If God's kingdom is real and eternal, how does that impact how we live our lives in this time and place? Setting Daniel 7:1-2 Chapter 7 of Daniel moves from history to visions. It moves from addressing the nations, to addressing God's people. Apocalyptic literature was a common style of that day. It was a way that God spoke to His poeple through symbols and visions to show them reality from His perspective. The purpose was to give comfort and hope during hard times. This vision goes back in time to the beginning of Belshazzar's reign. Vs 2 pictures a time of chaos, turbulance, uncertainty. Daniel's Vision Daniel 7:3-8 The Vision The four beasts symbolize the same four kingdoms from Daniel 2:40-43. Vs 4 - Babylon Vs 5 - Persia Vs 6 - Greece Vs 7 - Rome These kingdoms are impressive and terrifying! The Truth for us to See Reject - Earthly Kingdoms are Don't put your ultimate hope in earthly kingdoms. Dont be naive about the world. Don't be intimidated by the world. The Courtroom Daniel 7:9-14 The Vision The Ancient of Days is a reference to God the Father (Gen 1:1; Ps 90:2; Is 44:6 The beasts continue to wage war against God and His people. The Son of Man (Mark 14:61-64; Acts 7:55-56) The Truth for us to See Rest in - He is Seated on the There is nothing in life more real than the Kingdom of God. If Jesus rules the future, we should allow Him to rule our lives now. The Interpretation Daniel 7:15-28 The Vision Daniel was troubled and distressed. The focus of Daniel 7 should be The Ancient of Days, the Son of Man, and His eternal kingdom. Judgment is rendered in vs 26-27. Revelation 22:1 The Truth for us to See Rise in - You are a Citizen of God's God guarantees judment against His enemies and the reward of the kingdom for His people. Live as citizens of his kingdom - marked by love, humility, justice, and faithfulness.