Behind the reality that we see is the reality that God sees. In addition to human life, God also created divine life referred to throughout the Bible as angels, stars (because they are between us and God in creation), cherubim, seraphim, sons of God, the gods, the divine council, assembly of the holy ones, council of the holy ones, hosts, seat of the gods, mount of assembly, the court in judgment, and the heavenly host.
The same God who made and rules life in the seen physical realm with human beings also made and rules life in the unseen spiritual realm with divine beings. These two realms are connected, impact and affect one another, and for God the two realms form one reality. There was a great war in heaven where some of the divine beings, led by Satan, rebelled against God and were cast down to the earth (Revelation 12:7-9). Today, they recruit human beings to join their rebellion and are seeking to counterfeit the kingdom of God with a worldly kingdom that overtakes every sphere of life. Today, there remain divine beings that are loyal to the Lord in the fight against the darkness. Ephesians 6:12 says it this way: “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” The entire backdrop for Daniel is spiritual warfare.
As we study Daniel together, and as you read it for yourself, the book shifts between the seen and unseen realms. The purpose is to give believers an encouraging insight that unbelievers do not know. To encourage someone literally means to put courage in them. Believers are to be encouraged by seeing in the Scriptures that God and His heavenly host are at work for our good in ways that we rarely see by sight but must trust in by faith. Over the nations and kingdoms that come and go is the kingdom of God which never ends. Over kings, presidents, prime ministers and premieres is King Jesus.
How familiar with angels, demons, and the unseen realm? If you want to learn more, check out the book and sermon series “Win Your War”.
In addition to this introduction to and overview of Daniel, you can find the corresponding sermons, daily devotions, men’s ministry resources, and hundreds of additional sermons and Bible teaching resources for free at markdriscoll.org or on the Mark Driscoll Ministries app.
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