AG ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS LESSON 11: September 11, 2022
TOPIC: VISION OF THE RAM AND GOAT
Memory Verse: Revelation 17:14 – These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings(KJV).
Lesson Bible Text:
Daniel 8
Lesson Central Truth:
God has perfect knowledge of future events.
FOR CHILDREN FOLLOW THE LIN ==> RADIANT LIFE TEACHER GUIDE TEENS SUNDAY SCHOOL RESOURCE SEASON 13 11th September 2022
INTRODUCING THE LESSON
Many in our world struggle with Bible passages like Daniel 8 because they find it hard to believe that any person could know future events. Often prophecies like Daniel’s vision are explained away by saying that they were written after the events but credited to the prophet by the later author.
God has perfect knowledge of future events, and Christians don’t need to struggle to accept this truth. They have experienced God’s power and therefore accept His omniscience (all-knowing) and omnipotence (all-powerful). This lesson affirms that God is worthy of worship because of who He is.
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS 11 September 2022 TOPIC VISION OF THE RAM AND GOAT
LESSON OUTLINE
1. DANIEL’S VISION AT SUZA
A. Ram And Goat – Daniel 8:1-8
B. Another Horn – Daniel 8:9-14.
2. GOD PROVIDES AN INTERPRETER
A. Gabriel Sent – Daniel 8:15-16
B. End-Time Insights – Daniel 8:17-19.
3. GABRIEL’S INTERPRETATION
A. Kingdoms Will Arise – Daniel 8:20-22
B. A Future Ruler – Daniel 8:23-27.
LESSON NUGGETS
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS 11 September 2022 TOPIC VISION OF THE RAM AND GOAT
✅️ Daniel chapter eight records a prophetic vision Daniel received two years after vision recorded in chapter seven seven. In the vision, Daniel saw himself in Shushan (Susa), which is in the province of Elam (western Persia, modern day Iran). He saw a two-horned ram standing beside the river. No beast could withstand the ram and none could deliver from his hand. He did according to his will and became great. While Daniel was wondering over the ram, he saw a one-horned male goat coming suddenly from the west across the surface of the whole earth, not touching the ground with a notable horn between his eyes. He saw the goat defeat the ram with furious power the goat attacked the ram and broke his two horns. The ram was unable to withstand the goat, and was trampled. The goat become great, but when he became strong, the large horn was broken. In its place four notable ones came up toward the four winds of heaven.
✅️ The ram with two horns represents the Medo-Persian Empire. While the goat that attacked the ram represents the Greek Empire, under leadership of Alexander the Great. The Greek was unstoppable as the Medo-Persian Empire had been previously. At the height of his power, Alexander died of a fever at the age of 32. His empire was carved up by four of his leading generals. The vision of Daniel provides more than just a history lesson. What happened in the past is a great proof that the future reign of Christ is sure and certain. We should note that God had His hands upon history, and Daniel’s vision provides the outline of how it would unfold. So God has His hands in our yesterday, today and forever.
✅️ The small horn represents Seleucid Empire under the leadership of Antiochus IV Epuhanes. Antiochus is remembered for his persecution of the Jews. What happened to the Jewish peoplr was partially the result of some of them turning from God’s ways to the ways of the Pagan world around them. As such, it serves as a warning to Christians still today. So with regard to Jewish persecution, Daniel asked a question in Daniel chapter eight verse thirteen just as we might ask, “How long?” How long will this last? And the “holy one answers with a finite number. In this case it is 2,300 days. but notice the number is a real, countable number. The big picture is that sin is sometimes allowed to flourish–but not forever.
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS 11 September 2022 TOPIC VISION OF THE RAM AND GOAT
✅️ Daniel struggled to understand the vision, a fact that is not surprising given that its events were centuries in the future. But as Daniel thought about the meaning of the vision, he noticed a man standing before him. A voice identified around the Ulai canal instructed Gabriel to explain to Daniel the meaning of the vision. This should remind us that God speaks to His people. Whether through s still small voice, Scripture, or even an angel, God makes Himself known. And He invites believers to seek Him so that they might hear from Him. God has the final say to our vision or dream in life. Every explanation that we need is in His hands.
✅️ God still reveals His truth to His people. The Holy Spirit teaches believers and guides them into a truth. Much of Daniel’s vision initially related to God’s dealing with the Jewish people. However, New Testament Scriptures draw from Daniel to help believers understand God’s dealing with the whole world in the End Times. Pray that God will use His Word to bring peace and assurance as you accept that He knows what is to come and is in control of what happens to you.
✅️ Even when we feel afraid, even when we look to the future and dread wells up in our hearts, we know the most essential truth: God is on the throne. This is His creation and we, the Church, are His Bride. The angel tells Daniel, “Son of man… understand that the vision refers to the time of the end” (Daniel 8:17). The “end” will come. The suffering in the world is limited and finite. But we never need to fear the end. Remember how Christ spoke to His disciples of the end times, saying, “Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). We are victorious in Christ Jesus.
✅️ Though we may, like Daniel, be “overcome and lay sick for days” (Daniel 8:27) when we look at the state of the world, and wonder how it can all possibly come to good, we are called to remember that God is busy at work. Therefore, we can rise like Daniel, and go about the business that God has set before us. We can be of good courage, knowing that the end of the story is not the triumph of wickedness, but the victory of Christ. Truly, we are more than conquerors in Christ who rules and reigns forever. So take heart, and go about your kingdom work and never give up no matter the circumstance. The present situation may look so scary, but at the end, we shall rejoice with Him forever and ever.
✅️ God revealed knowledge of future events through Daniel to encourage His people to stand strong in their faith and to help them understand that He would be there for them when distress times came. Christians today also have the teachings of the New Testament to remind them that God is in control. Pray that God will help you live as one who knows the encouragement a d strength found in this truth.
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS 11 September 2022 TOPIC VISION OF THE RAM AND GOAT
🎤Action Word🎤
Daniel’s vision prepared his people – and Christians too – of coming evil rulers leading to the Antichrist who would be ultimately destroyed by God. He shall reign over all.
🙏Lesson Prayer Point🙏
Father, in this end time, uphold us by Your grace in Jesus Matchless Name. Amen!
Remain blessed as you join us to study in our Sunday school both online and at any Assemblies Of God Church close to you as we study together under the Feet of the Master.
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