Is God Really In Control?

Title: OUR GOD REIGNS - Serving the King of Heaven in a World of Pawns

Theme: Daniel’s life and ministry were ordained by God to encourage His people during the Babylonian exile by assuring them that He was still in control. Through the stories and visions of Daniel, God revealed His sovereign plans for world history and the coming of the Messiah through whom He would fulfill His promises to the nation of Israel which provided them with comfort and confidence while sojourning in a foreign land. Kings and kingdoms on earth will come and go ultimately serving to advance the eternal purposes of the Most High God who has established His throne in heaven. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and all those who honor and serve Him will reign with Him forever. While we wait for that glorious day to come, we can trust that God’s sovereignty is reigning over all things, even when it seems like our world of our lives are spinning out of control.

Key Verses: 2:17-22, 28, 37-38, 44, 47; 4:2-3, 17, 24-37; 5:17-23; 6:26; 7:13-14, 27

Outline:

I. HISTORY - STORIES ABOUT DANIEL THAT BRING COMFORT (1-6)
A. Daniel’s Resolve (1)
B. Nebuchadnezzar’s Image Dream (2)
C. Nebuchadnezzar’s Figure and Furnace (3)
D. Nebuchadnezzar’s Tree Dream and Derangement (4)
E. Belshazzar’s Feast and Fall (5)
F. Darius’ Decree and Den of Lions (6)

II. PROPHECY - VISIONS OF DANIEL THAT BUILD CONFIDENCE (7-12)
A. Daniel’s Four-Beast Vision (7)
B. Daniel’s Ram and Goat Vision (8)
C. Daniel’s Prayer and 70 Weeks Vision (9)
D. Daniel’s Angelic Visit (10)
E. Daniel’s Prophecies of Antiochus and the Antichrist (11)
F. Daniel’s Prophecies of the Great Tribulation (12)