Daniel's Vision Explained

                                                                 Sunday School Lesson

                                 

Lesson: Daniel 8:19-26                                                                                       
Golden Text: “And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days” (Daniel 8:26).

INTRODUCTION.  Many of us have come across rumors and fanciful claims about the last days and the end of time.  If only we would pay attention to the truth of God’s own Word, we would see what He himself has already said about these things.  In our lesson this week, we look at one vision Daniel had that shows us some of the things that must come before the end.  This vision provides not just information but also encouragement to all Christians.

II. THE FUTURE KINGS (Daniel 8:19-22).  The background for our text is Daniel 8:1-18.  Daniel had this dream during the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign, around 551 B.C.  Belshazzar was a descendent of Nebuchadnezzar the king under which Judah was taken captive beginning in 605 B.C.  Daniel and other bright and wise young men were among those taken in the first deportation.  At the time of this second dream, Daniel was about 70 years old.  Daniel said in this dream he found himself in the palace at Shushan one of the royal cities about 250 miles southeast of Babylon.  Suddenly in the dream he saw a ram with two horns (vs. 3) one horn longer than the other charging toward the west and no beast was able to stop it (vs. 4).  Daniel then saw a male goat with one horn fight against the ram and defeat him.  However, the goat’s horn was broken but four other horns grew in its place (vss. 5-8).  From one of the four horns came a little horn that asserted itself against the host of heaven, their prince, and their sanctuary.  This desecration of the sanctuary continued for twenty-three hundred days (vss. 9-14).  This portion of the vision was fulfilled during the latter persecution under Antiochus Epiphanes and in the cleansing of the sanctuary in Jerusalem.  As Daniel contemplated the meaning of the vision, the angel Gabriel stood before him (vs. 15).  Daniel then heard a man’s voice.  Although the person who spoke with a man’s voice is not identified, most likely it was God Himself speaking as he ordered Gabriel to “make this man understand the vision” (vs. 16).  The understanding Daniel was to receive would not be complete.  He would receive insight into the meaning of the symbolism so that he could relate the vision to specific peoples.  He was not enabled to know the exact times and circumstances in which these predicted events would occur (see Daniel 8:17; 12:8-9).

A. A general overview of desperate times (Daniel 8:19).  Our text begins with Daniel referring to Gabriel speaking saying “And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.”  The angel promised to reveal “what shall be in the last end of the indignation” which appears to mean the same thing as “the time appointed the end shall be.”  Both these phrases no doubt refer to a future time when God will complete His chastening of Israel for their sins.  Note:  Although all of the events foretold in the vision seem to have been fulfilled by the second century B.C. (as we will see later), most of the events Daniel saw didn’t pertain to his day but to a later time, often referred to as the times of the Gentiles (see Luke 21:24).  We are living in the times of the Gentiles which includes the period from Nebuchadnezzar’s reign to the second coming of Christ.  During this period, Israel is undergoing divine discipline.  It is best to understand the vision as having a literal fulfillment in ancient history and in certain features a second prophetic fulfillment in the future. History seems to make it obvious that some aspects of the vision have been fulfilled and will have no parallels in the future.  But other aspects of the vision clearly point to the tribulation and the antichrist.

B.  Detailed prediction of the earlier kingdoms (Daniel 8:20-22).

1. (vs. 20).  The angel now began to interpret the specific parts of the vision.  He said “The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.”  First, the “ram” that Daniel saw with “two horns” represented “the kings of Media and Persia.”  The two horns represented the two kingdoms that made up the Medo-Persian Empire.  As one horn was longer than the other (see vs. 3) so it was with these two kingdoms.  The Medes rose to power first, but under Cyrus the Great the Persians subdued them and took the leadership.  As the “ram” in the vision pushed westward, northward and southward crushing all resistance (see vs. 4), so did the Medo-Persian Empire sweep all before it.  Moving westward they conquered Babylon, Syria, and Asia Minor.  To the north they took Armenia and the area on both sides of the Caspian Sea.  In the south the Medo-Persians took Egypt.  Ancient Persia encompassed much of the land that is now modern Iran.  Note: We must remember that the Medo-Persian empire was just beginning to take shape when Daniel saw his vision; so most of the political accomplishments Daniel mentioned were still future.  Because of the accuracy of prophecies like these, some critics believe that Daniel was written after these events took place.  But they fail to consider the fact that the God who directs human events can also reveal them to man way in advance.

2.  (vs. 21).  Gabriel continued to speak now identifying the goat saying “And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.”  As the ram represented Medo-Persia, the “rough goat” represented “the king of Grecia (Greece).”  This is a reference to the Greco-Macedonian Empire established in the fourth century B.C. by Alexander the Great who ascended the throne at the age of twenty.  The “great horn” was Alexander himself, the first ruler of the Greco-Macedonian Empire.  Note: In the vision Daniel saw the goat approaching from the west (see vs. 5), just as Alexander’s forces did.  Just as the goat moved so swiftly that it did not touch the ground (see vs. 5), so the Greeks and Macedonians conquered with great speed.  In a mere thirteen years (from 336-332 B.C.) Alexander the Great amassed more territories than the Medo-Persian Empire that he displaced.  Under Alexander, the Greco-Macedonians quickly subdued Asia Minor, Palestine and Egypt.  He moved from there into Babylonia and Persia.  Just as the ram (Medo-Persia) in the vision lacked the power to resist the goat’s (Greco-Macedonia) onslaught (see vss. 6-7) so the Persian Empire could not mount an effective campaign against Alexander and the Greco-Macedonians.  After eight years of fighting, Alexander’s troops were weary and returned to Babylon.  There, Alexander caught malaria and died at the age of thirty-three.

3. (vs. 22).  In the next event in Daniel’s vision, Gabriel said “Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.”   The phrase “Now that being broken” refers back to the “first king,” Alexander the Great (the rough goat) in the previous verse and his death.  The phrase “whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation,” means that four kingdoms arose out of Alexander’s kingdom. After Alexander died, his heir was assassinated and the empire he created was divided among four of his generals, Antipater, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy.  The words “but not in his power” means that although these four rulers were powerful in their own separate realms (see vs.8), they didn’t rule with the same power that Alexander had.  Intermittent fighting among these four rulers kept the Greek Empire divided and pushed along the later Roman conquests.    

III. THE FEARSOME KING (Daniel 8:23-24).  Up to this point we can see how the details of Daniel’s vision were fulfilled in ancient history.  However, from here on the prophecy either has a double fulfillment or had an ancient fulfillment that typifies events yet to come.

A.  Great sin (Daniel 8:23).  As Gabriel continued to interpret the vision for Daniel he said “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.”  This interpretation of Gabriel indicates that a “king of fierce countenance” would arise “in the latter time of their kingdom” or toward the end of the rule of the four divisions of the Greco-Macedonian Empire.  Note: This prophecy was fulfilled in the past by Antiochus IV (also called Epiphanes), the eighth Seleucid king who ruled in western Asia from 175 to 164 B.C. and he extended his control over Phoenicia, Palestine, and Egypt.  After he began his rule, Antiochus decided to enslave the Jews and force Hellenization, or Greek culture on them.  This meant that Jews had to adopt everything Greek.  To accomplish this, Antiochus disallowed the reading and keeping of the Mosaic Law.  Sabbath observances were also forbidden along with Jewish feasts like Passover.  Parents were not allowed to circumcise their baby boys, and the Hebrew Scriptures were publicly burned, and Jewish sacrifices were outlawed.  He also raided the temple treasury and stole the money that was to be used for the Lord’s work.  But perhaps the greatest insult to Judaism was in 167 B.C. when an altar to Zeus was erected in the temple at Jerusalem and a pig was offered in sacrifice to Zeus.  Threatened with death, Jews had to continue these abominable sacrifices.  All of these desecrations of the temple eventually led to the Maccabean revolt that freed the Jews from Antiochus’ despotic control.  The time when the four divided kingdoms would be close to ending, Gabriel said this would be a time “when the transgressors are come to the full.”  This expression implies that sin in Israel would have reached such a state that it demanded God’s judgment.  This judgment would come at the hands of Antiochus who was a type of the final world dictator, the antichrist.  The same sinful condition that Israel was in during Antiochus’ day will also be true in the tribulation, when Israel will be purged through much suffering.  Gabriel also describes this king in the vision as having a “fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences.”  The first characteristic, “fierce countenance” means that this king (Antiochus in the past and the antichrist in the future) would be very stern in his looks and his actions.  The second characteristic, “understanding dark sentences” refers to his intelligence in problem solving.  Even though Antiochus possessed these characteristics to some extent, the antichrist will possess them to a much larger degree (see II Thessalonians 2:3-4, 8-10; Revelation 13:2-8). 

B. Great power (Daniel 8:24).  Still referring to this king, Gabriel said “And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.”This ruler would have great power but it is “not by his own power.”  It is best to take this statement as the satanic influence that was behind the acts of Antiochus and will also motivate the antichrist (see II Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 13:2, 4).  Through his power this ruler “shall destroy wonderfully” succeeding in destroying the “mighty and the holy people.”  Just as Antiochus wreaked havoc on the Jewish nation, so also will the antichrist (see Daniel 7:25; Revelation 13:7). 

IV. THE FINAL KING (Daniel 8:25-26)

A. Temporary victory (Daniel 8:25).  Here Gabriel said of the “king of fierce countenance” that “through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.”  Through cunning and treachery this king would cause “craft to prosper in his hand.”  In other words, deceit would be his normal method of achieving his ends.  This was true of Antiochus and will be true of the antichrist.  He will also “magnify himself in his heart” meaning that this ruler will be self-exalting, for he will claim deity and receive worship (see II Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 13:5-6).  This person will “by peace shall destroy many.”   One of the tactics of Antiochus was to lull his enemies into a false sense of security and then destroy them without warning.  The antichrist will also use this approach with the Jews, making a covenant and then breaking it (see Daniel 9:27).  This ruler will “also stand up against the Prince of princes.”  This has its fulfillment in Antiochus’ slaughter of the Jews, the desecration of the temple, and pride of heart.  In essence he was opposing the one true God who holds all rulers accountable.  As a result of his opposition to God, “he shall be broken without hand.”  This means that his destruction would not come by human power but by divine intervention.  There are two accounts as to how Antiochus died. The first is that he died a despicable death similar to the death of Herod Agrippa (see Acts 12:21-23).  However, the most reliable sources indicate that he died suddenly in Babylon after hearing of the Jewish victories under Judas Maccabeaus.  Just like Antiochus, the antichrist will oppose the One who will return as King of kings, and Lord of lords (see Revelation 19:16-19) but the antichrist too, will be “broken” as he is cast alive into the lake of fire (see Revelation 19:20). 

B. A final instruction about the true vision (Daniel 8:26).  As Gabriel concluded his interpretation, he emphasized the fact that “the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.”  First Gabriel reassured Daniel that the vision was true.  Then he told Daniel to “shut thou up the vision.”  This can be interpreted as either preserving, or keeping secret what he saw.  Perhaps preserving the vision and keeping it secret was necessary for that present time.  For sure, it was crucial that the contents of the vision be preserved because later generations could profit from its revelation.  But in Daniel’s own day, it was probably best to keep it a secret since it had political implications for Belshazzar’s kingdom (Babylon) and could be depressing to Jews in captivity.  Gabriel also said that the vision “shall be for many days.”  In other words, it would not be fulfilled in the immediate future: many days would elapse before the vision came to pass.  If we accept that these prophecies related to Antiochus and then to the antichrist (and I do accept it), it would be many days before they would be fulfilled.  Even the time between Daniel and the reign of Antiochus was a few hundred years.  As we see it now, all of the vision has been fulfilled historically.  However, there is still a future fulfillment in the antichrist.  Many antichrist figures have already arisen but will culminate with the end of time in a final ultimate antichrist. 

                 

V. Conclusion.  As we have seen, this prophecy of Daniel’s vision has a double fulfillment.  The first fulfillment is found in history. The king described by Gabriel was actually Antiochus IV Epiphanes.  He was a ruthless successor to Alexander the Great who ruled in Palestine in the middle of the second century B.C.  Because of his extremely cruel treatment of Jews, Antiochus is considered one of the Jews’ worst enemies of all times.  However, the prophecy does not stop there.  It will also find fulfillment in the future antichrist who will arise in the end times to torment the world.  We can be assured that all this will happen because of what has already been fulfilled. 

Daniel's Prayer of Confession

                                                                       Sunday School Lesson
                                

Lesson: Daniel 9:4-14                                                                                       
Golden Text: “To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him”(Daniel 9:9).

INTRODUCTION.  If God informed you that Christ was returning tomorrow, you would probably make an assessment of your own spiritual condition as well as that of your family, your church, or your nation.  After making that assessment you most likely would conclude that you and others were not as ready for the return of Christ as you should be.  That’s the way it was with Daniel.  After reading the portion of Jeremiah’s prophecy that dealt with the time frame for God to visit His people in captivity and deliver them from exile (see Daniel 9:2, Jeremiah 25:11-12;29:10-11), Daniel knew that neither he nor his fellow Hebrews were spiritually ready to return to their homeland.  Therefore, Daniel decided to do something about that. He prayed a prayer of confession.  While Daniel was not personally responsible for the fall of Judah, he nonetheless felt some accountability for the plight of his people.  Consequently, he confessed the sins of the nation to Yahweh.

II. CONFESSION OF SIN (Daniel 9:4-8).   How did the Hebrews fall into Babylonian Captivity?  After the death of king Solomon, Israel split into two separate nations.As a result of their disobedience, the northern kingdom, called Israel, fell to the Assyrians in 722 B.C.  Over a century later, the southern kingdom, which didn’t learn anything from the fall of the northern kingdom, fell to the Babylonians in 586 B.C.  However, before the actual destruction of Jerusalem, captives were taken in 605 and 597.  Daniel was among the best and the brightest of the Jews taken in the first deportation (see Daniel 1:3-4).  In Daniel 9:2-3, the prophet remembered Jeremiah’s prophecy concerning the Babylonian Captivity and how long it would last.  This prompted Daniel to prepare himself for prayer with fasting, and sackcloth and ashes (see Daniel 9:3).This was during the reign of Darius the Mede called the “king over the realm of the Chaldeans” in verse 1.This means that he was king over the former Babylonian Empire.   

A. Repentance (Daniel 9:4).  Since Daniel had been in Babylon for many years, after reading Jeremiah’s prophecy he realized that the time for the Jews to be released and return to their homeland was coming soon.  Not wanting anything to hinder the Jews deliverance from captivity, Daniel said “And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments.”  First, Daniel began by recognizing God’s awesome nature as he identified Him as “the great and dreadful God.”  The word “dreadful” here means “awesome.”  Daniel also described God as always keeping the covenant with His people while showing them mercy.  Based on what Jehovah had done for them (see Exodus 10:1-2), Israel was obligated to obey or “keep His commandments” (see Exodus 20:3-17).  We must remember that obedience does not create a relationship with God; instead obedience should be the result of an already established relationship with God.  Daniel began his prayer by recognizing who God is.  That’s most important to a having a proper view of prayer.

B.  Rebellion (Daniel 9:5-6).

1. (vs. 5).  After Daniel acknowledged who the Lord was, he began confessing the sins of the nation. He said “We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments.”  Notice that the prophet said “We have sinned.”Daniel was including himself in his prayer indicating that he considered himself as both part of the problem and part of the solution.  If any Israelite was righteous, it was Daniel.Nevertheless, he was willing to take responsibility for what had befallen Judah, and he offered this prayer of repentance.Note: Too often we tend to see all the problems in our nation, families, and churches as somebody else’s fault.Maybe if we included ourselves in our prayers, like Daniel, it may help us see that we are not just innocent victims.Daniel identified the sins of the people as iniquity, wickedness, rebellion and “departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments.”Yes,all sin is serious but sins involving direct disobedience to explicit divine commands are especially atrocious.

2.  (vs. 6).  Daniel continued to pray saying “Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.”  In addition to the sins mentioned in verse 5, Daniel here added the fact that Israel didn’t listen to God’s “servants the prophets.”  Of course Daniel was a prophet himself (see Mark 13:14), but he was referring to those prophets who came before him, and who had called upon the leaders and people to repent.  Unfortunately, these servants of God were ignored by both the leaders and the people and some were even killed and martyred (see Hebrews 11:32-38).  Sadly, not much has changed in today’s world.  The preaching of the gospel is demeaned and ignored by many.  Anyone who tries to tell people the right way to live and warn them about the coming judgment is considered old-fashioned and narrow-minded.

C.  Righteousness (Daniel 9:7-8).    

1. (vs. 7).  As his prayer continued, Daniel said “O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.”  The prophet acknowledged that “righteousness belongeth unto” God but Israel had “confusion of faces.”  In other words, God’s people were covered with shame because of their sins.  Daniel made it clear that the situation the Jews were in was due to the choices made by both Judah and Israel’s leaders and the people whom God had allowed to be driven to faraway lands.The choice they all made was that “they have trespassed against”God.This being said, what can we expect to happen to our Christian nation as we continue to ignore God?  Let’s be mindful that if God brought disaster upon Israel for her sins, can we expect any better treatment?Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”For sure, it’s grievous when our political leaders disregard God’s Word, but it is even more grievous when our church leaders “call evil good, and good evil” (see Isaiah 5:20).

2. (vs. 8).  Israel’s sins were so hideous that Daniel repeated what he said in the previous verse, “O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.”   Again reiterating how everyone was guilty, their forefathers, the current Jewish population and all its rulers.

III. COMPASSION TOWARD SINNERS (Daniel 9:9-10)

A. (vs. 9).  Now Daniel recognized God’s mercy and forgiveness. He prayed “To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him.”  Even though His people “rebelled against him” the Lord was still full of “mercies and forgivenesses.”  Overshadowing the sins of the people was the “mercy” or compassion of the Lord.  Even when He gave the law at Mount Sinai, Yahweh (Jehovah) declared that He would show “mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments” (see Exodus 20:6).

B. (vs. 10).  Daniel, still confessing the sins of the people, including his own went on to say that “Neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.”   The Word of the Lord came to the Israelites by “his servants the prophets” yet the people didn’t obey nor live according to His commandments.  The fact that the Lord sent prophets to warn the people was an expression of His mercy (see II Chronicles 36:15-16).  Note: The fact that this generation of Jews was suffering the consequences of the sins of their fathers is confirmation of what God said in Exodus 20:5 that for those who worshipped false gods the Lord would be“visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.”To be sure, children don’t bear the personal guilt and responsibility for the sins of their ancestors (see Deuteronomy 24:16; Ezekiel 18:20), but they do suffer the consequences. That’s what makes sin so terrible.  Our personal sins can have a wide effect.  Daniel was godly but he was still carried away captive as a young person.

IV. CONSEQUENCES OF SIN (Daniel 9:11-14)

A.  Divine curse (Daniel 9:11-12).

1. (vs. 11).   Daniel went on to say “Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.”  Using the phrase “all Israel have transgressed thy law” Daniel was referring to every descendant of Jacob as breaking the Law of Moses and not obeying God’s voice.  As a result of this disobedience, Daniel said “therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses.”  This curse mentioned in Daniel’s prayer refers to the curses for disobedience God said would fall upon Israel found in Deuteronomy 28:15-68.  Among these curses was agricultural blight, pestilence, drought, sickness, military defeat, and enslavement.  These and more would fall on Israel because as Daniel said “we have sinned against him (God).”  Note: The fact that the northern tribes, called Israel, fell long before Judah, the southern tribes, should have been a warning heeded by Judah.  But instead, Jeremiah had to rebuke them for trusting in the presence of the temple to save them (see Jeremiah 7:1-4; 26:12-15).  Even after some of the Jews had been carried away to Babylon, the people thought that their time there would be brief and that Jerusalem would not be destroyed.  False prophets kept reassuring them that all was well (see Ezekiel 13:1-3, 9-10, 16), when clearly it was not.

2. (vs. 12).  The prophet here said “And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.”  The Lord had “confirmed his words, which he spake against us” means that God had kept His promise that with the breaking of the law there would be punishment.  Indeed the disobedience of the people and the “judges (their leaders) that judged us” had brought such disaster upon Jerusalem and Judah that it prompted Daniel to say that “for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.”  In other words, Daniel could not think of any other suffering that took place that could compare to the suffering that they were experiencing in exile.  This should remind us of how important it is to admit our sinfulness before the Lord (see I John 1:7-2:2).

B. Divine appeal (Daniel 9:13-14). 

1. (vs. 13).  In this portion of his prayer of confession Daniel was again reminded of the law and said “As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.”  Daniel was aware that all the evil that had come upon Israel was written in the Law of Moses, yet Israel didn’t call upon the Lord to pardon their sins.  The truth of the matter is that the people didn’t want to turn from their iniquities; they didn’t want to “understand thy (God’s) truth.”  We must always remember that everything we do or say we do it or say it by choice. No one can make us do wrong.  The devil can influence us, but he cannot make us do anything.  He has no power over God’s people (see I John 4:4).

2. (vs. 14).  Daniel’s prayer of confession continued through verse 19, but here Daniel prayed “Therefore hath the Lord watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the Lord our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.”  The phrase “the Lord watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us” means that God kept the calamity that would fall on the nation ready for the proper time.  He knew it would be necessary.  Many people might see this treatment of Israel as unfair, but Daniel understood that it was justified because “God is righteous in all his works which he doeth.”  In other words, everything the Lord does is right and good.  Note: It was more important for God to retain His integrity and uphold His moral law than it was for His guilty people to escape the consequences of their unfaithfulness.  If God does not fulfill every word of His judgment, then we wouldn’t have any reason to believe His word of grace.  Yes God is a God of grace but He is also a God who judges fairly.

                      

V. Conclusion.  The nature of God is loving and forgiving, but He is also a just God.  He cannot let sin go unpunished.  Our lesson this week has taught us that the way back to God’s mercy and forgiveness is through confession and repentance of sin.  We dare not take the justice of God lightly.
 

A Glorious Reign Ahead

                                                                Sunday School Lesson
                                 

Lesson: Daniel 7:9-14;                                                                                        
Golden Text: “And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:14).
 

INTRODUCTION.This week’s lesson is the first of three from the Book of Daniel.After presenting some historical information in chapters1-6,the emphasis changes beginning with chapter 7.  Apocalyptic  or visions of revelation relating mainly to the future, dominate the remainder of the book.  Since apocalyptic writings use many symbols, we should be careful when interpreting these portions of Scripture.  Biblical scholars who are equals in their knowledge of Scripture disagree strongly about certain prophetic texts.  Therefore, we should not be so dogmatic (positive that one interpretation is the right one) about some biblical passages, especially those concerning things that have not happened yet.  In this first lesson our study opens up our understanding of the kingdom of God under the reign of our Lord Jesus Christ.  This is something we as Christians can look forward to with joy.

II. SOVEREIGN LORD (Daniel 7:9-10).  In verses 1-8, Daniel had a vision of four great beasts, each representing a world empire.  These nations, who would eventually reign over Israel, were evil and cruel.  This is probably why they are referred to as “beasts.”  Daniel saw a lion with an eagle’s wings which represented Babylon with her swift conquests.  The bear that ravaged the lion (Babylon) is Medo-Persia.  The leopard represents Greece.  Its wings show the swiftness of Alexander the Great’s campaign as he conquered much of the civilized world in four years (334-330 B.C.).  The leopard’s four heads represent the four divisions of the Greek empire after Alexander’s death.   The fourth beast represents both Rome and the end times.  Many Bible scholars believe that horns refer to the ten kings who will reign shortly before God sets up His everlasting kingdom.  These ten kings still had not yet come to power at the time of John’s vision as recorded in the book of Revelation (see Revelation 17:12).  The little horn in verse 8 is a future human ruler, the antichrist (see II Thessalonians 2:3-4).  He is seen here as having “a mouth speaking great (or boastful) thing.”  God is illustrating the final end of all worldly kingdoms in contrast to his eternal kingdom.

A. Apocalyptic vision (Daniel 7:9).  Here the prophecy shifts to the end times.  This judgment scene is similar to the one that was seen by the Apostle John (see Revelation 1:14, 15).  In contrast to the “little horn” in verse 8 who represents the antichrist, Daniel said “ I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.”  Daniel saw “the Ancient of days” take His seat on His throne while “thrones were cast down.”  Of course, “the Ancient of days” is God Himself.  While this title refers to Almighty God in this verse, it also refers to Christ in verse 22.  The thrones that were cast down were thrones of judgment and they were simply put in place in preparation for judgment.  God, sitting on His throne as Judge is seen clothed in white.  The white clothing speaks of God’s holiness.  His hair was also white “like the pure wool.”  This pictures God’s infinite wisdom.  God sat on a throne that had wheels of fire, indicating the presence of God (see Exodus 3:2).

B.  Awesome judgment (Daniel 7:10).  Daniel also saw “A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.”  There was a river of fire that flowed out from before the Judge.  The Bible says that “Our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29; Deuteronomy 4:24; 9:3).  There were thousands of angels serving God, while “ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.” This was a way of saying that the number of angels who stood before the Judge was innumerable as they awaited the judgment to begin.  Much like the scene in Revelation 20:12, Daniel said “the books were opened.”  This has reference to the Great White Throne judgment where the lost of all ages will stand before God to be sentenced to the lake of fire (see Revelation 20:11-15).  For the saved of all ages there is only one book, the book of life and it only contains our names (see Luke 10:20; Revelation 20:15).  Note: The saved of all ages will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to either receive rewards for our service or lose them for lack of service, but our salvation will not be questioned (see Daniel 12:1-4; Matthew 25:31-46; Acts 17:31; Romans 14:10; II Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27).  However, the scene that Daniel is presenting concerns the unbelievers of all ages and those who will eventually follow the “little horn” or the antichrist (see Revelation 13:1-4; 19:19-21).  The judgment of believers will determine eternal rewards (see I Corinthians 3:10-15) not our eternal destination.

III. SLAIN BEAST (Daniel 7:11-12)

A.  Doom sealed (Daniel 7:11).  As his vision continued, Daniel said “I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.”  The prophet said that he kept on watching because the “horn” in the midst of the judgment scene continued to speak “great (boasting) words.”  This blasphemous beast, the antichrist, continues to shout out his boastings against humanity and God “even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.”  In the face of judgment, the antichrist speaks against God right up to his end.  This is similar to a convicted murderer who continues to rant even as he is being led to the execution chamber.  In the case of the “horn” he has no remorse for his evil deeds as he comes before the Judge of the universe.  The slaying of the beast and him being sent to the flames is also recorded in Revelation 19:20 where John writes “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet…These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”  Note: If we even suggest the possibility of eternal judgment in our society today we would be called narrow-minded and judgmental.  But saying nothing about judgment is to put ourselves in a very dangerous position (see Ezekiel 33:1-9).  The Bible says that we are to declare “all the counsel of God” (see Acts 20:27) which includes the fact that Jesus Christ will “judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom” (see II Timothy 4:1).

B. Dominion taken by Christ (Daniel 7:12).  Having told  us what happened to the “horn” Daniel now says “As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.”  With the “horn” now in the lake of fire, Daniel saw that “the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away.”  The other beasts that Daniel saw in verses 3-6 finally had their authority taken from them. However, Daniel tells us that even though they are powerless “their lives were prolonged for a season and time.”  It is difficult to understand just what this means, but maybe it implies that the antichrist will be destroyed before the other kingdoms of the world.  As students of the Bible including apocalyptic books like Daniel and Revelation, we must realize that there is not complete agreement among different interpreters concerning the details of these books.

IV. THE SON OF MAN (Daniel 7:13-14)

A. Clouds of heaven (Daniel 7:13).  Daniel continued to say “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.”  Now Daniel saw in the midst of his vision “one like the Son of man.”  Although there may be disagreements among scholars as to the identification of the beasts and the little horn, there is no disagreement that the “one like the Son of man” is the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  Jesus often used this title to refer to Himself (see Matthew 26:64; Luke 21:27; John 1:51).  Daniel saw Him coming “with the clouds of heaven.”  The fact that the Son of man will come with the clouds of heaven is also described in the New Testament (see Matthew 26:64; Mark 13:26; Acts 1:11; I Thessalonians 4:17; Revelation 1:7; 14:14-16).  Even though clouds in Scripture are sometimes associated with judgment (see Ezekiel 34:12; Zephaniah 1:15; Joel 2:2), here the “clouds of heaven” represent majesty and awesome presence.  God’s glory appeared in a cloud in Exodus 16:10 and at the giving of the law at Sinai (see Exodus 19:9).  The Messiah is seen coming to the “Ancient of Days,” God the Father, and being led into His presence probably by the angels.

B.  The Coming kingdom (Daniel 7:14).  In our final verse Daniel says “And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”  As Jesus approaches the Father, He is given authority and power to establish God’s kingdom on earth.  He is granted power and dominion over all peoples, nations, and languages and they shall serve Him.  This is confirmation of what Jesus told His disciples before His ascension, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (see Matthew 28:18).  Jesus is now the ultimate Ruler for now all the authority, glory, and sovereign power that the rulers of the four kingdoms had over all peoples is given to Jesus.  God’s kingdom will be “an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”  Note: Indeed the kingdoms of this world will be swallowed up by Christ’s kingdom.  For as John noted “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever” (see Revelation 11:15).  It might seem that God is inactive now, but He is putting things in place for the full manifestation of His kingdom at the end of time.  Our God will reveal Himself in the public arena at the end of the age.  Just because His kingdom is not yet fully manifest does not mean that He has lost His power.  He will show Himself to be King of kings. While the New Testament speaks of restoring, preaching, awaiting, inheriting, receiving, seeing, and entering the kingdom, nowhere does the New Testament speak of our building the kingdom.  The kingdom is God’s rule, and we do not establish it, we must receive it and proclaim it.

           

V. Conclusion.  In our lesson this week, we have seen how the Bible informs us that the nations of the world will fall and give way to the everlasting rule of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He is not powerless; the time is coming when He will reveal Himself in all His glory.  Because of the Word of God and the prophecies in it, we can look forward with anticipation and hope to the coming kingdom of our Lord Jesus, which will last forever and ever.  It will be a glorious reign, and there will be peace because He is in charge.  In our world of chaos, this message gives renewed hope and strength for all those who trust in Jesus.  One day in the not-too-distant future, our Lord will reign in righteousness in this world.
 

Reaching the World

                                                           Sunday School Lesson

                                 

Lesson: Colossians 4:1-6                                                                                       
Golden Text: “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:5).

INTRODUCTION.  This week’s lesson gives us instructions on how to reach out to others with the message of Christ that we have received.  Each of us has a different personality, different relationships, and different opportunities.  Yet there are essential spiritual activities for us all.  Every Christian can accomplish these tasks.  Each Christian has a unique opportunity to impact the world for Christ.

II. RELATIONSHIPS WITH SERVANTS (Colossians 4:1).  In the previous chapter (Colossians 3:18-25), the Apostle Paul gave instructions to wives, husbands, children, fathers, and servants.  He continues in this verse saying “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.”  In the times of the Roman Empire, “servants” were actually slaves.  They were considered property and were treated as harshly as their masters desired.  Those Colossians who were “masters” or slave owners, and were now believers were instructed to treat their servants “just and equal.” In other words “masters” were to treat their servants with fairness and equity and provide what was right and fair.  By application for today, employers, especially Christian employers should pay fair wages and treat their employees justly.  In addition leaders should take care of their volunteers and not abuse them.  If you have responsibility over others, make sure you do what is right and fair.  Paul said that the reason we are to respond this way is because “ye also have a Master in heaven.”  Leaders in any arena are reminded that they too have a “Master.”  Whatever position of leadership we may have, we were placed there by God (see Psalms 75:6-7; Daniel 2:20-21).  Since Christ is our Master who is in heaven, we serve Him and are to follow His example.  Christ treats His children with love and respect, and that is what masters and all employers today should do as well.

III. RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE LORD’S SERVANTS (Colossians 4:2-4)

A. Earnest prayer (Colossians 4:2).  Now Paul tells his readers what they have to do to be able to live by what he taught.  He exhorted the Colossians to “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.”  Three characteristics of their prayers are mentioned here.

1.  First, they were to “Continue in prayer.”  In other words, they were to be persistent in prayer.  The word “continue” in Greek means “to persevere” or to “be constantly diligent.”  This is the same idea that Paul presented in I Thessalonians 5:17 when he wrote, “Pray without ceasing.”  This does not mean that a person should pray all day and do nothing else.  Instead, it is an attitude of prayer that is constant and results in many short prayers throughout the day.  Being in an attitude of constant prayer acknowledges our dependence on God for all things.

2.  Second, they were to “watch” in prayer.  The word translated “watch” means “to stay awake” and indicates spiritual alertness.  A synonym for “watch” is “vigilance” which speaks of being watchful and alert, especially to guard against danger.

3.  The third characteristic of prayer mentioned is “thanksgiving.”  We should be alert to recognize answered prayer.  Giving God thanks is repeated numerous times in Colossians (see Colossians 1:3, 12; 2:7; 3:15, 17).  It is always good to be grateful (see Philippians 4:6-7).

B.  Specific prayer (Colossians 4:3-4).

1. (vs. 3).  As the Colossians were encouraged to pray constantly, Paul added “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds.”  The phrase “Withal praying also for us” indicates Paul’s desire that the Colossians remember him and his coworkers in their prayers.  This is a reminder that we should not only pray for ourselves, but we should spend a lot of time lifting others and their needs to God.  We should especially pray for those in the Lord’s work, such as pastors and missionaries.  They are constant targets of the evil one, who does not want them to have success in their ministries.  Specifically, Paul wanted the Colossians to pray that “God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ.”  He wanted God to open doors of opportunity for him and his coworkers.  Paul often referred to opportunities for ministry as open doors (see I Corinthians 16:9; II Corinthians 2:12).  It’s not possible for us to minister if a door is closed before us.  It’s only when God swings a door open that we can proceed in ministry.  Paul was especially interested in opportunities to explain “the mystery of Christ.”  He had spoken of this “mystery” earlier (see Colossians 1:24-28).  There he identified the “mystery” as the church which was unknown in the Old Testament but now had become a reality made up of Jews and Gentiles because of salvation in Jesus Christ.  The word “mystery” refers to something that was once hid in the mind of God but is now revealed to those who are spiritually able to receive it.  Paul also said that sharing this message was the reason “for which I am also in bonds.”  Although Paul was already being held a prisoner for preaching the gospel, he still wanted his readers to pray that he could continue to spread that message.

2. (vs. 4).  In this verse Paul gives another reason why he wanted the Colossians to continue to pray for him.  He said so “That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”  Paul felt compelled to preach the gospel message (see I Corinthians 9:16).  He wanted to “make it manifest” meaning he wanted to continue to spread the Word “as I ought to speak” or as he was obligated to do.  Nothing was going to stop Paul from spreading the gospel.  He puts many of us to shame with his eagerness to share God’s Word, exposing our reluctance to speak up for Jesus.

IV. RELATIONSHIPS WITH UNBELIEVERS (Colossians 4:5-6)

A.  Walking in wisdom (Colossians 4:5).  In this verse, Paul addresses the witness of his readers.  He directed them to “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.  The phrase “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without” means that the Colossians were to be wise in their daily conduct before unbelievers, here referred to as “them that are without.”  In other words, the conduct of these believers could have a powerful evangelizing influence on the unsaved.  Note:  A believer can give a bad testimony or lose a sterling reputation with a few unwise words or actions that are contrary to what he or she professes to be.  Unbelievers are always paying attention to how believers live.  Many of them take delight in finding reasons not to become Christians themselves.  They are quick to say, “If that’s what a Christian is, I don’t want to be one.”  When Paul said “redeeming the time” he meant that we must make the most of every opportunity that comes our way to live right before the world.  As we “walk in wisdom” we will not miss such opportunities (see Ephesians 5:15-17).

B. Speaking with grace (Colossians 4:6).  Paul concludes by saying “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”  One of the areas Christians have a difficult time with is our speech or language.  The apostle said “Let your speech be always with grace.”  This means that whenever we speak to others, especially when we tell them about Christ, we must always be gracious in what we say.  No matter how much sense the message makes, we lose our effectiveness if we are not courteous.  Just as we like to be respected, we must respect others if we want them to hear what we have to say.  Not only should our speech be gracious but Paul said that it should also be “seasoned with salt.”  Salt is known for two particular qualities.  It once was used widely for preserving food, keeping it from spoiling as in Paul’s day.  This indicates that our speech should be pure and wholesome and not corrupt.  Salt also is known as an additive used to enhance the flavor of food.  That is an appealing use of salt and probably indicates that our speech should be something that draws people to us.  Note: When our speech or language is gracious, wholesome, and appealing, we will be effective in drawing the attention of unbelievers to our Lord.  Paul said that as our speech draws people to us “ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”  In other words, once people respect us, they will listen to our message.  This will cause doors to open for us as we attempt to reach the world. 

  

V. Conclusion.  Remember your Master in heaven, pray continually, and speak to others wisely.  These instructions are very simple, but they summarize our task on earth until we are called home to be with the Lord.  Whatever we do and whatever we are, we can keep our eyes on our Master in heaven, as we pray, and represent Him well.
 

Clothed In Christ

                                                                   Sunday School Lesson                                

Lesson: Colossians 3:5-17                                                                                       
Golden Text: “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness” (Colossians 3:14).
 

I.  INTRODUCTION.  This week’s lesson focuses on the daily practical behavior of Christians.  It instructs us on how to “do” Christianity, or how to be Christ-like, and how to live out what we have been given in Christ.  The writer gives us the picture of removing a garment, like an old coat, and putting on another garment that is of a different character, quality, and appearance.

II. EVIDENCES OF CARNALITY (Colosssians 3:5-11) 

A. Things to put to death (Colossians 3:5).  In verses 1-4, the Apostle Paul spoke of our position in Christ.  Then in this verse he said “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”  The word “therefore” connects who we are in Christ in verses 1-4 with the things we are both to avoid and include in our life that is now identified with Christ.  The word “mortify” means to put to death.  Now that we are in Christ, we are to put to death our “members which are upon the earth.”  This refers to the desires and sinful actions of our old sin nature that are inconsistent with Christ.  There is to be such a complete rejection of the sins of our earthly nature that it is like the death of the fleshly members of the body.  Paul goes on to list some of the “members” of our sinful flesh that we are to “mortify” or put to death.  “Fornication” is sexual immorality; “uncleanness” refers to moral impurity; “inordinate affection” speaks of uncontrolled, illegitimate affection, or just plain lust; “evil concupiscence” is also lust or wrongful desire; and “covetousness” is the desire to have more of the world’s pleasures and goods.  When Paul said “and covetousness, which is idolatry,” he was saying that “covetousness” and “idolatry” were the same thing because what one covets becomes a god to that person.   

B.  The reason this is important (Colossians 3:6-7).

1. (vs. 6).  Here Paul continues to say “For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.”  The phrase “For which things' sake” refers to the list of sinful desires and actions mentioned in the previous verse.  Those who are outside of Christ are called “the children of disobedience.”  They have not accepted Jesus as Saviour, so they remain in their natural, sinful condition and are the objects of “the wrath of God” (see John 3:36).  Like the Colossian believers, we were once under the same condemnation and would still be if it were not for our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  Since we are now in Christ, those things that characterize unbelievers (see vs. 5) should not be part of our lives.  They are displeasing to God. 

2.  (vs. 7).  In this verse Paul continued saying “In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.”  The phrase “In the which” again refers back to the sinful actions Paul said we were to mortify in verse 5.  Just like the unbelievers, or “children of wrath” mentioned in the previous verse, Paul reminded his Colossian readers that at one time, before they were in Christ, their lives were characterized by the same evil actions.  This is the meaning of “ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.”  

C.  The things to put off (Colossians 3:8-9).    

1. (vs. 8).  Now that the Colossian believers were in Christ, Paul said “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”  The word that has been translated “put off” means “to cast off” or “lay aside.”  The metaphor Paul is using is of dirty, filthy clothes that need to be taken off and thrown away.  The sins that Paul says should be “put off” deal with attitude and speech.  The first is “anger” or a glowering disposition.  In Ephesians 4:26. Paul speaks of an anger that is not sinful, but if not dealt with immediately in a way that builds relationships rather than destroys them, it will lead to sinful behavior.Next, we are to put off “wrath” which speaks of outbursts of rage.“Malice” is simply an evil and hostile attitude.Blasphemy” refers to slanderous thinking and speaking in an attempt to ruin someone’s reputation through accusation and insult.“Filthy communication” is unwholesome language of any kind that believers should never utter. Note:Getting rid of such sins does not earn salvation.In fact, although many people make admirable attempts to reform themselves, it’s impossible to purge oneself of all these vices without the regenerating power of Christ.Paul’s point is that since we have died with Christ and gained His life, such sins have no business remaining in our lives.They are to be put away decisively.             

2. (vs. 9).  The apostle wrapped up the list of sins to be put off or discarded by giving a general command.  He said “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds.”  Lying has no place in the practice of believers; it is a characteristic of the unchanged life.  It is out of place among Christians because they have “put off the old man.”  But just what does the phrase “old man” mean?  Many believe that it refers to the believer’s old self or nature, but these two words are not clearly defined terms.  The word “nature” in particular implies a somewhat misleading idea, for if believers had truly put off their old nature, they would have no further problems with sin.  It seems better to think of the “old man” as referring to our old identity---who we were in God’s sight before He saved us; namely, fallen, rebellious sinners.  In coming to Christ and being identified with Him, we put off that old identity; we are no longer who we once were.  Therefore, we must no longer walk in the traits that characterize that old identity.  When we put off the “old man” or our old identity, we also put off “his deeds.”  Coming to Christ for salvation involves repentance or a change of direction.  For faith to be genuine there must be a willing change of direction in one’s sinful lifestyle.  This turn in behavior should affect our attitudes and our deeds or the things we do.

D. The reason for this change (Colossians 3:10-11). 

1. (vs. 10).  The Colossians had not only put off the old man, they also “have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”  We have exchanged our old identity as sinful rebels, for a new identity which is belonging to Christ.  This “new man” is continually being “renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”  In other words, we become more and more Christ-like as we come to know Him better because of His work in us.  The words “created him” means that it was Christ who gave us a new identity and created the “new man” in us (see II Corinthians 4:16).

2. (vs. 11).  In our new identity, Paul said “there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.”  Now in Christ, none of the old categories that divide people, whether religious, ethnic, social, or economic, has any meaning anymore.  The only thing that matters now is that “Christ is all, and in all.”  In Him believers have a commonality that goes beyond all human divisions.Note: The Christian church should have no barriers of nationality, race, education level, social standing,wealth,gender, religion or power.  Christ breaks down all barriers and accepts all people who come to him.Nothing should keep us from telling others about Christ or accepting into our fellowship any and all believers (se Ephesians 2:14-15).  Christians should be building bridges not walls.

III. EVIDENCES OF SPIRITUALITY (Colossians 3:12-17)

A.  The things to put on (Colossians 3:12-13).

1. (vs. 12).  The list of sins to be put off or discarded, is now contrasted with a list of virtues or graces that we are to adopt.  Paul said “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.”  The phrase “Put on” translates the same verb used in verse 10.  We are now “the elect of God, holy and beloved.”  This means that we are God’s chosen people (see I Peter 2:9-10) and as such we have put on a new identity in Christ.  Therefore we are to put on, or clothe ourselves with the appropriate character qualities.  We are to put on or clothe ourselves with “bowels of mercies.”  This means being compassionate toward others.  “Kindness” means we are not harsh are unpleasant.  Instead we are charitable and benevolent.  “Humbleness of mind” is an attitude of humility and the absence of pride and arrogance.  “Meekness” is a gentile consideration for others that makes us willing to give up our rights for their sakes.  “Longsuffering” is patience.  Sometimes we have to put up with those who are obnoxious or annoying. 

2. (vs. 13).  All of the traits Paul just named are wrapped up in “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”  Of these two actions, “Forbearing one another” has the idea of putting up graciously with the faults and unpleasant traits of others.  “Forgiving one another” speaks of forgiving specific grievances as when Paul says “if any man have a quarrel against any.”  Forgiving someone who has hurt us, whether intentionally or unintentionally is always difficult.  But God tells us to forgive “even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”  Forgiveness is based on the fact that Christ has forgiven us (see Matthew 6:14-15).  When we think about all that Christ has forgiven us, it becomes easier to forgive others.

B. The things of greatest importance (Colossians 3:14-15).

1. (vs. 14).  Over all these virtues Christians are to put on love causing Paul to say “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”  As substantial as the previous list of virtues is, it is not complete without “charity” or self-sacrificing love.  Love is the one virtue that most comprehensively defines what a Christian should be because it is most basic to the character of God (see I John 4:8).  Paul said that we are to “put on charity” as we put on the other virtues he has listed.  It is as if he saw love as the sash put around the waist to hold all the other garments or virtues in place.  Therefore, Paul concluded that “charity,” or love “is the bond of perfectness.”  Genuine love is the glue that holds all the other virtues together for it is the “bond of perfectness.”  The word “perfectness” speaks of spiritual maturity which does not happen without the exercise of love.

2. (vs. 15).  Paul understood that where love is the order of the day, peace will not be far behind.  Therefore he said “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”  The word “rule” means to act as an arbiter.  When believers are practicing love for one another, the “peace of God” can act like an umpire between any differences they may have.  The “peace of God” is not just another benefit given to aid in smoothing over conflicts; it is a spiritual goal to which we have been “called in one body.”  To know and experience the “peace of God” as a body of believers is a privilege and joy beyond calculation.  Attaining that peace ought to be our constant aim.  The privilege of being called to peace certainly ought to enable us to obey Paul’s further command to “be ye thankful.”

C. The results of living by the Word of Christ (Colossians 3:16-17).

1. (vs. 16).   Here Paul wrote “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”  God’s Word should be a permanent resident in our hearts.  This is the meaning of the phrase “dwell in you.”  The Greek word translated “richly” indicates that God’s Word should abound within us like a rich man abounds with wealth.  God’s Word is the source of spiritual “wisdom” we all need.  The means, or perhaps the result of letting the Word of Christ dwell in us is “teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.”  One of the most effective ways of teaching and admonishing one another is through music.  Paul lists three categories of music.  To sing “psalms” is to sing words of Scripture.  “Hymns” are songs that praise God using Scripture, but not necessarily word for word.  “Spiritual songs” are odes and ballads.  As these songs flow from the “grace in your hearts to the Lord,” we can instruct or teach each other.

2. (vs. 17).  Going beyond our worship in song, the Apostle Paul concludes our lesson by saying “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”  Everything we say and do should be done in the name of Jesus, that is, in ways that reflect positively upon Him.  Our speech should be such that Jesus could have said it.  Our acts should be such that Jesus could have done them.  We should do nothing or say anything that would not receive His stamp of approval.  Yes, we are free moral agents with our own wills, but in Christ we must realize also that we are not independent creatures with our own agenda.  Doing “all in the name of the Lord Jesus” implies seeking and doing His will only. Furthermore, our words and actions should be accompanied by “giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”  Of course the word “him” refers to Jesus Christ.  If we neglect thankfulness to God, it may mean that we really don’t know Him.  If we really know Jesus and trust all that He is, we cannot help expressing thanks and praise to God.  He deserves far more glory than we can ever possibly give Him.                           

IV. Conclusion.  Changing our lives to be more Christ-like is like casting away filthy rags and putting on a new, righteous garment.  The central part of this lesson is that we get to cooperate with the Lord Jesus in getting rid of the negative thoughts and actions of our former unsaved lives and adding to our development as Christians by consciously deciding to do what pleases Him.  When we decide to shun sin and wrong thoughts, He will empower us to think and act in love, kindness, and forgiveness.  We and others will be blessed as we become more like Him.
 

Full Life In Christ

                                                                   Sunday School Lesson
Lesson Scripture:Colossians 2:6-15


Introduction:Paul admonished the Colossian church and all believers,don't play with your Christianity like a toy,which you pick up when you need something to do,or put down when something else catches your attention.Be steadfast,he said,stay intact and resist the enemy.As you are walking,depending on Christ ,learning from Him how to communicate and trust Him,you will find yourselves being more established in the faith and growing.This solid faith is the soil the unbeliever is to be rooted and grow in.

Be Faithful!Colossians 2:6-7Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him. Paul here combines two early confessions—”Jesus is the Christ” (Mark 8:29, NIV, 1984) and “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9)—to emphasize cardinal points of the gospel that were being questioned in Colossae. Believers are being built up in him, the one in whom they were rooted. There is no other way for them to be strengthened in their original beliefs. Our faith must remain on the rock-solid foundation of Jesus himself. Then we will be overflowing with thankfulness. J. B. Lightfoot said, “Thanksgiving is the end of all human conduct, whether observed in words or works.”
Be Careful!Colossians 2:8-12Paul warned them not to be taken captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy. Such false teachings are based on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. His call to vigilance is in the present tense, suggesting constant watchfulness on their part, lest they be led astray (Herbert Carson). Be careful that you don’t base your faith on any manmade teaching, no matter how deceptively and seductively it may be presented. While Christian teaching is called “the word of truth” (Colossians 1:5), worldly philosophies are characterized by empty deceit. In Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form. Paul had emphasized this earlier (Colossians 1:19). Nothing can be added to Jesus. Indeed, it is Jesus who brings fullness to all who belong to him.
Many years before this, God had commanded Abraham to circumcise all of the males in the camp as a sign that they belonged to him (Genesis 17:10-14). Through Christ, however, there is a new circumcision. “Even in the Old Testament, the symbolical character of circumcision was emphasized; what God really desired was not the external sign for its own sake, but the ‘circumcision of the heart’—an inward purification,” notes F. F. Bruce (see Deuteronomy 10:16; 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4).
This new circumcision is not marked by the removal of flesh, but by the removal of sin itself. God grants believers forgiveness for their sins, even as he removes the power of sin in their lives. This new circumcision is pictured by baptism—a burial in water—signifying the death of the old man of sin and the rising of a new creature (see also Romans 6:3-7). Those who come to faith and repentance are then ready to share in this powerful reality (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 2:38).
Michael R. Weed explains, “In the act of baptism the believer participates (with him) in the circumcision of Christ. That is, the one baptized is incorporated into Christ and his self-giving death; he died in baptism to the carnal and sensual nature which is stripped from him. . . . Paul also asserts that the one baptized has been raised with Christ.”
Be Grateful!Colossians 2:13-15The apostle reminds the Colossians that when they were still dead in their sins, God made them alive with Christ. Elsewhere Paul speaks of going from being “dead in your sins” to being “dead to sin” (Romans 6:11). After describing their moving from death to life, he adds other dramatic pictures to explain the greatness of salvation.
Our legal obligation can be thought of as our “I.O.U.” to God. The cost is more than we can afford. No one can pay the price. The law brought condemnation because, even though the Jewish people embraced it, they could never live up to it. All sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4). The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). We owed a debt we could never pay. In his ultimate power and mercy, God accepted the sacrifice of Christ as full payment for all the sins of all the people in all the world through all these many years! Jesus was our willing representative when he died on that cross (Hebrews 10:10).
The indictment that stood against mankind was not only erased, but removed. No longer do God’s people have to try to pay for their sins. Be grateful! Jesus has taken all our sins away, triumphing over them by the cross.

Awed By His Greatness

                                                       Sunday School Lesson                                 

Lesson: Colossians 1:15-20;                                                                                        
Golden Text: “For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell” (Colossians 1:19).

INTRODUCTION.  There is no record indicating that Paul ever visited Colossae (see Colossians 2:1), but many theologians believe that the church was established under the leadership of Epaphras (see Colossians 1:7; 4:12).  On his Third Missionary Journey, Paul had established a ministry in Ephesus (see Acts 19:1, 8-10), 100 miles west of Colossae for more than two years.  The influence of his ministry reached “all who dwelt in Asia” (see Acts 19:10).  Epaphras probably heard Paul in Ephesus and then carried the gospel to Colossae.  The Colossian church had been infiltrated by religious heretics who combined other philosophies and religion with Christianity.  The resulting heresy later became known as Gnostism which denied Christ as God and Saviour.  This letter was written to address this false doctrine (see Colossae 2:16-18, 20-22).  Paul’s introduction to the Colossians includes a greeting, a note of thanksgiving, and a prayer for spiritual wisdom and strength for these brothers and sisters in Christ (see Colossians 1:1-12).  Then he moved into a doctrinal discussion about the person of Jesus Christ refuting the false teachings that Jesus was not deity.   

II.  JESUS OVER THINGS (Colossians 1:15-17) 

A. Jesus Christ is the image of God (Colossians 1:15).  After reminding the Colossians of the redemption they had in Christ (see Colossians 1:14), Paul began his argument against the teachings that Jesus was not deity by saying “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.”  The Greek word translated “image” refers to an exact likeness in every detail such as one’s reflection in the water or in a mirror.  Jesus Christ is the exact representation of His Father as well as His manifestation before men (see John 1:16: 14:8-9).  In other words, the invisible God has been made visible in Christ.  Jesus is as much God as God Himself.  To see Jesus is to see God.  Paul also identified the Redeemer as “the firstborn of every creature.”  At first glance, this appears to mean that He was the first created being, but that cannot be true, because the next verse says that all things were created by Him.  Other passages also call Christ the Creator (see Colossians 1:3; Hebrews 1:2).  “Firstborn” should be understood in the sense of heir or sovereign.  In Hebrew culture, the first born in a family became heir to all the father’s possessions and ruled the inheritance.  Christ, as God’s Son rules all creation.

B.  Jesus is the Creator of all things (Colossians 1:16).  Paul continues to say, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.”  The word “For” reveals a continuation of Paul’s thought from the previous verse and goes on to say “by him were all things created.”  Jesus is the Creator of everything including the heavenly and the earthly, things we can see and the things we cannot see.  The phrase “whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers” refers to both the visible and invisible things created by Christ.  Note: Because the false teachers believed that the physical world was evil, they thought that God could not have created it.  They reasoned that if Christ were God, He would be in charge of only the spirit world not an evil physical world.  But Paul argued that all the rulers, powers, thrones, and principalities or authorities of both the spiritual and physical worlds were created by and under the authority of Christ.  This includes not only governments, but also the spiritual world with both fallen and unfallen angels that the heretics were so concerned about.  Christ has no rival, He is the Lord of all!  In the last part of this verse Paul again says “all things were created by him” indicating that Jesus is the Agent who brought everything into existence.  In addition, everything was created “for him.”  God is the creator of the universe, but He created everything through His Son.  Everything was created for Jesus Christ, for His benefit and for His purposes.  Hebrews 2:1 tells us that He is the appointed “heir of al things.”  Jesus Christ is the Designer, the Builder and the Owner of all that exists. 

C.  Jesus is the sustainer of all things (Colossians 1:17).  Here Paul says “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”  The word “before” can mean either prior in time or greater in importance and both are true of Christ.  The phrase “before all things” speaks of Jesus’ supremacy and also tells us that Jesus existed from eternity past.  He was already there when the universe was created (see Micah 5:2).  Genesis 1:26 says “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” indicating that Jesus has always been there with God (see John 1:1).  Our Lord’s supremacy is not confined to a particular era; it is eternal.  The apostle also said that “by him all things consist.”  The word “consist” means to hold together.  Everything in the universe is held together by the power of the Son of God.  Hebrews 1:3 refers to Christ as “upholding all things by the word of his power.”  This includes everything from the smallest atom or molecule to the gigantic galaxies and solar systems.  Jesus is holding everything together and keeping it operating.  Just imagine what chaos would result if Jesus Christ withdrew His sustaining power from the world!      

III. JESUS OVER PEOPLE (Colossians 1:18-20)

A.  Jesus is the head of the church (Colossians 1:18).  Still referring to Jesus, Paul here says “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”  Just as Christ is supreme over the creation, He is also sovereign over His new creation, the church.  The word for “church” means “assembly” but here it refers to Christ’s worldwide assembly of called out believers.  Here the “church” is also called “the body.”  When referring to the church, Paul often used a metaphor based on the human body (see Romans 12:4-6; I Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 4:4, 12, 16).  Christ is the “head of the body, the church.”  As a human body has a head that directs its actions, so Christ is the Head who coordinates the church’s ministry.  Jesus Christ is uniquely qualified to lead the church because He is “the beginning, the firstborn from the dead.”  The word “beginning” indicates that Christ originated the church and gave it His life and power.  The phrase “firstborn from the dead” refers to Jesus’ victory over death and the fact that He was the first to rise from the dead never to die again.  As a result of Jesus’ resurrection, believers will also experience a physical resurrection (see I Corinthians 15:51-52) as well as a resurrection from spiritual death (see Colossians 2:13).  Christ is Head over the church so that “in all things he might have the preeminence.”  Jesus has always been preeminent or above everything else, but through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, He becomes Lord in a new realm---the church.  His authority over His created beings is enhanced because He now rules “all things,” both a spiritual and a physical creation.

B. Jesus is the fullness of the Father (Colossians 1:19).  As the heretics also taught that Jesus was less than God but greater than humans, Paul refuted that by saying “For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell.”  In other words, in Jesus, the complete embodiment of all God’s attributes became fully human.  God is holy, Jesus is holy.  God is sovereign, Jesus is sovereign.  God is omniscient, Jesus is omniscient. God is omnipotent, Jesus is omnipotent.  If we like we could go on with every detail about God forever and will still find that Jesus has the same divine attributes.  Let us not forget that this can also be said about the Holy Spirit.  While Jesus became a man through incarnation, He never stopped being God.  The Father was “pleased,” or it was His will that His Son became human to fulfill His divine purpose (see Ephesians 1:9-10).

C. Jesus is the Maker of peace (Colossians 14:20).  Finally the apostle said “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”  The word “reconcile” means renewing a congenial relationship that was once present but was damaged by some kind of interference.  Christ’s finished work is one of reconciliation, bringing two parties from disharmony to peace.  He made this peace “through the blood of his cross.”  Because of sin, man had become corrupted and distanced from God and needed to be reconciled.  Jesus’ death provided that reconciliation, or peace between God and man, by removing the barrier of sin (see II Corinthians 5:17-21).  It also provided peace between Jew and Gentile by removing the barrier of the law and giving both groups access to God (see Ephesians 2:13-18).   The last part of this verse, “to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven” does not mean that unbelieving humans will be saved and go to heaven; nor that wicked angels will receive a blanket pardon; for Scripture foretells their final doom (see Revelation 20:11-15).  Even the creation will be destroyed (see II Peter 3:10-11).  The Bible explains that restoring peace with God comes when each person trusts in Jesus.  Everyone, who receives Jesus as Saviour will be reconciled to God and be at peace with Him.  Those who refuse will remain un-reconciled and will not be restored to a relationship with Him.  This decision will determine a person’s eternal destination.  

IV. Conclusion.  Unfortunately, those who have trouble believing that Jesus is God may never be able to accept that it was the Father’s will that Jesus was not just a glorified man.  As God incarnate, Jesus was the manifested presence of God among men.  Having the fullness of God, He was able to reconcile man with God our father.  God desires communion, peace, and harmony with man.  His Word reveals that even in His magnificence, God desires fellowship with lowly humans.  Jesus as God had no limitations but was empowered in all things.  He brought about peace through His death and restored unity between God and man.  One must be awed by His greatness!