Kingdoms of this world… (3 things)

• 1^st – An impossible request… vs. 1-13
  • 1^st – In the second year of King Nebuchadnezzar he had dreams… vs. 1
    • There is some difficulty with the timing of these dreams…
      • At least 3 years had passed since Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem – Daniel 1:5
      • So how could this be only the 2^nd year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar…
      • It turns out he ruled for 3 years while his father Nabopolassar was still on the throne…
      • So this is the 5^th year since he came to power – but only the 2^nd year of his solo reign
    • The dreams troubled the spirit of Nebuchadnezzar so he could not sleep…
      • He was convinced they were more than just random dreams – they were important…
      • Now God can speak through dreams – Joseph had 2 dreams he would rule over his family…
      • And it is not just limited to the men in the Bible – God says He will give us dreams…
      • Joel 2:28 – “I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions.”
    • Although God can speak to us through dreams – that does not mean all dreams are from God…
      • Ecclesiastes 5:7 – “Much dreaming and many words are meaningless.”
      • Your dream from last night might be from the Lord – or from eating too much pizza…
      • If the dream contradicts the Word of God in any way – reject it – it is not from the Lord…
      • Before you make any rash decision based on dreams – make sure they are from God!
      • The way to test the dream is to compare it to the Word – know your Bible!
  • 2^nd – Nebuchadnezzar called for the wise men of Babylon… vs. 2-3
    • There were 4 classes of advisors who he asked to interpret the dream…
      • Magicians – likely Egyptian priests – same word in Genesis 41:8 (Pharaoh’s dream)…
      • Astrologers – meaning one who speaks to the dead – necromancer / séance…
      • Sorcerer – one who practices witchcraft – communicates with demons…
      • Chaldeans – people from Babylon – perhaps local priests / magicians…
    • He asked for them because he was looking to the supernatural for an answer to his dreams!
      • There are a lot of people today who run to the supernatural for answers…
      • They look to horoscopes  / tarot cards / fortune tellers / séances / Ouija boards…
      • Looking for direction from angels – looking to contact to the supernatural…
      • And it is possible to contact spirits – but what a person is contacting is a demon…
      • A demon can disguise itself as different persons – pretend to be someone else…
      • These demons having lived for ages – and seen many things…
      • So they can tell you facts about your life / your past that nobody else ever knows…
      • But it is just lying spirit disguised as and angel of light – II Corinthians 11:14
      • That is why all of these practices are forbidden in the Word of God – Deuteronomy 18:10!
  • 3^rd – The ‘wise men’ asked for the dream – so they could interpret it… vs. 4-13
    • They spoke to the king in Aramaic – this begins a change of language in the book of Daniel
      • From Daniel 2:4–7:28 – the book of Daniel switches from Hebrew to Aramaic…
      • The reason is assumed to be because of whom God addresses in this section…
      • Beginning with the dream of Nebuchadnezzar – through the vision of Daniel in chapter 7…
      • He unveils the future destiny of the gentile nations – who at that point spoke Aramaic
    • Nebuchadnezzar demanded the ‘wise men’ tell him what he dreamt – then interpret it…
      • Either because he had forgotten the content of his dream (common occurrence)…
      • Or perhaps as a test to these magicians and sorcerers to see if they could be trusted…
      • It would have been easy for them to ‘make up’ an interpretation once they had the dream…
      • But if they could tell him what the dream was – it would validate their interpretation!
      • If they could give him the dream – then they would be given riches and honor…
      • If not then they would be cut into pieces – and their house turned into an ash heap!
    • They argued no one had ever given such a decree – only the gods could do what he asked!
      • Nebuchadnezzar was irritated – he knew they were just stalling / buying time…
      • He had exposed their lie – they were not wise / had no answers for his troubled spirit…
      • So he gave the order for all of the wise men of Babylon to be executed!
    • A lot of times we get into trouble because we listen to unwise counsel…
      • While it is true that there is wisdom in getting advice from others!
      • Proverbs 15:22 – “Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors bring success.”
      • We need to be very careful who we go to for our advice – we need to get Godly counsel…
      • You do not want someone who gives you their opinion – no guarantee they are right…
      • You want someone who is going to point you to the Lord – He is ALWAYS right!
      • I John 4:1 – “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God.”

• 2^nd – The God who can do the impossible… vs. 14-30
  • 1^st – The captain of the guard came to execute Daniel… vs. 14-16
    • Daniel asked why the rush to kill all of the ‘wise men’ – what was the King angry about…
      • When he was told – he went before king Nebuchadnezzar and asked for time…
      • The king was looking for answers in all the wrong places – only God could answer him!
    • We live in a world that is confused / angry…
      • Because they are looking for answers to life in all the wrong places…
      • They are confused because education / money does not solve all their problems…
      • The are angry because all the ‘wise men’ (politicians) seem to be liars / and corrupt…
      • But the problem is they are looking for answers in all the wrong places…
      • Our opportunity is to be the ones to go and tell them where the answers can be found!
  • 2^nd – Daniel – and his 3 companions – went to pray… vs. 17-23
    • The secret of the dream of Nebuchadnezzar was revealed to Daniel in a night vision…
      • He blessed God – the one who changes times and seasons / removes kings – Romans 13:1
      • God who alone reveals deep secrets – knows what is in the darkness because He is light!
      • God alone had the power to give Daniel the answer to an impossible question!
    • Do we have a question that we need the wisdom to answer…
      • The wisdom of God is not the same thing as knowledge we learn in the world…
      • If you want knowledge you go to school – and you will be taught…
      • But even the most educated people – often lack wisdom in their lives! 
      • Because wisdom is not learned – it is a gift of the Spirit – I Corinthians 12:8…
      • Knowing the best choices to make in life – having Godly understanding…
      • The only way to get wisdom – is simply to come to the Lord and ask for it!
      • James 1:5 – “If you need wisdom – if you want to know what God wants you to do-ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking.”
  • 3^rd – Daniel was rushed to the King to give him the dream and interpretation… vs. 24-30
    • The king questioned if indeed Daniel had the answer…
      • Daniel told him – his astrologers / the magicians / and soothsayers had no answers…
      • But God had answered and could tell him what his dream was – and what it meant!
      • Nebuchadnezzar had been thinking about what would happen in the future (after this)…
      • A dream and interpretation would reveal the plan of God to the End of the Age!
    • Daniel told him he did not have the answer because he was wiser / smarter…
      • But because there is a God in heaven that can reveal the secrets no one else can!
      • We live in a world that is blinded to the events unfolding all around them…
      • They seem oblivious to the fulfillment of countless prophecies…
      • They are ignorant of the coming judgment – careening haplessly towards destruction…
      • And we are left to ask – why is something so clear to us – hidden from them…
      • I Corinthians 2:10 – “God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”
      • The word revealed is the Greek word – apokalupto – where we get the term apocalypse…
      • We see what Daniel saw – because we go to the Lord / look to the Word…
      • Opening our eyes to see the things that are hidden from the world around us…
      • But we are not to keep it hidden – we are to proclaim it from the rooftops!
      • Matthew 10:27 – “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.”
        
• 4^th – The dream of Nebuchadnezzar… vs. 31-49
  • 1^st – The dream of the king – laid out the final kingdoms of this world… vs. 31
    • The king saw an image of a huge impressive idol made up of precious metals…
      • Because from the perspective of man – the kingdoms of men are amazing…
      • Interesting when we get to the parallel passage in Daniel 7 – we see a different view…
      • God sees the kingdoms of men as wild beasts bent on destruction!
    • The idol contained 5 parts – corresponding to 5 kingdoms that would rule the world…
      • Each part was made up of a different metal – ranked from heaviest to lightest…
      • Because the kingdom of man is unstable – heavy on top / supported by fragile feet!
      • We must be careful never to put our faith in a government – they are not our hope…
      • It should come as no surprise governments are flawed – sinful men run them…
      • And if governments were perfect – we would never learn to look to and trust in God…
      • It is in the imperfections of our governments we see our need for the Lord!
        
  • 2^nd – Head of Gold – Babylonian empire: 605-539 B.C (70 years)… vs. 32 / 37-38
    • Babylon – Nebuchadnezzar – was the head of Gold because it was the greatest empire…
    • Great because God Himself had given the king power / strength / and glory…
    • Nebuchadnezzar was the ultimate ruler – there were no restrictions to his authority!
    • Wherever men and animals lived – he had power and control over them all!
    • Cause God had chosen Babylon to chastise His people – 70 years of captivity – Jeremiah 25:12
  • 3^rd – Chest of Silver – Medo-Persian Empire: 539-331 B.C. (208 years)… vs. 32 / 39
    • The Medo-Persians conquered Babylon under the rule of King Cyrus – 539 B.C
    • The two arms may even be a reference to their 2 empires – the Medes / and the Persians
    • But their rulers did not have the absolute power given to Nebuchadnezzar…
    • God did not choose their kings – instead they inherited it through birthright…
    • And the king only had limited power that he shared with the central government / nobles…
    • King Darius could not even save Daniel from the lions den – Daniel 6:14
    • But God used the Medo-Persians to rebuild His Temple / Jerusalem – Ezra 1:1
  • 4^th – Belly / thighs of Bronze – Grecian Empire: 331-168 B.C. (163 years)… vs. 32 / 39
    • The Grecian Empire conquered Medo-Persia at the Battle of Gaugamela – 331 B.C.
    • But their rulers were not appointed by God / or birth – they got position through war…
    • The Greeks were famed for their bronze armor – and leadership of Alexander the Great…
    • Under his direction they became the first of the Kingdoms to actually rule the known world!
    • And God used the Grecian Empire to create one language / culture for the known world
  • 5^th – Legs of Iron – Romans Empire: 168-476 A.D (643 years)… vs. 33 / 40
    • The Romans ended the Grecian Empire though victory in the III Macedonian war – 168 B.C.
    • Like Iron it was a hardened military machine that crushed anyone who stood in its way…
    • But their rulers were the weakest yet – not appointed by God / birth / or war…
    • They got their position through the fickle whims and will of the people!
    • The two legs may possibly refer to the 2 division of the Roman Empire in later years…
    • The Western Empire ruled from Rome / and Eastern Empire ruled from Constantinople…
    • Yet God used the Roman Empire to build roads and a prolonged period of peace…
    • These would be crucial – along with the Greek language – to the spread of the Gospel!
    • As we look at how God orchestrated the Empires of the world – molding them to His will…
    • It gives great peace – because it means no matter how crazy things get – God is in control…
    • It also gives us hope – because we see everything unfolds according to His plan!
    • Daniel 4:35 – “All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth…”
  • 6^th – Feet of Iron and Clay – Revived Roman Empire (Europe): 476 A.D.-present… vs. 33 / 41-42
    • Rome slowly degraded in power until it fell to marauding Germanic tribes – 476 B.C.
      • This began the period known most commonly as the Middle Ages…
      • The former Empire fragmented into numerous nations – France / Spain / Germany…
      • Each an iron piece of the original Empire – but without the strength of the whole…
      • Each of the nations has attempted to reunite the glory of the Romans Empire…
      • In the 18^th century Napoleon attempted to rebuild Rome under French rule…
      • The Austro-Hungarian Empire was know as the Holy Roman Empire up till 1918…
      • In the 19^th century Hitler attempted to create the 1000-year Reich under German rule…
    • But a day is coming when Rome will be reunited…
      • In the aftermath of the rapture – pre tribulation – I Corinthians 15:51
      • And after the Magog invasion when God destroys armies of Russia / Arabs – Ezekiel 38
      • The world will be in chaos – one man will step up offering peace and safety…
      • He will make peace by rebuilding the 3^rd Temple – received as the Jewish Messiah…
    • This event will start the 7 years of Tribulation – Daniel 9:27
      • Just as the feet of the idol had 10 toes – the new Empire will have 10 parts – Daniel 7:7
      • But his kingdom will be the weakest of all – iron mixed with clay…
      • Because his authority is not from God / birth / war / or men – it is from satan!
      • Also a reference to the weak ties binding the fragmented European nations together!
    • 3 ½ years into the Tribulation the Anti-Christ will perform the Abomination of Desolation!
      • The Anti-Christ will enter the rebuilt 3^rd temple – into the Holiest of All…
      • The footstool of God – where the Ark of the Covenant once stood (1^st Temple only)
      • There he will proclaim he is god – and should be worshiped by the world…
      • The terror of the tribulation will be so great – unless those days were shortened…
      • No one would survive – but for the sake of those who will accept Jesus – shortened…
      • The bad news – anyone who does not believe in Jesus has this to look forward to…
      • But if we believe in Jesus we will not go through the Tribulation…
      • Jesus will take us to heaven before in the rapture of the church – I Thessalonians 4:16
      • Really good motivation to believe in Jesus today – II Corinthians 6:2
      • People can be saved during the Tribulation – but you will have to go through it…
      • And the end result will be you will have to die – beheaded – for your faith in Jesus…
      • Revelation 20:4 – “Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast…”
  • 7^th – Stone cut without hands – Millennial Kingdom of God… vs. 34-36 / 44-45
    • The stone cut without hands – Jesus Christ – I Peter 2:7 / I Corinthians 10:4
      • Will strike the feet of Iron and Clay (the revived Roman Empire) – scatter the idol like chaff!
      • Immediately after the 7 years of Tribulation – Jesus will return – Revelation 19:11-21
      • He will come riding in on a white horse – ‘King of Kings – and Lord of Lords’!
      • All those who were raptured will return with Him from heaven
      • He will face off against the armies of the Anti-Christ – Armageddon – destroy them all!
    • No trace of all the kingdoms of men will be left – they will be erased from history!
      • The stone will become a great mountain – fill the earth – the LAST / everlasting Kingdom!
      • The Millennium reign of Jesus – Revelation 20:1-7 – and the New Heaven and New Earth…
      • I Corinthians 15:24 – “Then comes the end, when [Jesus] delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.”
      • When God created the world – gave the ‘Deed’ to Adam & Eve – Genesis 1:28-30…
      • When Adam and Eve choose to sin in the garden – rebel against God – Genesis 3…
      • They sold the ‘Title Deed’ of the world to satan – II Corinthians 4:4 / John 14:30
      • Jesus came to redeem the ‘Title Deed’ that had been lost…
      • Revelation 5:2-5 – we are told the no one could open the scroll – ‘Title Deed’…
      • But the Angel said – behold the ‘Lion of the Tribe of Judah’ – Jesus!
      • Jesus will redeem the world – restore the world that was lost – that is the end of the story!
  • 8^th – The praise of the King… vs. 46-49
    • Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face before Daniel – truly your God is God of gods / Lord of lords!
      • The king promoted Daniel over all the other wise men of Babylon…
      • And Daniel had Shadrach / Meshach / and Abed-Nego set over the affairs of the province
    • God has established His plan for the world – and nothing will change it – Matthew 5:18
      • He is coming to judge the nations – and every knee will bow – Philippians 2:10
      • There are only two kinds of people when it comes to God…
      • Sinner who have received the free gift of salvation in Jesus – and sinners who have not…
      • For those who reject Jesus – all that waits them is certain and terrifying judgment!