4-5
      2. His dissatisfaction with the wise men of Babylon - Dan 4:6-7
      3. The dream is told to Daniel...
         a. The king's confidence in Daniel - Dan 4:8-9
         b. Elements of the dream - Dan 4:10-17
            1) A tree in the middle of the earth, its height reaching
               to the heavens
            2) The decree of a holy one, a "watcher", concerning the
               tree
               a) To be cut down, leaving only the stump and roots
               b) Bound with a band of iron and bronze
               c) Wet with the dew of heaven
               d) To graze with the beasts of the earth
               e) His heart changed from that of a man to an animal
               f) And let seven times (years?) pass over him
            3) The purpose of the decree is for the living to know:
               a) The Most High rules in the kingdom of men
               b) Who gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it
                  the lowest of men
         c. The king repeats his confidence in Daniel to interpret the
            dream - Dan 4:18

   C. DANIEL'S INTERPRETATION...
      1. Daniel is astonished and troubled by the dream - Dan 4:19
         a. Yet the king reassures Daniel to tell the interpretation
         b. Daniel wished the dream pertained to the king's enemies
      2. Elements of Daniel's interpretation - Dan 4:20-26
         a. The tree which became strong and tall represents
            Nebuchadnezzar
         b. The king shall be driven from men, dwell among beasts and
            eat grass like oxen
            1) Seven times (years?) will pass over him
            2) Till he knew that the Most High rules in the kingdom of
               men, giving it to whomever He chooses
         c. The kingdom shall be returned to Nebuchadnezzar
            1) Indicated by the command to leave the stump and roots of
               the tree
            2) Once he comes to know that Heaven rules
      3. Daniel's counsel for the king to be righteous and show mercy
         - Dan 4:27

   D. THE DREAM'S FULFILLMENT...
      1. It came to pass at the end of twelve months - Dan 4:28-29
      2. As the king was boasting about his power and majesty - Dan 4:
         30-32
      3. That very hour he was driven from men - Dan 4:33
         a. He ate grass like oxen
         b. His body was wet with the dew of heaven
         c. His hair grew like eagle's feathers, his nails like birds'
            claws
      4. And the end of the time, understanding returned to the king 
         - Dan 4:34-35
         a. Prompting him to bless and praise the Most High, who lives
            forever
         b. Acknowledging His everlasting dominion and kingdom
         c. Who does according to His will in the army of heaven and
            among inhabitants of the earth, and none can restrain or
            say "What have You done?"
      5. Nebuchadnezzar restored - Dan 4:36-37
         a. His reason, honor, and splendor returned, his counselor and
            nobles resorted to him
         b. But now he praises and honors the King of heaven for His
            truth and justice, Who is able to humble those who walk in
            pride

   E. THE MAIN POINT OF THE DREAM AND ITS FULFILLMENT...
      1. Stated several times in this chapter
         a. In the dream itself - Dan 4:17
         b. By Daniel, in providing the interpretation - Dan 4:25-26
         c. As spoken from Heaven when the dream came to pass - Dan 4:
            32
         d. By Nebuchadnezzar when he returned to his senses - Dan 4:
            34-35
      2. To learn that "The Most High Rules In The Kingdom Of Men"
         a. Which Daniel acknowledged from Nebuchadnezzar's first dream
            - Dan 2:20-21
         b. And now does the king, from his second dream!

[The main point is simple enough, but do we acknowledge that it is
still true?  Do we appreciate that the Most High still rules in the
kingdom of men, only now through His Son?  Lest we forget, let's review
what the New Testament teaches about...]

II. THE RULE OF GOD IN THE KINGDOMS OF MEN

   A. CHRIST NOW REIGNS AS SOVEREIGN...
      1. As claimed before His ascension to heaven - Mt 28:18
      2. As proclaimed after His ascension - Re 2:26-27; 3:21
      3. As taught by His apostles - Ep 1:20-22; 1Co 15:24-28; 1 Pe 3:22
   
   [So He has the authority, but does He exercise it? Consider the next
   point...]

   B. CHRIST NOW REIGNS IN THE KINGDOM OF MEN...
      1. As foretold by the prophets
         a. In Psalms 2, which speaks of:
            1) The attempt of the nations to reject Christ - Ps 2:1-3
            2) The coronation of Christ despite their efforts - Ps 2:
               4-6
            3) The exercise of Christ's rule over the nations - Ps 2:
               7-9
            4) The importance of kings and judges serving the Lord 
               - Ps 2:10-12
            -- Ac 4:23-28 confirms that this passage refers to Jesus!
         b. In Psalms 110, which tells of:
            1) The rule of Christ in the midst of His enemies - Psa 110:1-2
            2) The voluntary service of His people (the church), and
               the priestly service of their King - Ps 110:3-4
            3) The exercise of judgment among the nations - Ps 110:5-7
            -- Ac 2:32-36 confirms that this passage refers to Jesus!
      2. As taught by the apostles
         a. Governing authorities exist as appointed by God, to serve
            as ministers of God - Ro 13:1-4
         b. Why pray for kings and those in authority, that peace may
            prevail, unless God through Christ can do something about
            it? - cf. 1Ti 2:1-2
         c. Jesus is the "ruler over the kings of the earth" - Re 1:5
            1) He exercised that rule in the destruction of Jerusalem,
               foretold in Mt 24
            2) He exercised that rule in destroying the beast of
               Revelation (the Roman empire) and all his forces - cf.
               Re 17:14
            -- Truly Jesus is "King of kings, and Lord of lords"! - cf.
               Rev 19:16; 1Ti 6:15
      3. We may not always be able to see how it is so
         a. If Christ rules in the kingdom of men, why do evil men and
            evil empires exist?
         b. This was a problem that perplexed Habakkuk...
            1) Who bewailed the wickedness in Israel - Hab 1:2-4
            2) Who was amazed that God would punish Israel by a nation
               more evil than it - Hab 1:12-13
            3) Who placed his trust in God, no matter the circumstances
               - Hab 3:17-19
         c. It helps to understand the nature of Christ's rule
            1) He rules "in the midst of His enemies" - Ps 110:2
            2) He must reign "till He has put all enemies under His
               feet" - 1Co 15:25-26
            -- Until He comes again, Jesus exercises His authority over
               the nations in ways we may not always comprehend

CONCLUSION

1. To know that "the Most High rules" must have been comforting to
   Daniel...
   a. For at that time he and the nation of Israel were in captivity
   b. Their temple was destroyed, the land plundered and filled with
      transplanted foreigners
   c. Yet Daniel knew the prophecy of Jeremiah, that after seventy
      years they would return - cf. Dan 9:1-2
   -- Knowing that God rules, even when wicked men seem to prevail,
      gave him hope

2. We can take comfort in knowing that "the Most High rules" today...
   a. That He who rules in the kingdom of men is Jesus!
   b. Who is our Savior, Priest, and Friend!
   -- Therefore we can look forward to the future with hope, not 
      apprehension

3. But this is true only if we give Jesus sovereign rule in our
   personal lives...
   a. He must be "our" Lord, the King of "our" lives!
   b. We must be "volunteers" in the day of His power - cf. Ps 110:3

Have we submitted in obedience to Him who is both Lord and Christ (cf.
Ac 2:36-38)?  Remember the admonition of the Psalmist...

      "Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling.

      "Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way,
         When His wrath is kindled but a little.

      "Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

                                                       (Ps 2:11-12)

Are you putting your trust in Jesus, the Son of God?