ST. PAUL SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP

"Be ye followers of me as I also am of Christ." (I Corinthians 11:1)

(With Frank Eiklor and Walter and Cecilia Contreras)

THE BOOK OF DANIEL

LESSON 73

INTRODUCTION

People have talked about "the last days" for the past 2000 years. Then in 1948, with the rebirth of Israel, the talk of Christ's imminent return really grew hot. Next came 1967 with the Israelis capturing all of Jerusalem, and the temperature was raised to boiling. Still, Jesus tarried. It was not yet time to say "the end".

Almost 45 years have gone by and the signs continue. Earthquakes and tidal waves. Persecution and killing of Christians in the name of Islam. Incurable diseases and unending cycles of war. The gospel being preached worldwide. One thing is for sure-the return of Jesus is closer than ever.

That's why the books of Daniel and Revelation are so important for study, meditation and motivation. Neither book would be complete without the other. Let's complete our study of the major prophets by learning from the examples found in Daniel. We only touch the surface. You can, on your own, dig out truths concerning the past and future kingdoms, the exactness of Christ's first coming, and the character and cunning of the anti-Christ. Now let's study more winners and losers.

DANIEL

1:8                               Daniel and the three Hebrew children-Example of purpose of heart.

2:15-19                       Daniel-an example in getting and facing facts and immediately

                                    involving God.

2:27, 28, 30                Example of refusing to appear a big shot.

3:12-4:3                      Three Jews-an example in submitting to God-live or die.

3:28, 4:3                     Nebuchadnezzar-Example of the effect of Jews being "a light to

                                    the nations."

4:14-18, 22-27          Daniel-Example of fearlessness and being no respecter of persons.

4:30-37                     Nebuchadnezzar-Example of learning the lesson that God allows no room for    

                                  human pride and bragging.

REFUSING A FATHER'S EXAMPLE

5:1-7, 11, 12, 17-30    Belshazzar-Example of failing to learn from an example (his father) set before  

                                      his eyes.

5:17                             Daniel-Example of seeking no mortal fame or human honors (see John 5:41   

                                     Amplified Bible).

6:4, 5, 24                    Example of the ultimate price paid for hurting a pure servant of God  (and a Jew,  

                                     besides).

6:10, 22                      Daniel-Example of a steadfast heart (1 Corinthians 15:58).

SPIRITUAL ROYALTY

6:14, 16, 18-24          Darius-Example of earthly royalty respecting spiritual royalty (Daniel).

7:21, 22, 25, 27         Example of the godly facing weariness and discouragement, but winning in the 

                                    end.

9:1-8, 20, 23               Example of the greatest reward given to a seeker and lover of God

                                    (see verse 23).

10:2, 7, 8, 10-14,      Same as above (see vv 11 and 19).

18,19