we can know something that daniel knew (Daniel 2:25-30)
Introduction:
1. In vs.28 Daniel stated something that he knew -- "there is a God in heaven." 2. In our lesson we are pointing out how we can have the same knowledge. 3. Before we consider evidence that proves there is a God in heaven, . . . Discussion: I. LET US FIRST EXAMINE THE SITUATION THAT LED DANIEL TO MAKE HIS STATEMENT
A. Daniel was among the Hebrew young people taken into captivity when Babylon took control of Jerusalem (1:6-7). B. Daniel was blessed with a special gift (1:17). C. Nebuchadnezzar was king of Babylon, and he had a dream that he forgot. D. He called upon his wise men to reveal his dream, but they could not. E. He commanded all the wise man to be killed (2:12-13). F. Daniel was given an opportunity to appear before the king. G. (2:26) The king asked Daniel if he could reveal the dream and interpret it. H. In his response Daniel stated, "there is a God in heaven" (2:28). I. There was no doubt in Daniel's mind about God's existence. J. We can have the same knowledge. K. Let us turn our attention to . . . II. A PASSAGE THAT PROVIDES EVIDENCE FOR GOD'S EXISTENCE (PSALM 19:1-6)
A. The Bible begins by declaring that God exists (Genesis 1:1), and we must believe that He exists to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). 1. Faith is not blind -- it is based on evidence (Hebrews 11:1). 2. Psalm 19 presents evidence -- the objects in the heavens speak to us. B. (vs.1) The heavens declare God's glory, and the firmament shows His handiwork. 1. Those who believe the Bible know why this is the case. 2. The Bible says that God made the heavens and the firmament (Genesis 1:1, 6-8, 14-19). 3. Because the Bible teaches that God made the heavens and the firmament, we accept it through faith (Hebrews 11:3); however, we can know that God exists without His Word. 4. By observing an object we can know something about it. a. The fact that it exists indicates that it had a designer and creator. b. If it is examined carefully, something can be known about its creator. 5. Specifically, David mentioned the heavens, the firmament [the sky above the earth], the regular passing of days and nights, and the sun with its effect upon everything on the earth. a. These things have something to say to us. b. They do not speak with a language that can be heard with the ears, yet they all tell us something that can be heard in any language. c. They tell us that someone created them and the creator is both powerful and intelligent. 6. (Romans 1:20) Paul used this argument to show that "the invisible things of God" [His eternal power and Godhead] are revealed by the visible things of the world. C. By examining God's creation we can know something that Daniel knew -- "there is a God in heaven." Conclusion:
1. Belief in God will lead us to be in good standing with Him (Psalm 19:12-14). 2. (vs.12) We will want to be cleansed of "secret faults." 3. (vs.13) We will want to avoid "presumptuous" [willful] sins. 4. (vs.14) We will want our words and the meditation of our hearts to be acceptable in God's sight (Psalm 139:23-24).
