The Agony of Defeat. The Thrill of Victory. Sermon
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The Agony of Defeat. The Thrill of Victory. Sermon
Matt Stout [College Grove Campus Pastor]
Sermon Points & Scripture References:
Sermon Takeaway = The Agony of Defeat. The Thrill of Victory.
Scripture Reference: Daniel 7:1-28
Sermon Point: The Agony of Defeat
Scripture Reference: Matthew 24:29-31
Sermon Point: The Thrill of Victory
Sermon Point: God Has Already Won the Victory
Sermon Point: God is Sovereign
Sermon Discussion Questions
Get to know me: The purpose of these questions is to generate responses that are self-revealing and informative. Feel free to ask all of these questions to your group or simply choose the one that best fits your group.
Think of a time when you had a dream that was so vivid you were able to describe it in detail to others. What was it, if you are able to share? Was there something going on in your life that it represented? What did you do for a time after you had the dream, for example, change a routine, do something new, etc?
Into the Bible: The purpose of these questions is to draw group members into the Bible to discover the truth from passages that were not the primary text for the weekend message.
Read Matthew 24:3-14. End-times prophecy is an area of theology that many people find interesting. The symbols. The “clues.” People love stories and they want to know what happens at the end. In these passages, Jesus gives us warnings and an action. What are the warnings? What is the action? What's more vital to the believer, the warnings or the action? Why?
Read Matthew 24:36-51. One of the most asked questions about the end times is this, “When is Jesus coming back?” People spend countless hours trying to figure this out, even though we've been told only the Father knows (v.36). In these verses, what do you find is most important to know?
Application: The purpose of these questions is to apply the main points from the weekend message.
Read Daniel 7:1-8. It’s easy to get hung up on trying to identify the meaning of the symbols and miss the overall point that God is trying to reveal. These beasts represent kingdoms/empires that are given authority by God to rule the world. They progress from bad to worse until Jesus returns making us feel the agony of defeat. What are some words in this passage that stand out to you? Why?
Read Daniel 7:9-10. Daniel sees the Ancient of Days on His throne, His hair and clothing was white and fire flamed from His throne where He was surrounded by countless people. Remember, this is apocalyptic so God isn’t an old man with white hair. The white hair and clothing are symbols of His purity and holiness. The fire flaming from His throne and chariot symbolized His omnipotent ability to bring judgment and complete destruction to His enemies. Knowing this, what should our attitude be knowing how God will take care of His enemies?
Read Daniel 7:13-14. Daniel sees one like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven, which is a symbol of Divine authority. Son of Man was used by Jesus speaking of Himself more than any other designation. Daniel sees Jesus coming into the presence of the Ancient of Days and is given authority and everlasting dominion. If Jesus is in charge, what does that mean for believers? Are there verses in the Gospel writings that give you confidence? What are they?
Read Daniel 7:23-27. The point of the vision isn’t to focus on the beasts that attack God’s people. The point is to keep our eyes on the throne room and remember! God isn’t trying to figure out a plan; He’s sitting relaxed. Kingdoms rise and fall but God is eternal and in charge! How can you assure people over the coming weeks that no matter what's happening in the world, there is hope? What would you tell them?
