What Really Matters
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
My reading journey throughout my life...
So, I went from a non-reader, to a casual reader, to reading for a living.
One of the many things I learned is that sometimes you can read something that is incredibly approachable:
Other things are easy enough to understand, but are so heavy that it’s best to take it in bite sized portions:
Other times you read something multiple times and find yourself saying, “What in the world did I just read?!?!”
This next section of Daniel is a passage like that.
Part of the trouble is that it is likely pointing to something that either we don’t have the full picture historically about at this time, or something in the future that hasn’t happened yet. Thus, it’s hard to get our minds wrapped around it.
Therefore, this morning our approach will be as follows:
After reading each section of the passage will will briefly cover the interpretive challenge(s) we find here then take a very short look at some of the possible solutions. Next, I’ll share what I think the passage is saying to us. But, the lion’s share of our time will be considering what really matters.
What I mean by that is that despite so much of this passage being mysterious, there are numerous timeless truths that we must glean from this passage.
An in-depth study of this passage is of great value, but the most value is found in these timeless truths.
Body
Body
Verses 11:36-11:39
The Challenge: Who is this passage talking about?
The Popular Solutions:
Antiochus IV
The future Antichrist
What I Think:
I believe this is a case of sensus plenior, which is a Latin term for “fuller meaning.”
In theology, sensus plenior is when a concept or phrase had a specific meaning at the time it was spoken, but throughout the New Testament we find that it had a fuller meaning that even the original writer probably understood.
So, how is this an example of sensus plenior?
Immediately, it points to the pride, arrogance and religious practices of Antiochus IV, who is an example of an antichrist (or one who is against Christ in his attitude and behavior).
Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.
However, the fuller meaning is likely pointing to the attitude of all antichrists, and especially a final Antichrist.
What Really Matters:
As believers, we should clearly see how this kind of pride and religious pluralism has infected many today and is certainly leaving the door open for future antichrists, and potentially and final Antichrist.
Do as his wills; exalt himself; magnify himself above every god; speak astonishing things against the God of gods; pay no attention to the gods of his fathers; those who acknowledge him he shall load with honor…just some examples!
Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.
Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.
The take-away then is this:
Believers must always be aware of and resist the anti-christ attitudes and behaviors of people within the society we live in.
This is also a clear challenge to each of us:
Humble yourselves before God.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
Verses 11:40-12:4
The Challenge: Is this passage still talking about Antiochus, or is it pointing to someone else?
If it is Antiochus, it doesn’t necessarily fit with Antiochus IV story, as he didn’t invade Egypt again after Rome kicked him out and he died in Persia not in Palestine, as suggested in this text.
If it is pointing to someone else, particularly the eschatological Antichrist, then why the time jump and what would this mean to the people who first read it?
The Popular Solutions:
That the writer is writing towards the end of Antiochus IV reign and was just simply wrong about some of the details.
That Daniel was writing about the future and that the details are correct, we just aren’t necessarily clear on the history and how it pertains to Antiochus IV, particularly his end.
The most popular interpretation today is that this is indeed pointing to a future Antichrist who will usher in the eschatological end times.
Thus, Antiochus is an example of a type of antichrist, and that God’s people will look for one like Antiochus IV (though likely worse than him) which will be a sign that the end is upon us.
What I Think:
I choose to remain wishy-washy on this particular section. Why?
Because I want to be open to learning more about the history (i.e. historically, the Bible has always proved itself to be reliable as more is discovered from the past).
Additionally, I want to be aware that, while I’m not necessarily a futurist in my interpretation of eschatological matters in Scripture, God could have indeed given some major clues of future antichrists, or even the Antichrist, in this passage.
My neutral is to interpret Scripture within it’s original context and to be very careful about reading eschatology into most Scriptures. However, it’s very tough to argue against this having a future fulfillment. So, in my opinion, it’s best to keep an open mind here.
What Really Matters:
While I have more questions than answers about this section, a couple of points are very clear:
12:1 - God’s people will often face times of great trials and tribulations.
12:1 - Even in the midst of such times, God’s people will ultimately be delivered by Him.
It’s important to remember that just as God limited Antiochus’ time of rule, so He will do the same into the future. But, we must not lost hope!
12:2 - There is a heaven for God’s people, and a hell for all those who are not God’s people.
Historically this isn’t a controversial statement, but today it most certainly is. Probably because we live in an affirmation drunk society full of people who want to be affirmed in any and all decisions they make.
Eternal separation is ultimately what people choose when they choose an existence without God. As should be expected, hell is that separation.
But how could a good, loving God send people to hell? (Three answers I’ll give to this, though there are many more.)
God’s only characteristic isn’t love. He’s also perfectly just, righteous and holy. That He cannot even be near sin.
This is why Jesus came. Because humans needed a perfect atonement for sins and to be imputed with Christ Jesus’ righteousness.
As I already said, God gives people exactly what they want.
Finally, this question is based on humanistic reasoning, which places the individual human at the center of his own universe. Thus, he is as good and deserving as he believes himself to be. But this goes directly against the clear teaching of Scripture; which is timeless and based not on human reasoning but divine revelation.
Life’s most important question is this: How can be assured of having everlasting life?
Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
12:3 - In the midst of trials and tribulations, God calls His people to win souls, regardless of the circumstances.