Seasons in Babylon

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SERIES DESCRIPTION: In this series on the Book of Daniel called Not From Here, we’ll explore Daniel chapter 2.31-49 as Daniel reveals a dream that doesn’t just speak to an ancient world but to us as modern readers. We will see how we can be lights that faithfully shine as seasons come and seasons go.
Altar Instructions: Please come up when I begin the last two statements
Series | Not From Here

Pre-Message Welcome

Grace Place family! It’s awesome to have you here with us today, whether in person or online.
I’m Shawn, and along with my wife, we serve as the Co-Pastors of this incredible church.
At The Grace Place, our mission is clear: we are Caring People, Caring for People.
We pray that you experience God’s care in our time together and in your life.
Spanish Welcome - 2nd Service ONLY!
A nuestra familia de habla hispana .... Bienvenidos…
To our Spanish speaking family... welcome, we hope you and your family feels cared for as well.
Before we get into the message today….

Pastor Plug: Stand Sunday

One of our Missions Focuses is to Defend the Orphan and thats exactly what we will be doing next Sunday as we call our church to Stand and by pray, give, and go. We’re bringing in Joe Knittig, CEO of The Global Orphan Project and Executive Producer of the motion picture Sound of Hope
We’re beleiving God to do some special things in the heart of our church.
The Friday following Stand Sunday our Orphan care team will be hosting a special screening of Sound of Hope - you can get all the details and register in the Church Center APP
Transition: We’re in week 4 of the series we are calling
Series | Not From Here
This is a series about the man Daniel, the faithful exile.
The big question of this series is this… lets look at it together on the screen
How can we live in a land that we’re not from?
Daniel knew all about this as a captive in Babylon.
You might feel like you live in a foreign land surrounded with values you don’t have anything in common with.
I believe the Story of Daniel can help guide us in our struggles.
Well... if you missed any of the messages in our series you can catch up…
o By listing on most Podcast sites
As well as…
o Watch…. on our Youtube
Today we are going to be looking at the last 1/2 of Daniel ch 2
Re-Cap
To refresh our memory…
At the start of Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar is tormented by dreams and demands an interpretation from his wisemen and seers. No one can help—until Daniel gathers his friends to pray, and God reveals the dream and its meaning.
Which brings us to Dan. 2:31-49
This passage is full of powerful imagery, but God makes its meaning clear.
Daniel gives us a surprising glimpse into both history and… the End of time as we know it.
To summarizes the entire chapter to help us get our barings before we read - I want to read an excerpt from J. Paul Tanners commentary
Daniel Biblical Theology Comments

The dream of Nebuchadnezzar in chap. 2 is relatively straightforward. There is a series of kingdoms, each following the other, until at the culmination of history or END OF TIME- the Lord God of heaven

***Feel free to encourage people to listen to the Holy Spirit speak to them personally as the message is preached
LETS PRAY
YOU CAN WALK OFF THE STAGE WHEN YOU SAY AMEN
Transition: the title of our message today is...
Sermon Title | Seasons in Babylon
Introduction
Life is full of seasons.
Seasons of…
Joy, pain, brokenness, healing, sowing, and harvest—your life itself is also season.
Humanity has moved through seasons too—from creation to the fall, through empires rising and falling.
The death and resurrection of Jesus ushered in a new covenant season—and one day, there will be a final season when God returns for His Church and establishes His Kingdom.
The big question we all ask is:
When will that be?
Will it happen in our lifetime… or our children’s?
I wish it would come quickly - me 2
Here’s what I’ve learned—just like there were seasons in Babylon, there will be seasons in our lives.
They come and go.
And if the Lord delays, many of the earthly things we cling-to for hope and answers will come and go like the seasons.
But my prayer is that in every season, the one thing you hold onto is Jesus.
So buckle up today—this part of the series may stretch you a bit. But it’s essential if we want to understand… not just the end—but how to live in it…
We’re going to read through this passage slowly asking this question IN YOUR NOTES…

What do we SEE?

What do we observe in this passage about the dream? What can we see through a plain reading of the text.
Here we go… lets read - Dan. 2 starting at v.31

Daniel Interprets the Dream

Let’s pause for a moment… What is beginning to develop here … what do we see… IN YOUR NOTES…

We see the Dream REVEALED v. 31-35

The dream at the beginning of Ch2 … was tormenting King Nebuchadnezzar.
Notice the divine revelation:He doesn’t seem to have clear recollection of the dream other than its torments - without the help of Neb. God choses to reveal it in detail through Daniel..
If you’re a skeptic, biblical prophecy is one of the strongest proofs of God’s revelation. It’s impossible for Daniel to predict well over 2,000 years of history without divine insight.
Lets look at the Image revealed in Daniel dream… here it is on the screen just as God had revealed it.
***DON’T GO OVER ALL THE PARTS AGAIN - Just let them look at it as I explain the next part
The 5 body parts and material that made up those parts. As we mentioned earlier - these are the Kingdoms that will come and go.
Verse 31 gives us clues about the character of these kingdoms.
The image is mighty, speaking of strength—these kingdoms appear unbreakable, able to conquer and control, just as Nebuchadnezzar did with Judah.
The image is exceedingly bright, speaking of attractiveness—kingdoms will be alluring, and many will be drawn to them, pledging their ultamate loyalty.
Lastly we see…
the image is frightening, speaking of intimidation—these kingdoms maintain order through fear, control, and oppression.
Let’s keep reading to see how things play out with these Kingdoms.

34 As you looked, a STONE was cut out by no human hand,

A new Kingdom is revealed here as a stone—originating from God, not man.
Interesting that Ps. 18:2 describes our Lord Jesus as our Rock - in fact coming off of Easter theme - Jesus is also called our CORNER -what - STONE.
What does this stone do to the image? Lets keep reading… it

the stone …struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces.

Apparently these MIGHTY, POWERFUL, ALLURING Kingdoms of man that have been ruling throughout history… is easily struck down by a stone that is MORE POWERFUL - more mighty than any Human Kingdom has ever seen.
Continuing in v.35… 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, all together were BROKEN in pieces
Church - every Kigndom of Man eventually loses power and will fall
Scripture goes on to says these kingdoms…
became like the CHAFF of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that not a TRACE of them could be found.
Friends, Scripture tells us there will come a day when all the kingdoms of man—including the United States and its allies—will leave no trace behind.
We are looking here at the END of Time as we understand it.
There will be No ruins or no remains—to discover as we do with history today.
What will be left… ? SCRIPTURE describes it like this….
But the stone that struck the image(will be left - and the STONE) became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.
What Kingdom do you think swill give the final blow to the last Kingdom of Man and take over and fill the earth?
You got it… at the Kingdom of God it will eventually take over the earthly and FILL the EARTH - with Gods Glory, his Reign and Rule.
If your a believer in Jesus - this should give you great hope - this is a good place to say AMEN - NOT for the destruction of the Lost - I don’t think God take any pleasure in this - but your redemption.
So, who do these five body parts represent? Scripture explains it, and history confirms it—as Daniel prophetically reveals the next 2,500 years of human empires starting around 650BC
Lets keep reading…

36 “This was the dream. Now we will tell the king its interpretation.

What are we beginning to see here? IN YOUR NOTES…is this

We see the Dream EXPLAINED v. 36-45

Yea… Daniel says in the most simple way… let me explain to you what this all means. Now this is where we pay attention.. and notice the Kingdoms God reveals through Daniel.
Starting at v.37

37 You, O king… the king of kings… to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom…. the power…. and the might…. and the glory…. 38 and into whose hand he has given,….wherever they dwell…the children of man…. the beasts of the field, and the birds of the heavens, making you rule over them all—you are the head of gold.

Daniel speaks to Nebuchadnezzar… He is NOT worshiping the King but is recognizing his the Full authority that heaven has released on The Kingdom of Babylon as the WORLD POWER
Then notice how He WITNESS to the King and tells him - you didn’t get here on your own. You are here becuase God has given you this authority.
Friends it’s important to know that God still uses the Kingdoms of man for his Greater Purpose.
In theology there is something called the Providence of God - This means -God is always at work—behind the scenes and in the open—to guide, provide, and accomplish His ultimate purposes, even when we don’t see it… or understand it.
Ok.. continuing in V.39… He is about to give Neb some bad news regarding his Kingdom… and this is going to take some Boldness as he is about to speak truth to power. HE says… King Neb… this dream is telling you that…

39 Another kingdom inferior to you shall arise after you, and yet a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth. 40 And there shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron, because iron breaks to pieces and shatters all things. And like iron that crushes, it shall break and crush all these.

We see 1-2-3-4 kingdoms… and we’re about to see a fifth as v 41 says

41 And as you saw the feet and toes….

Go ahead a put the image back up
God reveals who the kingdoms are… as each one defeating the previous. It starts with Nebuchadnezzar and his great Babylon—Daniel tells him, “You are the head of the image.
Notice the Sucession of Kingdom
For the History and Bible nerds…
The head -made of gold - representing - the Babylonian Kingdom .
This region us which is Modern Day Iraq and extending into other surrounding regions….
The Next Kingdom takes over as we see…
The chest and arms of silver - become the next World Power -representing the Persian Kingdom
History tells us the Medo-Persian eventually over threw Babylon in 530BC and expanded their rule.
The Next Kingdom takes over as we see
The Belly and thighs made of bronze - as they become the World Power - representing Grecian Empire
History tells us the Medo-Persian we’re taken over by the infamous Alexander the great and Greek Empire… in 323BC
The Next Kingdom takes over as we see
The legs of iron - that become the next World Power -as history tells us that the Roman Empire eventually over threw the Grecian Empire
It’s interesting to note that the Roman Empire fragmented on its own around AD 476… and there was NOT really a new WORLD POWER in the region like previous centuries. Keep that in mind for later…
Most scholars agree on what all these kingdoms represent until we get to the feet & toes..
Most in our theological circle think we have yet to see this final empire … it’s seen as a future Empire…
|
Here is the big picture:
It’s important to know that The Kingdoms that Daniel see’s is a series of Gentile Kingdoms(Non Jews) that are going to rule over Israel (Gods Chosen People) thorough the rest of human History until Christ returns and destroys the sinful Kingdoms of Man and establishes his New Kingdom.
The final Kingdom of man that we see in this vision is…
The feet & Toes they are made of a mixture of Iron & clay - Some remnant-Kingdom of Rome (Represented by the Iron) and a 2nd kingdom represented by the Clay.
Do we know exactly who these Kingdoms are? Many speculate - I will leave that up to them to predict this future world power.
Here are some compelling reasons to help us consider this last Kingom as a future one… lets continue reading in v.44

44

Let me ask you a question:
Have all the Kingdoms of man come to an end in such a way that that they have been FULLY Destroyed?
No. They are still here.
I believe scripture is reveals to us that there will be a final Kingdom leading us into the end.
I do not believe we see if yet
But here is what we can know… I’ll parphrase v45….
Daniel says… what I have said is TRUE.. You can take it to the bank! Prepare for your eventual takeover-
SHEESH! A Strong word the King
-It’s a strong word for us - the best way to prepare for the eventually take over is to make sure you allegiance is clearly with the ROCK - the Cornerstone - JESUS as his Kingdom with fill the earth
What happens next… IN YOUR NOTES

We see the Dreamer’s REACTION v. 46-49

Yea… Nebuchadnezzar reacts to the dream in in v.46 in Daniels Favor. I’’’ paraphrase the passage… 46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar FELL UPON HIS FACE before Daniel
v. 47 he says… 47… Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries,
48 Then the king gave Daniel great gifts and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and brings his friends on his team.
God promoted Daniel—an outsider—to a place of influence in Babylon’s government.
The most unlikely people just might open door to elevate you - do not despise ways of God amoung the ungodly
I love that Daniel is not a sheep here - he leverages this moment… not just for Himself… but for his friends.
He requests positions for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
Some times it’s NOT all about what you know - it’s about WHO you know.
It’s the Favor of God working on your behalf.
Your promotion is NOT just for you - look around and see who God wants to bring with you
Transition: the title of our message today is...
Sermon Title | Seasons in Babylon
Lastly and briefly… IN YOUR NOTES…Lets talk about…

The PRACTICAL application of Dan. 2 in modern life

Church - No matter who is ruling in Babylon… no matter what Kingdom has taken over - here is what we can know… IN YOUR NOTES

In every season of Babylon, your LIGHT still matters—so stop cursing the darkness and start shining in it. (Matt. 5:14-16)

Here is the question I believe scripture is inviting us to ask ourselves today…

Question:How can you grow your heart for the people in Babylon?

That you are compelled by love to shine in Babylon
The next practical statement I want to make today is this… IN YOUR NOTES

 God doesn’t need PERFECT conditions to fulfill His promise—He just needs FAITHFUL people. (Prov 3:5-7)

Friends… God’s Kingdom will comes through those who trust Him, no matter who’s ruling.
He is behind the scenes working all things for his good for his ultimate purpose which is to bring his Kingdom into full view for those who welcome him in as Lord and Savior.
We are called to be FAITHFUL
Here is the question I believe scripture is inviting us to ask ourselves today…

Question: How can you be more faithfully present in Babylon?

Prov. 3:5-7 are you trusting in the Lord with all your heart…
Trans
Are you looking for ways to shine -
Are you stepping into the doors God is opening for you?
But I don’t agree with my companies moral stance? Do you think Daniel did? (THAT WAS FREE - hot off the press as I was praying over the message today”
If you’re a skeptic, biblical prophecy is one of the strongest proofs of God’s revelation. It’s impossible for Daniel to predict well over 2,000 years of history without divine insight.
So today… if you do NOT know Jesus as your Lord and Savior today is your day…
Salvation Altar Call
I believe Jesus is here today, and He wants to save you. Salvation simply means to deliver or to free. It’s not just about delivering you…
It’s about believing
Believing in Jesus means trusting what He say’s—about sin, and eternal punishment, thats the bad news.
The good news is this… that His death on the cross paid the penalty for our sins, making us right with God.
Ephesians 2:8 reminds us: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Salvation requires two things:
1. God’s Grace—His undeserved gift of forgiveness and life because of His love for you.
2. Faith—placing your trust in Him for salvation.
If you’ve never asked Jesus to save you, today is your day. If you’d like ask him… , raise your hand.
I want to invite you to Repeat a prayer after me
· There is nothing magical in this prayer.. it simply is a way of declaring to Jesus what has taken place in your heart.
Here is how I would like to end the service for everyone else….
Call to Action Altar Call
We want a KING - we are much like the people of old
Moses, David, Kings… I WANT TO BE YOUR KING
We’re going to end the service with A question as we do nearly every week.
ALL ACROSS THE ROOM – HAS THE HOLY SPIRIT spoken to you in anyway today?

Going Deeper

What stuck out to you the in this passage? v. 31-49
How can you grow your heart for the people in Babylon? Matt. 5:14-16
How can you be more faithfully present in Babylon? Prov. 3:5-7
What might the Holy Spirit be saying to you in light of this teaching?
How might the Holy Spirit want to transform you in light of this teaching?
What actions might the Holy Spirit want to take in light of this teaching?
Tongues & Interpretation
1. To STRENGTHEN the Church (1 Cor14:5)
For prophecy is greater than SPEAKING in TONGUES, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be STRENGTHENED.
Believers, God has operated through this gift today to strengthen you today. Let your faith be strengthened and know that God is in control and using supernatural measures to speak to us.
2. Is a SIGN for unbelievers. (1Cor. 14: 21a, 22)
1 Corinthians 14:21–22 (ESV)
In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.
22 -  So you see that speaking in tongues is a SIGN, not for believers, but for UNBELIEVERS.
The Bible explains to us God has chosen to use this gift to be a sign for you. A sign for what? It is a sign of his realness for those of you who have been doubting or questioning the existence of God. He wants you to know he is REAL and he wants to bring you spiritual life and health. If you're in here today and you don't know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior... he wants you to know he has gone to great lengths to show you his love today. (Great opportunity for a salvation altar call if it fits).
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