Assemblies Of God Church Sunday School Lesson 18 September 2022 LESSON 12 END TIME’S PROPHETIC PANORAMA

Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to

everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt (KJV).

Central Truth

Through faith in Christ, believers can stand courageously for Him in perilous times.

The Lesson Outline

1. Strengthened To Understand the Vision – Daniel 10:1 through 11:1

A. A Final, Troubling Vision

B. The Embattled Messenger

2. God’s People Shine in Darkness

Daniel 11:2 through 12:4

A. Wars Affect God’s People

B. Faithful Will Stand Out

3. The Time of the End

Daniel 12:5-13

A. God’s Redemptive Purpose

B. Faithfulness Needed

Teaching Goals

1. Impart and Reinforce Knowledge: Remind students that God can use world events to complete His redemptive plan.

2. Influence Attitudes:* Challenge students to evaluate how Bible teaching on end-time events influences-or fails to influence-how they live.

3. Influence Behaviour:* Urge students to stand strong for Christ in perilous times.

Introducing the Lesson

Begin by discussing these questions: “Who are some people in the Bible known for making a courageous stand?

What made their stand courageous?” While there are many examples, the Book of Daniel contains two that are widely known.

Refusal to bow to the king’s golden statue resulted in Shadrach,

Meshach, and Abednego being thrown alive into a fiery furnace (Daniel 3).

Continuing to pray to God landed Daniel in a den of lions (Daniel 6).

The final chapters of Daniel describe a final vision that revealed perilous times for God’s people. It would take courage for them to stand true for their faith in God.

Their courage would be rewarded, for God keeps His promises, including the promise of everlasting life.

Assemblies Of God Church Sunday School Lesson 18 September 2022 LESSON 12 END TIME’S PROPHETIC PANORAMA

[1]In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

[2]In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.

[3]I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

[4]And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;

[5]Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:

[7]And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.

[8]Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

[9]Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.

[10]And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.

[11]And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.

Daniel 11:1

[1]Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him.

1. Strengthened To Understand the Vision

A. A Final, Troubling Vision–Daniel 10:1-11

A fourth and final vision given to Daniel by God provided further details of events described in earlier visions concerning future conflicts that would affect the Jewish people

(Daniel 10:1).

Daniel had great concern for his people, and so he mourned, fasted, and prayed for three weeks (verses 2-3).

Such devotion serves as a powerful example of compassion in action for God’s people at a critical and difficult time.

At the end of these three weeks, Daniel had a vision of a man by the

Tigris River. (The Tigris is a major river of the Mesopotamian region, in what is now Iraq, where God’s people were in exile.) It is clear through the description of Scripture that this man more than a human being (verses 4-9).

Some say the messenger may have been the angel Gabriel. Others, however, note that the description is similar to that of the glorified Christ (see Revelation 1:13ff).

Though not visible to Daniel’s companions, this figure struck such

terror in their hearts that they fled. His appearance and voice so overwhelmed Daniel that he fell to the ground in a deep sleep.

The messenger raised Daniel to his hands and knees, and provided

encouraging words, enabling him to stand.

The central message of this dramatic scene, however, was not found in the spectacular events.

The messenger instructed Daniel to

“understand” (KJV) or “consider carefully” (NIV) the words he was about to hear (verse 11).

Daniel needed to grasp how God was at work in world events so that he could encourage his people in the difficult days ahead.

Questions for Application

How did Daniel demonstrate his concern for the Jewish people?

How much emphasis do you place on prayer as you seek out ways to

demonstrate compassion, and how much emphasis do you think should be placed on prayer?

Assemblies Of God Church Sunday School Lesson 18 September 2022 LESSON 12 END TIME’S PROPHETIC PANORAMA

Daniel 10:12 through 11:1*

The messenger provided Daniel with insight into the spiritual warfare taking place around him (Daniel 10:12-13). God had heard Daniel’s prayers over the past three weeks.

Verses 12-13 likely describe demonic forces at work within the Persian government, which ruled over the exiles.

Scripture teaches that a demonic hierarchy exists (Ephesians 1:21; 6:12; Colossians 2:15). In Daniel we see that the archangel Michael had joined in the battle, which allowed the messenger to come to Daniel, though delayed.

The message concerned the future of Daniel’s people (the Jewish people; Daniel 10:14).

The angel touched his lips, giving him strength to speak. Daniel humbly acknowledged the weakness he felt because of the vision.

Again, the angel strengthened Daniel with a touch, reminding him that he was loved and esteemed by God. Daniel need not be fearful, but find peace and strength from God (verses 15-19).

The messenger told Daniel why he had come: to reveal what was

written in Scripture (verses 20-21). After delivering this message, he would return to battle alongside Michael for the sake of the Jews. The messenger had been part of this ongoing struggle before, when he had assisted Darius the Mede (11:1).

This likely refers to Darius being favourably disposed to the Jewish people as they were allowed to

return to the Land and rebuild the walls and temple at Jerusalem.

The mention of the prince of Greece joining the struggle noted Greece’s role in future events.

Assemblies Of God Church Sunday School Lesson 18 September 2022 LESSON 12 END TIME’S PROPHETIC PANORAMA

In what ways does the Lord strengthen believers when facing oppressive conditions?

How has God strengthened you in difficult times?

Response to the Word

Christians can become discouraged as they observe the course of world events, if they lose sight of the truth that God is in control.

Scripture contains many warnings about how perilous it will be in the last days.

This is why believers are commanded to watch and pray, and find strength in the Lord.

The struggle against spiritual forces is real-and the Lord’s help is real as well. Don’t forget that the one who is in you as a believer is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

*2 God’s People Shine in Darkness*

*A. Wars Affect God’s Peoples-Daniel 11:2-35*

The vision revealed the future events, focusing on the Persian and Greek Empires and how the action would affect the Jewish people and their homeland (Daniel 11:2).

Three kings of Persia would come to power between Cyrus and Xerxes (or “Ahasuerus”; see Daniel 9:1, KJV). [Note once again that there is more than one King Xerxes in Persian history.] Xerxes raise up a vast army to conquer Greece but suffered two major defeats in two years, ending his campaign.

At this point the vision moves to the Greeks, noting the rise of Alexander the Great, as we discussed in Lesson 11. After his death, that empire would be divided among four of his generals (verses 3-4).

Two of these kingdoms would affect the course of Jewish history, the Ptolemies in Egypt and the Seleucids in Syria (verses 5-35). As discussed previously, these two kingdoms controlled Israel until the Maccabean revolt.

Beginning in verse 21 the prophetic vision focuses on Antiochus IV Epiphanes, just as we saw previously in Daniel. He would enjoy success in many of his military endeavours and political activities, largely through deception. Verse 28 describes how, on his way to Syria (to deal with a revolt), he would pass through Jerusalem, plundering the Temple and disrupting worship practices there.

Antiochus would seek great conquest in Egypt, but would be unsuccessful and take out his frustration on the Jewish people (verses 29-30). Assemblies Of God Church Sunday School Lesson 18 September 2022 LESSON 12 END TIME’S PROPHETIC PANORAMA

He would treat favourably those who accepted Greek customs and religion, and would enlist their help to wipe out the temple worship.

And, indeed, the sacrifices would stop. A statue of the Zeus would be set up in the Temple, which was “the abomination that maketh desolate” (verse 31, KJV).

Faithful Jews resisted Antiochus, and many of them died. Yet Antiochus would be defeated in the Maccabean revolt, which allowed the Jews to cleanse the Temple and restore their worship and practices (verses 32-35).

How does seeing the historical fulfilment of prophecy affect your faith?

How can you prepare to resist worldly forces that come against you?

In Daniel 11:36, the vision jumps ahead to the distant future, pointing to the Antichrist, who will rise up during the Tribulation period, He will be a king, but ne will also profess himself to be a god (verses 36-37).

The Antichrist will enjoy success for a time and reward tnose who work with him (verses 38-39).

He will occupy the Holy Land and dominate many other countries, gaining control of their resources (verses 40-43).

Yet he will be opposed. Armies from the east and north will engage him in a series of battles (verse 44).

Verse 45 speaks to the Battle of Armageddon at the end of the Great Tribulation. Revelation 19:17-21 describes how Jesus will defeat the Antichrist and his armies.

Daniel 12:1 relates how the archangel Michael will stand up for the Jewish people at this time. Deliverance comes at this time for all whose names are written in “the book,” likely referring to the Book of Life (Psalm 69:28; Revelation 21:15).

End-time events include resurrection. ne righteous will be raised to experience everlasting life while the wicked wil experience everlasting punishment (Daniel 12:2).

The righteous who are part of the first resurrection are described as wise. Ihose wno lead others to righteousness are said to shine as stars (verse 3). Assemblies Of God Church Sunday School Lesson 18 September 2022 LESSON 12 END TIME’S PROPHETIC PANORAMA

Daniel was told to seal the book, as it dealt with the end times (verse 4). However, understanding of the vision would come in the last days to those who study the prophetic passages.

What insight does Philippians 2:14-16 provide on how to “shine” as Christians in a sinful world?

How can your faithfulness to God provide a positive testimony of Christ to those around you?

Response to the Word

God’s Word clearly describes the benefits—and consequences—of our choices. Wise Iiving is righteous living.

This means surrendering to God to become His child through faith in Christ, then obeying His commands.

Christians not only have the benefit of being children of God, they also have the responsibility to tell others about Christ. If you have accepted Christ, you in turn will also shine in the darkness.

3. The Time of the End

*A. God’s Redemptive Purpose*

*Daniel 12:5-10*

As the vision continued, Daniel saw two other men standing on either side of the Tigris River (Daniel 12:5) One of them asked the man dressed in linen (the same messenger from the previous two chapters) when these events would take place (verse 6). It would be “for a time, times, and an half (verse 7, KJV). This points to a time in our future, anticipating the rise of the Antichrist as the beast from the sea (Revelation 12-13).

Daniel could not understand these things (Daniel 12:8). They would stay secret until the end times. Yet he was to stay faithful to the Lord despite his inability to understand. He could trust God to fulfil what had been foretold. God’s purpose in all this was to bring many people to redemption (verses 9-10).

Those who are wise will turn to God. Yet others will continue in their wicked ways, despite the horrific events of the end times.

Assemblies Of God Church Sunday School Lesson 18 September 2022 LESSON 12 END TIME’S PROPHETIC PANORAMA

When studying end-time prophecy how can you stay focused on God’s redemptive purpose?

Why is it important to remember that the Old Testament, along with the New, speaks of God’s redemptive purpose?

*B. Faithfulness Needed-Daniel 12:11-13*

In Daniel 12:11, the man clothed in linen continued with a statement that seems to fit best in the middle of the Tribulation (Daniel 12:11).

He spoke of the daily temple sacrifices being stopped and the setting up of the abomination of desolation, which other passages indicate will take place three and a half years into the Tribulation.

The rest of the Tribulation, when the Jewish people are openly attacked by the Antichrist, will last three and a half years (1,290 days, verse 11).

The man clothed in linen then described those Jews who would survive for 1,335 days as being blessed (verse 12).

This may refer to those who stay true to God through the Tribulation and get to see the establishment of the reign of Jesus in His millennial kingdom. (The 45-day difference between verses 11 and 12 is not explained. It may refer to the period of time used to set up the Kingdom after the Antichrist is thrown into the lake af fire, as described in Revelation 19.)

Following this vision, the Book of Daniel closes on a positive note of encouragement for Daniel to remain faithful (verse 13). Though he would die before his visions would come to pass, he could trust in God’s promises of resurrection and everlasting life.

Assemblies Of God Church Sunday School Lesson 18 September 2022 LESSON 12 END TIME’S PROPHETIC PANORAMA

What does it mean to be faithful to God?

How is fathfulness to God evidenced in your life, and in what areas of your life might you need to practise greater faithfulness?

*Response to the Word

Understanding the details of how prophetic events will play out is not essential to inheriting the promises of God.

However, God does require that we remain faithful to Him, recognising that He works through world events to complete His redemptive plan. Take a moment to examine your life. What might lead you toward unfaithfulness, and how can you deal with such challenges?

Assemblies Of God Church Sunday School Lesson 18 September 2022 LESSON 12 END TIME’S PROPHETIC PANORAMA

God gave Daniel visions to provide insight into how He works in history to complete His plan of redemption. These prophesies remind us that the last days will be perilous times.

The spirit of Antichrist is already at work in this world (1 John 4:3). Rather than cower in fear or compromise our beliefs, can stand courageously for Him.

By His grace we can live godly in an ungodly world. By His power we can proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth as we look for Christ’s return.

Ministry in Action

Close in prayer for the Jewish people. Daniel’s visions show that God is still working among them, that they might accept Jesus as the Messiah.

Assemblies Of God Church Sunday School Lesson 18 September 2022 LESSON 12 END TIME’S PROPHETIC PANORAMA