Sermon Summary: Daniel and Spiritual Warfare: More Than We See With Our Eyes (Daniel 10)

Summary

Daniel 10 offers a glimpse into the unseen spiritual realities that undergird and shape our world. As Daniel seeks God in prayer, he is given a vision of angelic warfare and heavenly messengers, reminding us that earthly struggles often reflect deeper spiritual battles. This passage calls us to trust in God’s sovereignty, pray as beloved children, recognize the spiritual dimensions of our challenges, and rest in God’s ultimate victory. Through it all, we are reminded that God is in control, and His plans for us will not fail.

Big Idea

"Your ultimate reality is supernatural."

Introduction

Today, I invite you to reflect on this truth: much more is happening in our world than we can see with our eyes.

We already know this to some extent. With tools like microscopes and telescopes, we glimpse parts of the natural world hidden from our sight. Consider this image of a kidney stone under an electron microscope—"ouch!" No wonder they hurt so much! Now, here’s a happier image: a snowflake. Its intricate design is breathtaking, even if it feels less enchanting when shoveling billions of them from our driveways. These details remind us there’s far more beyond what our eyes reveal.

The Bible takes this idea even further, teaching that an unseen spiritual realm undergirds and sustains all we see. It proclaims that your ultimate reality is supernatural. As the Apostle Paul writes in Colossians 1:16-17: “All things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… all things were created through Him and for Him.” Few books in Scripture show this more vividly than Daniel. Let’s walk through Daniel 10 to explore how it reveals this reality and consider its application for us today.

Daniel’s Belief: The Supernatural God

In Daniel 10, we find Daniel seeking God in prayer. Prayer was his regular practice—he prayed three times daily, facing Jerusalem, his heart fixed on God’s promise to restore Israel. Yet here, in response to a vision of great suffering for God’s people, Daniel deepened his devotion with a period of fasting and mourning. Two key factors drove Daniel’s extraordinary devotion: the depth of his need and his trust in God’s character.

Daniel’s need was apparent. Living in exile under Babylonian and later Persian rule, he witnessed empires in constant upheaval. A disturbing vision of a great war weighed heavily on him, prompting him to seek understanding and comfort. Knowing only God could provide clarity and peace, Daniel added fasting to his prayer routine.

More profoundly, Daniel’s trust in God’s character fueled his prayer life. He knew that God is powerful, and nothing is impossible for Him. He trusted in God’s love, confident that God welcomes persistent prayer as a father hears His children. Finally, he believed in God’s compassion, resting in the assurance that God meets His people in their need with mercy and provision. Daniel prayed with boldness because he trusted these truths about God.

Interestingly, commentators note that Daniel’s prayers played a pivotal role in the unfolding of God’s plan. One scholar observes that “this visitation would not have occurred apart from Daniel’s specific prayer.” (1) Another explains, “Daniel’s prayers succeeded in drawing angels from heaven to earth… mobilizing a spiritual air force against satanic powers.” (2) This reminds us of James 5:16: “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Prayer isn’t a last resort; it’s a lever capable of moving heaven and earth. How foolish we are to neglect such power! Instead, like Daniel, we should bring all our cares to God in prayer, trusting Him to act.

Daniel’s Vision: A Glimpse into Spiritual Warfare

Three weeks after Daniel began praying, he received an answer—a vision revealing the hidden reality of spiritual warfare. This vision underscored a profound truth: earthly struggles often reflect deeper spiritual battles. Throughout Scripture, earthly conflicts mirror unseen spiritual battles. In Daniel’s vision, he saw supernatural beings engaged in warfare transcending kingdoms and cultures. A terrifying angelic messenger appeared, described as “a warrior clothed in linen with a belt of gold,” his body “like beryl,” his face “like lightning,” and his voice “like the sound of a multitude.” This sight nearly overwhelmed Daniel, who collapsed under its weight.

Daniel, now in his 80s, was nearly undone by the sight of this heavenly soldier. 
Dale Ralph Davis points out that some so-called Christian teachers today "seem to assume that a manifestation even of the Lord himself is no reason for trauma." (3) They make bold boasts about seeing angels and even conversing with the Lord. He wisely remarks that this "near flippancy is so unlike what we meet in the Bible." (4) Encounters with the fuller glories of the heavenly host were never casual or particularly comfortable, even for the people of God - just ask Daniel, Isaiah, Zechariah, Mary, Bethlehem's shepherds, or apostles like Peter, James, John, and Paul (Isaiah 6; Luke 1; Matthew 17:1-13; Acts 9:1-19).

A striking detail in Daniel’s vision is the mention of spiritual beings associated with specific kingdoms, such as Persia and Greece. The messenger explained that the "Prince of Persia" (a demonic influence) delayed his arrival for 21 days, until Michael, a chief angelic prince, came to assist. This glimpse into "territorial spirits" aligns with other biblical passages suggesting angelic and demonic forces operate within specific realms. While much about this remains mysterious, Daniel 10 shows that supernatural forces contend over nations, emphasizing the unseen spiritual dynamics shaping our world.

Daniel’s Response: Frailty Meets God’s Strength

Daniel’s vision left him utterly undone. Though the vision was his alone, those nearby fled in terror, and Daniel collapsed, drained of strength. Yet in his weakness, God met him with compassion. The angel addressed Daniel as “dearly loved,” lifting him up and restoring his strength. This moment reminds us of God’s tender care for His people. He often meets us gently in our frailty, just as He did with Moses, Elijah, Peter, and others. As David writes, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

The Message of the Messenger: A Sovereign God in Control

The angel assured Daniel that earthly and spiritual conflicts would persist but were within God’s plan. Even as empires rise and fall, and dark forces wage war, God remains sovereign. This message is a source of comfort: while life’s struggles may seem chaotic, God is in control, and His plans will not fail.

Fixing Our Eyes on the Unseen

The lessons from Daniel 10 are profound and numerous. As we close, let’s consider four key applications—one overarching principle and three specific practices for daily life.

First, trust in God’s sovereignty.

Just as Daniel trusted God’s control over his world, we are called to trust Him over every aspect of ours, including our nations and leaders. Proverbs 21:1 reminds us, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He will.” Regardless of election outcomes or global events, we can rest in God’s sovereign providence.

Perhaps you were pleased with the results from Tuesday’s election. Maybe you feel mixed—relieved it didn’t go one way but uncertain about the other. Or perhaps you’re ready to move to Canada! Wherever you find yourself on that spectrum, take heart: your ultimate identity and future are not determined by what happens in Harrisburg, Washington, or any other capital. They rest securely in the sovereign goodness of our God, the King of kings and Lord of lords. His plans never fail.

Does this mean your political activities don’t matter? Absolutely not. Scripture calls us to be good citizens, working for the common good. Martin Luther King Jr., reflecting on Jesus’ words in Luke 16:8, wisely noted, “It is one of the tragedies of history that the children of darkness are often wiser in their generation, more zealous, conscientious, and determined than the children of light.” (5) For this reason and more, Christians are called to engage in public and political life, serving their neighbors to the glory of God.

Daniel’s life is a vivid example of this. As a high-ranking official in pagan governments, he experienced both the blessing of good leaders and the bane of bad ones. Yet Daniel never despaired when corrupt rulers held power, nor did he abandon his faith’s principles when they seemed ineffective. Trusting in God’s sovereignty, Daniel lowered his head in prayer, continued his work with integrity, and remained faithful.

Following Daniel’s example protects us from foolish extremes in divisive times. Trusting God’s sovereignty helps us persevere, even when everything seems against us. We can avoid despair, knowing that even the strongest opposition of hell is no match for the God of heaven. At the same time, trusting God guards us from placing blind faith in any politician or party. Fear can tempt us to silence our convictions, ignore wrongs, or become complicit in evil. God’s sovereignty reminds us that we never need to act out of desperation or compromise our integrity.

Second, pray as an object of God’s affection.

The angel’s message to Daniel reminded him that he was “dearly loved.” Scripture assures us of the same. Passages like Romans 5:5, Galatians 2:20, and 1 John 3:1 affirm God’s deep and abiding love for us in Christ. When we face trials or uncertainty—whether in politics, relationships, or personal struggles—we can rest in the promise that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39).

This assurance gives us boldness in prayer. Jesus calls us to pray persistently, promising that our Father hears and responds (Luke 11:9-10). Prayer is not a last resort; it is a profound privilege, a fulcrum capable of moving heaven and earth. Knowing we are beloved by God, we can bring our cares to Him with confidence.

Third, recognize deeper spiritual realities.

Daniel’s vision reveals that our struggles often reflect greater spiritual battles. God calls us to engage in this unseen conflict by putting on His armor, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18. Prayer, faith, and Scripture are the tools God has given us to stand firm in these battles.

For this reason, prayer must be foundational in every area of life and ministry. No human wisdom or creativity can overcome the spiritual forces working against us. Daniel’s vision also reminds us of the unique spiritual challenges we face. While we may not fully understand the dynamics at play, we can trust that God does and that He equips us to stand firm.

Finally, rest in God’s promised victory.

Though evil may seem overwhelming, Daniel’s vision assures us that God ultimately triumphs. Jesus promised His disciples endurance and victory through the power of the Holy Spirit, declaring, “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

We do not fight alone. God is with us, and His heavenly forces contend on our behalf. The final victory belongs to Him, and this truth allows us to live with peace and confidence, knowing that our struggles are not in vain.

Conclusion

Daniel 10 invites us to trust in God’s sovereignty, lean into prayer as His beloved children, recognize the spiritual battles we face, and rest in His ultimate victory. As we live out these truths, we can stand firm with confidence, knowing that God hears, answers, and fights for His people.

References

(1) Dale Ralph Davis, The Message of Daniel (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2013), 141.
(2) Ibid., 141-142.
(3) Ibid., 143.
(4) Ibid.
(5) Martin Luther King Jr., "The Christian Way of Life in Human Relations: An Address Delivered at the General Assembly of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America," The Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute, Stanford University, accessed November 9, 2024, https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/christian-way-life-human-relations-address-delivered-general-assembly-national#fn14.