Sunday School Lesson October 8, 2023
Subject: Prepare for Battle
The Point: God strengthens us as we pray and engage in spiritual battle.
Scriptures: Daniel 10:1-3, 10-13, 16-19
Study The Bible: Daniel 10:1-3
1). Prepare to hear a word from the Lord.
- In the third year of King Cyrus of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. The message was true and was about a great conflict. He understood the message and had understanding of the vision.
- In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks.
- I didn’t eat any rich food, no meat or wine entered my mouth, and I didn’t put any oil on my body until the three weeks were over.
Lasting truths from: Daniel 10:1-3
* Over and over, Scripture reminds us that God works in the course of human history.
* God works in various ways to make His message known.
* What the Lord makes known is true, timely, and clear.
* We can prepare ourselves to receive a word from the Lord when we stand before Him humbly and submissively.
* Ultimately, the Lord makes known what He wants to make known when He wants to make it known. We do not force His hand no matter what we do.
2). Prayer as an element of spiritual warfare.
Daniel 10:10-13
- Suddenly, a hand touched me and set me shaking on my hands and knees.
- He said to me, “Daniel, you are a man treasured by God. Understand the words that I’m saying to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you.” After he said this to me, I stood trembling.
- “Don’t be afraid, Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard, I have come because of your prayers.
- But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me after I had been left there with the kings of Persia.
Lasting truths from: Daniel 10:10-13
* We are to be in awe of the holy and divine.
* The Lord calms our fears.
* The Lord hears the prayers of the humble who call upon Him.
* Though beyond our complete understanding, the powers of evil are unleashed against us when we pray.
* Ultimately, the Lord’s will and purpose will be revealed and accomplished; hence, persist in prayer with faith and believing
3). Stand strong in the Lord.
Daniel 10:16-19
- Suddenly one with human likeness touched my lips. I opened my mouth and said to the one standing in front of me, “My lord, because of the vision, anguish overwhelms me and I am powerless.
- How can someone like me, your servant, speak with someone like you, my lord? Now I have no strength, and there is no breath in me.”
18.Then the one with a human appearance touched me again and strengthened me.
- He said, “Don’t be afraid, you who are treasured by God. Peace to you; be very strong!” As he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”
Lasting truths from: Daniel 10:16-19
* We are weak within ourselves, but the repeated touch from the Lord give us strength to stand strong.
* When the Lord comes to us, the best and appropriate response to Him is: “Speak.”
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- What spiritual struggles are you currently facing that you readily admit you cannot handle on your own?
- What spiritual practices are part of your life that prepare you to hear and understand the word the Lord has for you in times of struggle?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”