Of Faith and Lions: Daniel
Greatest OT Stories (through adult eyes) • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Trust God, not circumstances
Trust God, not circumstances
Daniel 2:46–49 “46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and paid homage to Daniel, and commanded that an offering and incense be offered up to him. 47 The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.” 48 Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. 49 Daniel made a request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon. But Daniel remained at the king’s court.”
Daniel was given a place of distinction, one that came with certain benefits, including safety
In Dan 6, Daniel is under a new king still distinguishing himself, but was not safe as certain Babylonians wanted to destroy Daniel
Daniel 6:10 “10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.”
When he heard the threat, Daniel did….what he always did. Threats to keep him from praying did not work
…sometimes God chooses to bless us and make us people of integrity in the midst of abominable circumstances, rather than change our circumstances.
D. A. Carson
Life is uncertain; circumstances change. The only sure foundation upon which to trust is in Christ.
Faith impacts others
Faith impacts others
Daniel 6:16–18 “16 Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” 17 And a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel. 18 Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; no diversions were brought to him, and sleep fled from him.”
King Darius knew of Daniel’s integrity, but he learned of Daniel’s God
We typically think of faith as a personal, private journey, but that is not what the Bible teaches us.
Faith, while privately fostered, should reveal itself publically
Witnessing is not something we do; it is something we are.
Anonymous
When we live faithfully before God and man, others will notice
God protects the faithful
God protects the faithful
Daniel 6:19–23 “19 Then, at break of day, the king arose and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 As he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.” 23 Then the king was exceedingly glad, and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.”
Daniel had no indication that God would intervene, although Daniels knew that God could
God does protect his people
Faith gives to men on earth the protection of the God of heaven.
Charles Spurgeon
No guarantee of trials, pain and suffering, or catastrophe, but a guarantee that Christ is with his people and can carry them through
Conclusion
Conclusion
