The Face of Lawlessness
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Revealing the timeless characteristics and methods of the persecutors of God's people.
Text: Daniel 11:36-45
Date: 12/02/2018, the Evening service.
Series: "Daniel: Divine Dominion and Deliverance" Part 29
Description:
As we reach the end of this amazing 11th chapter of Daniel, we notice a slight shift in the nature of the prophecy. Up until this point we have been stunned by the historical exactness of the prophecy-- matching the words of the angel with events perfectly detailed in history. But here our focus on the events of history and in particular the desecration of Antiochus Epiphanies begins to blur and our eyes turn towards his prototypical nature. In particular, the angel will concentrate on the characteristics of lawlessness that will typify the enemies of the people of God from that time forward. We will find close parallels in the words of both Jesus and Paul as the angel moves our attention to the persecution of the church in the Christian Age. We will struggle with how to interpret parts of this text, but ultimately we will heed the lessons of the chapter and learn well how the church should deal with the face of lawlessness until the Lord returns.
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I. Introduction, Matt. 24:10-15, 2Thess. 2:3-4.
II. Exposition of the text, Daniel 11:36-45.
A. Context
B. Characteristics of lawlessness, vs. 36-39.
1. Godlessness that does as it pleases, vs. 36.
a. The defining trait.
b. Marked by self-exaltation, 2Th. 2:4.
c. Marked by blasphemy.
d. God's sovereignty over lawlessness.
2. Godlessness that feigns worship, vs. 37.
a. Manipulating religion.
b. A mysterious phrase.
3. A "Machiavellian" prince, vs. 38-39.
C. The epic battle, vs. 40-45.
1. Re-assessing our interpretation.
2. Probing the future.
a. A massive military force, vs. 40.
b. Israel occupied, vs. 41.
c. Victory for the north, vs. 42-43.
d. Trouble for the north, vs. 44.
e. The end in Judea, vs. 45.
III. Application: lessons for the church.
A. Be prepared for persecution.
1. Protect the Fort.
2. Evangelize the world, Matt. 24:14.
B. Remain faithful in persecution, Dan. 11:32.
IV. Conclusion
