5-31-2026: Confronting the Powers

Sermon Title: Confronting the Powers 

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 32:8-9; Psalm 82; Daniel 10; 1 Thess. 2:18  

Sermon Focus: Daniel 10 reveals that behind the geopolitical conflicts of the world are unseen spiritual powers influencing the nations. In the fifth message of our series, Pastor David explores how Daniel’s vision connects to Deut. 32:8-9 and Psalm 82, what the biblical role of angels is in the cosmic war, and why “spiritual warfare” is not primarily about fear or fascination with spiritual beings, but about faithfully partnering with God in the spiritual fight against the forces of darkness—beginning with intercessory prayer. 

Thank you for going deeper in conversation with your small group. Use the following questions to help guide your small group discussion:  

1. Begin by having someone read aloud Daniel 10:1-14. This passage is consistent with Deut. 32:8-9 which reveals spiritual powers operating behind earthly kingdoms and events. How does this perspective challenge or deepen the way you think about the world? Does it change the way you view politics, conflict, or cultural struggles? What is God saying to you through your reading of this passage? 

2. If you’re able, take a closer look at the Heavenly Beings in the Bible graphic from Pastor David’s slides. What do you think about the diversity of spiritual beings? Notice how it’s much more than simply “angels” and demons. Also, what stood out to you about the biblical role of angels and spiritual beings in God’s purposes? 

3. The angel tells Daniel that his prayers were heard from the very first day, but the angel was wrestling with the “prince of Persia”—a fallen angel. What does this teach us about intercessory prayer? Have you ever experienced a season where God seemed silent or delayed? How can Daniel’s example encourage us to pray?  

4. Pastor David said that we will pray with passion and conviction when we believe there is a real battle of the wills and that our prayers matter. Daniel’s prayers mattered even when he could not immediately see what was happening behind the scenes. “Spiritual warfare” and confronting the powers begins with intercession for people, problems, nations, events, etc. How is the Spirit inviting you to be more intentionally active in intercessory prayer and engage in the spiritual fight? 

5. Pastor David shared a personal story of an experience he had in his college dorm room one night. After regularly praying with intentionality over a long list of people (some of whom were being influenced by the evil one), he was awakened from his sleep by a dark force trying to harm him. Have you ever experienced anything that vividly reminded you that our battle is not against flesh and blood? 

6. WEEKLY PRACTICE: Praying Against Injustice – “Confront Darkness with Prayer”  • Challenge: Move from fear and anger or passive concern about evil and injustice to active spiritual resistance in prayer.  • Invitation: Pray: “God, bring justice where there is injustice. Drive out the darkness and establish your Kingdom on the earth.”  • Goal: Partner with God and his angel armies in the spiritual fight—“spiritual warfare” begins with intercessory prayer. 

What is God saying to you through this message and weekly practice?