Daniel 10:1-21

The final three chapters of Daniel consist of one long narrative. They record the final vision given to this prophet of God. Chapter 10 introduces the vision, giving an amazing "behind the scenes" look at the spiritual conflict of which Daniel was a part.

The Bible plainly reveals that life in our universe exists on two planes: the material and the spiritual. The unseen world is just as real as that which we see. Moreover, many of the struggles that take place in this world are influenced by conflicts taking place in the spiritual realm – conflicts that are the result of Satan’s rebellion against God. Aligned with Satan is a host of fallen angels who joined him in his rebellion. Together, they make up a spiritual kingdom of darkness over which Satan rules as king.

From the beginning, Satan’s kingdom has been at war with the kingdom of

God, and the people of God have always been at the heart of the conflict.

Paul recognized this, writing,

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through

God to the pulling down of strongholds… Ephesians 6:12; 2

Corinthians 10:3-4

This chapter gives us the opportunity to consider those involved in the spiritual conflict Paul describes. There are several things for us to learn. One is the reality of the conflict – and the potential for suffering defeat. Another is the means of victory, and the price that must be paid to achieve it. Finally, we need to learn that the struggle between God and

Satan is ongoing, and we cannot escape involvement. We will either be numbered with the conquerors or the casualties. We cannot remain neutral.

I. Daniel – The Soldier on His Knees (Verses 1-3)

A. Faithfulness in retirement (1)

B. Daniel 1:19 informed us that Daniel and his friends stood before the

King. Upon graduation from Nebuchadnezzar’s school, they were numbered among his advisors. Furthermore, Daniel 1:21 records that Daniel continued in that role unto the first year of King Cyrus. At that point, his service to the kings ended, and Daniel began his retirement years. It was two years later, in the third year of Cyrus, that Daniel receives this vision.

This te...

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... of believers. If Satan can discourage or cripple a Christian, he has advanced his cause and hindered the purposes of God.

Nowhere is Satan’s opposition more noticeable than in the believer’s prayer life. Daniel’s prayer was heard in heaven from the first day (verse 12), yet it took 21 days for the answer to get through because a fallen angel vigorously opposed God’s messenger. This is the reason for the Biblical teaching of persistent prayer. The answer to many prayers may not be received not because they were not granted, but because the believer quit the battle before God’s messenger could get through.

CONCLUSION:

The spiritual struggle we glimpse in this chapter is real. It continues to this day. Satan and his organized legions of angels are constantly working to obstruct the plan of God. As believers, our greatest weapon is prayer.

With it, we can "pull down strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10:4). It is logical to conclude, then, that we can expect our greatest opposition when we are on our knees. And, as Daniel teaches us, the fallen angels do not quit the battle until they must. The price we must pay for victory is persistence – praying until the answer is received.