The Great Conflict

This is the full service from May 3rd, 2020. The format has been changed to accommodate the current Health and Safety precautions from the County Health Department. Our text is Daniel 10 - 11.

Sermon Notes:

The Great Conflict  

Outline of the Structure:

Chap 10 – the visionary encounter

Chap 11 – the visionary prophecy

Chap 12 – the visionary conclusion

1 – There is a spiritual conflict that lies behind the earthly struggles of the people of God      

• The setting of the vision (cf. Ezra 1-4)

• The man of the vision (cf. Dan 7:13-14; Eze 1:4-28; Rev 1:13-20)

• The participants of the conflict (Dan 10:13, 20-21, 12:1; Rev 12:7-9)

• The origin of the conflict (cf. Isa 14:12; Eze 28:11-19; Gen 3)

2 – Though the conflict continues the outcome has already been set

• God’s will can be opposed but never frustrated (Dan 4:35; Ecc 7:13)

• Chap 11 – all will happen at its appointed time (11:27, 29, 35)

• Christ’s decisive victory on the cross (Col 2:15; Eph 1:20-22; 1 Cor 15:25)

• To reject this worldview is to oppose Jesus (Lk. 10:18, 22:31)

3 – There are heavenly powers defending & strengthening the people of God

• An encouraging touch – (10:10, 16, 18; Josh 5:14; Heb 1:14; 2 Kings 6)

• An encouraging truth – (10:18; Rom 8:38-39; 1 Jn 4:10)

• An encouraging sight – (10:5-8; Ex 3:1-15; Isa 6:1-8; Acts 9:1-22)

How then shall we live?

1. The people of God must live by faith and not by sight.
2. The people of God must neither trivialize nor sensationalize the conflict.
3. The people of God must engage in the conflict biblically (2 Cor 10:3-5; Eph 6:10-20).

Discussion Questions

1. What first impressions did you have from chapters 10-11?
2. What effect does God’s revelation of his nature have on you?
3. How does this brief glimpse into an unseen spiritual world make you feel?
4. Reflect on a time of great difficulty or setback – did you seek God? How?