Daniel: Shining in Babylon

Daniel 9 Pastor Lance Ainsworth

November 16th & 19th, 2023

It's My Problem

Daniel, the student. Jer. 25:10-12

"But you said so..."

Daniel, the leader.

Make a problem your responsibility.

Daniel, the intercessor.

"We are not presenting... on account of any merits of our own."

God loves Daniel.

You matter.

70 weeks – 490 years

7 weeks (49 years) – The decree by Artaxerxes – 445 B.C. (Neh. 2)

62 weeks (434 years) – The Messiah will be cut off 33 A.D

(Crucifixion)

1 Week (7 years) – The Church Age/Tribulation/Eschaton (Luke

21:24)

God has the future prepared for us. God wants you to prepare yourself for the future.

It’s my problem.

“Own Everything, Blame Nothing, No Ego.” – Jocko Willink, Navy Seal

Daniel: Shining in Babylon

Daniel 9 Pastor Lance Ainsworth

November 16th and 19th , 2023

It’s my problem

Prayer Requests:

Group Discussion: What is the bravest thing you have done?

Read aloud: Read Daniel

1. Daniel 9:2 “ 2 in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, observed in the books the number of the years which was revealed as the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.” Daniel is a student of the Torah and Prophets, which allows him to have a knowledge and understanding of God’s character. What role does knowing and understanding scripture play in your view of God? How has your view of God changed throughout the years? Does your view of God affect your prayer life?

2. Daniel 9:4-6 “ 4 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed and said, “Alas, O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, 5we have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly and rebelled, even turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances. 6Moreover, we have not listened.” While interceding for Israel, Daniel is confessing his sins and the sins of Israel. Good leaders make a problem their responsibility. How can we pray for our church? What is the goal of praying for our church? Do you see yourself as a consumer or a contributor?

3. Daniel 9:22 “ 22He gave me instruction and talked with me and said, “O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you insight with understanding.” Read John 16:5-14. Do you think Gabriel's

being sent to Daniel foreshadows the Holy Spirit being sent to the church? How does the Holy Spirit guide us in all truth?

4. Daniel 9:24 “ 24 “Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most

holy place.“ When we think about Jesus' second coming, people usually ignore it or get dogmatic; a third option is to awaken our imagination and look forward to it by faith. How does reading the six accomplishments of the 70 weeks build your faith? What should our response be to knowing Jesus will return a 2nd time? What should we be doing in the “church age?”