How can believers prepare for spiritual battles similar to Daniel 7:21's context? Setting the Scene Daniel 7:21 shows a frightening picture: “As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and prevailing against them,”. At first glance the enemy looks unstoppable, yet the rest of the chapter reveals God’s final, overwhelming victory. In between the attack and the triumph, believers are called to stand firm. How? Know the Conflict • It is spiritual, not merely political or cultural (Ephesians 6:12). • It targets “the saints” specifically—those set apart for God. • It can feel overwhelming; at times the enemy seems to “prevail” (Revelation 13:7). • God has already fixed the outcome (Daniel 7:26-27; 1 John 4:4). Suit Up with God’s Armor (Ephesians 6:11-18) • Belt of Truth – fasten God’s unchanging Word around every decision. • Breastplate of Righteousness – guard the heart by practicing holiness. • Feet Fitted with the Gospel of Peace – stay ready to speak and live the good news. • Shield of Faith – extinguish flaming arrows of doubt, fear, and compromise. • Helmet of Salvation – keep your mind settled on Christ’s finished work. • Sword of the Spirit – wield Scripture against lies and temptations. • Pray in the Spirit – continuous, alert, persevering intercession for all saints. Strengthen the Inner Man • Daily Scripture intake: “All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Captive thoughts: “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). • Watchfulness: “Be sober-minded and alert” (1 Peter 5:8). • Fasting and self-discipline when the Spirit prompts (Matthew 26:41). Stand Shoulder to Shoulder • Meet regularly: “Let us not neglect meeting together… but encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:25). • Speak truth in love, correcting and restoring one another when weak. • Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness; they build courage (Revelation 12:11). • Bear one another’s burdens; isolation is the enemy’s playground. Live with Holy Urgency • Reject compromise; small sins today become strongholds tomorrow. • Practice generosity and good works (Titus 2:14); light shines brightest in darkness. • Keep short accounts with God—confess quickly, receive cleansing (1 John 1:9). Rest in God’s Sovereignty • The Ancient of Days still sits on His throne (Daniel 7:9-10). • Every beast and horn has an appointed limit (Daniel 7:12). • “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). • Final dominion is given “to the people of the saints of the Most High” (Daniel 7:27). Until that day, remain armored, alert, and assured: the victory is the Lord’s, and in Him, it is yours as well. |
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