ADULT TEACHER JULY –DECEMBER, 2022. Sunday, September 4, 2022. LESSON 10
TOPIC: PROPHECY ABOUT FOUR EMPIRES
READ 4TH SEPTEMBER 2022 : ASSEMBLIES OF GOD RADIANT LIFE TEACHER GUIDE TEENS SUNDAY SCHOOL RESOURCE SEASON 13 2022 UNIT 3
Memory Verse: Daniel 7:14
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 (KJV).
Central Truth
Christ’s everlasting Kingdom will triumph over all.
The Lesson Outline
1. Vision of the Four Beasts
Daniel 7:1-8
A. A Lion, a Bear, and a Leopard
B. The Fourth Beast
2. The Vision Interpreted
Daniel 7:15-28
A. God’s Kingdom Will Be Opposed
B. Hope Amid Trial
3. God’s Kingdom Triumphs Over All
Daniel 7:9-14
A. Judgement Is Pronounced
B. Christ’s Kingdom Will Be Established
Teaching Goals
1. Impart and Reinforce Knowledge: Explain Daniel’s vision of four beasts, including how it relates to Christ’s future millennial reign.
2. Influence Attitudes: Encourage students to place their hope in Christ amid a tumultuous world.
3 Influence Behaviour: Exhort students to share their faith in a coming Saviour with the hopeless all around them.
Introducing the Lesson
As you open the class session, discuss this question: “Is it important for Christians to talk about end-time prophecies and be aware of what the Bible teaches about the future events? If so, why?
Note that Scripture tells us to be watchful of the times and prepared for Christ’s return (Matthew 24:42; 1 Peter 1:13). This lesson on Daniel, as well as lessons to come, deal with the issues of end-time events.
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS 10 SEPTEMBER 4 2022 UNIT 2: The Prophecies Of Daniel LESSON
The Holy Scriptures
Dan 7:1. In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters.
2. Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.
3. And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.
4. The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.
5. And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.
6. After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
15. I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.
COMMENTARY AND APPLICATIONS
1. Vision of the Four Beasts
*A. A Lion, a Bear, and a Leopard – Daniel 7:1-6
It is important to note the time line of the Book of Daniel as we begin a study of chapter 7. Daniel’s vision takes us back from the end of Belshazzar’s rule (see Lesson 9) to the first year of his reign (Daniel 7:1).
Verse 2 begins a description of four winds (seen as being from four opposing directions).
The four winds represent spiritual forces at work in heavenly places affecting godless nations and human events (see Ephesians 2:1-2). The four beasts Daniel saw rising from the sea were four earthly kingdoms of world history (Daniel 7:3).
All four beasts are different from one another. The first three are more similar in that they are described as resembling animals (verses 4-6). Most scholars agree that the first beast, which looked like a lion, represents the Babylonian Empire.
The second beast, resembling a bear, represents the Medo-Persian Empire.
The third beast, which resembled a leopard, is the Grecian Empire.
This interpretation is based in part on the fact that chapter 7 concludes the Aramaic section of Daniel, which began with Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in chapter 2.
The chaotic, ominous scene described in Daniel 7:1-6 might cause some to think of our tumultuous world today.
Many live in fear as they see constant economic and political changes in the world.
Some seek spiritual guidance from a variety of sources, trying to discover what will happen next and to understand the connection between the natural woria and tne spiritual world. But we need not be alarmed. As the Book of Daniel teaches us God is in control.
Questions for Application
How might tour Conflicting winds serve to descnibe the social, political, and even spiritual situation in our World today?
How do you respond when you feel anxious about conflicts and crises in our world?
B. The Fourth Beast–Daniel 7:7-8
As we read Daniel 7:7-8, we find that the fourth beast is not like first three. It resembled no animal, but was instead described as “terrifying and frightening and very powerful c jk(Daniel 7:7, NIV).
It had ten horns (perhaps corresponding with the ten toes on the statue in Daniel 2:41). Many scholars agree that represents the Roman Empire.
This kingdom was much fiercer than the others, crushing all who opposed it.
This beast changed before Daniel’s eyes, growing another small horn (7:8). Many scholars see the little horn in this verse referring to the Antichrist.
The Antichrist will arise in the future, during the Great Tribulation, and will be Satan’s final attempt to rule humanity before Christ’s millennial reign.
Governments and rulers follow a multitude of motives, attitudes, and actions.
However, because of the sinful condition within human hearts, even a government with the best of intentions cannot bring about true peace and harmony in this world.
God gave Daniel this dream to help him, and all God’s people, recognise that He is in control of every event of history.
Earthly kingdoms are temporary, and subject to the will and power of God. The people of God must not look to human political powers for answers to their questions and hope for the future.
Neither are they to be dismayed by the actions of ungodly rulers. God is sovereign over human rule, and His kingdom alone is permanent.
Questions for Application
Why is it important to recognise that earthly kingdoms are temporary?
Why do you think even Christians might be tempted to despair over the situation of our world? What is the cure tor this despair?
Response to the Word
Ponder this question: “What is the difference between feeling concern for world situations and becoming dismayed over world situations?”
Here are several keys to a proper perspective in a chaotic world:
You can look to God in prayer about world situations.
You can express trust in Him no matter the circumstances.
And you can direct praise and confidence toward Him when events go in the wrong direction.
2. The Vision Interpreted
A. God’s Kingdom Will Be Opposed – Daniel 7:15-17,19-26
Our lesson on Daniel 7 now moves forward to verse 15, and will return to verse 9 in Point 3. This has been done to put in context the final, triumphant nature of verses 9-14.
Daniel did not understand what he had seen, so he asked one standing nearby to interpret it (Daniel 7:15-17).
The four beasts represented four kings and kingdoms that would ascend to power in the future.
As stated earlier, the fourth beast was different from the others (verses 19-20) and is thought to represent the
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS 10 SEPTEMBER 4 2022 UNIT 2: The Prophecies Of Daniel LESSON
Roman Empire.
The description of the Roman Empire is fitting, since it would, at its peak, “devour the entire world known to Daniel.
The features and actions of the fourth beast are given with greater detail in verses 19-25.
The ten horns are believed to be ten nations that will have their political roots in the old Roman Empire. “Another king’ rising up after the ten kings in verse 24 (NIV) is the little horn who overpowers three of the ten kings. The remaining seven nations will submit to his leadership. This final king will be the Antichrist.
The Antichrist is seen as arrogant and defiant, unleashing a tirade against God and launching a fierce war against “the holy people” (verse 25, NIV).
Some see this as a reference to the Jews in the last half of the Tribulation (see Zechariah 13:8; 14:1; Revelation 12:1-6). He will be permitted to continue for 3½ years. However, at God’s appointed time, the Antichrist will be removed, judged, and destroyed.
Daniel’s vision tells us that the Antichrist will attack God’s people in
the future.
However, we must recognise that Satan uses many tactics to lead us away from Christ even today.
Satan subtly tries to make us ashamed to identify as Christians. God’s people are often portrayed as foolish and intolerant when they stand for godliness.
Satan also uses less subtle methods to defeat us, accusing us of past sins. He tempts us in an effort to make us fall. Recognising that the Christian walk will not be easy helps us prepare for such trials. Yet, as Daniel 7 shows us, our hope Is greaterthan any fear.
Questions for Application
What tactics of Satan have you experienced to draw you away from commitment to Christ?
How can you prepare for the trials of your faith?
*B. Hope Amid Trial–
Daniel 7:18,27-28
While Daniel ‘s vision mainly deal with various earthly kingdoms, and their temporary dominance, the final outcome is inevitable. Jesus Christ and the saints of God will be victorious.
God’s people of every generation have exercised endurance, even in the face of great hardship. Ultimately, all Christians will share God’s kingdom with Him forever.
The saints of the Most High from every generation will one day “receive the kingdom and will possess it forever (Daniel 7:18, NIV). Because every Christian is an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17), we will be a part of this eternal Kingdom.
The rule and the power of the earth’s kingdoms will be given to “the holy people of the Most High” (Daniel 7:27, NIV).
The kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our God. It will be an everlasting kingdom. All dominions (KJV), or rulers (NIV), will serve and obey Him.
In verse 28, we learn that Daniel’s dream troubled him. He knew its implications.
Many believers would suffer physically. Their faith would be tried. This so troubled Daniel that he kept the dream to himself.
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS 10 SEPTEMBER 4 2022 UNIT 2: The Prophecies Of Daniel LESSON
Questions for Application
How will you respond to what is found in Daniel’s troubling dream?
Are you troubled by the persecution of Christians around the world? How can youhelp those persecuted?
Response to the Word
Daniel’s dream is a reminder to all Christians to share their faith. How often do you share Christ with those lost in the sintul Chaos of our fallen world?
How can you bring hope to the hopeless? Pray that God will help you share the nope of Christ with someone this week.
3. God’s Kingdom Triumphs Over All
A. Judgement ls Pronounced –Daniel 7:9-12
Daniel 7:9 marks the beginning of a poetic portion of the vision, in which thrones were”cast down (KJV). It ushers in the fifth kingdom, the final manifestation of power in this world.
The poetic passage opens with the “Ancient of Days” taking His seat. This verse pictures a royal court setting.
The Ancient of Days is Good the Father. His white robe and white hair represent His purity and wisdom. Reminiscent of Ezekiel 1, His throne and its wheels are aflame.
A flame also: continuously issues from His throne (Daniel 7:10).
A multitude attends Him. Everything is in order, then the books are opened.
Abraham recognised God as Judge of all the earth and knew that He would do what is right (Genesis 18:25). Psalm 9:7-8 states God has prepared His throne for judgement and will judge the world in righteousness.
God possesses all knowledge and power, so He alone is worthy to judge.
Furthermore, God is the righteous Judge because He is sovereign. He is in control of everything, including setting up and removing kings and nations (see Daniel 5:18-21).
God judges the horn (the Anti-christ) based on the boastful words the Antichrist spoke (7:11).
Verse 25 states that the words used to condemn the Antichrist are the words spoken against the Most High. God judges him guilty and he is thrown into the burning flame (see Revelation 19:20; 20:10).
Daniel 7:12 is a parenthetical statement revealing that the effects of the previous empires would continue for a time.
Though the natural order will change drastically during Christ’s 1,000-year reign—following His return to earth—the effects of sin will not be totally wiped out until the coming of the new heaven and new earth.
Daniel’s picture of the Ancient of Days emphasises God’s wisdom as well as judgement.
The One who will judge us with perfect wisdom also holds our future.
This gives us confidence in the promise of eternal life. God will judge the sinner, but we have hope as we live in faithful service of Jesus.
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS 10 SEPTEMBER 4 2022 UNIT 2: The Prophecies Of Daniel LESSON
Questions for Application
Why do you think it was important for Paul to remind the Thessalonians of all the good he and Silas had done while ministering to them?
Paul and Silas exhibited endurance amid persecution as well as gentle care toward new believers. What does this say about what can make a Christian effective in ministry?
Questions for Application
How does it make you feel when you think about God’s judgement?
What is the best Christian response
to the reality that God will judge?
B. Christ’s Kingdom Will Be Established- Daniel 7:13-14*
As his Vision continued, Daniel saw “one like the Son of man coming with the clouds of heaven into the presence of the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:13).
Jesus is the Son of Man. He used this phrase to refer to Himself nearly eighty times in the Gospels (e.g., Matthew 8:20; Luke 22:69).
The Ancient of Days gives a Kingdom to the Son of man (Daniel 7:14), to hold dominion over all people,nations and languages.
They will worship Him. This is a reference to Christ’s millennial kingdom and reign, following the defeat of the Antichrist.
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS 10 SEPTEMBER 4 2022 UNIT 2: The Prophecies Of Daniel LESSON
The kingdoms of the four beasts will have come and gone, but Christ’s millennial kingdom will be worldwide.
While the other kingdoms were man-made, earthly, and influenced by evil forces, Christ’s kingdom will be heavenly, divinely inspired, and governed by God Himself.
While Christians have sometimes struggled to. even survive under human rule, everyone serving under Christ’s rule will flourish.
Jesus’ messianic kingdom began while He was on earth. It is now a spiritual kingdom.
But a period of time will come when His kingdom will be both spiritually and physically established on earth, during His 1,000-year reign following His visible return.
As servants of Christ, we can trust that no matter what happens in this world around us, the Kingdom to which we belong will survive. One day we will share in the reward He has provided for us.
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS 10 SEPTEMBER 4 2022 UNIT 2: The Prophecies Of Daniel LESSON
Questions for Application
What does the title Son of man” tell you about Jesus?
How will a world ruled by Christ differ from our present world?
Response to the Word
According to the Statement of 16 Fundamental Truths for the Assemblies of God, the millennial reign of Christ will “bring the salvation of national lsrael, and the establishment of universal peace.” It will be a glorious time, and His people will be with Him on earth.
Prophecies such as Daniel 7 call us to re-examine priorities and re-establish focus.
This week, amid a chaotic world, ask God to help you stay focused on the hope you have in Christ, then think, act, and. live according to that hope.
Call to Discipleship
While this lesson focuses on end-time prophecies and Christ’s miliennlal kingdom, it is ultimately a lesson about trust and hope in Him.
To walk with Christ is to trust your life and well-being to Him, no matter the circumstances around you. Examine your trust in the Lord, praying that God will help you live by faith instead of fear.
Ministry in Action
Pray as a class for any student facing fear or uncertainty. Praise God for the hope we have in Christ.
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS 10 SEPTEMBER 4 2022 UNIT 2: The Prophecies Of Daniel LESSON