Lord, Help Us Understand

1. Understanding God’s Word Takes God’s Help. 8:15-17
   • Dan 8:15-17 (ESV) When I, Daniel, had seen the vision, I sought to understand it. And behold, there stood before me one having the appearance of a man. [16] And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, and it called, “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.” [17] So he came near where I stood. And when he came, I was frightened and fell on my face. But he said to me, “Understand, O son of man, that the vision is for the time of the end.”
   • Understanding God’s word is work and effort yes. But before any of that, it is a work of spiritual dependence. We will never truly understand God’s word without the help of God’s Spirit in our lives.
   • Gabriel was sent to speak to Daniel, Zechariah, and Mary and to help them understand God’s word and will.
   • Psa 119:125 (ESV) I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies!
   • Col 1:9 (ESV) And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
   • This phrase “the time of the end” can refer to the end of all things or the end of time, but it can also be a reference point to mean “the end of the time” being discussed. This seems to be the indication in these verses as verse 19 highlights by the use of the “latter end of the indignation.”
   • We have been living in the end of the ages since the first coming of Christ.
   • Heb 9:26 (ESV) for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
   • 1Co 10:11 (ESV) Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.
2. Understanding God’s Word Clarifies Evil’s Pattern. 8:18-26
   • [18] And when he had spoken to me, I fell into a deep sleep with my face to the ground. But he touched me and made me stand up. [19] He said, “Behold, I will make known to you what shall be at the latter end of the indignation, for it refers to the appointed time of the end. [20] As for the ram that you saw with the two horns, these are the kings of Media and Persia. [21] And the goat is the king of Greece. And the great horn between his eyes is the first king. [22] As for the horn that was broken, in place of which four others arose, four kingdoms shall arise from his nation, but not with his power. [23] And at the latter end of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached their limit, a king of bold face, one who understands riddles, shall arise. [24] His power shall be great—but not by his own power; and he shall cause fearful destruction and shall succeed in what he does, and destroy mighty men and the people who are the saints. [25] By his cunning he shall make deceit prosper under his hand, and in his own mind he shall become great. Without warning he shall destroy many. And he shall even rise up against the Prince of princes, and he shall be broken—but by no human hand. [26] The vision of the evenings and the mornings that has been told is true, but seal up the vision, for it refers to many days from now.”
   • There is a pattern reflected in Scripture that is highlighted by this passage. That is why we can say that Antiochus IV is a type of antichrist. He is representative of the pattern of evil that is demonstrated through Satan from the beginning and throughout all time. This is the spirit of antichrist that we discussed a couple of weeks ago but is described very clearly in the interpretation that is given.
   • Filled with arrogance and pride against God.
   • Crush the worship of God.
   • Throw down the truth of God.
   • Trample down the people of God.
3. Understanding God’s Word Clarifies Our Responsibility. 8:27
   • Dan 8:27 (ESV) And I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for some days. Then I rose and went about the king’s business, but I was appalled by the vision and did not understand it.
   • Daniel was filled with compassion and concern for people—present and future.
   • The limited understanding that Daniel had helped him to understand his own times and how he was supposed to be living.
   • Rise and go about the King’s business!
   • 1Pe 4:7-11 (ESV) The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. [8] Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. [9] Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: [11] whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
   • 1Pe 5:8-9 (ESV) Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. [9] Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
   • Psa 119:144 (ESV) Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.

Conclusion:

Life Group Discussion:

1. Why is understanding God’s Word a spiritual exercise before it is an academic exercise?
2. How does understanding God’s word and applying God’s word go hand in hand?
3. How does this vision help us understand the pattern of evil and the time in which we are living? (See 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 10-14)
4. Read 1 Peter 4:7-11. Discuss the responsibilities of the believer that Peter describes. How can we best help each other to live these out?