Glorifying the Revealer of Mysteries
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Daniel's initial audience with king Nebuchadnezzar.
Text: Daniel 2:24-30
Date: 07/16/2017, the Evening service.
Series: "Daniel: Divine Dominion and Deliverance" Part 6
Description:
When Daniel hears the devastating news about Nebuchadnezzar's decree to kill all the wise men of Babylon (including Daniel and his friends!) he reacts calmly and with unwavering faith. After gaining an audience with the king, Daniel reveals the source of his ability to tell both the content and the meaning of Nebuchadnezzar's dream. He gives all glory to God who is the Revealer of Mysteries. We will see how sharp the contrast is between Daniel's statements and those of the condemned wizards, and how thick the irony is. But more than anything we will glorify the God in heaven who holds the stars in His hands but has cared enough for us to reveal the deepest mysteries of the universe-- especially the mystery of His plan to redeem His beloved fallen Creation through His Son Jesus Christ!
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I. Introduction
II. Exposition of the text, Daniel 2:24-30.
A. Context
B. Daniel's audience with the king.
1. Kindness to enemies, vs. 24-25.
a. Daniel's plea to Arioch, vs. 24.
i. A plea from the heart, Lev. 20:27, Luke 6:27, Matt. 5:44-46.
ii. A man after God's own heart, Matt. 9:36, Luke 23:34.
b. Arioch's plea to Nebuchadnezzar, vs. 25.
i. Risking life and position for Daniel, Esth. 4:11.
ii. A seeming unknown, Dan. 1:19, 2:16.
2. Daniel's conversation with Nebuchadnezzar, vs. 26-30.
a. Nebuchadnezzar's incredulity, vs. 26.
b. The all-powerful God of heaven, vs. 27-28.
i. An ironic agreement, vs. 27, Dan. 2:10.
ii. A very special revelation, vs. 28-29.
c. To God be the glory, vs. 30.
i. The great mystery.
ii. Credit where credit is due.
iii. Wisdom from above, James 3:17.
iv. Soli Deo Gloria.
v. God's revelation to Nebuchadnezzar.
III. Application, Matt. 13:15-17, Col 1:25-26.
IV. Conclusion
