How should believers respond to worldly power, as seen in Daniel 11:3? Setting the Scene • Daniel 11 unfolds a prophetic panorama of empires. Verse 3 introduces a “mighty king”—fulfilled historically in Alexander the Great—who rises suddenly, rules “with great authority,” and “does as he pleases.” • The spotlight is on impressive, seemingly unstoppable power. Yet the larger chapter shows that every empire eventually fractures and fades (vv. 4–45). The message: God is sovereign; human power is limited and temporary. Observing Daniel 11:3 “Then a mighty king will arise, who will rule with great authority and do as he pleases.” • “Mighty” – strength that intimidates. • “Great authority” – sweeping control, unquestioned orders. • “Do as he pleases” – unchecked ambition…for a while. Key Truths About Worldly Power • God permits it: “He removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21). • God limits it: “The Most High rules over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He wishes” (Daniel 4:17). • God directs it: “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases” (Proverbs 21:1). • God ends it: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ” (Revelation 11:15). Right Responses for Believers 1. Respect legitimate authority – “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1). – Submission honors God’s ordering of society. 2. Remember who really reigns – Psalm 2 shows earthly rulers raging while God laughs, because His Son is enthroned. – Confidence in God’s rule frees us from fear of human rulers. 3. Pray for those in power – “Petitions…for kings and all who are in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). – Prayer is participation in God’s governance, not passive resignation. 4. Refuse sinful compromise – When commands clash, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). – Daniel himself modeled respectful civil disobedience (Daniel 6). 5. Anticipate the temporary nature of worldly glory – Alexander’s empire shattered almost overnight (Daniel 11:4). – Holding resources, status, and politics loosely keeps hearts set on Christ’s eternal kingdom (Colossians 3:1-2). Practicing These Truths Today • Speak about leaders with respect, even when disagreeing. • Intercede regularly for local, national, and international authorities. • Stay informed, but let Scripture—not headlines—shape your outlook. • Engage civically (voting, advocacy) as stewardship, not savior-seeking. • If pressured to violate God’s Word, choose faithfulness, trusting the Lord who overrules every “mighty king.” |
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