Understanding the Vision of the End Times

Title: Understanding the Vision of the End Times

Text: Daniel 8:17 – "So he came near where I stood, and when he came I was afraid and fell on my face; but he said to me, 'Understand, son of man, that the vision refers to the time of the end.'”

Certainly! Below is the 7-point sermon with additional scriptures to enhance each point:

1. The Power of God’s Revelation

Key Idea: God speaks clearly and specifically to His people, offering guidance through His Word and Spirit. Illustration: Like a lighthouse in a storm, God's revelation offers safety and direction.

Supporting Scriptures:

Amos 3:7 – "Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets."

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

Psalm 119:105 – "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

2. The Awe of God’s Presence

Key Idea: A true encounter with God humbles us and stirs holy fear and reverence. Illustration: Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness in Isaiah 6. Supporting Scriptures:

Exodus 3:5-6 – "Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground."

Revelation 1:17 – "And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, 'Do not be afraid.'"

Hebrews 12:28-29 – "Let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire."

3. The Identity of the “Son of Man”

Key Idea: The "Son of Man" signifies humanity and divinity, ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ.

Illustration: Jesus fulfilled Daniel’s vision as the "Son of Man" with an everlasting kingdom.

Supporting Scriptures:

Matthew 26:64 – "You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven." John 5:27 – "And has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man." Philippians 2:6-8 – "Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death."

4. The Weight of the End Times

Key Idea: The prophecy points to events of global and spiritual significance in the end times. Illustration: Like a watchman warning of danger, Daniel’s vision calls us to spiritual readiness. Supporting Scriptures:

2 Timothy 3:1-5 – "In the last days perilous times will come."

1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 – "The day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night."

Daniel 12:4 – "Seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."

5. The Need for Understanding

Key Idea: God calls His people to seek wisdom and discernment, not confusion or fear. Illustration: Like the Bereans in

Acts 17:11, we should diligently search the Scriptures to understand God's truth. Supporting Scriptures:

Hosea 4:6 – "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."

James 1:5 – "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God."

Colossians 1:9-10 – "Be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding."

6. The Role of Angels in God’s Plan

Key Idea: Angels are God’s messengers, helping to communicate His plans and minister to His people. Illustration: Gabriel, the same angel who visited Mary (Luke 1:26-38), shows consistency in delivering God’s messages.

Supporting Scriptures:

Psalm 91:11 – "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways."

Hebrews 13:2 – "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels." Revelation 14:6-7 – "Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach."

7. The Call to Be Ready for the End

Key Idea: The end times demand vigilance, faithfulness, and preparation.

Illustration: Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) warns against spiritual complacency.

Supporting Scriptures:

Luke 21:36 – "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things." Revelation 16:15 – "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments." 1 Corinthians 15:58 – "Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord."

Conclusion:

Daniel 8:17 reminds us of the gravity and glory of God’s plans. We are called to stand in awe, seek understanding, and prepare for the time of the end through faithful obedience to Christ.

Challenge: Will you dedicate yourself to understanding God’s Word and living in readiness for His return?

Feel free to personalize the illustrations or scriptures based on your audience. This expanded version is packed with scriptural depth!