Daniel 2:1-49; Only One Kingdom Will Remain

Sermon in a sentence: We should live for one kingdom.

Introduction

CT Studd was the son of a wealthy English merchant. He was a cricket player at Cambridge when we came to faith in Christ. He gave up a promising financial future to become a missionary. He wrote a famous poem.

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way;

Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;

Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgement seat;

Only one life,’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Distress in Paradise (vs. 1-16)

Pharaoh/Joseph and Saul/David

Kings and kingdoms will become gods if they do not recognize God.

Nebuchadnezzar had the power as the king to kill whoever he wanted. He was the final authority.

We do not receive our rights from government, the Constitution, or any human. We receive our rights from God!

We must remember that our allegiance is ultimately to the kingdom of God and not the kingdoms of men.

We will be miserable when we try to find fulfillment in any other kingdom but God’s.

Divine Providence (vs. 17-45)

God provided a way of salvation for his remnant through Daniel.

Remember, Daniel and his friends are about 16-18 years old. They are going to be slaughtered. Their decision is to pray together.

He then blesses God after his prayer is answered. We should follow Daniel’s example of prayer and praise!

God provided Daniel an opportunity to herald the goodness of God.

Daniel was faced with death for his friends and himself. But he was not in any hurry to tell Nebuchadnezzar the dream!

God demonstrated his sovereignty over human history.

God sets up kings and kingdoms. He also tears them down!

Daniel Promoted (vs. 46-49)

Once again, God blessed Daniel and his friends for their obedience.

Daniel and his friends were promoted to places of authority and power.

Conclusion

Mark Driscoll