The Rock in a hard place - Daniel 2

Daniel 2 “The Rock in the hard place”

 

Intro: Key question: Who is God and how should we approach him? (Psalm 2)

 

           1) A proud king troubled by God’s word (v1-13)

 

i) The king is troubled

 

 

ii) The wise men are in trouble

 

 

iii) The trouble with the Kingdom of men;

v11 “No one can reveal it to the king except the gods, and they do not live among humans.”

 

The Kingdom of men is driven by fear

 

 

iv) What does that kingdom look like right now?

 

• Great political movements?
• Great financial institutions?
• Government plans and legislation?
• Your own plans for life?
• Ambitious plans for University?
• Hope in family/career/money?

 

 

            2) A humble believer trusting in God’s word (v14-28)

 

Trusting God and living as part of his Kingdom while a stranger in Babylon means both knowing who God is AND approaching him properly;

 

i) Who is the one true God? Verses 20-23

 

 

ii) How do we approach him?

 

• Pray for mercy (v18)

 

• Praise and thank him (v19)

 

• Proclaim him to others (v27-28)

 

We are not just exiles we are AMBASSADORS.

 

 

          3) An eternal rock promised by God’s word (v29-49)

 

Leasehold and Freehold kingdoms;

 

• The “gods who do not live among men” Vs the “God of heaven.”

 

• The temporary glories of mankind Vs the eternal glory of the Rock

 

• The humbling of God’s enemies Vs the lifting up of God’s friends

 

Questions to think and pray through:

• In what ways has God’s word troubled you in your life?
• Why is fear such an unavoidable part of living without God as your king? Are there areas of your life where you are your own boss?
• Read through verses 20-23: who is God and how is he different from the gods of the world around?
• What part does prayer, praise and proclamation play in your life? Are you living boldly as an ambassador for God where he has put you?
• Who is the Rock that smashes all other Kingdoms? How should you change your approach to Jesus today?