Twists and Turns: Living in Faith through Difficulty

Main Point: Because we believe that God is sovereign, disciples of Jesus don’t look for the easy road, but are willing to faithfully live through difficulty.

OUTLINE

I. The Scene for Daniel

II. Daniel’s Vision

A. The Ram with Two Horns v3-4

B. The Male Goat and Four Horns v5-8

C. The Small Horn’s Persecution of God’s People 9-14

III. Gabriel’s Explanation

A. Angelic Encounter v15-19

B. Ram and Goat Explained v20-22

C. More on the Small Horn’s Persecution of God’s People v23-26

IV. The Response of Daniel v26-27

Beyond the Walls

Daily Scripture Readings

Day 1: READ  Daniel 8

Give some words to describe the two kingdoms discussed in this chapter, such as the goat and the ram. Circle the most important word you wrote down. 

How does Antiochus IV Epiphanes contrast in both his work and his character with the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ?

What is “the end” referring to? (hint: trick question)

Day 2: READ Isaiah 14 and THINK ABOUT Daniel 8

How do these two chapters help us understand and deal with bad leaders in our lives?

What is the Christian response to bad leaders?

How does Daniel’s vision point to the graciousness of all divine revelation?

Day 3: READ Daniel 8 (pay attention to verse 27)

The emphasis of this chapter is that God knows the future. What effects should this truth have on your daily life?

Why is it wrong to be complacent in this life, knowing that ultimate victory belongs to Christ?

Day 4: READ Daniel 8

Have you ever been overpowered or overwhelmed by the truths of Scripture, as Daniel was in this text? What were you reading, and why was it so powerful?

What divine assistance is there for the Christian as he or she reads and interprets Scripture?

How does Daniel’s vision show both God’s judgment of evil nations and his discipline of his people?

Day 5: NERD DAY. READ 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 and Revelation 13. THINK ABOUT Daniel 8. 

Compare the Antichrist figure in these three passages. What information is shared between the passages? What information is different?