sf810 - THE FOURTH EMPIRE ROME - 2 of 3 DANIELS VISION OF THE FOUR BEASTS (Daniel 7 7-8)

Daniel 7:7-8; 19-26 (Key 7-8)

Introduction

The last half of the book includes Daniel's prophetic visions of future events.

Ø Four Beasts (7)

Ø Ram & Goat (8)

Ø Seventy Weeks (9)

Ø End Times (10-12)

These visions include the prophecy of the succeeding Gentile world powers and a timetable of events related to the end-times.

Incredible Vision of the Four Beasts (7:1-14).

Ø The vision in chapter seven is dated from the "first year of Belshazzar," or 553 BC.

Ø This vision focuses on the future of Israel in relation to a succession of four major Gentile world powers: Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome.

Ø As the prophecy unfolds, we see a general picture of the succession of Gentile powers that would control Israel in the years ahead.

The setting

Ø The timing of this vision came after the death of Nebuchadnezzar.

Ø The evil and inexperienced Belshazzar, grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, comes to the throne in 553 BC.

Ø Realizing the fate of Babylon may have fallen on hard times, Daniel predicts a succession of empires that will succeed Babylon.

Ø In contrast to Nebuchadnezzar's vision of the great statue (Chapter 2), Daniel sees a succession of wild animals about to destroy one another.

The fourth empire is the most gruesome of all.

1A. The Fourth Empire in History (7, 19, 23)

1B. Rome’s power to conquer (7a)

“dreadful and terrible”

“exceedingly strong”

At its height, the Roman Empire stretched from Britain to India. It was the greatest empire in human history, encompassing what today would include: Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and half of Asia.

2B. Rome’s power to crush (7b)

“Iron teeth… devouring”

“breaking to pieces”

“trampling…”

Compared to the Roman the other kingdoms were tame.

Ø The Romans were cruel.

Ø They crucified Christ.

Ø Emperors from Nero to Diocletian persecuted the Church.

3B. Rome’s power to continue (7c)

“it was different…”

Lasted 500 years as a world power (longer than any other).

Remnants of Rome exist today.

2A. The Fourth Empire in Prophecy (8, 20-27)

1B. The counterfeit kingdom (20a, 24a)

Ø Ten nation European confederation

Ø They will attempt to maintain a measure of sovereignty.

Ø They will be overtaken by one, the little horn.

2B. The counterfeit king (8, 20b-22, 24b-27)

We are told about his rise to power (8, 20b, 24b)

Ø He arises from the remains of the old Roman Empire. He will appear to be a friend to the Jews.

Ø He conquers three of the ten nations of the old Roman Empire. He will be a political and military genius.

Ø His "eyes" refer to his incredible human intelligence.

Ø His "mouth" refers to his dynamic ability to speak and persuade others. He will be a great orator.

Ø Here is Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Saddam Hussein all rolled into one!

We are told about his reign. (21, 25)

Ø Make war with the Jewish saints during the Tribulation Period.

Ø He will blaspheme God and the people of God.

Ø He will change the basic laws of morality and society.

Ø He will turn against the Jews for 3 1/2 years - during the Great Tribulation.

We are told about his ruin (26-27)

Ø You cannot shake your fist in the face of God and get away with it!

Ø The Antichrist will be cast into the Lake of Fire according to Revelation 19:20.

Application

When we understand how God has worked in the past, we can better understand how God is working now.

Understanding prophecy not only prepares for the future but it gives us confidence for today.

We need to be careful not to be taken in by Satan’s counterfeits.

We can identify a counterfeit only by knowing the real thing.

We do not need to worry about how or when God will fulfill His Word, we need to have confidence that He will fulfill His word.

We need to be busy proclaiming His Word.

There will come one more great Gentile world power that will personify evil, those who become believers and are alive during those days will suffer greatly.

THE FOURTH EMPIRE: ROME
Daniel’s Vision of the Four Beasts – Part 2 of 3
Sunday, January 24, 1999 - Daniel 7-8; 19-26 (Key 7-8)

Introduction

The last half of the book includes Daniel's prophetic visions of future events.

Ø Four Beasts (Ch. 7)

Ø Ram & Goat (Ch. 8)

Ø Seventy Weeks (Ch. 9)

Ø End Times (Ch. 10-12)

The setting

Ø The timing of this vision came after the death of Nebuchadnezzar and after the "abdication" of Nabonidus to Arabia.

Ø The evil and inexperienced Belshazzar, grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, comes to the throne in 553 BC.

Ø In contrast to Nebuchadnezzar's vision of the great statue (Chapter 2), Daniel sees a succession of wild animals about to destroy one another.

The fourth empire is the most gruesome of all.

1A. The Fourth Empire in _______________ (7, 19, 23)

Rome’s power to conquer (7a)

Rome’s power to _____________ (7b)

Rome’s power to __________________ (7c)

2A. The Fourth Empire in _______________ (8, 20-27)

1B. The counterfeit ___________________ (20a, 24a)

2B. The counterfeit ____________ (8, 20b-23, 24b-27)

We are told about his _______ to power (8, 20b, 24b)

Ø He arises from the remains of the old Roman Empire.

Ø He will appear to be a friend to the Jews.