The Writing on the Wall: BEING a child of light in a time of spiritual blindness, self-indulgence, and political upheaval (Daniel 5)

1. Scripture Reading #1: Daniel 5:1-12

2. Song #1 - The Ward Family

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBnydFWNoKo

“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”

Daniel consistently directed all credit and praise to the Lord, even when others tried to praise him for his great insights.

3. Scripture Reading #2: Daniel 5:17-31

4. Song #2 - Rodrigo Godinez

https://youtu.be/18KQDHriaSs

“10,000 Reasons”

Daniel’s soul found ways to bless the Lord, and therefore continued to prosper into the evening of his life when his strength was failing.

5. Message: The Handwriting on the Wall: Eyes Closed (Daniel 5 - Wall: Eyes Closed

Introduction

The Story

A Decadent Party (5:1-4)

A Divine Intervention (5:5-12)

A Desperate, Drunken Effort (5:13-16)

Daniel’s Dilemma (5:17-28)

The Downfall (5:29-31)

6. Application: How Then Should We Be?

Keep in step with God’s Spirit

“Lighten” up

Keep your eyes on the big picture

The beast

The prostitute

Misplaced zeal/false religion

Walk in wisdom (live your life well, release results to God)

7. Questions for Contemplation:

In politically tumultuous times, what best helps you keep in step with God’s Spirit?

What do you envision the demeanor of a true child of the light to be like? How could you “lighten up”?

How should understanding apocalyptic literature’s big picture help us by people who experience the fruit of the Spirit?

What helps you walk in wisdom, live well, and release results to God?