Thriving Spiritually When Terrible Persecution Comes
Thriving Spiritually in a World of Opposition • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Imagine waking up from a dream so intense, so disturbing, that it shakes you to the core. Your heart is pounding. Your mind is spinning. You try to brush it off, but it lingers. You can’t shake the images… the fear… the weight of what you just saw.
That’s exactly where we find Daniel in chapter 7.
He’s not just confused. He’s troubled. The vision he receives is so terrifying, so vivid, that it leaves him physically exhausted and emotionally wrecked. And here’s the thing—God gave him that vision on purpose.
I wish I could tell you that if you follow Jesus, everything will get easier. That the more faithful you are, the more peaceful life becomes. But that’s not what Daniel 7 teaches us.
This chapter reminds us that terrible persecution is part of God’s plan, and sometimes things get darker before the dawn. But it also gives us an unshakeable hope—because while the forces of evil rise, they don’t win.
Remember Romans 12:19
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Daniel was living in exile—far from home, surrounded by idolatry, and serving in the heart of a godless empire. God gave him a vision that shook him to his core: four monstrous beasts, each representing a kingdom that would rise and fall. But the vision didn’t end with political turmoil—it ended with a terrifying ruler who would violently oppress God’s people, the Jews!
The verses we’re studying today—Daniel 7:15–28—give us the interpretation of that vision. Yet right in the middle of the terror, Daniel sees something else…the sovereign hand of God bringing justice, restoring His people, and establishing His eternal kingdom. In other words, Daniel see’s HOPE! Even when persecution is a reality!
Main Idea: In the Face of _Terrible_ Persecution, God’s Plan Will Bring Eternal Victory
This vision reminds us that persecution isn’t the end of the story. God has a plan. His saints will suffer, but they will also reign. They will suffer. But in Christ, they will also share in His eternal victory.
How do we thrive spiritually when persecution intensifies and evil seems to prevail?
Daniel’s vision gives us three unshakable truths that help us stand strong when persecution comes.
1. You Will _Endure_ Terrible Persecution (vs. 15-18)
15 “As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious, and the visions of my head alarmed me. 16 I approached one of those who stood there and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of the things. 17 ‘These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth. 18 But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.’
(vs. 15) - The bible tells us not to be anxious, yet there are times when things are so unsettling that anxiety swells within our souls and causes us profound consternation. For Daniel, this is one of those times.
Daniel is shaken to the core by what he sees in his vision.
(vs. 16) - It is interesting to observe here in verse 16 to see that the one who was known for interpreting dreams and visions is now in need of help for the very same thing.
Who is the one Daniel approached for help?
Most think Daniel is speaking to the angel Gabriel. While he is not named here, he is in chapters 8 and 9
16 And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, and it called, “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.”
21 while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice.
And Gabriel took the time to explain the disturbing dream to Daniel.
The four beasts represent four earthly kingdoms that we have discussed from chapter 2 and here in chapter 7. The Babylonians, Medes and Persians, Greeks, and Romans and the future revived Roman Empire.
But the focus is on the saints. Despite persecution, they will receive the kingdom and possess it forever (v. 18).
The question we should ask from verse 18 is, who are the “Saints of the Most High”?
As modern day Christians, our tendency would be to read ourselves into this text because we are called saints of God. After all, look at what Paul calls followers of Christ.
1 Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, 2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:
He does this at the begining of most of his letters.
But here’s the key question: Are the ‘saints’ in Daniel 7 talking about us—church-age believers?
It might seem that way at first glance, since Paul often calls believers ‘saints.’ But let’s slow down and take a closer look.
To be clear, no one can achieve the title “saint” on their own. It is only through a relationship with God, by the grace of God alone that we are called saints.
The Saints, or Holy ones in this passage are referring to the faithful Jewish people not the New Testament Church Saints.
Remember, Daniel is a Jew and the book is written to the Jewish people.
Don’t read the Church into Daniel. Stay faithful to a literal, historical, grammatical hermeneutic.
Daniel sees these Kingdoms as beasts. Why? Because these kingdoms will not be kind to the Jewish people.
Daniel’s vision aligns with a sobering reality: the Jewish people have endured terrible persecution for centuries.
Let’s walk briefly through the long history of Jewish suffering…
Biblical & Early Persecution
Egypt (Exodus 1) – Pharaoh enslaved the Hebrews and attempted genocide by killing all male babies.
Babylonian Exile (586 BC) – Jerusalem destroyed, temple razed, Jews exiled—judgment, but also brutal oppression.
Persia (Book of Esther) – Haman plotted the annihilation of the Jews; only God’s providential deliverance saved them.
Ancient and Medieval Persecution
Seleucid Persecution (167–164 BC) – Antiochus IV Epiphanes outlawed Jewish worship, desecrated the temple, and massacred Jews. This is often seen as a foreshadowing of the Antichrist (cf. Daniel 8).
Roman Oppression (1st century AD) – In AD 70, Titus destroyed Jerusalem and the Second Temple. Over 1 million Jews died. Then came the Bar Kokhba revolt (AD 132–135), after which Jews were banned from Jerusalem.
Medieval Europe (1096–1300s) – Crusaders slaughtered entire Jewish communities. Jews were blamed for the Black Death and massacred in the thousands. Forced conversions and expulsions followed in England (1290), France (1306, 1394), and Spain (1492).
Modern Persecution
Russian Pogroms (1881–early 1900s) – Violent mob attacks on Jewish villages, sanctioned or tolerated by the government.
The Holocaust (1933–1945) – Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime murdered 6 million Jews in an unprecedented genocide, driven by racial antisemitism and satanic hatred.
Ongoing Antisemitism – From Middle Eastern regimes calling for Israel’s destruction to attacks on synagogues and Jews worldwide, antisemitism has never died.
The Worst Is Still to Come
According to Daniel 7:25, the Antichrist will persecute Israel during the Great Tribulation:
He will “wear down the saints” (Israel).
He will speak blasphemies and alter religious practices.
This final persecution is still future, and it will be unlike any other—but it will be cut short by Christ’s return (Matt. 24:21–22).
21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. 22 And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
Jewish suffering didn’t begin in the 20th century—and it won’t end until Jesus returns. The hatred behind Pharaoh, Haman, Antiochus, Hitler, and the Antichrist is the same satanic rage aimed at God’s covenant people.
Church—let these two verses break your heart. Verse 21 shows evil rising... but verse 22 shows God breaking in. This is what we’re holding onto.
Praise God—Daniel tells us that the saints will possess the kingdom.
God gets the final word.
Remember, these saints are believing Jews—not Church-age believers.
Daniel’s audience was Israel, not the Church.
Take a look.
18 But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.’
The “saints” refer to the believing J
From the beginning, especially since the time of David, the Jewish people longed for a king from God who would establish their national greatness.
Like many of us, the Jewish people often thought in terms of immediate relief and political power. But God had something far greater in store—an eternal kingdom, not just a national victory.
This passage is meant to give “the saints of the Most High,” AKA, “the Jews,” hope!
Their God will care for them as His chosen people for all of eternity!
Why would the jews need this kind of encouragement? Do you remember the brief history I just gave you?
The Jews have endured centuries of persecution under the Gentile powers that have ruled the earth.
But one day, they, because of their King Jesus, would rule and reign with Him for all eternity!
24 “My servant David shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall walk in my rules and be careful to obey my statutes. 25 They shall dwell in the land that I gave to my servant Jacob, where your fathers lived. They and their children and their children’s children shall dwell there forever, and David my servant shall be their prince forever. 26 I will make a covenant of peace with them. It shall be an everlasting covenant with them. And I will set them in their land and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in their midst forevermore. 27 My dwelling place shall be with them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 28 Then the nations will know that I am the Lord who sanctifies Israel, when my sanctuary is in their midst forevermore.”
No more persecution.
Listen, the church too deals with persecution…
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
Yes, the Jews have suffered.
Yes, the Church has suffered.
But there is a day coming—praise God—when persecution ends, and the people of God will reign with Christ forever, forever and ever.
Until then, we press on…
Picture a Ukrainian believer, hiding underground while bombs fall, holding tightly to a worn Bible. Or a Chinese house church pastor, arrested again for preaching the gospel. These saints endure because they know—our King is coming, and His kingdom is forever.
Expect persecution. Don’t be surprised by it.
Strengthen your faith daily through Scripture and prayer so you are ready.
Teach your family that suffering for Christ is not abnormal—it’s part of following Jesus.
Review: Recap the Point
In the Face of Terrible Persecution, God’s Plan Will Bring Eternal Victory.
You will endure persecution—but God’s victory is sure.
Not only will you endure persecution, but you will encounter deep evil.
2. You Will _Encounter_ the Depths of Evil (vs. 19-25)
19 “Then I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet, 20 and about the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn that came up and before which three of them fell, the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things, and that seemed greater than its companions. 21 As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom. 23 “Thus he said: ‘As for the fourth beast, there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all the kingdoms, and it shall devour the whole earth, and trample it down, and break it to pieces. 24 As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise, and another shall arise after them; he shall be different from the former ones, and shall put down three kings. 25 He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time.
Daniel’s attention is fixed on the fourth beast—an empire unlike any before it. It is devouring, crushing, and terrifying. The ten horns represent a confederation of rulers, and from among them rises one—the little horn—arrogant, boastful, and violent. This is the Antichrist.
Let’s slow down and sit with verses 21 and 22 for a moment, because they carry the emotional weight of this entire passage.
“As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them…”
This isn’t symbolic spiritual language. This is war.
The Antichrist unleashes a full-scale attack on God’s people during the Tribulation, and for a time, he prevails.
The saints are overwhelmed.
Revelation 12:17 says the dragon makes war with the remnant. That’s what Daniel sees.
17 Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.
And if verse 21 were the end of the story, we’d have no hope.
But then comes verse 22:
“…until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.”
This is the turning point—when God steps in. It points us forward to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Just when the world is at its darkest—when the Antichrist seems invincible—Jesus returns.
Revelation 19 shows us the scene: the sky opens, the King of kings rides in, and the armies of heaven follow. Jesus defeats the Antichrist and the false prophet at the Battle of Armageddon, and their rule comes to an end.
So yes, the war is real, and the saints suffer. But Christ wins, and His people inherit the kingdom. That’s the hope Daniel is given—and it’s the hope we cling to.
As we established earlier, Daniel’s vision isn’t about the Church—it’s about God’s covenant people, Israel. The Church was still a mystery, not yet revealed. What Daniel sees is God’s plan for His people during the Tribulation.
But we need to go a little deeper here.
Why this persecution? Why this intense suffering for the saints? Because after rejecting their Messiah, Jesus Christ, Israel came under divine judgment. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 23:38, “Your house is left to you desolate.”
In Luke 19, He weeps over Jerusalem because they “did not know the time of their visitation.”
Since that time, Israel has been set aside during the Church Age—but only temporarily. God’s covenant promises have not been revoked. According to Daniel 9, there are seventy weeks appointed for Israel—and we’ve only seen sixty-nine fulfilled. The 70th week—a future seven-year period—is still to come.
That’s the Tribulation. That’s what Daniel is seeing.
During that time, God will resume His direct dealings with Israel. Through great tribulation, many will come to repentance and faith in Christ. As Paul writes in Romans 11:25–26, Israel’s hardening is partial and temporary—“until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved.”
So let’s be clear: this vision is not about the Church. It’s about God’s sovereign, merciful plan to redeem His covenant people through trial. And though the Antichrist will prevail for a time, his victory will be short-lived.
When Daniel says the Ancient of Days comes and judgment is given for the saints, he’s pointing ahead to the Second Coming of Christ—when Jesus returns in power and defeats the Antichrist once and for all. Revelation 19 describes that moment as the Battle of Armageddon.
It’s not symbolic. It’s the climactic battle where Christ personally defeats evil and begins His earthly reign.
Daniel uses a phrase in verse 25 that may sound strange to us: “a time, times, and half a time.”
Here’s what it means:
“A time” = 1 year
“Times” = 2 years
“Half a time” = half a year
So altogether, this describes a period of three and a half years—the second half of the Tribulation, when the Antichrist is in full power.
This is the time Jesus referred to in Matthew 24 as “great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now.”
But it will not last forever. It has an expiration date.
3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.
Paul describes him as the “man of lawlessness” who exalts himself above every so-called god and even takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God (2 Thess. 2:4).
John in Revelation 13 says the beast is “given authority to make war on the saints and to conquer them.” This is the same moment Daniel sees.
The parallels are unmistakable. Evil will rise. It will appear to dominate. But only for a time—and only by God's permission.
Imagine standing on the shoreline as a massive storm builds.
The waves are crashing. The sky is dark. The wind howls. Everything in you says, Run.
But then—above the storm—you see it. A break in the clouds. A single beam of sunlight... weak at first, but growing.
Evil feels overwhelming… but it will not last forever. God is coming. And when He comes, evil will be silenced.
Don’t underestimate the reality of evil. The devil is real. The Antichrist is coming. And spiritual warfare is intensifying.
Strengthen your faith now so you’re not deceived later. Know the Word. Guard your heart. Prepare your family.
Remember, evil is on a leash. The Antichrist will rise—but only for a time. And only by God’s permission. Judgment is coming.
Review: Recap the Point
In the Face of Terrible Persecution, God’s Plan Will Bring Eternal Victory.
You will endure persecution. You will encounter deep evil.
But here’s the good news—God’s final victory is certain!
3. You Will _Enjoy_ God’s Glorious Victory (vs. 26-28)
26 But the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end. 27 And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.’ 28 “Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly alarmed me, and my color changed, but I kept the matter in my heart.”
Daniel’s vision ends with a courtroom scene. The Antichrist’s reign of terror has come to an end. The Ancient of Days—God Himself—sits in judgment. His verdict is final. No appeal. No delay.
“His dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end.” (v. 26)
This is the complete annihilation of evil’s power.
The little horn—the Antichrist—is stripped of all authority. No more war. No more blasphemy. No more persecution.
Then, something glorious happens:
“And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High.” (v. 27)
Every dominion on earth—every throne, every nation, every ounce of authority—is handed over to the saints. This refers to the faithful Jewish remnant who endure to the end of the Tribulation. But there’s more.
And here’s the glorious truth for us: when Christ returns to establish His Millennial Kingdom, both Israel and the Church will reign with Him.
This fulfills God’s covenant promises to Israel (2 Sam. 7:16; Isa. 9:6–7), and it honors the Church’s identity as the Bride of Christ and co-heir (Rev. 20:6; 2 Tim. 2:12).
Israel receives her long-awaited King and the earthly kingdom promised through the covenants.
The Church reigns with Christ as co-heirs in His Kingdom.
Two peoples—united under one King—sharing in the joy of His reign. And when the Millennium ends, the reign doesn’t stop. It continues forever in the new heavens and the new earth. Christ’s kingdom is everlasting, and the saints will share in it forever and ever.
Revelation 11:15 declares, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.”
Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come” (Matt. 6:10)—and it will come!
“Why are you worried about your future when you have been loved from all eternity past?” - John MacArthur
Live like an heir of the kingdom—bold, joyful, hopeful.
Encourage each other with this hope.
Share the gospel—people need to know about this coming King! (Cards)
And let Daniel’s closing words sober us:
“As for me, my thoughts greatly alarmed me, and my color changed…”
Even with the hope of victory, Daniel is shaken. Why? Because what he saw was real.
The Great Tribulation is no joke. It is a terrifying reality for the world, but especially for God’s people, the Jews.
Daniel was terrified at the future suffering of His people.
Prophecy isn’t abstract—it’s meant to move us.
To prepare us. To make us long for the return of Christ.
So let it stir your soul.
Let it fill you with reverent awe.
And let it cause you to live for what truly matters.
Daniel didn’t walk away rejoicing—he walked away trembling.
But he also walked away trusting. That’s faith.
Review: Recap the Point
In the Face of Terrible Persecution, God’s Plan Will Bring Eternal Victory.
You will endure persecution. You will encounter evil.
But you will enjoy eternal victory—ruling and rejoicing with Christ, forever and ever.
Conclusion
So what should we do in light of all this?
Trust God’s sovereign plan—no matter how dark the world gets. Don’t let headlines steal your peace. The courtroom of heaven is in session, and the King is in control.
Prepare your heart for persecution. Don’t wait until the storm hits—fortify your faith now through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship.
Stand firm and live as a citizen of heaven. You belong to a kingdom that cannot be shaken.
And
Proclaim His kingdom—boldly, urgently, joyfully. There are people around you who need to know that hope is not dead. The King is alive—and He’s coming soon.
Corrie Ten Boom once said, “There is no panic in heaven! God has no problems, only plans.”
We may be anxious. We may be alarmed like Daniel. But heaven isn’t. Heaven is steady. The King is on His throne.
So picture it: One day soon, the sky will split open. The Son of Man will return in glory. Every knee will bow. The kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.
And you will reign with Him.
So live now like a citizen of that unshakable kingdom
In the face of persecution, trust that God’s plan leads to eternal victory.
