Assemblies of God AUGUST 28 2022 ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS The Prophecies Of Daniel

Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 7:1 – Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God(KJV).

Lesson Bible Text:

Daniel 5

Lesson Central Truth:

Following the way of holiness leads to eternal life.

After the death and reign of Nebuchadnezzar, other kings took over Babylon. One of such kings is named Belshazzar. So during his reign, the fall of Babylon was foretold as a result of his sacrilegious cum disrespectful attitude toward God Almighty. There are a lot of disrespectful things people do toward God today. What do you think is the reason(s) behind people’s disrespectful attitude toward God?

The reasons can include unbelief, as well as a sense of arrogance that does not want to submit to God or even recognise Him for who He is.

This week’s lesson explores one of history’s most infamous examples of pride and sacrilege. The judgement that followed reminds us that it is critical to pursue a holy life and commit to honour God. By end of this lesson, God will help us to reject the arrogant life of sin and cause us to walk humbly in holiness.

1. UNHOLY ACTS INVITE HOLY TERROR

A. Defying The One True God – Daniel 5:1-4

B. A Terrifying Sight – Daniel 5:5-9.

2. SACRILEGE CONDEMNED

A. The Man Of God Can Interpret – Daniel 5:10-16

B. Pride Brings Rebellion – Daniel 5:17-23.

3. GOD EXECUTES JUDGEMENT

A. Tested And Found Wanting – Daniel 5:24-28

B. Babylon Falls – Daniel 5:29-31.

Belshazzar was the last of the kings of Babylon, and the events of Daniel chapter five took place in the last hours of his reign. At the time Babylon was on seige by the enemies and all the king could do was to make merry and have fun with thousands of his lords. We can’t pursue pleasure in the midst of danger. The Church as the Body of Christ should be alert always and never allow the enemies to take charge of our territory while we enjoy pleasures of the world. God will help us to continue being vigilant and focused even as we face the dangers of life ahead of us.

Belshazzar was foolish to the level that he commanded his people to bring the golden and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; in order for them to drink with the vessels. They openly mocked God as they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone. They worship the false gods–yet using that which was holy to assist them in their sinful acts. Their actions was a sacrilegious and blasphemous in a high degree. While they were enjoying themselves, suddenly the fingers of a man’s hand appeared. In the flickering light of the oil lamps, these fingers wrote something on the plaster of the wall. Their party’s mood of celebration was changed and fear gripped them all immediately.

Note that in the Old Testament, items used in worship, such as temple vessels, were considered sacred. Today, while we certainly cherish our churches and furnishings, they are not sacred in this way. Instead, we ourselves are set apart by God–sanctified–to worship Him. This is stated clearly in Paul’s writings to Corinthians:

“God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple” – 1 Corinthians 3:17.

So take a moment to think about how you should live–and how you should treat others–in light of this truth.

The king summoned his wise men, as usual non could interpret the writing on the wall. The king was worried and needed the interpretation seriously because his enemy was right outside the walls of the city. He never knew that he was the cause of his terror. Daniel came into the picture when the Queen mother recommended him to the king and he was been called upon. One can wonder why is it that Daniel was always needed whenever the king and Babylon are in critical situation? Daniel was not just an ordinary man or believer while in exile. He remained faithful to God despite the trials of living under Babylonia rule. He never changed his identity as a Jew. How faithful are you in your work when no pastor or fellow believer is there? Indeed, we are living in a generation that doesn’t know God and we must make ourselves ready to be used by God to bring people to the knowledge of Christ.

Daniel was not impressed with Belshazzar’s offer. He told the king to keep his gifts. The gifts and calling of God are not for sale at any price. After all, who wants to be the third highest ruler in a kingdom that would crumble within 24 short hours? Daniel was faithful to preach the Word of the Lord, even though it was an unpopular message. His message was not to tickle the ears of the king to gain his favor. He didn’t preach what the king wanted to hear. He preached what the king needed to hear. Today, “self acclaimed pastors” will accept the king’s offer and preached words that will please the king mind. I pray that God will always give us the courage to do the same thing Daniel did both as pastors and members. May we be the mouthpiece of God that will comfront sins and sinners in our land without fear or reservation.

Daniel didn’t interpret the handwriting event immediately, but rather went ahead to provide a brief history lesson. It was God who had given Nebuchadnezzar his kingdom, with its glory and power. God was too arrogant and God brought down his arrogance, turned him to an animal and ate grasses for seven years. His sense was restored back to him immediately he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over all kingdoms. Belshazzar no doubt knew the story, but clearly disregarded it. Rather than humbling himself as Nebuchadnezzar had done, he lifted himself up against the Lord. Belshazzar was guilty of blasphemy. His actions mocked the one true God, as holy things were used to axalt pagan gods. Yet this God, against whom Belshazzar rebelled, held the king’s life in His very hand. It was this terrible sin of rebellious pride–together with all the sins that grew from it–that brought about the terrifying events of that evening.

After exposing Belshazzar’s sacrilege, idolatry, and arrogance, Daniel interpreted the strange, terrifying handwriting on the wall. Note the inscription that was written and their meaning:

MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN.

Mene – God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.

Tekel – You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.

Peres – Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.

It is very important for us to note that we may have never indulged in the sacrilege Belshazzar did, but we stand unholy, unworthy, and unable to help ourselves. Only God can balance the scales by putting the righteousness of Christ in our account in response to our faith.

Bible says, “The soul that sins, it shall die.” Every one of these Old Testament laws is like a handwriting against us. We come up short on God’s scale and we are doomed to hell. But thank God for Jesus who came through for us. Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross(Colossians 2:14). Actually the way this handwriting was blotted out, it was covered by His blood. So the only way you can escape the handwriting that is against you is to allow your sins to be covered with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

That very night, the Word was fulfilled just as Daniel said. God’s Word is always reliable and true.

Lesson Prayer Point

Father, help us to live for Christ and reject all that is unholy and corrupt in Jesus 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.

We look forward to see your contribution from the lesson.