Revision as of 17:25, 11 December 2023

Theological Proposition/Focus: God's wisdom is higher than man's wisdom.

Homiletical Proposition/Application: God has laid out a master plan and a wise person will trust in that plan rather than man’s wisdom.

Introduction:

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Preview: Today we will see that there is a supernatural reality that has a real and present impact on each of us and since the supernatural is real God's people have an incredible toolbox at their disposal chief of which is wisdom that comes from the sovereign God.

Text: Daniel 2.

Setting the Stage:

We have started working through the book of Daniel and I will admit that there are going to be some real challenging passages to preach from. Today's passage is one of those passages. Not because it is theologically challenging but rather because I think it is challenging to take some of these passages and come up with meaningful practical applications. Nevertheless, I believe that all of the Bible is applicable today and this passage is no different.

We left off after Daniel 1 with Daniel and his three friends in Babylon serving as royal advisors. Daniel and his three friends had taken a stand for God and God rewarded that stand. Now, as we begin chapter 2 we find ourselves wondering, "How are these four followers of God going to impact one of the greatest empires the world has known?" This is the setting in which we find ourselves today.

Daniel chapter 2 is a long chapter and many of you have read it before so today what we will do is take one section at a time and read it together.

Body

There is a supernatural reality that has a real and present impact on each of us.

It is natural to look for meaning beyond the natural (1-3).

Some happily take advantage of our natural tendency to look beyond the natural (4-9).

Unscrupulous attempts to take advantage of the supernatural, at times, paint God's people in a bad light (10-13).

Therefore, God's people must draw on wisdom and tact (14-16).

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MTR: Determine to tactfully and wisely interact with those who do not know God.

God's people have extraordinary tools at their disposal.

Those who follow God are not alone (17).

The most powerful tool in the arsenal is prayer (18).

The glory belongs to God alone (19-23).

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MTR: Determine to pray with others, fervently, and with the goal of giving God the glory.

Real wisdom comes from God.

Since real wisdom comes from God, God deserves the credit (24-28).

Since real wisdom comes from God, God gives wisdom to whom He chooses (29-30).

Since real wisdom comes from God, God chooses how that wisdom is communicated (31-35).

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MTR: Set aside your wisdom and draw on the wisdom of God by making Scripture a priority in your life.

God is sovereign.

God placed Nebuchadnezzar in the position of King (36-38).

God was in control of all the events that would happen (39-43).

God will establish His eternal Kingdom (43-45).

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MTR: Worship God (46-49).

point 1

Sub One

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Point 2

Conclusion:

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