WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:25.339 Well, good morning. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:32.560 So I was preparing for my message this week. 00:00:32.939 --> 00:00:37.380 I was thinking about some of the appointments that I've had over the last couple of weeks. 00:00:38.380 --> 00:00:45.799 As I've seen some of you come in and sit in my office and share with me the battles of your life. 00:00:47.159 --> 00:00:59.079 I've heard some of you share as your heart pours out the pain, the heartache, the confusion, and the weariness. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:02.380 Of your lives. 00:01:04.140 --> 00:01:09.000 You've confessed to me that there are times you feel like you have no strength to go on. 00:01:10.299 --> 00:01:15.920 There are times when you have wondered aloud why it has to be so hard. 00:01:15.920 --> 00:01:21.040 And you wonder where does help come from? 00:01:22.159 --> 00:01:33.140 Where can I look for help in the middle of my life that feels daily like a battle for life and not death? 00:01:33.560 --> 00:01:35.120 For good and not evil? 00:01:36.799 --> 00:01:38.700 Battles without and battles within. 00:01:38.700 --> 00:01:42.120 And where is the help? 00:01:43.920 --> 00:01:47.600 And how do we, where do we turn in those moments? 00:01:49.879 --> 00:01:53.079 It's in light of that question that we're going to dive into our chapter today. 00:01:53.320 --> 00:01:55.460 We're continuing in our series in Daniel. 00:01:55.960 --> 00:01:58.800 The book of Daniel, you can turn there in your pew Bible. 00:01:59.040 --> 00:02:02.400 We're going to be looking at Daniel 10, page 748. 00:02:02.400 --> 00:02:07.140 But as you turn there, I want to say this. 00:02:07.219 --> 00:02:09.060 I think Daniel would understand. 00:02:09.920 --> 00:02:13.939 As we come to chapter 10, Daniel is near the end of his life. 00:02:14.759 --> 00:02:18.340 He has been in exile for 70 years or so. 00:02:18.340 --> 00:02:28.500 It was 70 years ago when he as a teenager was taken away from his homeland and brought into the capital city of Babylon. 00:02:29.199 --> 00:02:32.819 And as we've read, he's seen remarkable things. 00:02:33.280 --> 00:02:34.680 He's seen God deliver him. 00:02:35.099 --> 00:02:37.879 He's seen kings change and come and go. 00:02:37.980 --> 00:02:45.060 He's seen even kingdoms rise and fall as the Babylonian Empire fell and the Persian Empire rose with Cyrus. 00:02:45.060 --> 00:02:50.939 And yet, I think he would understand. 00:02:51.759 --> 00:02:55.259 For his life has always been as an exile and as a slave. 00:02:56.379 --> 00:02:58.300 His life has always been hard. 00:02:59.780 --> 00:03:05.480 And certainly, as we see in this chapter, there are days when his strength completely failed him. 00:03:05.479 --> 00:03:19.339 It probably was even more profound for him than it might be for some of you who are younger and maybe have lived a few fewer years of life. 00:03:20.459 --> 00:03:23.399 Because he has lived this for 70 years. 00:03:23.679 --> 00:03:28.839 And now, he's on the brink of hopefully seeing something happen. 00:03:29.139 --> 00:03:33.479 If you remember the history, the Babylonian Empire came to an end at 539. 00:03:33.479 --> 00:03:36.060 Cyrus rose to power. 00:03:36.840 --> 00:03:48.159 And Cyrus gave this decree that you can read about in 2 Chronicles 36 that allowed the people of God who were in exile to go back to their homeland. 00:03:48.699 --> 00:03:52.139 To rebuild their city, Jerusalem, and their temple. 00:03:52.399 --> 00:03:54.239 To worship their God. 00:03:54.240 --> 00:04:00.159 And in this great decree, there was great hope. 00:04:00.640 --> 00:04:03.000 Suddenly, the hardness will end. 00:04:03.379 --> 00:04:05.640 Suddenly, the battle will end. 00:04:05.980 --> 00:04:08.060 Suddenly, we'll have peace and a restoration. 00:04:10.060 --> 00:04:17.780 And yet, if you've been here for the last couple of weeks, you know that what we've seen instead is that in the midst of all of that hope, 00:04:17.779 --> 00:04:24.179 Daniel has also been reminded by visions over and over again that it actually won't be easy. 00:04:25.059 --> 00:04:27.299 That in the short term, it will be harder. 00:04:27.739 --> 00:04:29.459 And that the battles will be fiercer. 00:04:29.459 --> 00:04:36.299 And that his life will be harder than he even imagined. 00:04:40.459 --> 00:04:46.799 We see as we look into this chapter in the first verse, we see that Daniel has a vision. 00:04:47.079 --> 00:04:49.699 But he has a vision not of peace and prosperity. 00:04:49.939 --> 00:04:55.019 Not of the lion laying down with the lamb and a land flowing with milk and honey. 00:04:55.179 --> 00:04:56.139 No, he has a vision. 00:04:56.139 --> 00:04:58.099 But it is a vision of great conflict. 00:05:02.259 --> 00:05:05.199 And he, I think, would ask the same question. 00:05:05.959 --> 00:05:08.039 Where do I find the strength to go on? 00:05:09.180 --> 00:05:10.939 Why does it have to be so hard? 00:05:11.819 --> 00:05:13.479 Where does my help come from? 00:05:15.740 --> 00:05:20.919 I think that Daniel will give us some hope in answering these questions today. 00:05:20.920 --> 00:05:31.000 We'll see that in this section, Daniel is, in this section from chapter 10 through 12, this is the last part of the book. 00:05:31.600 --> 00:05:34.379 It's one episode in three parts. 00:05:34.600 --> 00:05:38.379 Greg, next week, is going to talk about the content of the vision of great conflict. 00:05:39.000 --> 00:05:42.400 And he'll talk about the kings of the north and the south and all sorts of fun things, 00:05:42.800 --> 00:05:44.819 which he will do great with. 00:05:44.819 --> 00:05:47.659 So we're looking forward to that. 00:05:51.019 --> 00:05:53.959 But what we do see is that this is the last episode. 00:05:54.439 --> 00:06:04.060 And we see that God gives us a unique perspective into the battle that Daniel fought and that we fight in our lives as well. 00:06:05.180 --> 00:06:06.719 How the Lord will meet him. 00:06:07.839 --> 00:06:09.420 And how the Lord will strengthen him. 00:06:09.420 --> 00:06:12.980 So let's look at Daniel chapter 10. 00:06:13.060 --> 00:06:14.100 We're going to read it together. 00:06:15.920 --> 00:06:18.060 And then we're going to pray and we'll continue. 00:06:21.879 --> 00:06:29.280 In the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia, a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belshazzar. 00:06:30.420 --> 00:06:33.780 And the word was true and it was a great conflict. 00:06:34.860 --> 00:06:38.319 And he understood the word and he had understanding of the vision. 00:06:39.420 --> 00:06:43.699 In those days, I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. 00:06:43.840 --> 00:06:52.819 I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all for the full three weeks. 00:06:53.259 --> 00:06:59.960 On the 24th day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river that is the Tigris, 00:06:59.959 --> 00:07:02.579 I lifted up my eyes and looked. 00:07:02.579 --> 00:07:12.699 And behold, a man clothed in linen with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz came up around his waist. 00:07:13.519 --> 00:07:19.240 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, 00:07:19.639 --> 00:07:22.919 his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze. 00:07:22.920 --> 00:07:26.780 And the sound of his voice was like the sound of a multitude. 00:07:27.699 --> 00:07:31.080 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision. 00:07:31.540 --> 00:07:36.120 For the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them 00:07:36.120 --> 00:07:38.080 and they fled to hide themselves. 00:07:39.200 --> 00:07:45.740 So I was left alone and saw this great vision and no strength was left in me. 00:07:45.740 --> 00:07:52.400 My radiant appearance was fearfully changed and I retained no strength. 00:07:53.300 --> 00:07:57.460 Then I heard the sound of his words and as I heard the sound of his words, 00:07:57.579 --> 00:08:02.379 I fell on my face in deep sleep with my face to the ground. 00:08:04.060 --> 00:08:09.620 And behold, a hand touched me and sent me trembling on my hands and knees. 00:08:09.620 --> 00:08:17.500 And he said to me, oh, Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you 00:08:17.500 --> 00:08:21.280 and stand upright for now I have been sent to you. 00:08:22.199 --> 00:08:25.280 And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. 00:08:26.420 --> 00:08:32.220 Then he said to me, fear not, Daniel, for from this day that you set your heart to understand 00:08:32.220 --> 00:08:38.180 and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard and I have come because of your words. 00:08:38.179 --> 00:08:43.339 The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me 21 days. 00:08:43.719 --> 00:08:48.459 But Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me for I was left there with the kings of Persia 00:08:48.459 --> 00:08:54.319 and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. 00:08:55.120 --> 00:08:57.819 For the vision is for days yet to come. 00:08:59.319 --> 00:09:04.740 When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and was mute. 00:09:04.740 --> 00:09:10.620 And behold, one in the likeness of the children of men touched my lips. 00:09:11.159 --> 00:09:12.860 Then I opened my mouth and I spoke. 00:09:12.980 --> 00:09:19.240 I said to him who stood before me, oh, my Lord, by reason of this vision, pains have come upon me 00:09:19.240 --> 00:09:21.419 and I retain no strength. 00:09:21.799 --> 00:09:24.560 How can my Lord's servant talk with my Lord? 00:09:25.279 --> 00:09:30.480 For now no strength remains in me and no breath is left in me. 00:09:30.480 --> 00:09:36.539 Again, one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me. 00:09:37.220 --> 00:09:40.340 And he said, oh, man, greatly loved. 00:09:41.120 --> 00:09:42.279 Fear not. 00:09:42.920 --> 00:09:44.300 Peace be with you. 00:09:44.720 --> 00:09:46.960 Be strong and of good courage. 00:09:47.539 --> 00:09:49.340 And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened. 00:09:49.620 --> 00:09:54.100 And I said, and said, let my Lord speak for you have strengthened me. 00:09:54.100 --> 00:09:57.360 And then he said, do you know why I have come to you? 00:09:57.680 --> 00:10:00.879 But now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia. 00:10:01.200 --> 00:10:03.920 And when I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. 00:10:04.000 --> 00:10:08.920 But I tell you, but I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth. 00:10:09.580 --> 00:10:14.420 There is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince. 00:10:14.879 --> 00:10:21.279 And as for me in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to confirm and strengthen him. 00:10:21.279 --> 00:10:24.699 Did you get all that? 00:10:25.299 --> 00:10:25.980 Let's pray. 00:10:27.939 --> 00:10:29.959 Lord, thank you for this passage. 00:10:30.299 --> 00:10:36.959 Thank you for your word that you have given to us to reveal to us you and your world and your kingdom. 00:10:37.600 --> 00:10:43.240 Lord, help us as we seek to understand what you have to say to us this morning through this passage. 00:10:44.019 --> 00:10:49.879 Lord, open our eyes that we might see, Lord, the unseen reality of the spiritual world. 00:10:49.879 --> 00:10:56.299 Open our hearts that we might believe and hope in you as the one who rules over all. 00:10:57.659 --> 00:11:02.100 And Lord, may we find in the midst of this passage strength to carry on. 00:11:02.659 --> 00:11:04.980 We pray this in Jesus' name. 00:11:05.519 --> 00:11:05.759 Amen. 00:11:05.759 --> 00:11:05.860 Amen. 00:11:08.960 --> 00:11:10.679 So this is not a normal story. 00:11:11.000 --> 00:11:14.559 But I think that, in fact, it is a gift to us. 00:11:14.899 --> 00:11:21.840 Because I think that in it, God helps us see things that we don't often get to see very clearly. 00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:25.419 And that we often don't talk about in our modern world. 00:11:26.500 --> 00:11:28.740 We're going to see two things in this passage this morning. 00:11:28.740 --> 00:11:33.220 The first is that the battle that we are in is greater than we think. 00:11:34.360 --> 00:11:39.039 And the second thing we're going to see is that the help that we have is greater than we hope. 00:11:40.039 --> 00:11:44.539 So the battle is greater, but the hope is also greater. 00:11:44.960 --> 00:11:51.659 So first of all, let's just think through what this passage has to tell us about the battle that we are in. 00:11:51.659 --> 00:11:58.480 And it feels like what happens in this passage is that Daniel pulls back the curtain. 00:11:58.959 --> 00:12:02.219 Or God meets Daniel and pulls back the curtain for Daniel. 00:12:02.319 --> 00:12:04.899 And he's just passing it along to us. 00:12:05.299 --> 00:12:10.559 About what is going on in the world in a very profound way. 00:12:13.819 --> 00:12:19.839 Specifically, what he's pulling back and helping us see is that the spiritual reality in our world, 00:12:19.840 --> 00:12:24.980 just as much as the physical reality or the material reality of our world, 00:12:25.259 --> 00:12:33.920 both of these things are at play in our lives and in the very conflicts and the battles that we are facing every day. 00:12:35.440 --> 00:12:38.019 Now, Daniel was not ignorant of this. 00:12:38.620 --> 00:12:42.660 You see this in the opening couple of verses, starting in verse 2, 00:12:42.800 --> 00:12:44.639 because he was fasting and praying. 00:12:44.639 --> 00:12:50.879 He was already engaging in a battle for his people. 00:12:52.480 --> 00:12:55.819 Because the return from exile had begun. 00:12:55.939 --> 00:12:58.439 The remnant had started to go back to Jerusalem. 00:12:58.840 --> 00:13:00.100 And they had found it hard. 00:13:00.639 --> 00:13:08.840 And it seems to me that what Daniel was praying for is for help for his people. 00:13:08.840 --> 00:13:13.860 It might have been a help in light of his recognition of their sin, 00:13:13.960 --> 00:13:17.399 like the prayer in chapter 9 that Nick preached on last week. 00:13:17.580 --> 00:13:24.040 It might have been a prayer because Daniel knew that the return to exile wasn't going to be all peaches and roses, 00:13:24.040 --> 00:13:26.480 but it was going to be a hard road full of battle. 00:13:26.860 --> 00:13:28.700 And so he was praying for them for that. 00:13:28.700 --> 00:13:38.180 It might be that he was praying because though Persia had delivered God's people from the rule of the Babylonians, 00:13:38.460 --> 00:13:42.940 they had replaced the Babylonians as a ruling power over his people. 00:13:43.440 --> 00:13:50.180 And God's people continued to be under another rule in this physical world. 00:13:50.179 --> 00:13:53.659 We don't know exactly why Daniel was fasting and praying, 00:13:53.759 --> 00:13:56.879 but he was already engaging in this spiritual, 00:13:57.659 --> 00:14:01.559 in this intersection between the spiritual and the physical realm. 00:14:03.019 --> 00:14:07.559 But we see far more clearly in this chapter than many places in Scripture 00:14:07.559 --> 00:14:13.059 as God meets Daniel and pulls back that curtain. 00:14:14.019 --> 00:14:15.359 So he meets Daniel. 00:14:15.359 --> 00:14:18.979 In the midst of this fasting, he meets Daniel first of all in a vision. 00:14:18.980 --> 00:14:23.000 He has a vision of this man coming. 00:14:23.340 --> 00:14:25.560 It's a vision of a strong warrior. 00:14:26.039 --> 00:14:30.800 All of these images have to do with strength and power and judgment. 00:14:34.019 --> 00:14:36.320 And it's a vision of a strong warrior. 00:14:36.759 --> 00:14:39.440 And then you see further on as you keep going 00:14:39.440 --> 00:14:43.379 that this warrior or perhaps another, 00:14:43.379 --> 00:14:48.620 it's not completely clear whether we have one person, 00:14:48.820 --> 00:14:52.019 two people, or maybe even three people who meet with Daniel. 00:14:52.139 --> 00:14:56.340 But they're all heavenly beings and they all have the same function in his life. 00:14:58.080 --> 00:15:00.320 We see in 13 and 14, 00:15:01.679 --> 00:15:02.120 again, 00:15:03.559 --> 00:15:06.120 that there is a vision of, 00:15:06.820 --> 00:15:09.860 or that there is a message that comes along with this vision. 00:15:09.860 --> 00:15:13.039 This vision is not just something in Daniel's head, 00:15:13.159 --> 00:15:15.419 but there's suddenly someone there 00:15:15.419 --> 00:15:17.200 and they're speaking real words to him. 00:15:17.279 --> 00:15:19.060 They're actually physically touching him. 00:15:20.460 --> 00:15:24.580 And these heavenly beings are recounting what's going on in the spiritual realm. 00:15:24.940 --> 00:15:26.019 That there's a battle. 00:15:26.659 --> 00:15:32.060 That there are these powers at war. 00:15:32.059 --> 00:15:36.659 There's a battle between the power of those on God's side 00:15:36.659 --> 00:15:40.899 and what he describes the princes of Persia and Greece, 00:15:40.979 --> 00:15:43.000 or the kings of Persia and Greece. 00:15:43.139 --> 00:15:47.819 We see this in 13 and 14 and in verse 20 and following. 00:15:50.939 --> 00:15:54.139 We see that Michael is called your prince, 00:15:54.939 --> 00:16:00.519 meaning that in some way he was particularly protecting Daniel and God's people. 00:16:02.059 --> 00:16:05.899 We see that this battle is a fierce one 00:16:05.899 --> 00:16:10.539 where even angelic beings fighting on behalf of the Almighty need help. 00:16:11.279 --> 00:16:16.000 And so Michael helped this other person who may have been Gabriel, 00:16:16.259 --> 00:16:18.179 if you go back to chapter 9. 00:16:20.039 --> 00:16:22.219 That might be him, but we don't know. 00:16:23.599 --> 00:16:25.679 But that similarly you see in 11.1 00:16:25.679 --> 00:16:30.359 that this one who is talking to Daniel 00:16:30.360 --> 00:16:32.919 went and helped Michael, it seems. 00:16:33.039 --> 00:16:35.019 And that's what chapter 11 verse 1 is about. 00:16:35.159 --> 00:16:37.220 That he stood with Michael 00:16:37.220 --> 00:16:42.139 in the transition of power from the Babylonians to the Persians. 00:16:45.639 --> 00:16:47.100 This is kind of heady stuff. 00:16:47.840 --> 00:16:50.340 I'm sure you don't think about this on a daily basis. 00:16:50.940 --> 00:16:53.019 But we shouldn't be surprised by this. 00:16:53.580 --> 00:16:54.360 The Bible actually, 00:16:54.360 --> 00:16:57.379 if we read it with the eyes to see it, 00:16:57.740 --> 00:17:00.159 reminds us over and over and over and over again 00:17:00.159 --> 00:17:01.560 that in fact this is true, 00:17:01.680 --> 00:17:03.800 that the physical and the spiritual realities 00:17:03.800 --> 00:17:07.360 are both at work all the time. 00:17:08.759 --> 00:17:09.960 Think of Elisha 00:17:09.960 --> 00:17:11.960 and his servant 00:17:11.960 --> 00:17:15.200 when the king of Syria came 00:17:15.200 --> 00:17:15.740 against 00:17:15.740 --> 00:17:18.000 the king of Judah. 00:17:18.000 --> 00:17:18.680 Elisha 00:17:18.680 --> 00:17:20.799 when they were surrounded 00:17:20.799 --> 00:17:21.839 and had no hope 00:17:21.839 --> 00:17:22.660 and no army, 00:17:23.619 --> 00:17:24.400 Elisha prayed 00:17:24.400 --> 00:17:24.839 and said, 00:17:25.079 --> 00:17:26.700 God, open my servant's eyes 00:17:26.700 --> 00:17:28.079 because he was afraid. 00:17:28.960 --> 00:17:30.180 And in 2 Kings 6 00:17:30.180 --> 00:17:31.119 we see the story 00:17:31.119 --> 00:17:32.859 of how God opened his eyes 00:17:32.859 --> 00:17:33.640 and he saw 00:17:33.640 --> 00:17:34.779 that in fact 00:17:34.779 --> 00:17:36.440 there was a whole host 00:17:36.440 --> 00:17:38.400 of heavenly warriors 00:17:38.400 --> 00:17:39.839 ready to fight 00:17:39.839 --> 00:17:40.819 for God's people 00:17:40.819 --> 00:17:42.619 and to deliver them 00:17:42.619 --> 00:17:43.279 from that 00:17:43.279 --> 00:17:44.900 very physical army 00:17:44.900 --> 00:17:45.839 on the other side. 00:17:45.839 --> 00:17:48.699 We see the same thing 00:17:48.699 --> 00:17:49.859 when Snakarib 00:17:49.859 --> 00:17:51.319 brings his Assyrian army 00:17:51.319 --> 00:17:52.439 to the very gates 00:17:52.439 --> 00:17:53.139 of Jerusalem 00:17:53.139 --> 00:17:55.639 ready to sack 00:17:55.639 --> 00:17:58.079 the capital 00:17:58.079 --> 00:17:59.939 of God's people 00:17:59.939 --> 00:18:00.559 and take 00:18:00.559 --> 00:18:01.720 the holy city. 00:18:03.159 --> 00:18:05.059 And we see in 2 Chronicles 32 00:18:05.059 --> 00:18:08.059 that Hezekiah 00:18:08.059 --> 00:18:09.619 cries out to the Lord 00:18:09.619 --> 00:18:10.899 and the Lord 00:18:10.899 --> 00:18:11.779 sends an angel 00:18:11.779 --> 00:18:13.019 and suddenly 00:18:13.019 --> 00:18:14.279 the entire 00:18:14.279 --> 00:18:17.039 encircling army 00:18:17.039 --> 00:18:17.700 is gone. 00:18:19.740 --> 00:18:20.839 They turn back 00:18:20.839 --> 00:18:22.519 and they forsake 00:18:22.519 --> 00:18:23.039 the battlefield 00:18:23.039 --> 00:18:24.119 even though they had 00:18:24.119 --> 00:18:24.799 the upper hand 00:18:24.799 --> 00:18:25.559 and all the power 00:18:25.559 --> 00:18:26.059 in the world. 00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:29.599 The spiritual forces 00:18:29.599 --> 00:18:30.740 influence 00:18:30.740 --> 00:18:31.420 the physical 00:18:31.420 --> 00:18:33.220 geopolitical reality 00:18:33.220 --> 00:18:34.240 in those moments. 00:18:36.299 --> 00:18:36.819 Jesus 00:18:36.819 --> 00:18:38.420 reminds us of this 00:18:38.420 --> 00:18:40.940 in the Garden of Gethsemane 00:18:40.940 --> 00:18:41.759 when Peter 00:18:41.759 --> 00:18:42.900 pulls out his sword 00:18:42.900 --> 00:18:44.180 to defend him 00:18:44.180 --> 00:18:45.000 against the ones 00:18:45.000 --> 00:18:45.380 who had come 00:18:45.380 --> 00:18:46.279 to arrest him. 00:18:47.700 --> 00:18:48.100 And Jesus 00:18:48.100 --> 00:18:48.600 looks at him 00:18:48.600 --> 00:18:48.820 and says 00:18:48.820 --> 00:18:49.620 don't you know 00:18:49.620 --> 00:18:51.320 I have legions 00:18:51.320 --> 00:18:51.940 of angels 00:18:51.940 --> 00:18:53.299 I could snap 00:18:53.299 --> 00:18:53.880 my fingers 00:18:53.880 --> 00:18:54.519 and they would be 00:18:54.519 --> 00:18:55.519 here to deliver us 00:18:55.519 --> 00:18:56.500 but that's not 00:18:56.500 --> 00:18:56.920 the way 00:18:56.920 --> 00:18:57.400 that we're going 00:18:57.400 --> 00:18:58.160 to play this out 00:18:58.160 --> 00:18:59.140 because that's not 00:18:59.140 --> 00:18:59.960 what God is doing 00:18:59.960 --> 00:19:00.559 right now. 00:19:00.559 --> 00:19:01.740 But don't you know 00:19:01.740 --> 00:19:03.600 I could be delivered 00:19:03.600 --> 00:19:04.380 in an instant. 00:19:04.380 --> 00:19:09.100 We see it in the letters 00:19:09.100 --> 00:19:11.100 over and over again 00:19:11.100 --> 00:19:12.680 maybe one of the most 00:19:12.680 --> 00:19:13.520 profound ones 00:19:13.520 --> 00:19:15.680 is in 1 Peter 5 00:19:15.680 --> 00:19:17.500 verse 8. 00:19:18.260 --> 00:19:19.120 Peter is writing 00:19:19.120 --> 00:19:20.900 to a group of Christians 00:19:20.900 --> 00:19:22.080 who are being persecuted 00:19:22.080 --> 00:19:24.440 within the context 00:19:24.440 --> 00:19:25.540 of the Roman Empire. 00:19:25.960 --> 00:19:26.520 Their persecution 00:19:26.520 --> 00:19:27.320 is real 00:19:27.320 --> 00:19:28.140 it is physical 00:19:28.140 --> 00:19:28.980 it is political 00:19:28.980 --> 00:19:30.280 and it is harsh. 00:19:32.340 --> 00:19:33.040 Describes it 00:19:33.040 --> 00:19:34.260 as a fiery trial. 00:19:35.380 --> 00:19:35.820 And yet 00:19:35.820 --> 00:19:37.620 Peter reminds them 00:19:37.620 --> 00:19:38.100 that they have 00:19:38.100 --> 00:19:38.720 an adversary 00:19:38.720 --> 00:19:39.440 the devil 00:19:39.440 --> 00:19:40.680 who prowls around 00:19:40.680 --> 00:19:42.180 like a roaring lion 00:19:42.180 --> 00:19:43.980 seeking to devour. 00:19:46.460 --> 00:19:47.700 And so we see 00:19:47.700 --> 00:19:49.000 throughout scripture 00:19:49.000 --> 00:19:50.460 that this picture 00:19:50.460 --> 00:19:51.160 that is being 00:19:51.160 --> 00:19:52.960 unveiled for us 00:19:52.960 --> 00:19:54.300 in the book of Daniel 00:19:54.300 --> 00:19:55.200 chapter 10 00:19:55.200 --> 00:19:56.820 that this is actually 00:19:56.820 --> 00:19:58.180 an ongoing reality. 00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:03.640 Let me 00:20:03.640 --> 00:20:06.940 take a side note 00:20:06.940 --> 00:20:07.740 for just a minute. 00:20:07.920 --> 00:20:08.580 There are some 00:20:08.580 --> 00:20:09.720 who have taken 00:20:09.720 --> 00:20:11.360 this picture 00:20:11.360 --> 00:20:12.300 of the intersection 00:20:12.300 --> 00:20:13.640 between spiritual 00:20:13.640 --> 00:20:14.360 and political 00:20:14.360 --> 00:20:16.620 or physical powers 00:20:16.620 --> 00:20:18.200 and made it 00:20:18.200 --> 00:20:19.220 a very specific 00:20:19.220 --> 00:20:20.660 ministry strategy 00:20:20.660 --> 00:20:22.240 and a very specific plan. 00:20:23.280 --> 00:20:24.360 They have called it 00:20:24.360 --> 00:20:25.180 spiritual mapping 00:20:25.180 --> 00:20:26.640 and identifying 00:20:26.640 --> 00:20:28.500 territorial powers. 00:20:28.500 --> 00:20:31.440 and friends 00:20:31.440 --> 00:20:32.059 I'll tell you 00:20:32.059 --> 00:20:32.880 that I think 00:20:32.880 --> 00:20:33.779 that there's not 00:20:33.779 --> 00:20:34.720 enough evidence 00:20:34.720 --> 00:20:35.799 in this chapter 00:20:35.799 --> 00:20:36.880 or in other parts 00:20:36.880 --> 00:20:37.380 of scripture 00:20:37.380 --> 00:20:39.059 to justify it 00:20:39.059 --> 00:20:39.740 with the kind 00:20:39.740 --> 00:20:40.799 of specificity 00:20:40.799 --> 00:20:41.960 that it is presented 00:20:41.960 --> 00:20:42.680 by some. 00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:44.680 There are some 00:20:44.680 --> 00:20:45.220 who think 00:20:45.220 --> 00:20:46.339 the only way 00:20:46.339 --> 00:20:47.039 that renewal 00:20:47.039 --> 00:20:47.819 revival 00:20:47.819 --> 00:20:48.700 or the kingdom 00:20:48.700 --> 00:20:49.059 of God 00:20:49.059 --> 00:20:49.779 will ever come 00:20:49.779 --> 00:20:51.319 is if we engage 00:20:51.319 --> 00:20:53.119 with specific knowledge 00:20:53.119 --> 00:20:54.240 about the specific 00:20:54.240 --> 00:20:55.259 spiritual powers 00:20:55.259 --> 00:20:56.379 that are oppressing 00:20:56.379 --> 00:20:57.640 specific places 00:20:57.640 --> 00:20:58.859 to set them free 00:20:58.859 --> 00:21:00.140 and that's the only way 00:21:00.140 --> 00:21:00.859 that we are going 00:21:00.859 --> 00:21:01.379 to do it. 00:21:03.420 --> 00:21:04.819 They identify this 00:21:04.819 --> 00:21:05.599 with the rulers 00:21:05.599 --> 00:21:06.740 the authorities 00:21:06.740 --> 00:21:08.059 and the cosmic powers 00:21:08.059 --> 00:21:09.680 of this present darkness 00:21:09.680 --> 00:21:11.039 in Ephesians 6 00:21:11.039 --> 00:21:11.599 and say 00:21:11.599 --> 00:21:13.539 we need to identify them 00:21:13.539 --> 00:21:14.759 and overcome them 00:21:14.759 --> 00:21:15.619 by prayer. 00:21:15.619 --> 00:21:18.899 Friends, 00:21:19.000 --> 00:21:19.899 let me say this. 00:21:21.219 --> 00:21:22.079 There may be 00:21:22.079 --> 00:21:22.919 some truth in it. 00:21:24.619 --> 00:21:25.559 I have lived 00:21:25.559 --> 00:21:26.159 in places 00:21:26.159 --> 00:21:26.919 where it seems 00:21:26.919 --> 00:21:27.399 that there are 00:21:27.399 --> 00:21:29.359 particular spiritual battles 00:21:29.359 --> 00:21:31.039 that people fight 00:21:31.039 --> 00:21:32.379 over and over 00:21:32.379 --> 00:21:33.119 and over again. 00:21:34.279 --> 00:21:35.019 New people 00:21:35.019 --> 00:21:35.639 who come in 00:21:35.639 --> 00:21:36.219 old people 00:21:36.219 --> 00:21:36.779 who have lived there 00:21:36.779 --> 00:21:37.459 for a long time 00:21:37.459 --> 00:21:38.299 they fight the same 00:21:38.299 --> 00:21:39.179 spiritual battles. 00:21:39.619 --> 00:21:40.399 So I don't want 00:21:40.399 --> 00:21:41.039 to discount it 00:21:41.039 --> 00:21:41.979 as being completely 00:21:41.979 --> 00:21:43.059 wacky or crazy 00:21:43.059 --> 00:21:44.239 because I don't think 00:21:44.239 --> 00:21:45.039 that it is 00:21:45.039 --> 00:21:45.920 at one level 00:21:45.920 --> 00:21:47.519 and yet I also think 00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:48.639 that we must not see 00:21:48.639 --> 00:21:50.079 that this is the strategy 00:21:50.079 --> 00:21:51.599 the missing strategy 00:21:51.599 --> 00:21:52.399 that's going to bring 00:21:52.399 --> 00:21:53.220 in God's kingdom. 00:21:54.039 --> 00:21:54.779 If it were 00:21:54.779 --> 00:21:55.460 God could have been 00:21:55.460 --> 00:21:56.420 far clearer 00:21:56.420 --> 00:21:57.819 in his word 00:21:57.819 --> 00:21:59.000 to help us know 00:21:59.000 --> 00:21:59.579 how to fight 00:21:59.579 --> 00:22:00.279 this battle. 00:22:02.379 --> 00:22:03.440 It may be helpful 00:22:03.440 --> 00:22:04.279 for us to pray 00:22:04.279 --> 00:22:05.399 about the spiritual 00:22:05.399 --> 00:22:06.099 influences 00:22:06.099 --> 00:22:06.899 and dynamics 00:22:06.899 --> 00:22:07.559 of the place 00:22:07.559 --> 00:22:08.319 that we live 00:22:08.319 --> 00:22:09.220 or the people 00:22:09.220 --> 00:22:10.420 that we're praying for 00:22:10.420 --> 00:22:13.000 but do you see 00:22:13.000 --> 00:22:13.980 that even when 00:22:13.980 --> 00:22:15.819 in a place 00:22:15.819 --> 00:22:16.240 like this 00:22:16.240 --> 00:22:16.640 where God 00:22:16.640 --> 00:22:17.380 was almost 00:22:17.380 --> 00:22:18.059 as clear 00:22:18.059 --> 00:22:18.880 as he could be 00:22:18.880 --> 00:22:19.779 about that 00:22:19.779 --> 00:22:21.099 possibility 00:22:21.099 --> 00:22:23.319 he didn't give 00:22:23.319 --> 00:22:23.900 a prescription 00:22:23.900 --> 00:22:24.860 Daniel therefore 00:22:24.860 --> 00:22:25.900 you need to fight 00:22:25.900 --> 00:22:26.339 the battle 00:22:26.339 --> 00:22:29.519 against Persia 00:22:29.519 --> 00:22:30.480 by praying 00:22:30.480 --> 00:22:31.339 in these particular 00:22:31.339 --> 00:22:32.039 ways against 00:22:32.039 --> 00:22:32.640 this demon. 00:22:33.579 --> 00:22:34.160 That's actually 00:22:34.160 --> 00:22:35.240 not what the passage 00:22:35.240 --> 00:22:35.759 says. 00:22:36.599 --> 00:22:37.620 The passage says 00:22:37.620 --> 00:22:38.759 there is a battle 00:22:38.759 --> 00:22:39.839 in the spiritual realm. 00:22:40.460 --> 00:22:41.360 It is real. 00:22:41.359 --> 00:22:42.559 you engage 00:22:42.559 --> 00:22:42.939 with it 00:22:42.939 --> 00:22:44.119 by prayer 00:22:44.119 --> 00:22:49.099 but you're 00:22:49.099 --> 00:22:49.619 not the one 00:22:49.619 --> 00:22:50.679 actually ultimately 00:22:50.679 --> 00:22:51.699 fighting that battle 00:22:51.699 --> 00:22:52.139 are you? 00:22:52.879 --> 00:22:53.639 It is not up 00:22:53.639 --> 00:22:54.199 to you 00:22:54.199 --> 00:22:54.959 or to me 00:22:54.959 --> 00:22:55.779 to bring in 00:22:55.779 --> 00:22:56.219 the kingdom 00:22:56.219 --> 00:22:57.639 by how we do 00:22:57.639 --> 00:22:58.079 this 00:22:58.079 --> 00:22:59.899 because ultimately 00:22:59.899 --> 00:23:00.419 the witness 00:23:00.419 --> 00:23:00.899 of scripture 00:23:00.899 --> 00:23:01.579 is that it's 00:23:01.579 --> 00:23:03.939 God who triumphs 00:23:03.939 --> 00:23:05.199 over those powers 00:23:05.199 --> 00:23:06.799 and principalities. 00:23:07.879 --> 00:23:08.779 In Colossians 2 00:23:08.779 --> 00:23:10.200 and in 1 Peter 3 00:23:10.200 --> 00:23:11.180 it is explicit 00:23:11.180 --> 00:23:12.819 that it is Christ 00:23:12.819 --> 00:23:13.660 and through his death 00:23:13.660 --> 00:23:14.299 and resurrection 00:23:14.299 --> 00:23:15.680 and his exaltation 00:23:15.680 --> 00:23:16.519 that he is now 00:23:16.519 --> 00:23:17.599 seated at the right 00:23:17.599 --> 00:23:18.660 hand of God 00:23:18.660 --> 00:23:20.319 and he has disarmed 00:23:20.319 --> 00:23:21.019 those rulers 00:23:21.019 --> 00:23:21.619 and powers 00:23:21.619 --> 00:23:22.619 and principalities. 00:23:23.200 --> 00:23:24.099 It is he 00:23:24.099 --> 00:23:24.839 who has done it 00:23:24.839 --> 00:23:25.500 not us. 00:23:31.119 --> 00:23:32.039 That's my little 00:23:32.039 --> 00:23:33.039 excursus on that. 00:23:33.160 --> 00:23:33.660 Let's go back 00:23:33.660 --> 00:23:34.259 to the passage. 00:23:34.899 --> 00:23:35.379 Think about 00:23:35.379 --> 00:23:36.299 how about you? 00:23:36.299 --> 00:23:36.359 How about you? 00:23:38.779 --> 00:23:40.759 Have you ever seen 00:23:40.759 --> 00:23:41.740 or experienced 00:23:41.740 --> 00:23:42.279 a time 00:23:42.279 --> 00:23:42.960 where God's 00:23:42.960 --> 00:23:43.399 pulled back 00:23:43.399 --> 00:23:43.839 the curtain 00:23:43.839 --> 00:23:44.940 and you've seen 00:23:44.940 --> 00:23:45.720 some kind of 00:23:45.720 --> 00:23:46.799 divine intervention 00:23:46.799 --> 00:23:48.099 that doesn't seem 00:23:48.099 --> 00:23:48.700 to have any 00:23:48.700 --> 00:23:51.460 physical reason 00:23:51.460 --> 00:23:52.279 or rationale? 00:23:54.799 --> 00:23:55.740 I was thinking 00:23:55.740 --> 00:23:56.160 about 00:23:56.160 --> 00:23:58.879 back in 1987 00:23:58.879 --> 00:23:59.779 I was a new 00:23:59.779 --> 00:24:00.139 Christian. 00:24:00.460 --> 00:24:00.940 I was on a 00:24:00.940 --> 00:24:01.460 missions trip 00:24:01.460 --> 00:24:02.000 to India. 00:24:03.879 --> 00:24:05.200 We had flown 00:24:05.200 --> 00:24:05.559 in 00:24:05.559 --> 00:24:06.599 to 00:24:06.599 --> 00:24:07.539 Delhi 00:24:07.539 --> 00:24:08.599 and 00:24:08.599 --> 00:24:09.420 had a 00:24:09.420 --> 00:24:09.720 tight 00:24:09.720 --> 00:24:10.279 series 00:24:10.279 --> 00:24:10.460 of 00:24:10.460 --> 00:24:10.859 connections 00:24:10.859 --> 00:24:11.420 to be able 00:24:11.420 --> 00:24:11.720 to get 00:24:11.720 --> 00:24:12.019 to the 00:24:12.019 --> 00:24:12.279 place 00:24:12.279 --> 00:24:12.539 that we 00:24:12.539 --> 00:24:12.980 were going 00:24:12.980 --> 00:24:13.240 in the 00:24:13.240 --> 00:24:13.379 middle 00:24:13.379 --> 00:24:13.599 of the 00:24:13.599 --> 00:24:13.899 country 00:24:13.899 --> 00:24:14.839 and 00:24:14.839 --> 00:24:15.220 arrived 00:24:15.220 --> 00:24:15.480 and the 00:24:15.480 --> 00:24:15.700 plane 00:24:15.700 --> 00:24:15.899 was 00:24:15.899 --> 00:24:16.240 gone. 00:24:17.659 --> 00:24:18.019 Cancelled. 00:24:19.460 --> 00:24:20.019 And if you've 00:24:20.019 --> 00:24:20.500 ever been in 00:24:20.500 --> 00:24:21.240 these situations 00:24:21.240 --> 00:24:23.480 you realize 00:24:23.480 --> 00:24:25.119 that you 00:24:25.119 --> 00:24:25.899 have no 00:24:25.899 --> 00:24:26.639 ability to 00:24:26.639 --> 00:24:27.220 engage with 00:24:27.220 --> 00:24:27.440 that 00:24:27.440 --> 00:24:27.920 helpfully. 00:24:28.099 --> 00:24:28.559 You are 00:24:28.559 --> 00:24:29.259 outside of 00:24:29.259 --> 00:24:29.819 your language 00:24:29.819 --> 00:24:30.159 you are 00:24:30.159 --> 00:24:30.740 outside of 00:24:30.740 --> 00:24:31.259 your culture 00:24:31.259 --> 00:24:32.039 you have 00:24:32.039 --> 00:24:32.899 it's 11 00:24:32.899 --> 00:24:33.200 o'clock 00:24:33.200 --> 00:24:33.619 at night 00:24:33.619 --> 00:24:34.200 you're bleary 00:24:34.200 --> 00:24:34.599 from a 00:24:34.599 --> 00:24:35.099 14 hour 00:24:35.099 --> 00:24:35.759 plane ride 00:24:35.759 --> 00:24:36.480 and you're 00:24:36.480 --> 00:24:36.720 thinking 00:24:36.720 --> 00:24:37.299 what in 00:24:37.299 --> 00:24:37.740 the world 00:24:37.740 --> 00:24:38.099 and how 00:24:38.099 --> 00:24:38.339 do I 00:24:38.339 --> 00:24:38.900 do this? 00:24:42.299 --> 00:24:43.039 So our 00:24:43.039 --> 00:24:43.579 team sat 00:24:43.579 --> 00:24:44.099 down and we 00:24:44.099 --> 00:24:44.400 prayed 00:24:44.400 --> 00:24:45.220 God help 00:24:45.220 --> 00:24:45.500 us. 00:24:46.779 --> 00:24:47.259 And then our 00:24:47.259 --> 00:24:47.759 leader went 00:24:47.759 --> 00:24:48.339 and got in 00:24:48.339 --> 00:24:49.059 some line 00:24:49.059 --> 00:24:49.519 that he 00:24:49.519 --> 00:24:50.119 thought might 00:24:50.119 --> 00:24:50.619 be the right 00:24:50.619 --> 00:24:51.759 line to get 00:24:51.759 --> 00:24:52.400 some sort of 00:24:52.400 --> 00:24:53.220 information about 00:24:53.220 --> 00:24:54.119 how possibly to 00:24:54.119 --> 00:24:54.920 find a rebooked 00:24:54.920 --> 00:24:55.619 flight somewhere 00:24:55.619 --> 00:24:56.599 at some point 00:24:56.599 --> 00:24:57.819 and thinking about 00:24:57.819 --> 00:24:58.799 all the dominoes 00:24:58.799 --> 00:24:59.619 that needed to 00:24:59.619 --> 00:25:01.379 be reshuffled 00:25:01.379 --> 00:25:02.200 because of it. 00:25:02.200 --> 00:25:07.000 And behind 00:25:07.000 --> 00:25:07.580 him a man 00:25:07.580 --> 00:25:08.819 named George 00:25:08.819 --> 00:25:09.299 came up. 00:25:10.660 --> 00:25:11.160 And George 00:25:11.160 --> 00:25:12.039 became our 00:25:12.039 --> 00:25:14.039 guide through 00:25:14.039 --> 00:25:14.840 that process. 00:25:15.559 --> 00:25:16.299 He was a 00:25:16.299 --> 00:25:17.180 local, he 00:25:17.180 --> 00:25:18.440 was a 00:25:18.440 --> 00:25:20.220 Christian, but 00:25:20.220 --> 00:25:20.860 we wonder if 00:25:20.860 --> 00:25:21.600 he was also an 00:25:21.600 --> 00:25:21.860 angel. 00:25:24.039 --> 00:25:25.180 Again, I 00:25:25.180 --> 00:25:25.740 don't know. 00:25:26.440 --> 00:25:27.200 I have no 00:25:27.200 --> 00:25:27.600 idea. 00:25:28.740 --> 00:25:29.340 But it sure 00:25:29.340 --> 00:25:30.180 felt like God 00:25:30.180 --> 00:25:30.920 came to our 00:25:30.920 --> 00:25:32.000 aid in a 00:25:32.000 --> 00:25:32.680 very supernatural 00:25:32.680 --> 00:25:34.000 way, in a 00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:34.440 way that we 00:25:34.440 --> 00:25:35.200 could have no 00:25:35.200 --> 00:25:36.060 control over and 00:25:36.060 --> 00:25:37.039 has no reason 00:25:37.039 --> 00:25:38.360 to expect except 00:25:38.360 --> 00:25:39.000 that God 00:25:39.000 --> 00:25:40.840 intervened into 00:25:40.840 --> 00:25:41.539 our lives. 00:25:45.120 --> 00:25:45.820 How about 00:25:45.820 --> 00:25:46.060 you? 00:25:47.200 --> 00:25:47.740 Do you 00:25:47.740 --> 00:25:48.380 believe that your 00:25:48.380 --> 00:25:49.620 reality includes 00:25:49.620 --> 00:25:51.019 unseen spiritual 00:25:51.019 --> 00:25:52.000 forces at work? 00:25:53.259 --> 00:25:54.060 Do you think 00:25:54.060 --> 00:25:54.400 there's a 00:25:54.400 --> 00:25:55.259 connection between 00:25:55.259 --> 00:25:56.600 what goes on in 00:25:56.600 --> 00:25:57.240 your material 00:25:57.240 --> 00:25:57.960 physical world 00:25:57.960 --> 00:25:58.580 every day and 00:25:58.580 --> 00:25:59.080 the spiritual 00:25:59.080 --> 00:25:59.560 life? 00:26:00.920 --> 00:26:02.240 C.S. 00:26:02.279 --> 00:26:02.720 Lewis, in 00:26:02.720 --> 00:26:03.740 the opening of 00:26:03.740 --> 00:26:04.360 his great book, 00:26:04.460 --> 00:26:05.320 The Screwtape 00:26:05.320 --> 00:26:07.140 Letters, says 00:26:07.140 --> 00:26:07.759 this, 00:26:08.660 --> 00:26:09.279 there are two 00:26:09.279 --> 00:26:09.800 equal and 00:26:09.800 --> 00:26:10.560 opposite errors 00:26:10.560 --> 00:26:11.320 into which our 00:26:11.320 --> 00:26:12.279 race can fall 00:26:12.279 --> 00:26:12.800 about the 00:26:12.800 --> 00:26:13.240 devils. 00:26:13.880 --> 00:26:14.660 One is to 00:26:14.660 --> 00:26:15.500 disbelieve in 00:26:15.500 --> 00:26:16.180 their existence. 00:26:17.120 --> 00:26:18.080 The other is to 00:26:18.080 --> 00:26:19.580 believe and to 00:26:19.580 --> 00:26:20.539 feel an excessive 00:26:20.539 --> 00:26:21.360 and unhealthy 00:26:21.360 --> 00:26:22.420 interest in them. 00:26:23.460 --> 00:26:24.060 They themselves 00:26:24.060 --> 00:26:24.600 are equally 00:26:24.600 --> 00:26:25.720 pleased by both 00:26:25.720 --> 00:26:27.019 errors and 00:26:27.019 --> 00:26:27.480 hail a 00:26:27.480 --> 00:26:29.100 materialist or 00:26:29.100 --> 00:26:29.740 a magician 00:26:29.740 --> 00:26:31.440 with the same 00:26:31.440 --> 00:26:32.039 delight. 00:26:34.920 --> 00:26:36.279 Some of us 00:26:36.279 --> 00:26:37.059 may fall into 00:26:37.059 --> 00:26:37.740 the danger of 00:26:37.740 --> 00:26:38.359 seeing a demon 00:26:38.359 --> 00:26:39.099 behind every 00:26:39.099 --> 00:26:39.920 parking ticket 00:26:39.920 --> 00:26:41.599 and be constantly 00:26:41.599 --> 00:26:42.799 casting out demons 00:26:42.799 --> 00:26:43.640 from your broken 00:26:43.640 --> 00:26:44.460 down jalopy, 00:26:45.460 --> 00:26:46.079 your difficult 00:26:46.079 --> 00:26:46.740 workplace 00:26:46.740 --> 00:26:47.539 relationships, 00:26:47.539 --> 00:26:48.680 or your 00:26:48.680 --> 00:26:49.720 disobedient child. 00:26:49.720 --> 00:26:53.039 my guess is, 00:26:53.200 --> 00:26:53.720 here at 00:26:53.720 --> 00:26:54.079 Trinity, 00:26:55.579 --> 00:26:57.160 more of us 00:26:57.160 --> 00:27:00.160 would fall 00:27:00.160 --> 00:27:00.680 on the other 00:27:00.680 --> 00:27:01.140 side. 00:27:02.400 --> 00:27:03.100 Though we would 00:27:03.100 --> 00:27:04.120 never deny it in 00:27:04.120 --> 00:27:04.579 our formal 00:27:04.579 --> 00:27:05.460 theology, we 00:27:05.460 --> 00:27:06.539 practically live as 00:27:06.539 --> 00:27:07.039 if the only 00:27:07.039 --> 00:27:07.799 reality in our 00:27:07.799 --> 00:27:08.960 world is the 00:27:08.960 --> 00:27:09.700 material and the 00:27:09.700 --> 00:27:10.420 natural one, 00:27:10.839 --> 00:27:11.460 the measurable 00:27:11.460 --> 00:27:12.600 and the visible 00:27:12.600 --> 00:27:12.940 one. 00:27:15.180 --> 00:27:15.900 And just to make 00:27:15.900 --> 00:27:16.920 sure we balance 00:27:16.920 --> 00:27:17.500 this right, 00:27:17.500 --> 00:27:18.339 we know that 00:27:18.339 --> 00:27:18.980 there are three 00:27:18.980 --> 00:27:19.859 enemies of our 00:27:19.859 --> 00:27:20.460 soul in the 00:27:20.460 --> 00:27:21.079 world, right? 00:27:21.500 --> 00:27:22.119 The world, the 00:27:22.119 --> 00:27:22.640 flesh, and the 00:27:22.640 --> 00:27:22.920 devil. 00:27:23.160 --> 00:27:24.000 The world, meaning 00:27:24.000 --> 00:27:25.099 the world in 00:27:25.099 --> 00:27:26.059 rebellion, the 00:27:26.059 --> 00:27:27.319 patterns of the 00:27:27.319 --> 00:27:28.420 cultures and 00:27:28.420 --> 00:27:29.359 societies that we 00:27:29.359 --> 00:27:30.000 live in and the 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.819 way that they lead 00:27:30.819 --> 00:27:31.759 us away from 00:27:31.759 --> 00:27:32.700 faith and trust in 00:27:32.700 --> 00:27:33.059 God. 00:27:34.480 --> 00:27:35.759 The flesh, the 00:27:35.759 --> 00:27:37.079 sinful nature that 00:27:37.079 --> 00:27:38.259 when we are apart 00:27:38.259 --> 00:27:39.140 from Christ, we are 00:27:39.140 --> 00:27:40.539 enslaved to and have 00:27:40.539 --> 00:27:42.119 no power over, and 00:27:42.119 --> 00:27:43.140 even when we are in 00:27:43.140 --> 00:27:43.880 Christ, how it 00:27:43.880 --> 00:27:45.119 continues to cling 00:27:45.119 --> 00:27:46.319 and to seek to 00:27:46.319 --> 00:27:47.359 exert its influence 00:27:47.359 --> 00:27:49.740 in our lives away 00:27:49.740 --> 00:27:51.000 from godliness and 00:27:51.000 --> 00:27:52.799 worship and love and 00:27:52.799 --> 00:27:55.299 trusting faith and 00:27:55.299 --> 00:27:56.879 persevering faith, and 00:27:56.879 --> 00:27:59.659 instead exerting 00:27:59.659 --> 00:28:01.339 itself in selfishness, 00:28:02.359 --> 00:28:03.759 in self-dependence, 00:28:05.339 --> 00:28:06.419 in disbelief. 00:28:07.839 --> 00:28:08.479 So we have the 00:28:08.479 --> 00:28:09.219 world and the 00:28:09.219 --> 00:28:10.619 flesh, but we also 00:28:10.619 --> 00:28:11.559 have the devil. 00:28:11.559 --> 00:28:14.639 that there are 00:28:14.639 --> 00:28:16.839 spiritual forces that 00:28:16.839 --> 00:28:17.759 are seeking to trip 00:28:17.759 --> 00:28:18.899 us up, that are 00:28:18.899 --> 00:28:19.879 seeking to push our 00:28:19.879 --> 00:28:21.039 buttons, that are 00:28:21.039 --> 00:28:22.259 seeking to influence 00:28:22.259 --> 00:28:24.240 us away from godly 00:28:24.240 --> 00:28:25.619 living and from a 00:28:25.619 --> 00:28:26.619 knowledge of Christ. 00:28:32.500 --> 00:28:33.419 What we're being 00:28:33.419 --> 00:28:34.579 encouraged to today is 00:28:34.579 --> 00:28:35.879 to see how real that 00:28:35.879 --> 00:28:36.319 is. 00:28:36.940 --> 00:28:38.119 Now look, we can't 00:28:38.119 --> 00:28:39.239 blame our sin on the 00:28:39.239 --> 00:28:41.899 devil, and we 00:28:41.899 --> 00:28:43.099 can't excuse the sin 00:28:43.099 --> 00:28:43.919 in our world by 00:28:43.919 --> 00:28:44.679 saying, well, that's 00:28:44.679 --> 00:28:45.699 what the devil does. 00:28:47.099 --> 00:28:48.000 We are meant to 00:28:48.000 --> 00:28:49.099 fight those battles 00:28:49.099 --> 00:28:50.559 and to be responsible 00:28:50.559 --> 00:28:52.259 for our own lives, and 00:28:52.259 --> 00:28:55.019 yet, we must recognize 00:28:55.019 --> 00:28:56.259 that there is this 00:28:56.259 --> 00:28:58.399 spiritual battle that 00:28:58.399 --> 00:28:59.619 is real, and there 00:28:59.619 --> 00:29:01.000 are spiritual forces that 00:29:01.000 --> 00:29:02.259 seek to influence us. 00:29:02.639 --> 00:29:03.639 Let me try to unpack 00:29:03.639 --> 00:29:04.559 this a little more for 00:29:04.559 --> 00:29:05.359 you so you can think 00:29:05.359 --> 00:29:05.839 about it. 00:29:05.839 --> 00:29:07.419 In your workplace, you 00:29:07.419 --> 00:29:08.199 have a boss who's 00:29:08.199 --> 00:29:09.519 taken a dislike to you, 00:29:10.480 --> 00:29:11.439 and despite every 00:29:11.439 --> 00:29:12.899 effort to work hard, 00:29:13.659 --> 00:29:14.519 every effort to 00:29:14.519 --> 00:29:15.759 understand his 00:29:15.759 --> 00:29:17.139 expectations and to 00:29:17.139 --> 00:29:19.899 fulfill them, every 00:29:19.899 --> 00:29:21.539 initiative to address 00:29:21.539 --> 00:29:24.079 unknown offenses, you've 00:29:24.079 --> 00:29:25.779 done every human thing 00:29:25.779 --> 00:29:27.119 you can to repair this 00:29:27.119 --> 00:29:27.779 relationship. 00:29:29.559 --> 00:29:30.819 Have you ever 00:29:30.819 --> 00:29:32.279 considered that there 00:29:32.279 --> 00:29:34.000 may be a spiritual force 00:29:34.000 --> 00:29:36.140 at work seeking to 00:29:36.140 --> 00:29:37.500 poison your workplace 00:29:37.500 --> 00:29:38.579 and your relationship? 00:29:43.240 --> 00:29:44.319 How about your last 00:29:44.319 --> 00:29:45.480 fight with your spouse? 00:29:47.059 --> 00:29:48.240 Yes, you were both 00:29:48.240 --> 00:29:50.400 tired and stressed, of 00:29:50.400 --> 00:29:50.759 course. 00:29:52.420 --> 00:29:53.440 Yes, it was the 00:29:53.440 --> 00:29:54.279 hundredth time you've 00:29:54.279 --> 00:29:55.380 talked about that thing, 00:29:57.500 --> 00:29:58.420 a hundredth time you 00:29:58.420 --> 00:29:59.440 failed to address it 00:29:59.440 --> 00:29:59.779 well. 00:29:59.779 --> 00:30:02.839 And even though you 00:30:02.839 --> 00:30:03.759 both wanted to be 00:30:03.759 --> 00:30:05.799 different, you find 00:30:05.799 --> 00:30:06.819 yourselves acting in 00:30:06.819 --> 00:30:07.700 ways that you hate. 00:30:09.940 --> 00:30:10.839 And even in the 00:30:10.839 --> 00:30:11.819 moment where you know 00:30:11.819 --> 00:30:13.160 you want to turn and be 00:30:13.160 --> 00:30:14.059 gracious towards one 00:30:14.059 --> 00:30:16.079 another, you end up 00:30:16.079 --> 00:30:16.519 attacking. 00:30:19.319 --> 00:30:20.619 Has it ever occurred to 00:30:20.619 --> 00:30:22.539 you that there's a 00:30:22.539 --> 00:30:23.779 spiritual influence in 00:30:23.779 --> 00:30:26.879 that interaction that you 00:30:26.879 --> 00:30:27.859 need to be aware of, 00:30:27.859 --> 00:30:29.579 that you need to know 00:30:29.579 --> 00:30:29.979 about? 00:30:35.419 --> 00:30:36.740 Parents, children, 00:30:37.459 --> 00:30:40.419 you've tried to be 00:30:40.419 --> 00:30:41.219 patient with one 00:30:41.219 --> 00:30:42.339 another and to be 00:30:42.339 --> 00:30:42.699 gracious. 00:30:43.339 --> 00:30:43.939 You've tried to 00:30:43.939 --> 00:30:45.879 respect boundaries, 00:30:46.439 --> 00:30:47.859 to follow through on 00:30:47.859 --> 00:30:48.939 discipline as parents. 00:30:49.159 --> 00:30:50.379 You've tried to trust 00:30:50.379 --> 00:30:52.059 and obey as a child. 00:30:53.000 --> 00:30:53.679 You've tried to build 00:30:53.679 --> 00:30:55.399 closeness and yet it 00:30:55.399 --> 00:30:56.339 feels like there's this 00:30:56.339 --> 00:30:58.019 impenetrable distance. 00:30:58.419 --> 00:30:59.279 Some might call it 00:30:59.279 --> 00:31:01.059 teenagerdom, but others 00:31:01.059 --> 00:31:05.439 would see it as a real 00:31:05.439 --> 00:31:09.279 problem, a real distance 00:31:09.279 --> 00:31:10.799 and distrust, even anger 00:31:10.799 --> 00:31:11.439 or hatred. 00:31:12.419 --> 00:31:14.019 You don't understand where 00:31:14.019 --> 00:31:14.799 it's coming from. 00:31:15.799 --> 00:31:16.839 You go through the list. 00:31:16.980 --> 00:31:18.039 Is it new friends at 00:31:18.039 --> 00:31:18.500 school? 00:31:18.500 --> 00:31:21.960 Is it puberty? 00:31:24.180 --> 00:31:25.859 Is it that we were bad 00:31:25.859 --> 00:31:26.440 parents? 00:31:27.440 --> 00:31:28.880 You wrestle through all of 00:31:28.880 --> 00:31:29.640 these things. 00:31:32.640 --> 00:31:33.940 Maybe can you acknowledge 00:31:33.940 --> 00:31:35.059 that there's a spiritual 00:31:35.059 --> 00:31:36.599 aspect to that as well? 00:31:37.140 --> 00:31:38.059 That there's a battle. 00:31:38.279 --> 00:31:39.039 That there are those who, 00:31:39.460 --> 00:31:40.279 that there are spiritual 00:31:40.279 --> 00:31:41.400 forces that are 00:31:41.400 --> 00:31:42.700 whispering lies, 00:31:42.700 --> 00:31:45.880 that are pushing 00:31:45.880 --> 00:31:47.180 ungodly agendas, 00:31:47.860 --> 00:31:49.039 that are fueling 00:31:49.039 --> 00:31:50.660 ungodly emotions 00:31:50.660 --> 00:31:54.660 in all of these things. 00:32:00.500 --> 00:32:01.140 Friends, 00:32:01.640 --> 00:32:03.100 let us recognize that 00:32:03.100 --> 00:32:04.100 even today in our 00:32:04.100 --> 00:32:05.000 political climate, 00:32:05.340 --> 00:32:07.220 in the midst of 00:32:07.220 --> 00:32:08.740 real disagreement, 00:32:08.740 --> 00:32:11.620 and in the midst of 00:32:11.620 --> 00:32:13.599 real issues that need 00:32:13.599 --> 00:32:14.740 to be addressed well, 00:32:16.019 --> 00:32:17.259 can we not see 00:32:17.259 --> 00:32:19.079 that violence 00:32:19.079 --> 00:32:20.940 and hatred 00:32:20.940 --> 00:32:22.640 and fear 00:32:22.640 --> 00:32:24.940 are the very things 00:32:24.940 --> 00:32:26.019 that the enemy of our 00:32:26.019 --> 00:32:26.440 soul 00:32:26.440 --> 00:32:28.940 take gleeful joy in? 00:32:31.620 --> 00:32:33.519 That these things, 00:32:33.880 --> 00:32:34.579 that there may be 00:32:34.579 --> 00:32:36.380 spiritual forces at work 00:32:36.380 --> 00:32:37.440 driving 00:32:37.440 --> 00:32:39.080 our country, 00:32:39.620 --> 00:32:39.920 yes, 00:32:40.059 --> 00:32:41.120 even our church, 00:32:41.660 --> 00:32:42.820 away from the kind 00:32:42.820 --> 00:32:43.840 of godly living 00:32:43.840 --> 00:32:45.680 as compassionate 00:32:45.680 --> 00:32:47.180 and righteous human 00:32:47.180 --> 00:32:48.440 beings in this world. 00:32:49.900 --> 00:32:51.539 That we may be tempted 00:32:51.539 --> 00:32:53.380 to fall into attitudes 00:32:53.380 --> 00:32:54.460 and actions 00:32:54.460 --> 00:32:55.420 that compromise 00:32:55.420 --> 00:32:56.880 the very gospel 00:32:56.880 --> 00:32:57.480 of grace 00:32:57.480 --> 00:32:59.900 that God has called us 00:32:59.900 --> 00:33:00.779 to believe 00:33:00.779 --> 00:33:02.340 and to proclaim. 00:33:02.339 --> 00:33:08.639 Let us not be unaware, 00:33:09.599 --> 00:33:10.559 brothers and sisters, 00:33:11.159 --> 00:33:12.519 let us not be unaware 00:33:12.519 --> 00:33:14.339 of these things. 00:33:15.559 --> 00:33:16.459 Daniel 10 00:33:16.459 --> 00:33:17.539 wants to remind us 00:33:17.539 --> 00:33:18.259 that the battle 00:33:18.259 --> 00:33:19.059 is fierce 00:33:19.059 --> 00:33:20.339 and the battle 00:33:20.339 --> 00:33:21.079 is real 00:33:21.079 --> 00:33:23.059 and it's not 00:33:23.059 --> 00:33:23.959 just physical 00:33:23.959 --> 00:33:24.879 and social 00:33:24.879 --> 00:33:26.279 and sociopolitical 00:33:26.279 --> 00:33:27.359 and geopolitical 00:33:27.359 --> 00:33:28.959 but it is spiritual 00:33:28.959 --> 00:33:29.859 as well. 00:33:29.859 --> 00:33:35.359 but the good news is 00:33:35.359 --> 00:33:36.979 this passage tells us 00:33:36.979 --> 00:33:39.059 not only is that true, 00:33:39.539 --> 00:33:40.559 not only are we 00:33:40.559 --> 00:33:42.319 to see our lives 00:33:42.319 --> 00:33:43.259 through this lens 00:33:43.259 --> 00:33:44.539 of this integrated 00:33:44.539 --> 00:33:45.719 vision of reality 00:33:45.719 --> 00:33:47.139 where spiritual 00:33:47.139 --> 00:33:47.659 and physical 00:33:47.659 --> 00:33:48.599 are not separate 00:33:48.599 --> 00:33:49.419 but are actually 00:33:49.419 --> 00:33:50.279 overlapping 00:33:50.279 --> 00:33:51.599 and intertwined 00:33:51.599 --> 00:33:54.019 but we see 00:33:54.019 --> 00:33:54.779 that the help 00:33:54.779 --> 00:33:55.559 and the hope 00:33:55.559 --> 00:33:56.279 that we have 00:33:56.279 --> 00:33:58.039 is greater as well 00:33:58.039 --> 00:33:59.059 because of that. 00:33:59.859 --> 00:34:01.299 Because look at 00:34:01.299 --> 00:34:01.879 what happens 00:34:01.879 --> 00:34:02.479 to Daniel 00:34:02.479 --> 00:34:03.339 in the midst 00:34:03.339 --> 00:34:04.500 of this passage 00:34:04.500 --> 00:34:05.259 where he is 00:34:05.259 --> 00:34:06.679 clearly weary, 00:34:07.039 --> 00:34:07.599 worn out. 00:34:07.759 --> 00:34:08.639 How many times 00:34:08.639 --> 00:34:09.480 as I read through 00:34:09.480 --> 00:34:10.319 does he say 00:34:10.319 --> 00:34:11.799 my strength failed me 00:34:11.799 --> 00:34:12.940 when he fell down 00:34:12.940 --> 00:34:13.880 into a deep sleep 00:34:13.880 --> 00:34:14.440 because he was 00:34:14.440 --> 00:34:15.619 so overwhelmed, 00:34:16.279 --> 00:34:17.219 when he turned 00:34:17.219 --> 00:34:18.480 his face to the ground 00:34:18.480 --> 00:34:19.359 and was mute, 00:34:19.980 --> 00:34:21.920 all of these things. 00:34:23.679 --> 00:34:25.079 What did God do? 00:34:25.440 --> 00:34:26.440 God sent him. 00:34:26.679 --> 00:34:27.639 God sent him 00:34:27.639 --> 00:34:29.299 his messengers. 00:34:29.300 --> 00:34:30.740 His people, 00:34:31.280 --> 00:34:31.560 his, 00:34:32.019 --> 00:34:33.320 these spiritual beings 00:34:33.320 --> 00:34:33.960 to come 00:34:33.960 --> 00:34:35.240 and what did they do 00:34:35.240 --> 00:34:36.680 over and over again? 00:34:37.860 --> 00:34:39.380 They reminded Daniel 00:34:39.380 --> 00:34:41.340 that he was not alone. 00:34:42.039 --> 00:34:43.620 They reminded Daniel 00:34:43.620 --> 00:34:45.700 that there were others 00:34:45.700 --> 00:34:47.280 fighting for him. 00:34:47.680 --> 00:34:49.320 They reminded Daniel 00:34:49.320 --> 00:34:52.640 that in God 00:34:52.640 --> 00:34:54.900 and with God's people 00:34:54.900 --> 00:34:56.240 there can be strength 00:34:56.239 --> 00:34:57.079 strength given, 00:34:57.759 --> 00:34:58.759 strength found 00:34:58.759 --> 00:35:00.039 for us to stand 00:35:00.039 --> 00:35:01.439 and to not fall, 00:35:02.179 --> 00:35:03.279 to continue to 00:35:03.279 --> 00:35:04.399 in our, 00:35:05.119 --> 00:35:07.439 in our battle 00:35:07.439 --> 00:35:09.279 to find that there 00:35:09.279 --> 00:35:09.819 is a help 00:35:09.819 --> 00:35:10.939 and a hope for us 00:35:10.939 --> 00:35:12.459 that is good. 00:35:13.399 --> 00:35:14.479 Just run back 00:35:14.479 --> 00:35:15.119 through the passage 00:35:15.119 --> 00:35:15.459 with me. 00:35:15.519 --> 00:35:16.439 Look at verse 10. 00:35:17.899 --> 00:35:19.179 As he has fallen, 00:35:19.479 --> 00:35:20.179 prostrate, 00:35:20.179 --> 00:35:22.159 because of this vision, 00:35:23.099 --> 00:35:25.659 the angel touches him 00:35:25.659 --> 00:35:27.500 and gets him 00:35:27.500 --> 00:35:28.559 to his hands and knees. 00:35:28.739 --> 00:35:29.519 Isn't it encouraging 00:35:29.519 --> 00:35:30.359 that it doesn't all 00:35:30.359 --> 00:35:31.139 happen at once? 00:35:31.559 --> 00:35:32.359 Because that's how 00:35:32.359 --> 00:35:33.139 we feel, right? 00:35:33.699 --> 00:35:34.739 We get touched 00:35:34.739 --> 00:35:36.480 when we feel 00:35:36.480 --> 00:35:37.239 God's presence 00:35:37.239 --> 00:35:37.899 helping us. 00:35:38.239 --> 00:35:39.419 We sometimes think, 00:35:39.579 --> 00:35:39.679 well, 00:35:39.739 --> 00:35:41.079 why can't it just be easy 00:35:41.079 --> 00:35:42.119 and have it be overcome? 00:35:42.940 --> 00:35:43.719 But instead, 00:35:44.579 --> 00:35:45.299 Daniel gives us 00:35:45.299 --> 00:35:46.519 a very realistic picture. 00:35:46.519 --> 00:35:46.759 No, 00:35:46.860 --> 00:35:47.840 that help was simply 00:35:47.840 --> 00:35:49.239 to get up off the ground 00:35:49.239 --> 00:35:50.559 onto his hands and knees, 00:35:51.019 --> 00:35:51.320 trembling. 00:35:52.099 --> 00:35:53.340 And then verse 11, 00:35:54.179 --> 00:35:55.599 the touch came first, 00:35:55.699 --> 00:35:56.579 then the words, 00:35:57.000 --> 00:35:58.340 stand and be strong. 00:35:58.759 --> 00:35:59.440 And these words 00:35:59.440 --> 00:36:00.079 strengthened him, 00:36:00.159 --> 00:36:01.000 so he stood up, 00:36:01.199 --> 00:36:02.259 yet still trembling. 00:36:02.360 --> 00:36:03.039 And that trembling 00:36:03.039 --> 00:36:04.619 may have just been, 00:36:05.000 --> 00:36:06.579 it's consistent 00:36:06.579 --> 00:36:07.320 throughout scripture 00:36:07.320 --> 00:36:08.579 that whenever we encounter 00:36:08.579 --> 00:36:09.719 heavenly beings, 00:36:09.880 --> 00:36:11.039 we fall on our faces 00:36:11.039 --> 00:36:11.880 and we're afraid. 00:36:12.360 --> 00:36:13.219 It's the only thing 00:36:13.219 --> 00:36:14.280 that angels seem to say, 00:36:14.360 --> 00:36:15.119 don't be afraid. 00:36:15.119 --> 00:36:15.199 afraid. 00:36:15.819 --> 00:36:17.099 And he has to say it 00:36:17.099 --> 00:36:17.519 all the time 00:36:17.519 --> 00:36:18.159 because of course, 00:36:18.259 --> 00:36:19.119 every time we see one, 00:36:19.219 --> 00:36:19.920 we're afraid. 00:36:23.159 --> 00:36:24.159 But having said, 00:36:24.239 --> 00:36:25.059 don't be afraid. 00:36:27.159 --> 00:36:28.139 He touches him 00:36:28.139 --> 00:36:28.940 to remind them, 00:36:29.039 --> 00:36:30.059 you are not alone. 00:36:30.599 --> 00:36:31.500 And then the words 00:36:31.500 --> 00:36:32.179 that he speaks, 00:36:32.279 --> 00:36:33.440 look in verse 11. 00:36:35.279 --> 00:36:36.359 Oh man of God, 00:36:36.799 --> 00:36:39.539 you are greatly loved. 00:36:40.519 --> 00:36:42.239 Isn't this an interesting thing? 00:36:43.139 --> 00:36:44.019 He didn't come 00:36:44.019 --> 00:36:44.839 and exhort him, 00:36:44.840 --> 00:36:45.340 Daniel, 00:36:45.640 --> 00:36:45.980 buck up. 00:36:46.860 --> 00:36:48.140 Pull up your bootstraps. 00:36:48.220 --> 00:36:49.360 You can do this. 00:36:50.500 --> 00:36:51.420 What does he say? 00:36:52.760 --> 00:36:53.440 He says, 00:36:53.539 --> 00:36:55.079 you are dearly loved. 00:36:57.160 --> 00:36:58.240 Have you ever thought 00:36:58.240 --> 00:36:58.800 about that? 00:36:59.180 --> 00:37:00.740 That the greatest power 00:37:00.740 --> 00:37:02.039 that we have 00:37:02.039 --> 00:37:03.260 in the battle, 00:37:03.519 --> 00:37:04.680 in these spiritual battles, 00:37:04.920 --> 00:37:05.840 is to know 00:37:05.840 --> 00:37:07.280 that there is a loving God 00:37:07.280 --> 00:37:08.579 who is fighting for us 00:37:08.579 --> 00:37:09.579 and who is with us. 00:37:10.400 --> 00:37:11.620 That he has set 00:37:11.620 --> 00:37:12.640 his love on us. 00:37:12.639 --> 00:37:16.099 What an incredible thing. 00:37:19.900 --> 00:37:20.719 Not only 00:37:20.719 --> 00:37:23.039 does God remind him 00:37:23.039 --> 00:37:24.339 that he is deeply loved, 00:37:24.779 --> 00:37:25.519 but he's also, 00:37:25.839 --> 00:37:26.460 in verse 12, 00:37:26.559 --> 00:37:26.859 he says, 00:37:26.980 --> 00:37:27.960 you've not been ignored. 00:37:28.699 --> 00:37:29.500 Your prayers 00:37:29.500 --> 00:37:30.239 have been heard. 00:37:30.359 --> 00:37:31.579 Your cries for help 00:37:31.579 --> 00:37:32.879 have been heard. 00:37:32.880 --> 00:37:36.500 Isn't that encouraging 00:37:36.500 --> 00:37:37.360 when we feel 00:37:37.360 --> 00:37:38.220 in the midst 00:37:38.220 --> 00:37:38.900 of those times 00:37:38.900 --> 00:37:39.840 when we just think, 00:37:40.140 --> 00:37:40.320 God, 00:37:40.380 --> 00:37:41.180 how can we ever 00:37:41.180 --> 00:37:42.360 keep going? 00:37:42.360 --> 00:37:44.099 where I don't have 00:37:44.099 --> 00:37:44.519 the strength 00:37:44.519 --> 00:37:45.220 to keep going, 00:37:45.340 --> 00:37:45.980 to know 00:37:45.980 --> 00:37:47.400 that God hears 00:37:47.400 --> 00:37:48.280 our cries. 00:37:50.940 --> 00:37:52.220 And in verse 19, 00:37:52.360 --> 00:37:53.599 he expands the words 00:37:53.599 --> 00:37:54.240 even more. 00:37:54.800 --> 00:37:55.599 Fear not. 00:37:56.320 --> 00:37:57.519 Peace be with you. 00:37:58.500 --> 00:37:59.720 And here he does say it. 00:37:59.760 --> 00:38:00.519 Be strong 00:38:00.519 --> 00:38:02.300 and of good courage. 00:38:03.019 --> 00:38:03.760 And he goes on 00:38:03.760 --> 00:38:04.780 to explain why. 00:38:05.200 --> 00:38:05.579 Not, 00:38:05.800 --> 00:38:06.440 I'm going to give you 00:38:06.440 --> 00:38:06.980 the victory. 00:38:07.500 --> 00:38:07.820 Not, 00:38:08.260 --> 00:38:08.800 these troubles 00:38:08.800 --> 00:38:09.860 are going to go away. 00:38:09.860 --> 00:38:10.660 not, 00:38:11.559 --> 00:38:13.440 why you're so afraid. 00:38:13.480 --> 00:38:14.420 If you weren't so afraid, 00:38:14.519 --> 00:38:15.019 this wouldn't be 00:38:15.019 --> 00:38:15.740 such a problem. 00:38:16.420 --> 00:38:17.099 But he goes on 00:38:17.099 --> 00:38:17.579 to say, 00:38:18.440 --> 00:38:19.700 be strong 00:38:19.700 --> 00:38:20.440 and of good courage 00:38:20.440 --> 00:38:21.400 because I 00:38:21.400 --> 00:38:22.980 have been fighting 00:38:22.980 --> 00:38:23.599 for you 00:38:23.599 --> 00:38:24.860 and I will continue 00:38:24.860 --> 00:38:25.900 to be fighting 00:38:25.900 --> 00:38:26.640 for you. 00:38:33.539 --> 00:38:35.059 What a remarkable thing 00:38:35.059 --> 00:38:36.099 that God sends 00:38:36.099 --> 00:38:37.160 this kind of help. 00:38:38.660 --> 00:38:39.620 Heavenly beings 00:38:39.619 --> 00:38:40.159 to come 00:38:40.159 --> 00:38:41.679 to meet with Daniel, 00:38:41.779 --> 00:38:42.619 to touch him, 00:38:42.739 --> 00:38:43.839 to speak words 00:38:43.839 --> 00:38:44.440 to him 00:38:44.440 --> 00:38:46.279 so that he may be helped 00:38:46.279 --> 00:38:47.679 in his time of trouble. 00:38:50.960 --> 00:38:51.799 How encouraging 00:38:51.799 --> 00:38:52.980 it might be for us 00:38:52.980 --> 00:38:53.480 similarly 00:38:53.480 --> 00:38:54.440 if we remember 00:38:54.440 --> 00:38:55.659 how God 00:38:55.659 --> 00:38:56.219 has sent 00:38:56.219 --> 00:38:58.179 the greatest 00:38:58.179 --> 00:38:59.179 spiritual being 00:38:59.179 --> 00:39:01.259 to us 00:39:01.259 --> 00:39:03.699 who says things like, 00:39:03.859 --> 00:39:04.119 behold, 00:39:04.299 --> 00:39:05.019 I am with you 00:39:05.019 --> 00:39:05.619 to the ends 00:39:05.619 --> 00:39:06.299 of the age. 00:39:07.239 --> 00:39:08.799 Who says to us, 00:39:08.800 --> 00:39:10.120 I will never 00:39:10.120 --> 00:39:11.340 leave you 00:39:11.340 --> 00:39:12.600 or forsake you. 00:39:13.700 --> 00:39:14.500 Whose servants 00:39:14.500 --> 00:39:15.900 write reminding us 00:39:15.900 --> 00:39:17.180 that there is nothing 00:39:17.180 --> 00:39:18.420 that can separate us 00:39:18.420 --> 00:39:19.100 from the love 00:39:19.100 --> 00:39:19.720 of God 00:39:19.720 --> 00:39:21.440 in Jesus Christ 00:39:21.440 --> 00:39:22.460 for his people. 00:39:23.460 --> 00:39:24.780 The one who said 00:39:24.780 --> 00:39:26.340 to his disciples 00:39:26.340 --> 00:39:27.340 even while he walked 00:39:27.340 --> 00:39:27.840 the earth, 00:39:28.460 --> 00:39:29.000 I have said 00:39:29.000 --> 00:39:29.960 these things to you 00:39:29.960 --> 00:39:31.160 that you might have peace. 00:39:31.860 --> 00:39:32.880 In this world 00:39:32.880 --> 00:39:33.620 you will have 00:39:33.620 --> 00:39:34.340 tribulation. 00:39:34.340 --> 00:39:36.420 but take heart. 00:39:37.140 --> 00:39:38.480 I have overcome 00:39:38.480 --> 00:39:39.820 the world. 00:39:42.740 --> 00:39:43.180 Friends, 00:39:43.280 --> 00:39:44.559 this is the good news 00:39:44.559 --> 00:39:45.260 of the gospel 00:39:45.260 --> 00:39:45.960 for us 00:39:45.960 --> 00:39:46.920 in the midst 00:39:46.920 --> 00:39:48.019 of the spiritual battle 00:39:48.019 --> 00:39:48.900 that we fight. 00:39:50.059 --> 00:39:50.740 And this is 00:39:50.740 --> 00:39:51.880 a remarkable thing 00:39:51.880 --> 00:39:53.559 because at the end 00:39:53.559 --> 00:39:54.079 of the day 00:39:54.079 --> 00:39:55.400 it's not our battle. 00:39:55.920 --> 00:39:56.120 Oh, 00:39:56.180 --> 00:39:57.320 we are to engage in it. 00:39:57.400 --> 00:39:58.440 We see in Ephesians 00:39:58.440 --> 00:39:59.860 that we are to engage 00:39:59.860 --> 00:40:00.120 in it 00:40:00.120 --> 00:40:01.160 but how do we engage 00:40:01.159 --> 00:40:01.480 in it? 00:40:01.960 --> 00:40:03.279 We are to take hold 00:40:03.279 --> 00:40:04.339 of all that God 00:40:04.339 --> 00:40:05.179 has done for us 00:40:05.179 --> 00:40:05.759 in Christ. 00:40:06.199 --> 00:40:07.139 Putting on the armor 00:40:07.139 --> 00:40:08.239 is simply to believe 00:40:08.239 --> 00:40:09.460 and entrust in 00:40:09.460 --> 00:40:11.899 the grace of God, 00:40:12.019 --> 00:40:12.920 the truth of God, 00:40:13.000 --> 00:40:14.440 the righteousness of God 00:40:14.440 --> 00:40:16.319 that is expressed 00:40:16.319 --> 00:40:17.139 most fully 00:40:17.139 --> 00:40:18.000 in Christ. 00:40:19.759 --> 00:40:20.239 For friends, 00:40:20.379 --> 00:40:21.039 we know 00:40:21.039 --> 00:40:22.119 that it is Christ 00:40:22.119 --> 00:40:23.000 who ultimately 00:40:23.000 --> 00:40:24.579 has won the victory. 00:40:25.019 --> 00:40:25.779 When he came, 00:40:25.859 --> 00:40:26.819 when he left heaven 00:40:26.819 --> 00:40:28.259 and came to earth, 00:40:28.539 --> 00:40:30.119 it was God's greatest 00:40:30.119 --> 00:40:31.299 divine messenger, 00:40:31.799 --> 00:40:32.480 God's greatest 00:40:32.480 --> 00:40:33.339 divine being 00:40:33.339 --> 00:40:34.019 because it was 00:40:34.019 --> 00:40:35.519 his very self 00:40:35.519 --> 00:40:36.759 coming and taking 00:40:36.759 --> 00:40:37.900 on human form 00:40:37.900 --> 00:40:38.960 and invading 00:40:38.960 --> 00:40:39.759 this world 00:40:39.759 --> 00:40:41.960 and as he went 00:40:41.960 --> 00:40:42.880 to the cross, 00:40:43.559 --> 00:40:44.960 the greatest battle 00:40:44.960 --> 00:40:45.819 that has ever been 00:40:45.819 --> 00:40:46.199 fought 00:40:46.199 --> 00:40:47.859 in the spiritual realms 00:40:47.859 --> 00:40:49.239 and in our world 00:40:49.239 --> 00:40:49.880 was fought 00:40:49.880 --> 00:40:51.319 and Jesus 00:40:51.319 --> 00:40:52.159 defeated 00:40:52.159 --> 00:40:53.619 sin and death 00:40:53.619 --> 00:40:54.259 by, 00:40:54.779 --> 00:40:56.199 not by conquering 00:40:56.199 --> 00:40:56.859 and raising 00:40:56.859 --> 00:40:57.380 an army 00:40:57.380 --> 00:40:58.259 to sweep over 00:40:58.259 --> 00:40:59.279 the powers 00:40:59.279 --> 00:41:00.019 of the enemy, 00:41:00.119 --> 00:41:01.259 but by offering 00:41:01.259 --> 00:41:02.219 up his very 00:41:02.219 --> 00:41:03.039 own life. 00:41:03.880 --> 00:41:05.039 He achieved 00:41:05.039 --> 00:41:05.699 victory 00:41:05.699 --> 00:41:07.679 by loving 00:41:07.679 --> 00:41:09.219 self-sacrifice 00:41:09.219 --> 00:41:12.739 and having 00:41:12.739 --> 00:41:13.539 risen from 00:41:13.539 --> 00:41:14.059 the dead, 00:41:14.699 --> 00:41:15.619 he defeated 00:41:15.619 --> 00:41:16.559 sin 00:41:16.559 --> 00:41:17.699 and death 00:41:17.699 --> 00:41:19.339 and indeed 00:41:19.339 --> 00:41:19.940 the power 00:41:19.940 --> 00:41:20.579 of the devil 00:41:20.579 --> 00:41:21.279 himself. 00:41:23.079 --> 00:41:23.579 And friends, 00:41:23.679 --> 00:41:24.139 we know, 00:41:24.679 --> 00:41:25.659 we know this, 00:41:25.759 --> 00:41:25.900 right? 00:41:25.960 --> 00:41:26.480 This battle 00:41:26.480 --> 00:41:27.259 is not over. 00:41:28.199 --> 00:41:28.859 You know 00:41:28.860 --> 00:41:29.519 the analogy, 00:41:30.059 --> 00:41:30.740 we are between 00:41:30.740 --> 00:41:32.500 in the spiritual realms, 00:41:32.720 --> 00:41:33.900 in the sweep 00:41:33.900 --> 00:41:34.980 of human history, 00:41:36.420 --> 00:41:37.280 we are between 00:41:37.280 --> 00:41:37.900 D-Day 00:41:37.900 --> 00:41:39.800 when the decisive 00:41:39.800 --> 00:41:41.039 battle has been won 00:41:41.039 --> 00:41:42.280 and V-E-Day 00:41:42.280 --> 00:41:43.460 when the victory 00:41:43.460 --> 00:41:44.099 is complete. 00:41:45.380 --> 00:41:46.960 We know that we live 00:41:46.960 --> 00:41:48.579 in this in-between time 00:41:48.579 --> 00:41:49.099 of the now 00:41:49.099 --> 00:41:49.820 and the not yet. 00:41:49.820 --> 00:41:51.360 Jesus has disarmed 00:41:51.360 --> 00:41:52.000 those powers 00:41:52.000 --> 00:41:52.500 and rulers 00:41:52.500 --> 00:41:53.200 and authorities 00:41:53.200 --> 00:41:54.200 and yet they are 00:41:54.200 --> 00:41:55.440 still at war 00:41:55.440 --> 00:41:56.180 with us 00:41:56.180 --> 00:41:57.200 in this world 00:41:57.200 --> 00:41:57.940 and we are called 00:41:57.940 --> 00:41:58.960 to stand firm 00:41:58.960 --> 00:41:59.920 in the midst 00:41:59.920 --> 00:42:00.360 of them. 00:42:03.600 --> 00:42:04.840 And so we live 00:42:04.840 --> 00:42:05.640 as exiles 00:42:05.640 --> 00:42:07.100 and yes, 00:42:07.160 --> 00:42:08.280 as warriors, 00:42:08.780 --> 00:42:11.300 but not the warriors 00:42:11.300 --> 00:42:12.360 the way we so often 00:42:12.360 --> 00:42:12.780 think. 00:42:13.440 --> 00:42:14.460 We are warriors 00:42:14.460 --> 00:42:16.420 who fight a battle 00:42:16.420 --> 00:42:17.280 by following 00:42:17.280 --> 00:42:18.120 in the footsteps 00:42:18.120 --> 00:42:19.580 of the one 00:42:19.580 --> 00:42:20.220 who has already 00:42:20.220 --> 00:42:21.019 won the victory, 00:42:21.640 --> 00:42:23.960 by being steadfast 00:42:23.960 --> 00:42:25.000 in endurance, 00:42:26.040 --> 00:42:27.580 by persevering 00:42:27.580 --> 00:42:28.380 in faith, 00:42:29.380 --> 00:42:30.420 by continuing 00:42:30.420 --> 00:42:31.240 to love 00:42:31.240 --> 00:42:31.940 our enemies 00:42:31.940 --> 00:42:32.800 and to pray 00:42:32.800 --> 00:42:33.420 for them, 00:42:34.480 --> 00:42:35.640 to bless 00:42:35.640 --> 00:42:36.740 and not curse. 00:42:38.740 --> 00:42:39.700 We fight 00:42:39.700 --> 00:42:40.700 this battle 00:42:40.700 --> 00:42:41.580 in prayer, 00:42:42.640 --> 00:42:43.900 calling upon God 00:42:43.900 --> 00:42:46.500 that his kingdom 00:42:46.500 --> 00:42:47.099 would come 00:42:47.099 --> 00:42:47.700 and his will 00:42:47.700 --> 00:42:48.440 would be done 00:42:48.440 --> 00:42:49.000 on earth 00:42:49.000 --> 00:42:49.539 as it is 00:42:49.539 --> 00:42:49.980 in heaven. 00:42:51.619 --> 00:42:52.420 But at the end 00:42:52.420 --> 00:42:52.800 of the day, 00:42:52.880 --> 00:42:53.800 we fight this battle 00:42:53.800 --> 00:42:54.500 most clearly 00:42:54.500 --> 00:42:55.260 by trusting 00:42:55.260 --> 00:42:55.980 in him 00:42:55.980 --> 00:42:56.840 who has won 00:42:56.840 --> 00:42:57.360 the battle 00:42:57.360 --> 00:42:58.420 and who will 00:42:58.420 --> 00:42:59.400 one day return 00:42:59.400 --> 00:43:01.320 and he will come 00:43:01.320 --> 00:43:02.220 and if you want 00:43:02.220 --> 00:43:03.039 to read Revelation 00:43:03.039 --> 00:43:04.160 12 through 14, 00:43:04.360 --> 00:43:04.840 you can see 00:43:04.840 --> 00:43:05.920 all the echoes 00:43:05.920 --> 00:43:06.579 of the imagery 00:43:06.579 --> 00:43:07.599 of Daniel in it 00:43:07.599 --> 00:43:10.639 where we see 00:43:10.639 --> 00:43:11.320 that these 00:43:11.320 --> 00:43:12.200 spiritual forces 00:43:12.199 --> 00:43:13.439 will one day 00:43:13.439 --> 00:43:14.119 be overcome. 00:43:15.960 --> 00:43:17.279 Where the warrior, 00:43:18.099 --> 00:43:19.099 the great warrior, 00:43:20.059 --> 00:43:20.339 Jesus, 00:43:20.500 --> 00:43:21.079 will come 00:43:21.079 --> 00:43:22.279 and like one 00:43:22.279 --> 00:43:23.379 riding on a horse, 00:43:24.239 --> 00:43:25.279 he will overthrow 00:43:25.279 --> 00:43:26.379 the enemies forever 00:43:26.379 --> 00:43:28.039 and he will restore 00:43:28.039 --> 00:43:28.799 this land 00:43:28.799 --> 00:43:30.739 by making it 00:43:30.739 --> 00:43:31.379 a new heavens 00:43:31.379 --> 00:43:32.219 and a new earth 00:43:32.219 --> 00:43:33.039 and suddenly 00:43:33.039 --> 00:43:33.559 the physical 00:43:33.559 --> 00:43:34.199 and the spiritual 00:43:34.199 --> 00:43:35.339 that feel so separate 00:43:35.339 --> 00:43:36.159 to us sometimes 00:43:36.159 --> 00:43:36.839 right now 00:43:36.839 --> 00:43:38.199 will be brought together 00:43:38.199 --> 00:43:39.179 and God's dwelling 00:43:39.179 --> 00:43:40.460 will be with his people 00:43:40.460 --> 00:43:45.559 and there will be peace 00:43:45.559 --> 00:43:50.980 and that is our hope. 00:43:52.480 --> 00:43:53.320 That is the hope 00:43:53.320 --> 00:43:53.880 of the gospel 00:43:53.880 --> 00:43:54.440 in the midst 00:43:54.440 --> 00:43:55.519 of this spiritual battle 00:43:55.519 --> 00:43:56.840 that we face. 00:43:58.760 --> 00:43:59.579 So friends, 00:43:59.699 --> 00:44:00.980 as you go home today 00:44:00.980 --> 00:44:04.320 and you have a spat 00:44:04.320 --> 00:44:05.579 with your spouse 00:44:05.579 --> 00:44:06.300 on the way home 00:44:06.300 --> 00:44:08.560 or you fight 00:44:08.560 --> 00:44:09.240 with your friend, 00:44:10.280 --> 00:44:11.160 you go home 00:44:11.160 --> 00:44:11.840 and realize 00:44:11.840 --> 00:44:12.780 that you've got 00:44:12.780 --> 00:44:14.200 a really difficult 00:44:14.200 --> 00:44:14.620 workplace 00:44:14.620 --> 00:44:15.880 to go back to tomorrow, 00:44:17.240 --> 00:44:18.420 you interact 00:44:18.420 --> 00:44:18.800 with someone 00:44:18.800 --> 00:44:19.480 who disagreed 00:44:19.480 --> 00:44:19.920 with you 00:44:19.920 --> 00:44:21.420 about the outcome 00:44:21.420 --> 00:44:22.140 of the election, 00:44:23.200 --> 00:44:25.640 whatever it is, 00:44:26.880 --> 00:44:27.320 friends, 00:44:27.440 --> 00:44:28.060 be aware 00:44:28.060 --> 00:44:29.280 of the spiritual battle 00:44:29.280 --> 00:44:32.240 and look to Christ 00:44:32.240 --> 00:44:33.320 who has won it 00:44:33.320 --> 00:44:33.780 for you. 00:44:34.500 --> 00:44:35.140 Let's pray. 00:44:36.300 --> 00:44:46.840 Oh Lord, 00:44:46.900 --> 00:44:47.500 we need you. 00:44:49.420 --> 00:44:50.300 We need you 00:44:50.300 --> 00:44:51.220 to be our champion 00:44:51.220 --> 00:44:52.400 and our warrior. 00:44:53.280 --> 00:44:53.700 Lord, 00:44:53.760 --> 00:44:54.560 to fight for us 00:44:54.560 --> 00:44:55.780 when we have no strength. 00:44:58.620 --> 00:44:59.060 Lord, 00:44:59.120 --> 00:45:00.340 to come and remind us 00:45:00.340 --> 00:45:01.240 of your presence 00:45:01.240 --> 00:45:02.400 and of your love. 00:45:04.600 --> 00:45:05.039 Lord, 00:45:05.100 --> 00:45:06.240 and that you are the one 00:45:06.239 --> 00:45:08.519 who will fight for us. 00:45:10.359 --> 00:45:10.699 Lord, 00:45:10.759 --> 00:45:11.119 that you, 00:45:11.419 --> 00:45:12.519 we need to be reminded, 00:45:12.739 --> 00:45:12.839 Lord, 00:45:12.919 --> 00:45:14.639 that you will never let go 00:45:14.639 --> 00:45:15.319 your people. 00:45:16.979 --> 00:45:17.319 And Lord, 00:45:17.399 --> 00:45:18.359 though this world 00:45:18.359 --> 00:45:19.319 with devils filled 00:45:19.319 --> 00:45:20.479 should threaten 00:45:20.479 --> 00:45:21.699 to undo us, 00:45:22.979 --> 00:45:23.259 Lord, 00:45:23.319 --> 00:45:24.199 may we be those 00:45:24.199 --> 00:45:25.139 who do not fear 00:45:25.139 --> 00:45:28.239 because we know 00:45:28.239 --> 00:45:28.919 that you, 00:45:29.519 --> 00:45:29.799 God, 00:45:30.179 --> 00:45:31.239 have won the victory 00:45:31.239 --> 00:45:31.699 already 00:45:31.699 --> 00:45:33.379 and that our lives 00:45:33.379 --> 00:45:34.259 are in your hands 00:45:34.259 --> 00:45:35.059 and that one day 00:45:35.059 --> 00:45:36.439 we will rise 00:45:36.439 --> 00:45:37.439 with you victorious 00:45:37.439 --> 00:45:38.079 forever. 00:45:39.879 --> 00:45:40.559 Help us, 00:45:40.719 --> 00:45:40.859 Lord. 00:45:43.239 --> 00:45:43.879 Help us, 00:45:44.019 --> 00:45:44.099 Lord, 00:45:44.139 --> 00:45:44.819 each day 00:45:44.819 --> 00:45:45.919 to see 00:45:45.919 --> 00:45:46.639 and to trust 00:45:46.639 --> 00:45:47.379 in Jesus. 00:45:49.279 --> 00:45:49.879 And Lord, 00:45:49.919 --> 00:45:50.279 to fight 00:45:50.279 --> 00:45:50.939 the good fight 00:45:50.939 --> 00:45:51.480 of faith, 00:45:52.379 --> 00:45:52.779 Lord, 00:45:52.879 --> 00:45:54.460 under him. 00:45:54.939 --> 00:45:55.739 And we pray this 00:45:55.739 --> 00:45:56.460 in Jesus' name. 00:45:56.859 --> 00:45:57.099 Amen. 00:45:57.099 --> 00:45:57.199 Amen. 00:45:57.819 --> 00:45:58.319 Amen. 00:45:58.319 --> 00:45:58.379 Amen. 00:45:58.379 --> 00:45:58.439 Amen. 00:45:58.439 --> 00:45:59.079 Amen. 00:45:59.079 --> 00:45:59.219 Amen. 00:45:59.219 --> 00:45:59.239 Amen. 00:45:59.239 --> 00:45:59.319 Amen. 00:45:59.319 --> 00:45:59.379 Amen. 00:45:59.379 --> 00:45:59.419 Amen. 00:45:59.419 --> 00:45:59.439 Amen. 00:45:59.439 --> 00:45:59.460 Amen. 00:45:59.460 --> 00:45:59.500 Amen. 00:45:59.500 --> 00:45:59.519 Amen. 00:45:59.519 --> 00:45:59.839 Amen. 00:45:59.839 --> 00:45:59.960 Amen. 00:45:59.960 --> 00:46:00.419 Amen. 00:46:00.419 --> 00:46:00.460 Amen. 00:46:00.460 --> 00:46:01.039 Amen.